Student Strengths at Eva Carlston: A Q&A with Teacher Anna Marie Petroff

At Eva Carlston Academy, teachers do more than educate—they inspire, guide, and empower students to overcome challenges and discover their potential. We spoke with Anna Marie Petroff, an English teacher here at ECA, to learn about her journey, teaching philosophy, and what makes Eva Carlston Academy such a transformative place for students.

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher, and what path led you to focus on teaching adolescent girls?

I’ve always found joy in helping others understand complex concepts—it’s been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. That natural love for education is what led me to pursue teaching as a career.

When I began working with adolescent girls, I was struck by the unique challenges they face and the incredible resilience they have. Education has such a transformative power in their lives, and I wanted to be part of that process. Helping them realize their potential has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

Q: How did your journey bring you to Eva Carlston Academy, and what stood out to you about the school?

My journey to ECA was driven by a desire to work in a setting where students are truly seen and supported. When I came across Eva Carlston, I was immediately drawn to its holistic approach—combining rigorous academics with therapeutic support to help students thrive in all areas of life.

What really stood out to me was the school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing community. This is a place where every student is valued, and we work together to help them grow academically, emotionally, and socially. It’s a unique and inspiring place to teach.

Q: Describe your approach to teaching and how you tailor it to engage and inspire ECA students.

My teaching style is all about creating a dynamic and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to explore, learn, and express themselves. At ECA, I know how important it is to adapt to each student’s learning style and emotional needs.

I use a mix of methods—hands-on activities, group discussions, and individualized projects—to make lessons engaging and accessible. My goal is to spark curiosity and give students a sense of ownership over their learning. When students take pride in their education, they develop a lifelong passion for growth.

Q: In your opinion, what sets Eva Carlston Academy’s academic program apart?

Eva Carlston’s academic program is truly unique because it integrates education with therapeutic support. This dual focus allows us to address each student’s individual needs, both in the classroom and beyond.

We provide a safe and supportive space where students can rediscover their confidence and build the skills they need to succeed—not just academically, but in all areas of their lives. The personalized attention we offer is what makes our program so impactful.

Q: What excites you most about teaching at Eva Carlston Academy?

The most exciting part of teaching at ECA is witnessing the transformation that happens in our students. They arrive facing significant challenges, but over time, I see them grow into confident, resilient, and creative individuals.

It’s also incredibly rewarding to be part of a team of educators who share the same passion for empowering young women. The sense of community among the staff here is something really special.

Q: Tell us about your personal hobbies and interests. How do they contribute to your teaching?

Outside of teaching, I love knitting, needlework, and horseback riding. These hobbies might seem unrelated to the classroom, but they’ve actually taught me a lot about patience, creativity, and problem-solving.

Knitting, for example, helps me focus on detail and find innovative solutions—skills that translate into crafting lesson plans and adapting to students’ needs. Horseback riding has taught me empathy and communication, which are crucial for building trust and connection with my students.

Q: What are the unique needs of adolescent girls in today’s educational landscape, and how does ECA meet those needs?

Adolescent girls today face immense pressures, from academic stress to navigating social dynamics and mental health challenges. At Eva Carlston, we meet these needs by creating a holistic environment where students feel understood and supported.

We offer therapeutic interventions, academic programs, and empowering activities specifically designed for girls. This combination helps our students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging—all of which are essential for navigating adolescence and emerging as strong, capable young women.

Eva Carlston Academy is more than a school—it’s a place where students can find their strengths, overcome challenges, and discover their potential. For Anna Marie Petroff, being part of this transformative journey is what makes teaching at ECA so fulfilling.

“The magic happens when students discover their strengths,” Anna Marie says. And at Eva Carlston Academy, that magic is happening every day.