I earned my undergraduate degree at Harris-Stowe State University in St Louis, Missouri. I earned my Master's degrees in language and literacy and special education at Kaplan University in Davenport, Iowa. I earned my reading specialist certification at the University of Missouri St Louis. I have over 20 years of experience working with students in the general education and special education settings. I have over 10 years experience tutoring students. With regards to tutoring, I have worked with students in small groups, individually, face-to -face and remotely. I teach elementary subjects from preschool through grade 5 and literacy as well as test prep through high school. My favorite subject to teach is reading because it extends beyond the study of the text. I believe that what we learn through books affects us throughout our lifetime. My teaching philosophy is that all students arrive at teaching and learning situations with much knowledge. I believe that when we approach learning from the perspective of what children know, we are better able to help them grow as learners. My teaching style is to offer flexibility in how something is learned in order to address my students' unique learning styles. When students are given opportunities to learn in a manner that makes sense to their learning modality they are better able to be successful. My outside interests include hiking, nature photography, riding my dirt bike and learning how to play golf.