I really enjoy helping students build their knowledge, skills and self-confidence, particularly through the teaching of reading, writing, and other language arts. As a teacher, the best time of year for me was when my little students cracked the reading code and began reading all over the place-walking down halls, in the library, the cafeteria-everywhere and everything! I knew whole vistas had been opened to them. I taught adult illiterates as a volunteer for a number of years and the excitement and feeling of success they had was so encouraging for me. Tutoring allows me to have the personal satisfaction of a one to one relationship with a learner. Hearing a student got a greatly improved score on a test or aced a reading or writing assignment gives me great satisfaction as a teacher. I enjoyed my years in the classroom and look forward to returning some day to that environment but find that I truly enjoy teaching in small intimate groups of 1-4 students. When I teach I find out how my students learn best and teach to their strengths.
In my spare time I take my dog to nursing homes and critical care hospitals to visit the patients. She is a "love therapy" dog and greatly in demand. I love to fish, both deep sea and freshwater and any time spent on or near the water is perfection. I have painted children's furniture for years and all my nieces and nephews and children of friends can count on having one of my pieces for their own. I also write stories and poetry for personal pleasure and as gifts to children. I just wish I was a better artist and could illustrate them myself!