Hi, I am Aruna Davis, Founder and Director of Learn To Write Now.

While I may have started LTWN to bridge the gap in ELA skills that I noticed at home with my kids and in my local community at large, I am inspired to see that my vision and mission to make every student write, learn, and succeed has been steadfast over the years and has helped several thousand students and families.

As I head into our 15th year of operations juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, I am most excited when I visit the virtual classrooms and engage in real conversations with our students who continue to make this world a better place with their wondrous words and infectious enthusiasm.

Outside of LTWN, you will find me gardening outdoor and indoor all year round nurturing roses and orchids to everything between, reading a never-ending stack of new and old books while paying very little attention to library overdue fees, and conducting some kitchen experiments that occasionally turn into gastronomical delights.

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I am Randy Earley and feel that I am part of a family as I work at Learn To Write Now (LTWN). Indeed, I was interviewed by Mr. and Mrs. Davis in their living room and started teaching in their basement.  They have always brought  a personal touch to LTWN, and that closeness undergirds and defines the program. 

I have never had such considerate, respectful, and warm support ever. This familial atmosphere permeates the entire program.  And it drives my approach to teaching, getting to know each of m y students individually within the classroom but within their lives also, The daily start to class, the freewrite, opens a window into the world of imagination and experience  of each student, unreservedly sharing their thoughts, feelings, disappointments, and dreams.  And, I, too, share snippets of my life to identify with them and perhaps motivate  or guide them. Thus, we embark on our learning journey with a greater appreciation for one another, which builds trust and responsiveness.

I provide instruction in grammar and essays, Honors and AP English and SAT Prep and have witnessed the consistent and measurable transformation of students from good to excellent to exceptional. That scholastic ascent is to a large extent because of Davis's guidance and encouragement. I am a better teacher. And my students are sharper and more productive.

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Hello, my name is Bekki Leber, and I have been with LTWN since March 2022.

Initially, I received my degree in History, working as a social studies teacher. But, in my decade as a public school teacher, I also earned my certification in Special Education. As a Special Education teacher, I taught ELA classes to students with reading and writing difficulties.

My role at LTWN is multifaceted, working behind the scenes and teaching several classes. I teach the 7th and 8th grade 360 classes, Readers, and the College Admission Essays courses in the summer and fall semesters. I also supervise "The Writing Nucleus'' newsletter. Outside the classroom, I use my writing and design skills for social media, writing contests, and the Writers-in-Residence program. Helping students find their voice and express themselves through writing is the most meaningful aspect of my job.

As a self-professed nerd, I am fascinated with SFF stories of all forms and creating new worlds through my writing. When not feeding my houseplant obsession by growing my own, I propagate to sell plants during the spring and summer. I also seek new adventures by exploring new cities or hiking the National Parks.

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Hi! I am Amanda Buckley, and I’ve been a teacher, writer, and editor for the last thirteen years. I hold an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Sarah Lawrence College and love all things literary. 

I believe a vibrant mind and wondrous life result from reading attentively, writing authentically, and contemplating adventurously. Knowing how to compose a text is knowing how to think, convince, remember, investigate, and invent. Knowing how to read is knowing how to learn, empathize, examine, and extrapolate.

Mastering language is a never-ending project. To that end, I ensure my classroom is a welcoming, encouraging space led by laughter and curiosity. My students quickly realize that “I don’t know” is not just a permissible answer, but a great one. Why? Because then I can ask, “How do we find out?” I pride myself on making a genuine connection with every one of my students and know nothing more rewarding than watching them become confident and enthusiastic thinkers. 

When not teaching, I collaborate with writers as the prose editor for the literary magazine Pigeon Pages. I also like to think of myself as a “Jane of All Trades” and continue to pursue my interests in music, theater, psychology, travel, and visual art. I am most proud of my recent improvement in figure drawing and expect to learn how to make kimchi any day.

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After completing an undergraduate degree in Journalism in 2008, rather than taking a job in the quickly-shifting and largely unstable world of digital news, I made the decision to become a high school teacher instead.

Hi! I am Heather Richmond and in the nearly fifteen years since making that fateful decision, I have been blessed to work with thousands of students of a vast array of backgrounds and abilities, spanning from grades five through the university level. I have experience teaching in a traditional school, as well as in a STEM charter setting. I earned a Master's in English Literature and Languages in 2016, worked as an advocate for students' access to superior education at both the state and national levels, and presented my pedagogical research to colleagues at a variety of education conferences. I could not have imagined doing any of these things when I humbly took my first job back in 2008.

Now, I am incredibly fortunate to have found LTWN and to be able to connect with elite students and colleagues from around the U.S. These students have reignited my enthusiasm for teaching and have challenged me to think in new ways, as we all acclimate to a new world. I am a firm believer that students are our most important teachers.

Outside of LTWN, I spend much of my time writing. I am working toward the completion of my third novel manuscript. Additionally, I maintain a blog and small YouTube channel on which I discuss a variety of spiritual topics. I am also a Certified Past Life Regression Hypnosis Practitioner and a proud pet parent of two small dogs, a Chihuahua named Juanito and a Terrier named Buddy!

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Hello, my name is Shaju Davis and have been with LTWN since 2018.

I bring over 27 years of experience in tech related Sales & Marketing and Strategic Finance to LTWN.

In my current position, I am responsible for leading the efforts of LTWN’s investments in technology that impact both strategic alliances and operations.

A typical day is spent on exploring various technologies that are available in the marketplace, especially those that serve the educational sector.

A professional goal that I hope to accomplish is to establish LTWN as a process dependent organization with robust infrastructure.

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Hi there! My name is Manav Davis, and I am an App Developer and Intern with a passion for technology and a love of learning. I have spent the last several years working on a variety of projects, constantly seeking new ways to improve and innovate.

To me, mastering technology is a never-ending project, and I am dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. In my work as an intern, I strive to create a welcoming and encouraging environment where laughter and curiosity are encouraged. My colleagues quickly realize that "I don't know" is not just a permissible answer, but a great one. Why? Because then I can ask, "How do we find out?" I pride myself on making a genuine connection with every one of my colleagues and know nothing more rewarding than watching them become confident and enthusiastic learners.

When not working on my intern duties, I enjoy collaborating with other developers and pursuing my interests in music, theater, psychology, travel, and visual art. I am most proud of my recent improvement in coding skills and expect to learn new programming languages any day. I'm always on the lookout for new intersections between cutting-edge technologies and my hobbies, hoping to not only strengthen my company, but to stoke the spark of my curiosity.

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Hi there! My name is Manya Davis, and I am a social entrepreneur and marketing intern at Learn To Write Now with a passion for exploring the intersection of STEM and the arts. As a freshman at the University of Chicago pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Economics, I strive to bridge my love for technology and analytical thinking with my lifelong passion for creativity and expression.

In my role as a marketing intern, I utilize technology to craft innovative strategies, analyze data, and enhance the organization's outreach. This position has allowed me to see firsthand how technology and creative thinking can merge to drive impact and connect with audiences effectively.

I believe that STEM and the arts are deeply connected, offering innovative solutions to complex problems when they come together. Through my experiences in music, film, and dance, I've experienced the the intersectionality between STEM and the arts. Whether it's designing a campaign or brainstorming solutions, I bring curiosity and enthusiasm to every challenge I face.

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