I am grateful and excited to be able to use technology as a means of tutoring and working with students. The experiences Ive come across throughout my work in social services has imprinted within me an appreciation for positive role models in the lives of our youth. Ive worked with youth in many settings ranging from summer programs as a volunteer to being an after-school tutor and youth advocate for two years with a local nonprofit. Ive done work as a teen advocate with responsibilities such as planning activities, coordinating field trips and holding youth-focused summer events.

The impact of being a positive role model will help shape a childs perspective on how she/he engages this world and others. I believe in doing our part to contributing positive skills and values to our youth. I was fortunate enough to have great mentors during my 8 years of military service and gladly pay it forward. I feel that it is just as important to support our youth in their education on humanities and the arts in addition to their studies in the STEM field. I envision a future where learning compassion and how we can help others are just as valued as being proficient in math, science, and business.

On my educational background, I went to college at Thomas Edison State University earning my Bachelors in Sociology and have a current license as a Chemical Dependency Professional Trainee working with youth and adults who are struggling with addiction. I plan on taking time off in completing my remaining hours as a CDPT in order to provide more support to my spouse in raising our 11-month-old daughter. Being gone for the past 10 months on nights and weekends has been very difficult on my family and I am incredibly grateful to have a platform such as Varsity Tutors to do meaningful work that also meets my familys needs. An educational goal I have for the future is to work towards a Masters in Mental Health to work with youth and adults with a specialization in addiction counseling.

I typically enjoy tutoring in the subjects relating to Psychology, Sociology, Reading, Writing, and English. I am fascinated with learning coping and processing skills such as Mindfulness and Behavior Therapy. These are skills I wish had been taught in schools to help youth learn to work with adversity in the challenges they will face growing up.

As for my teaching philosophy and tutoring style, I believe in using positive reinforcement to encourage students in their studies. The creative use of visuals, films, books, and utilizing practice scenarios as resources are what I believe are key components of effective tutoring.

When on my free time, I enjoy reading nonfiction, working on my writing, listening to podcasts, practicing yoga/mindfulness and surfing the internet for ways to encourage personal and spiritual growth. I especially enjoy spending time with my 11-month-old daughter who keeps me on my toes and motivates me to continue in the service of others which are values I hope to instill in her and the children I work with on Varsity Tutors.