Zenia

Certified Tutor

I am a graduate of Calvin College; I received a Bachelor of Social Work degree and minored in education. I am currently pursuing my master's degree in clinical social work. I have worked in the public school system for nine years as a certified LindaMood Bell reading interventionist and substitute teacher for general and special education. While working in the school system I specialized in special education working with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder/ Aspergers and Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity Disorder. For the last 5 years, I have also taught online classes on executive function and social skills to ASD students. In addition to teaching, I am also a professional grant writer and published Author. I enjoy writing and tutoring students in writing. I have assisted students in elementary through college with writing skills as well as editing. I have 10 years of experience using kinesthetic strategies, brain gym, and movement in teaching individuals.
My favorite subjects to tutor are reading, writing, social studies, English, and math. I am passionate about helping students who are behind in reading to flourish and make considerable gains in their reading ability. The majority of my reading intervention has been with students with dyslexia, special needs, general education students who are below grade level in reading, and adults who are unable to read.
Writing is a passion of mine as well as a hobby. I love helping students explore the world of writing while assisting them to expand their writing abilities.
My teaching philosophy is, "Everyone has the ability to succeed academically, they just have to find how they learn best and succeed in their learning style." I do not believe in putting labels on people to define what they are capable of. There are no limits to what students can achieve with the right learning style approach. I have personally experienced students going beyond the limits that were expected of them.
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy the outdoors. I love kayaking, mountain biking, and visiting the local beaches. Summer is my favorite season. I also enjoy hiking and painting.