I earned my BA in English with honors from Rutgers University. Exploring the interrelatedness of literature, history, medicine, and psychology (my senior thesis examined the role of seasonal affective disorder in the works and lives of Emily Dickinson and Percy Shelley) engendered in me an understanding that no area of academic study exists in a vacuum and that an important aspect of teaching (and learning) is to find the places where academic areas intersect and inform one another.

I studied mathematics after college, and before my recent move to Washington, I served as an adjunct math tutor for five years at Indian River State College in Vero Beach, Florida. I love helping people dispel the belief that they "can't do math." One of my favorite compliments given to me by a college algebra student was that I explain concepts "like a person, not a mathematician," and that I "can break down ugly problems and make them easy to solve."

While in Florida, I also taught middle grades language arts, algebra, and geometry for nine years at a small alternative school. My pupils learned the most from lessons and projects that related life experiences to math and English. A favorite was our restaurant business plan which incorporated math through recipes and blueprints and English through restaurant reviews and resumes. I really enjoyed creating and teaching our ballroom dance club in which members learned history, culture, teamwork, and the power of music and movement. The end of each semester culminated in exuberant performances of rhumba, swing or merengue. I laughed with and learned from my students every day.

As a private tutor, I have helped dozens of students improve standardized test scores, fine-tune college entrance essays, and succeed in tough classes. Perhaps more importantly, I have helped them eliminate some of the anxiety that has become prevalent in traditional education. I hope I have given them a desire to learn and a belief in their abilities. My students know that we have a partnership; we are in it together, and I will do all I can to help them reach their goals.

My other interests include wildlife rehabilitation, ballroom dancing, surfing, running, and reading.