I am passionate about helping students because I believe education should be transformative, not just informational. Throughout my twenty-year career in higher education, I have witnessed countless moments when a struggling student suddenly grasps a difficult concept, and their entire perspective shifts. These breakthrough moments fuel my dedication to teaching because I understand that learning extends far beyond academic achievementit builds confidence, critical thinking skills, and the resilience students need to tackle life's challenges. My research on creativity has shown me that many students suppress their natural curiosity and unique perspectives due to social pressures, and I am committed to creating learning environments where every student feels safe to explore, question, and discover their full potential.

My experience working with students spans diverse settings and populations, giving me a deep understanding of how different learners thrive. As Dean of Honors Program at San Jacinto College, I developed and implemented innovative programs that supported high-achieving students across three campuses, while my work with the MAGIC (Maximizing Academic Growth in College) program and Early Warning System allowed me to provide targeted support for at-risk students. I have extensive experience working with students with learning disabilities through the Achieve Program, where I learned to adapt my teaching methods to accommodate different cognitive styles and recognize neurodiversity as a valuable source of diverse perspectives rather than a deficit to overcome.

Currently, I teach Adolescent Psychology at Tulane University, and my previous teaching roles have included courses at Suffolk University, the University of Houston, and several other institutions. Whether working with undergraduate students in my Developmental Research Methods course or mentoring first-year students to enhance retention, I have consistently received evaluations above institutional averages, with students particularly noting my ability to make connections between course material and real-world applications.

I earned my PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Houston in 2014, building upon my Master of Arts in English from Southern Illinois University (1995) and my Bachelor of Arts in English from the same institution (1988). This unique combination of psychology and English backgrounds allows me to understand both how students learn and how to communicate complex ideas effectively. My doctoral research focused on creativity and learning, leading to publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national conferences.

I specialize in tutoring three core subject areas where my expertise can make the greatest impact. In psychology, I help students understand complex theories of human development, learning, and behavior, drawing from my experience teaching courses like Adolescent Psychology and Educational Psychology. My English tutoring encompasses literature analysis, composition, and rhetoric, supported by my graduate training and teaching experience at institutions like Lone Star College. Perhaps most uniquely, I offer tutoring in research methods and statistical analysis, helping students navigate the often-intimidating world of data collection, analysis, and interpretation that is increasingly important across many academic disciplines.

While I am passionate about all the subjects I tutor, psychology holds a special place in my heart because it serves as a bridge between understanding how we learn and applying that knowledge to improve academic performance. When I work with students on psychological concepts, I can simultaneously help them understand the material and develop metacognitive awareness of their own learning processes. This dual benefit creates lasting improvements that extend beyond our tutoring sessions. Psychology also allows me to incorporate my research on creativity and growth mindset, helping students recognize that intelligence is not fixed but can be developed through effort and effective strategies.

My teaching philosophy centers on student-centered learning that emphasizes active engagement rather than passive absorption of information. Drawing from evidence-based practices in cognitive science, I focus on four key factors for optimal learning: attention, active engagement, thoughtful feedback, and consolidation. Rather than simply providing answers, I guide students through the process of discovery, helping them develop critical thinking skills and confidence in their own abilities. I believe in celebrating diverse perspectives and learning styles, recognizing that each student brings unique strengths to our sessions.

My tutoring style is fundamentally collaborative and adaptive. I begin each relationship by understanding not just what a student needs to learn, but how they learn best. Some students thrive with visual representations, others with hands-on activities, and still others through verbal discussion and debate. I implement universal design principles to ensure my approaches are accessible to all learners, and I use flexible assessment strategies that allow students to demonstrate their understanding in ways that showcase their strengths. Throughout our work together, I maintain high expectations while providing the scaffolding and support each student needs to reach their goals.

Most important, I approach tutoring as mentorship that fosters both intellectual and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset, I help students understand that challenges are opportunities for growth rather than indicators of fixed limitations. My extensive experience in academic administration has taught me that supporting student success requires addressing the whole person, not just their academic needs.

Outside of academia, I am deeply committed to continuous learning and personal growth. I enjoy exploring connections between creativity research and everyday life, often finding inspiration in unexpected places that inform my teaching. My interests in travel and cultural exploration have taken me to conferences across the United States and Europe, broadening my perspective on education and learning. I also value physical wellness and outdoor activities, understanding that a balanced life enhances both teaching effectiveness and personal fulfillment. These diverse interests often provide rich examples and analogies that help students connect academic concepts to their own experiences and interests.

Working with me means partnering with an educator who sees tutoring not as remediation, but as an opportunity to unlock each student's unique potential and foster a lifelong love of learning.