Niceville Tutoring

Teresa Purnell is an educator with over 10 years of experience in a variety of diverse educational settings in Nashville, TN and Baltimore, MD. After moving to Florida with her husband and 3 sons, she is excited to join the Niceville Tutoring team to continue this work in a new way! She holds a degree in general elementary and special education, as well as a master’s degree in special education and applied behavior analysis. These educational experiences have allowed her to effectively support students with autism, emotional disabilities, and a variety of learning disabilities.

Teresa has leveraged her skills to implement individualized, research-based strategies designed to foster growth and success in all learners. In 2020, she earned her certification as a Literacy Specialist, allowing her to specialize in providing intensive reading instruction through targeted reading interventions.

In addition to her work with students, Teresa has served as an instructional coach, collaborating with classroom teachers to implement high-quality, evidence-based practices in reading and writing instruction. Her passion is helping students reach their full potential, and she is committed to providing impactful instruction that makes a lasting difference in students’ academic journeys.

Chelsea Patton is an educator with over 24 years of diverse positions such as teaching special education, Behavior Consulting, and behavioral therapy, in Fort Wayne, IN and Freeport, FL. Chelsea moved to Florida in August of 2024 where she began teaching in a Self-Contained ESE classroom, K-5. Chelsea has her bachelor’s degree in general studies, a master’s degree in applied Behavior Analysis, Graduate Certificate in Transition to Teaching, and Reading Endorsed. With her degrees and work experience, she has been able to effectively work with and support students with autism, emotional disabilities, dual diagnoses, and other learning disabilities. During the past 14 years as a behavior consultant/behavioral therapist Chelsea has supported clients and their families through academic, social, emotional, and behavioral situations. Chelsea feels it is key to individualize instruction to meet the needs of her learners and collaborate with the students’ team to allow for continuity of learning and care.