I am an elementary school teacher who is passionate about helping children to thrive by having fun, successful learning experiences. I believe that all children are naturally curious, want to discover and eager to learn more. My role as an educator is to remove any obstacles that may be hindering this natural desire and to allow my students to learn at their own pace and in their own way. From my perspective, tutoring is much more than helping a student to pass school exams. It is about fostering children's natural love of learning so that they become lifelong learners; those who choose to go on learning-in all areas of their lives-even when they are not in the classroom or taking formal course work. I create a nurturing learning atmosphere where children feel supported and respected and where they know that it is okay to make a mistake while learning. I am dedicated to providing children with the support they need to navigate through areas that are challenging as well as helping them to focus on their strengths and possibilities. I am committed to ensuring that all of my students acquire the knowledge, skills and self confidence they will need to achieve their goals and dreams and to reach their full potential. If I am teaching a student who seems to have temporarily "lost" his or her love for learning, I strive to find out why. In my experience, I have found that many times it due to being taught in a system that expects all children to learn in the same way and at the same pace. I believe that all students need to be instructed WHEREVER they happen to be in the developmental learning process. When a program is designed to fit the student, instead of trying to fit the student into a predesigned program, learning usually occurs. I personalize each student's tutoring program. I formulate lesson plans and activities that are specially customized to each student's needs, learning style and personality. I understand that each child is unique and I want to inspire that child to become all that he or she was born to be.

That's my passion and philosophy of education in a nutshell. As for my credentials, I graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I have 28 years of classroom experience during which I have taught grades first through sixth. I completed 30 hours of professional development training in the nationally acclaimed reading training program, Literacy First Process, which qualified me to be serve my school district as a literacy tutor as well as an instructor for their Summer Academy Reading Program, where I successfully assisted students in acquiring the reading and math skills necessary to comprehend grade level material.

As for my personal interests, I am a dog lover with two affectionate fun-loving Shih Tzus, named Frasier and Myles. I enjoy outdoor activities, games, listening to music, playing the piano and guitar, dancing and reading motivational and inspirational books.