Empower Your Learning Journey

Ever wondered what you could accomplish, if only you had the right teacher? 

Providing caring, personalized, student-centered tutoring tailored to meet the needs of my students, I'm dedicated to helping students achieve academic success through personalized support and effective strategies, especially those with with learning differences and executive functioning challenges

About Me

Since 2006, I've been a public school teacher and have loved helping students unlock the power of learning. 

Over the past years, I've had the privilege to work with students between ages 12 and 18 with higher-incidence disabilities like specific learning disabilities and executive functioning at the junior high and high school level on the North Shore, including New Trier High School. Teaching everything from reading and writing to math and science, I've enjoyed continually finding ways to reach students who struggle to understand concepts using multi-sensory and multi-modal techniques.

At Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy, I completed my undergraduate studies with a B.S. in Learning & Organizational Change. After a few years in Silicon Valley tech industry, I returned to the Chicago-area to pursue a career in education. Graduating from Loyola University Chicago School of Education, I earned an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction and another M.Ed. in Special Education. During COVID, I served as a co-host of Loyola University Chicago's Special Needs Network for Educators to support special education pre-service and current teachers.

I find the Resources listed below foundational to my practice. To continually improve and stay apprised of research and developments in the field, membership in The Council for Exceptional Children has been invaluable. I read Teaching Exceptional Children magazine, participate in yearly conventions, and have presented several times at CEC's annual meeting.

Personalized Tutoring Support

Executive Function

Executive Function

Executive function challenges relate to working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control, according to Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child. 

I have assisted many adolescents on their executive functioning skills like planning, prioritization, time management, and problem-solving.

Learning Differences

Students identified with specific learning disabilities in the areas of reading, writing, and math can make significant growth in their skills with direct support and tutoring. 

I have worked with many students to improve their reading comprehension, written expression, and math concepts skills. I've taught classes geared towards students with dyslexia and dyscalculia and students have made significant growth in their skills. Additionally, many of my students have also dealt with anxiety, depression and I've had success building a strong rapport and providing support.

Math

Many students get messages that they aren't good at math. Dr. Jo Boaler wrote a fabulous book called Mathematical Mindsets: Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching that has inspired my teaching. 

I've enjoyed working with students to rediscover the joy of math, utilizing multi-modal strategies to solidify understanding.

Science

The joy, beauty, and power of science is a powerful way to understand our world and universe. 

Working with students from 7th-12th grade on unleashing the power of understanding science has been a true joy of my teaching career. I've got experience with everything from general science in 7th and 8th grade to co-teaching high school Biology and Chemistry.

Adult Learners

While the majority of my experience is with adolescents 12 - 18 years of age, I also work with adult students who are working on skills including executive functioning, math, to English as a Second Language (ESL) mastery.

ACT/SAT test prep

When I moved back to Chicago in 2003, I was working for The Academic Approach. I enjoy helping students review key concepts, understand test taking strategies and more.

Credentials

Northwestern University School of Education & Social Policy

Loyola University Chicago School of Education

Illinois Professional Educator License

Mental Health First Aid Certified

Testimonials & Appreciation

Resources

The following books are on my bookshelf, guiding my practice:

Learning Disabilities

Executive Function

Math

Habits of Mind & Growth Mindset

Adolescent Development

Websites

References, background check, & certificate of insurance available upon request

LinkedIn