I am a retired publishing professional with decades of experience in tutoring the English language. After retiring from publishing, I got myteaching certification, provided homework help to students with learning disabilities, and taught General Science at the Middle Schoollevel. I am also experienced in teaching English as a Second Language. I have worked with students in a Red Cross "survival skills" ESLprogram and I have worked with middle-school, high-school, and college students who needed help with English, Reading Comprehension,Writing, and ESL skills.I see myself as a "professional explainer." My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts from Goddard College with a concentrationin biology. I also hold a Master of Science from Boston University in Communications with a concentration in science and technology. Inthis degree program, students learn how to make complex material accessible to non-expert audiences. As a result of this training and myyears working with non-fiction writers, I bring a wealth of experience in finding many ways to help students understand complex concepts.I also like to call myself an academic coach. A coach helps students understand the material in front of them. A coach also pays closeattention to building a student's academic "muscles." My goal is always to equip the student with the intellectual and analytical toolsthat will enable them to succeed not just in school but in all their endeavors. My reward comes from watching the student grow andbecome an independent thinker.My joy in tutoring comes from seeing a student "get it" for the first time and in seeing the student's confidence grow as we work together.

My formal education has included obtaining an MA from Goddard College in Modern Psychoanalysis and Psychology, a BA from the City University New York and advanced studies at the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies in New York City.Along with having had a private psychoanalytic psychotherapy practice, I have also had a lengthy career in book publishing. It began as a business manager and evolved into becoming an acquiring editor with ultimately president and CEO of the company. I've worked with experienced and beginner writers. It has included applications, speech writing, interviewing, newcomers to English and public speaking. Other subjects which I enjoy and in which I am well versed are theatre, art, literature, history, politics, health issues, classic cinema and parenting.I also taught for several years at the New School University in New York City. Subjects I taught included writing, book publishing, political activism and musical theatre. The principle I apply in tutoring and in teaching is one I learned as a parent: the importance of listening.My work life was a very natural outgrowth of my own enthusiasm from an early age for learning. Before I could even read I was thirsty to learn what was in the books and newspapers which I saw my older brother reading. Although I was born in New York City, the first school I attended was a bi-lingual one on a military base in Puerto Rico. That enabled me to learn Spanish as well as English and to be able to read and write in both languages. I've found that creating a safe atmosphere whether with an individual or in a classroom is the royal road to opening up creative possibilities.

As a dedicated educator with a Doctorate in Education Leadership for Change, I have over 20 years of experience in tutoring and teaching across various levels, from children with learning differences to early adult literacy, even second language English learners. My approach centers on fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to express themselves and develop their skills. I am passionate about helping students achieve their academic goals, particularly in subjects like AP English Language and College English, where I employ engaging methodologies tailored to individual learning styles. I strive to inspire a love for reading and writing, believing that every student has the potential to succeed. Outside of teaching, I enjoy exploring literature and engaging in community literacy initiatives.

I am 46 years old, and I am committed to helping myself and others to understand the world. I love music, and I love words. People are pretty great, too.

I received my Bachelor of Arts in English, with Honors in African and African American Culture, from the College of Liberal Arts at Penn State, University Park. I also have an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard College in Vermont.Over the past ten years, I have worked as a tutor and teaching artist. I have taught urban, rural and suburban students creative ways to study, learn and achieve. I really enjoy helping students to understand literature and the writing process. I have had great success preparing for critical reading on exams and developing strategies for expanding vocabulary.When I'm not teaching, you can find me practicing yoga, gardening, and reading about diverse cultures, the arts and politics.I believe in education and most importantly, I believe in the unique genius that lies in every individual. I've tutored honors students in college preparatory programs as well learning disabled students in homeless shelters and I have found that with a little creativity, I can inspire anyone. Every student can learn. The challenge and reward for me is in discovering a student's individual learning style and converting that discovery into a strategy to help that student pass the test, do the writing, and make the grade.

I love helping students achieve their goals, and I believe that with the proper help every student can be successful. I also love that moment when a student realizes that they are truly capable of comprehending something that had previously seemed too difficult for them to grasp.

As an educator, I strive to impart confidence and essential skills to every student. I believe nothing is too complicated, provided you break it down into simple parts, and every problem is solvable when you approach it with confidence.One of my specialties is making difficult subjects both engaging and easily accessible. Students are often better able to grasp complicated concepts when they're viewed in an interdisciplinary context. As an artist and techie, I frequently call on both my creative and analytical sides when teaching and developing curriculum, especially in the areas of science-arts. Some of my fondest moments have been when a student mastered a complicated skill or concept with ease because they were so highly focused on the "fun" project or experiment. I bring this same creativity and passion to all disciplines from literature and history to science and scholarly research.