I am very grateful for this opportunity to be a private tutor with Varsity Tutors because given my background and expertise, I am sure that I can help the clients that I meet overcome any difficulties or challenges that I may have. I had a lot of difficulties with math but I had wonderful teachers in high school and undergrad that helped me overcome them. English is my strongest area and my writing skills can help students who are struggling in English.

I am a graduate of The College of William and Mary School of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science with a Ph.D. in Marine Science and minor in Marine Policy. My area of expertise is marine biology and ecology focusing primarily on how organisms fit in with and affect their habitat. I also have a Master's in marine science from the University of San Diego where I focused research on a small swimming red crab common to the southern Pacific Ocean along Baja California, Mexico, after first completing a Bachelor's of marine science at Coastal Carolina University near Myrtle Beach, SC. I enjoyed traveling to different coastal locations such as the eastern provinces of Canada, Hawaii and San Diego, CA, to participate in research as a volunteer. I even volunteered while a graduate student on a 2-week long research cruise that explored a unique ocean-bottom habitat off the coast of northern California. My favorite subjects are biology and ecology. As a marine scientist I am educated in the four major science disciplines of biology, chemistry, geology and physics as they relate to the ocean environment. I currently teach Introduction to Oceanography which introduces students to the ocean environment in the context of those same science. I also teach Introduction to Biology and laboratories in microbiology and basic human anatomy and physiology. I have tutored students at the schools where I teach general sciences as well as mathematics and statistics. I also have an undergraduate business degree in applying computer solutions to address business problems where I became well versed in Microsoft Office programs. I expanded my expertise in Microsoft Office programs throughout my science education. I believe everyone can learn and retain new material; it may just need to be delivered from a different perspective. I enjoy learning new "factoids" I can use to excel at trivia games. Reading is probably my most favorite activity and I really enjoy watching professional sports.

I'm an experienced educator who loves helping students grow in ELA and writing. I take a student-centered approach, getting to know each learner's strengths and areas where they may need support so that I can tailor our sessions to their needs. I focus on building confidence, whether that's improving reading comprehension, organizing ideas in writing, or preparing for assessments. I aim to create a relaxed, supportive space where students feel comfortable asking questions and taking risks. My goal is to make learning clear, engaging, and meaningful so students not only improve their skills but also feel more confident as readers and writers.

I hold a PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration but I never want to forget the thrill of helping students learn at every level! I am passionate about student's reaching their goals and dreams through increased knowledge, experience, and skills. I have worked for 10 years in the elementary classroom teaching grades 1, 4, 5, and 6. I also have over five years experience with online learning and helping my students feel the connection with the teacher and material that is important for strong and consistent improvement. I love math but find that I am very successful teaching foundational reading and English to my online student. Science and STEM opportunities are also important to me as I am able to bring the understanding for these critical thinking skills needed to advance. My tutoring style is built on engaging and interactive lessons. I use realia, demonstrations, games, songs, and visual techniques to reach the student at every level. It is important to me to listen to the student to find just the right approach that will engage and enlighten the learner. I look forward to helping my student reach their highest goals through education.

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy student, I have developed a strong foundation in human anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology, with the ability to apply and explain complex concepts in clear, practical ways. My academic background also includes psychology coursework in both high school and undergraduate studies, which strengthened my understanding of learning processes, cognition, and effective communication. I believe this combination allows me to break down challenging material while adapting to different learning styles with patience and empathy. I am genuinely excited about tutoring because I enjoy helping students build confidence in subjects that may initially feel overwhelming, and I look forward to supporting learners in achieving both clarity and academic success.

As an experienced tutor, I am confident in my ability to help students improve their understanding of literature, their writing, and their standardized test scores.