Debra: Mecklenburg County tutor

Certified Tutor

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston University and then went on to get an MBA from the Wharton School. My resume details my multi-decades' experience writing for a diverse range of public companies, for which I won multiple awards in the field of investor relations.

Beginning in 2000, I decided to work exclusively with students (from elementary to graduate school) to help them better conceptualize, draft and complete a wide range of papers, essays and other writing assignments. For the past eight years, I've also worked as a reading skills and comprehension tutor at Glen Flora Elementary in Waukegan, and currently serve as a mentor through a local organization called College Bound Opportunity.

Finally, as a mother and grandmother, I fully understand the importance of building self-esteem and confidence as the keys to success in any academic endeavor. So in the field of tutoring, I'm the antithesis of a rookie!

While every situation is unique, I use a systematic approach with great success. My first step is to gain rapport and build trust so we can collaborate well together. This process enables the student to be candid about any possible challenges or hurdles, so that we can determine how best to proceed. Then, we set short and long-term goals with a clear trajectory and time line for each, focusing on strengths and building skill sets. Most important, I encourage each student to exert energy and positive thinking, which leads to enhanced performance and self-awareness.

In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, painting, reading and spending time with my grandchildren.