There are few things in life that bring as much joy as seeing a young student's eyes light up with understanding and curiosity. I believe that every person is significantly intelligent, but they are also significantly unique! In order to access their potential, it is necessary to find what motivates them (both intrinsically and extrinsically) and apply that to the subjects they are trying to master.

I entered the world of teaching in 2017 when I volunteered to lead a group of middle school girls in a Bible study. I adored getting to know each student on an individual level, coming up with new and creative ways to present a topic, and involving the students as much as possible in fun activities. In 2019, I began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) online. I taught Chinese students ranging in age from 4 to 15 in 1-on-1 sessions. This was challenging at first, but I quickly learned what worked and didn't work with these young students and learned to adapt to their learning styles. As always, I love connecting with students in a personal way and using their interests to motivate their learning.

I am a 2009 graduate of Grand Valley State University in Michigan, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology. My original plan was to attend graduate school, but life circumstances prevented that from becoming a reality. After graduating, I worked as a technician in a microbiology quality lab for several years, followed by an environmental lab after my husband and I relocated to South Carolina. The arrival of my first child quickly brought a close to my professional career as I made the decision to stay home with my daughter.

I enjoy tutoring a wide range of topics, but I have been especially gifted in teaching language arts and sciences. I have always had a firm grasp of the English language, writing, grammar rules, phonics, speech, etc. I also have a passion for all life sciences, especially elementary and middle school biology.

My teaching philosophy is to let the student lead while offering abundant encouragement. Although lecturing does have a place and time, most students need to see, hear, and experience something in order to fully learn a new concept. I like to learn what motivates a student and use their passions to further their desire to learn. I also like to use worksheets, games, experiments, and anything that allows the student to remain hands-on and active throughout the class.

I look forward to the opportunity to learn with your student!