Skills for Success

I love helping students discover their love of learning. With nearly 20 years of experience, I understand that each student is unique, and I'm passionate about providing personalized tutoring that meets their individual needs. I create a nurturing and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas. I work closely with each student to develop a customized learning plan, providing expert guidance and unwavering support. Flexible scheduling and affordable rates make personalized tutoring accessible for your family. 

Personalized Tutoring Support

Executive Function

Neurodivergence & Learning Differences

Neurodivergent students 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.

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.

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, GED, math, and 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

About Me

Since 2006, I've been passionate about empowering students to unlock their learning potential. My experience as a public school teacher on the North Shore, including at New Trier High School, has given me valuable insights into the challenges students face, particularly those with learning disabilities and executive functioning difficulties. I've worked extensively with students aged 12-18, teaching a range of subjects from reading and writing to math and science. My approach emphasizes multi-sensory and multi-modal techniques to make complex concepts accessible to every learner. 

I'm also committed to staying at the forefront of my field, as evidenced by my active involvement with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), where I'm a member, frequent Teaching Exceptional Children reader, and presenter at conferences. During the pandemic, I co-hosted Loyola University Chicago's Special Needs Network for Educators, supporting both pre-service and current special education teachers 

Resources

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

Learning Disabilities

Executive Function

Habits of Mind & Growth Mindset

Adolescent Development

Math

Websites

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

LinkedIn