I am a mature, curious, outgoing person who thrives on working with people. I have worked as an educator and facilitator with both adults and young people in many different settings, including community organizations, workplaces, and public schools. Currently, I am primarily a language teacher. I have experience teaching English as a Second Language and am a certified ESL instructor. Being bilingual in English and Spanish, I also enjoy teaching and tutoring Spanish. In addition to being a poet and creative writer, I have extensive experience with workplace and academic writing and am eager to support students with their writing. My approach to teaching and tutoring is learner-centered, meaning that I pay careful attention to the learner's current knowledge and specific strengths and needs when designing classes and curriculum. I really enjoy using creative ways to engage learners and make complex topics accessible. I have a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Yale University and an M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA, and I have lived, worked and traveled in Latin America, Europe and West Africa. I am inspired by the challenges and rewards of connecting with people from different cultural backgrounds. Outside of work, I love to dance, read, and spend time in nature.