I enjoy helping students, because I have been a student and know that it is not easy. As a high school and community college instructor, I have found that most people are kind, curious, and excited to learn, and that makes for interesting and exciting work.

I went to college in Portland, Oregon, where I earned an Bachelor of Arts in English Literature degree at Portland State University. I then went to Lewis and Clark College in Portland where I earned an Master of Arts in Teaching Degree. We did an awful lot of writing in college, and it helped me think in new ways.

I tutor writing, literature, basic math, and social studies. Tutoring writing is my favorite, because writing gives people the personal power to create new realities on paper.

I believe a good instructor is an effective listener and can be most helpful by answering student questions in ways that not only give them information but also help them develop new questions. I try to help students understand new ideas by relating new ideas to what students already know.

When I'm not tutoring, I write and play music, walk my dog, and watch Portland Trailblazer basketball games.