Erin Harrigan
Play-based • Caring • Verified
About
Meet Erin Harrigan — approach, credentials, and teaching style.
Philosophy
I believe that teaching is the art of balancing holistic practices so that each student’s unique potential can flourish. I achieve this by nurturing the whole child, adapting my communication styles, and building trust. As I get to know students, I look for not only their current abilities, but also their limitless potential. Each student brings a unique combination of different strengths, needs, abilities, interests, and experiences, requiring thoughtful curriculum design. I approach each student with the belief that growth happens when we foster strengths, while gently guiding areas that require development. I get to know my students as individuals and put plans in place based on their unique needs to give them the best opportunities to succeed. With extensive training in communication, I adjust my communication styles to connect with each child, speaking their “language” of needs, motivations and strengths, so that each learner feels understood and supported. At times, this approach may look unconventional, as I aim to truly meet each student where they are. Some children are highly energetic, some are curious and inquisitive, some are quiet and require more direction. Children may also be internally motivated, externally motivated, or both. I strive to look for what motivates my students to help them succeed. At the heart of my philosophy is building trust. Learning happens in safe, communicative, and mutually respectful environments. I put children’s needs first as I guide them through learning experiences, help them to set and achieve personal and academic goals, and instill in them a deep love of education. Ultimately, my goal is not only to help students succeed academically, but to leave them with confidence, resilience, and a lifelong joy of learning.
Credentials
- Master’s Degree — Education, Best Practices (National University)
- B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development
- A.A. in Liberal Studies
- A.A. in Behavioral Studies
- 10+ years of experience working with children
Methods
- Whole-child instruction
- Relationship-first teaching
- Strength-based instruction
- Individualized learning plans
- Adaptive communication
- Goal-setting and progress coaching
- Trust-based learning
- Developmentally appropriate practice
Age Ranges
Areas
Thousand Oaks, CA • Agoura, CA • Calabasas, CA • Westlake Village, CA • Moorpark, CA • Oak Park, CA • Hidden Hills, CA • Malibu, CA • Woodland Hills, CA • Encino, CA • Simi Valley, CA
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Packages
15 Minutes Intro CallYouth Martial Arts Foundational Skill Building
This class provides a fun and engaging fitness program that incorporates mixed martial arts drills, exercises, and games to introduce children to the world of martial arts. Children will participate in drills and games that teach them important self-defense skills such as blocking, striking, escaping, and more! Exercises are highly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai-based, with calisthenics for overall muscle development included as well.
Preschool Martial Arts Foundational Skill Building
This class is a fun and engaging fitness program that incorporates mixed martial arts drills, exercises, and games to introduce children to the world of martial arts. Children will participate in drills and games that teach them important self-defense skills such as blocking, striking, escaping, and more! Exercises are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai-based, with calisthenics for overall muscle development included as well.
Passion Projects Lab
DiscountPassion Projects Lab is a program completely tailored to your child! No two packages will be alike. In this program, children learn to take ownership of their learning by exploring their passions through hands-on, guided projects that build creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Whether it's natural disasters, art, storytelling, scooters, or architecture, no passion is too big or small to explore! Students will learn how to turn their ideas and passions into meaningful projects that incorporate core academics such as literacy, math, science, and/or social studies. This Passion Project Lab will is a great alternative or supplemental instructional tool for students whether they are in a traditional school setting, homeschooling, or an alternative setting.
Elementary Literacy Foundations Lite
DiscountThis short-term package is designed to guide early elementary learners on their literacy journey. Whether your child is taking their first steps into literacy or needing targeted reading support, this program combines phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary-building activities in a structured, supportive environment. Lessons are crafted to build confidence in reading and writing, provide individualized guidance to meet each child's needs, and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Early Literacy Foundations Full
DiscountThis package is designed to guide early elementary learners on their literacy journey. Whether your child is taking their first steps into literacy or needing targeted reading support, this program combines phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary-building activities in a structured, supportive environment. Lessons are crafted to build confidence in reading and writing, provide individualized guidance to meet each child's needs, and foster a lifelong love of reading.