Meet the Pearl Center Team
Kim Long
MA in Middle Level Language Arts
Before joining the Pearl Center in 2025 as a teacher, tutor, and therapist, Kim spent nearly 29 years in public education as a teacher and instructional coach. Her experience brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to her work with students.
Suzanne Ringger
Master’s in Education; PCET
After 22 years as Pearl Center director, I’m transitioning to using Feuerstein methods with adults to strengthen thinking and memory. I’ll continue supporting women at Miracle Hill’s Renewal program while pursuing new interests, spending time with family, and helping those affected by chemotherapy.
Mary Ellen DeGarmo
BS in Elementary Education; PCET
Before joining the Pearl Center in 2008, I taught in private schools for 10 years and homeschooled my three children for 16 years. I love helping students grow cognitively and socially. I enjoy blue, family time, reading, and hot tea.
Lauren Kirk
BS in Special Education; PCET
As a former public school teacher and Pearl Center educational therapist since 2014, I love building relationships with students and helping them become confident, independent learners. Outside work, I enjoy family time, playing piano, singing in my church choir, and running races with my husband.
Noelle Knutson
MA in Educational Therapy; PCET
I joined the Pearl Center team in 2007. Helping learners achieve their goals through innovative approaches makes this work deeply rewarding. My goal is to restore hope and joy in learning. Outside Pearl, I enjoy baking granola, traveling with family, and planning parties.
Linda Driscoll
MA in Educational Ministry; PCET
I have been an educational therapist since 2008, with over 30 years in Christian education. I love working one-on-one with students and watching them grow. I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, and traveling, having lived in Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Indonesia.
Charity Swanson
BS in Elementary Education & Special Education; PCET
I’ve been an educator for over 30 years and joined Pearl Center in 2013. As Director of Programs since 2024, I love supporting families and watching students become confident, independent learners. I enjoy traveling, grandkids, and Mexican food!
Tiffany Hangen
MA in Literacy; PCET
After 20 years in education, I joined the Pearl Center in 2020. Seeing how NILD and FIE helped my son inspired me to help other students develop tools for success. Outside Pearl, I enjoy time with my husband, three children, and dogs.
Rosemary Houston
BA in Early Childhood & Elementary Education; PCET
Before joining The Pearl Center in 2020, I taught elementary students for four years and homeschooled my sons for 15 years. I love helping students experience “Ah-Ha!” moments through NILD therapy and FIE mediation. I enjoy exercise, nature, sports, beaches, Scripture, and family.
Theresa Mettee
BS in Science & Natural Resources; CET
After homeschooling my children for 10 years, I joined Pearl Center as a Math Aide in 2023. I’m excited to serve as an educational therapist and math teacher, helping students become confident, independent learners. Outside Pearl, I enjoy family, church, football, and coffee.
Jessica Smith
Office Manager and FIE Practitioner
I am certified through the Feuerstein Institute and use FIE to strengthen executive functioning, confidence, and flexible thinking. With 20+ years working with children, I support elementary and middle school students with ADHD and learning challenges. I’m a wife, mom of four, and pet lover.
Amber Tabb
FIE Practitioner
My children’s learning challenges inspired me to become Feuerstein Institute certified. I’m passionate about strengthening students’ thinking skills, confidence, and potential. I also enjoy marketing, communications, website development, podcasting, and family connections.
Beverley Furrow
MA in Exceptional Student Education; PCET
With over 35 years as an educator, I first came to Pearl as a parent and now serve as an experienced therapist and co-owner. I love watching cognitive development transform students’ lives. Outside work, I enjoy grandchildren, painting, reading historical fiction, and gardening.
John Furrow
PhD in Educational Leadership
Before joining Pearl Center as co-owner in 2024, I spent 35+ years as an educator and school administrator. As a Pearl parent and spouse of an educational therapist, I’ve witnessed NILD and FIE’s transformative impact. I enjoy educational research, teaching graduate classes, and coffee.