I've been a teacher and tutor for over 30 years, both in schools and online. I received my M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. I started out as a music therapist and have a bachelor's degree in music therapy. After working as a therapist for a few years I became certified as a Primary Montessori (ages 3-6) teacher. As a music therapist I worked with both children and adults but went into early childhood education when I realized that working with PreK and Kindergarten students was my passion. I love how open and honest kids in that age group are, even on the days when they ask, "Did you make your hair look like that on purpose?" I specialize in helping PreK students get ready for kindergarten and helping kindergarteners stay on or ahead of grade level if they're falling behind. My favorite subject to tutor is phonics/reading. I love seeing my students' faces light up when they realize they are reading by themselves! I love reading and want all my students to love it too! My teaching philosophy is centered around respecting students and appreciating who they are as individuals. I make lessons fun and use my guitar whenever I can. Everybody needs a dance break when they've been working hard on something! Sometimes I have a student who doesn't enjoy music and that's okay too. We probably still have something in common. My students know I love Marvel superheroes, unicorns, and coloring!
When I'm not teaching I love spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, playing guitar, piano, or drums, reading, and hanging out with my dog. My favorite education quote came from Maria Montessori, who told a group of students that they would be ready to teach when they, themselves, were full of wonder. And I guess that's the best thing about spending so much time with children; they remind us to be full of wonder!