Fresh Faces: Zoe Tsongalis and Eric Porteus Join ASSIST Learning Center Team

The ASSIST Learning Center has added two new faces this year—Tabor is delighted to welcome Zoe Tsongalis and Eric Porteus who join Susan Kenny and Karen Manning to round out the team. 
 
Tsongalis and Porteus bring a range of experience and expertise to serve Tabor students and list Tabor's academic reputation and strong community among the things that attracted them to the position. 
 
"Tabor's welcoming atmosphere and uplifting culture is contagious. The excitement and enthusiasm for learning and being present on campus is radiant. I can’t wait for the academic year to begin!" says Tsongalis.  
 
Porteus echoes that sentiment and adds, "I was drawn to Tabor because of its reputation. I grew up on the Cape and had always heard a lot about Tabor and jumped when the opportunity presented itself. Strong academics and athletics are a dream come true for me."  
 
The ASSIST Center offers skills based, individualized academic support to all Tabor students. The team is qualified to work with formal learning plans and provides services and resources to help with organization and time management, listening and note-taking skills, editing assignments, peer tutoring, and effective communication skills. Their custom approach to academic support is what makes their methods so successful. 
 
Kenny, a full-time staff member in the ASSIST Center who has worked with Tabor's Academic Resources since 1998, remarks that the overall goal for ASSIST is, "To partner with students, teachers, parents and counselors to further academic success. Most importantly, each day students are encouraged to be self-advocates and curious learners."  
 
To that end, both Tsongalis and Porteus are well-suited for and eager to embrace the roles they undertake. 
 
Tsongalis joins ASSIST as Director of Library and Learning Support. Previously, she spent five years in public education working collaboratively in a co-taught classroom. She holds a degree in special education and a master's degree in instructional design and educational technology, and is currently pursuing her PhD in curriculum and teacher education. Her work has consistently centered on supporting diverse learners and prioritizing student needs through collaborative, responsive practices. 
 
Her professional philosophy reflects the idea that, "All students can learn and be successful. I’m excited to help students (and teachers!) add tools to their ever-growing toolboxes to help them continue to grow their skillsets and resources. I am here to help, and my door is always open. I can’t wait to engage in professional development with teachers, and for students to come work with us in the ASSIST center." 
 
With a degree in history and a master's degree in education-moderate disabilities, 5-12, and years of experience as a Special Education Teacher and Department Lead, Porteus is eager to continue his work as a student advocate in his role as Learning Support Coordinator. 
 
"As the academic year begins, I am most excited about meeting the students. I love getting to know the student body and developing relationships with the students I work with. My approach with students is to meet them at their level. Every student has strengths, so getting to know them is key to being able to help them. Once you know their strengths, you can use that knowledge to fill some of the gaps." 
 
Kenny remarks that her new colleagues are wasting no time jumping in and getting started with preparations for the upcoming year.  
 
"Zoe and Eric are coming to Tabor with energy and practical strategies to move our Peer Helper program to the next level. Both the Peer Tutors and Listeners expand the reach of the ASSIST Center through their volunteer efforts, and I am looking forward to working with Zoe and Eric to keep this program moving forward," she says. 
 
As we approach the start of another academic year, Tabor is thrilled to bring Zoe and Eric on board and we are confident that their skills, enthusiasm, and dedication will make a meaningful impact on and connection with all our students.