About Our Team

About Our Team


Photo of Janice Smith, the founder and lab director of Fit Learning. If you're looking for tutoring in St. Louis, Janice is the person to speak to about how to make sure your child has the most effective tutoring experience possible. She knows the Fit program and understands the science behind how children learn better than almost anyone else in the Midwest!Janice Smith, Lab Director

Email: Janice@fitlearningstl.com As lab director and owner of Fit Learning St. Louis, Janice brings more than fifteen years of experience in the field of behavior science and education. She previously worked as an administrator for the Special School District of St. Louis County, leading a team of behavior analysts and attending dozens of IEP meetings in her capacity as an area coordinator. During a ten-year residency in mid-Missouri, she diversified her experience by providing behavioral support services in a university-based clinic setting, family homes, private schools, residential treatment placements, and daycare centers (and nurtured her love for documentary film at the True/False film festival held annually in Columbia, MO). She graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (where she met her husband) before obtaining her master’s degree in behavioral science from the University of Nevada-Reno. A former foster parent, Janice served on the board of directors of Heart of Missouri CASA and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri. She has two daughters.

Janice and Elizabeth Haughton, recipient of the Ogden R. Lindsley Lifetime Achievement Award, at annual precision teaching conference. Janice had a dream years ago of bringing Fit Learning to the St. Louis area & has loved watching so many children from the St. Louis area succeed academically with the support of Fit Programs. She loves how Fit goes beyond traditional tutoring programs to help bring science & education together!Left: Janice and Elizabeth Haughton, recipient of the Ogden R. Lindsley Lifetime Achievement Award, at the annual precision teaching conference.

Why I Launched Fit Learning St. Louis 

I am passionate about Fit Learning because of our noble cause to change educational practices around the world and the mission to transform the learning abilities of every student who walks through our doors. Fit Learning’s core values—of science, fun, and transformation—culminates in our drive to be impeccable in every aspect of the business. It is easy for me to appreciate that Fit Learning offers the best opportunity to be impactful in the lives of children; no one is better at transforming education.

Photo of Janice, our St. Louis Fit Director, and Fit Learning Founding Directors, Drs. Donny and Kendra Newsome and Drs. Nick and Kimberly Berens

Above: Janice and Fit Learning Founding Directors, Drs. Donny and Kendra Newsome and Drs. Nick and Kimberly Berens.

Meet Our Staff

Imogen Davies, clinical director at Fit Learning St. Louis, where tutoring is fun for kids


Imogen Davies, Clinical Director

“I love to learn and grow through helping others and being at Fit is exactly that. When I heard about Fit Learning and about what an awesome place it is, I said, ‘Sign me up!’ Being able to see the learners transform and succeed brings a massive smile to my face and makes me love what I do even more. Fit Learning is everything I imagined it to be! It’s a place where we all get to learn but also have fun at the same time. What could be better than that!”

Imogen is originally from the UK, and moved to the US in 2010, originally settling in San Diego. She graduated from Lindenwood University in May of 2020. While a full-time student, Imogen received a scholarship in rugby, which she played for eight years. Before Fit Learning, Imogen worked with a variety of people, including individuals with developmental disabilities, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. When not at Fit, Imogen loves to FaceTime her family, drink some tea, and play with her cat Mungo.


Jay Finck, Operations CoordinatorJay Finck, operations coordinator, offering tutoring to students in the St. Louis area using Fit Learnings unique, effective approach to tutoring & teaching.

Jay Finck recently graduated from Washington University with a degree in Psychology. He is deeply interested in the science of behavior and the mind, and is eager to apply it in a way that helps learners at Fit Learning. He has tutored through school programs for several years and has experience working with children of all ages. Jay plans to continue working with and helping children throughout his life as a clinical psychologist. When he’s not at Fit Learning, Jay is usually reading, writing fiction, or listening to a podcast, often with his dog close by.


Hayley Bates, Certified Learning Coach

Hayley Bates, certified learning coach at Fit Learning St. Louis, which provides 1:1 tutoring for all ages

Hayley is a junior majoring in Psychology and Educational Studies at Washington University. She is passionate about connecting learners with additional support to help them reach their highest academic potential, which is a process she is excited to be involved in at Fit Learning. She hopes to continue supporting students as a school psychologist in the future. At school, Hayley is a research assistant and a peer mental health counselor. In her free time she is usually making art, shooting film photography, or exploring St. Louis.


Regan Gorman, Certified Learning CoachRegan Gorman, certified learning coach at Fit Learning St. Louis, where we provide support for homeschool families

Regan is a rising senior majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Psychology at Washington University where she is a member of the Night Off Club, providing parents of children with autism a “night off” as well as promoting autism awareness on campus. She is excited to be working with Fit Learning and helping students in their journeys of transforming their learning abilities. In the future she hopes to improve education using both psychology and computer science. In her free time, Regan enjoys flying airplanes as a licensed pilot, restoring antique cars, cooking Mexican food, and watching psychological thrillers.


Abbie Massey, InternAbbie Massey, intern at Fit Learning St. Louis, which uses a unique and effective precision teaching approach to achieve amazing results

“I have always been passionate about helping others learn and grow and be the best versions of themselves. I am so grateful to be a part of Fit where I get to do that every day!”

Abbie taught 7th and 8th grade science and provided intensive supports to learners with individualized learning needs. Abbie graduated with an associate’s degree and studied education at William Woods University. In her free time Abbie enjoys hanging out with her dog, Nevans, and her new husband. She also likes to hike, spend time outside, read Colleen Hoover’s books, drink Dr. Pepper, and binge-watch “New Girl” (she’s seen every episode at least five times).


Gabriel Brady, InternGabriel Brady, intern at Fit Learning St. Louis, where we prep students for elite private schools

Gabriel is a recent graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in creative writing. He spent three years at SIUE’s student-run news source, where he received numerous awards for his writing. He’s the son of two teachers, and has always enjoyed helping children understand the world around them, while also learning from them himself. In his free time, he occasionally performs at open mic nights in his hometown of Alton, Illinois. In his time off, you can find Gabe attending local arts events, writing, and collecting vinyl records.