Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shaina DeFusco. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shaina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It took a long time to find my purpose, but I am excited to share: I Can Academy, OC is it!
I have been in education for 15 years and taught at a variety of schools. I have taught at an International Baccalaureate School in Chicago. I have taught at a Full Inclusion Charter School in Los Angeles. I have also taught at a Reggio Inspired Private School in Playa Vista. and for the last 4 years I was an Instructional Coach for a local school district. Teaching is my passion. connecting with families helps me find my purpose. being a role model for every student no matter ability or disability is what gets me up every morning.
With all of the systemic issues in the school system, there was so much I could not change. It was heartbreaking seeing kids not given what they need, and sometimes having teachers who didn’t believe in them. This is where the idea of I Can Academy came from. my passion for helping students in the way that I know is best. Every job, every teacher, every family, and every experience in education has led me to create I Can Academy. We are a small group tutoring center with all credential teachers, paving the way to shift what tutoring programs should look like. I have created a warm and nurturing space for students to build confidence while learning grade level standards. I have hired incredible teachers who believe in a growth mindset and that all children can learn. At I Can Academy, every child belongs. It feels incredible to know that I am doing what’s best for kids every day. I am excited to share I Can Academy with the world and see where this model can go.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I was born and raised in Orange County California and I’m the middle of two sisters. I have been blessed to have a wonderful upbringing by my parents and their support has meant everything to me. School has always been hard for me. I remember being at the kitchen table with my mom crying over having to memorize 10 spelling words. I was a late reader and I didn’t have confidence. After I graduated from San Diego State University with a Business Marketing degree. I was selling copiers for Cannon Business Solutions and realized this was not my calling. I went back to school and received my masters and credential from UCI and that set me on a 15-year journey and where I am today. I love teaching. I love helping kids believe that they can do it. I love watching them learn and I love being an integral part of their childhood. I still keep in touch with students I had in my first class 15 years ago. Every school setting I have taught in gave me the experience I needed to build I Can Academy. Through all of these experiences, these systemic issues were things that I could not change: class sizes, teacher burnout, behaviors, covid, funding, and the list goes on. I was working so hard trying to do what’s best for kids everyday and with all of these things I couldn’t change, I thought to myself, can I create a space and place where all children belong? I Can Academy is it.
Since I had the idea of I Can Academy, my vision has grown, and every day I wake up and I’m excited to share what we do. I have made incredible connections with families, businesses, and schools. We are thrilled to have you on this journey with us. We are here to help all students learn, grow, and soar!
If you had to pick four qualities that are most important to develop, which four would you say matter most?
Passion- Education and teaching children has always been my passion. I have followed this passion through years of teaching, coaching, and it has led me here- to opening I Can Academy.
Work Ethic- I have learned this through my parents and the importance of giving your all everyday especially in education. We are here to support kids and we need to make sure we are going above and beyond day in and day out.
Grit- School was never easy for me. I had to work harder than most to get Bs and Cs. This taught me to never give up and always chase my dreams no matter how big.
Willingness to Take Risks- You can’t start a business from an idea without being a risk taker. You have a lot to risk but if you truly believe in what you are doing, you can make it a success!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Our parents taught us the value of a dollar. We never had the new car or the unlimited social funds, we worked as soon as we turned 16. We learned about credit, savings, investing, and how to budget. These are life skills that set me up to open I Can Academy with my husband, with no outside investments
Contact Info:
- Website: icanacademyoc.com
- Instagram: icanacademyoc
- Facebook: I Can Academy, OC
- Linkedin: shaina@icanacademyoc.com
- Yelp: I Can Academy, OC
