I have a Master's Degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh. When I was an undergraduate, I volunteered in the local adult literacy program, which gave me my first taste of the joys of teaching. Since then, I've mentored and tutored students in a variety of disciplines. I also have many years of experience as a professional freelance writer.

While I'm equally comfortable tutoring elementary, middle school, and high school kids in all areas of study -- I've homeschooled my son (now 15 years old) in all subjects from Kindergarten on -- the subjects I most enjoy teaching are writing, reading, and literature. I feel passionately about sharing my love of language with students, and I'm qualified to tutor writing and literary comprehension at all levels, elementary through college. I also enjoy helping kids prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and GRE.

Patience and gentle encouragement have been my most effective tools in helping young learners, and it's important to me that my students know that I'm on their side as they struggle with new challenges. (I'm especially proud of the fact that my son, who is dyslexic, has become a confident and accomplished reader through the work we've done together over the years.) Helping kids learn truly makes me happy!

In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking -- especially chocolate!, and going to the theater. I also love animals, music, history, and learning about other cultures.