Learning to Flourish

For nearly 20 years, I've been dedicated to providing personalized tutoring that celebrates each student's unique strengths and cultivates their full potential. Accepting a small number of students allows me to offer flexible scheduling, including last-minute accommodations when feasible, and affordable rates for both in-person and remote sessions. I create a supportive and encouraging space where questions are welcomed and learning thrives, allowing students to truly flourish. Together, we'll develop a customized plan, ensuring your child receives the expert guidance and unwavering support they need to succeed.

Personalized Tutoring Support

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

B.S. Learning & Organizational Change

Loyola University Chicago School of Education

M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction
M.Ed. Special Education

Illinois Professional Educator License

Endorsements: Learning Behavior Specialist I, Secondary Education, Elementary Education
Grades K-8: Mathematics, Social Science, Computer Science, Computer Applications,

Mental Health First Aid Certified

Testimonials & Appreciation

"I appreciate that besides tutoring you give support such as a life coach does. You help with executive functioning skills."
"I love how comfortable my kids feel with you and that they even request additional sessions when they need help as they feel that you can give them the support they need."
"[They have]...benefitted from the one-on-one time to better break down and understand what they are learning in class. I love the ease of scheduling (option for zoom appointments as well) and easy communication.
"We loved your in-person tutoring. XXXXX is a very visual person so it was nice that you guys could do practice problems on the board."
"Thank you so much for the encouragement, teaching, coaching, and skills you gave to XXXXX...it has made a tremendous difference and he would not be where he is today without your efforts and work with him. You are truly gifted at this -- so glad you found your calling."
"You have had a profound impact on my life...I'm going to miss your kindness, humor, and understanding...You are a role model to everyone you meet, and I am so happy to have been a small part of your life"
"Without you I don't know if I would have made it through high school. Not only have you helped me so much with my academics, you have really been there for me emotionally. You are one of the best role models I have ever had. You are the definition of a genuinely good person and I am so happy I have gotten the chance to have you as my teacher & I feel lucky to know you. I can only hope one day I turn out to be as kind as you."

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

The 6 Success Factors for Children with Learning Disabilities from the Frostig Center
The Survival Guide for Kids with LD by Dr. Gary Fisher and Dr. Rhonda Cummings

Executive Function

Extensive training & workshops with Sarah Ward
Smart but Scattered; Smart but Scattered Teens; Executive Skills in Children & Adolescents; Coaching Students with Executive Skills Deficits by Dr. Peg Dawson & Dr. Richard Guare
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
Teaching Learning Strategies and Study Skills to Students with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorders, or Special Needs by Stephen S. Strichart & Charles T. Mangrum III
Focus & Thrive: Executive Functioning Strategies for Teens by Laurie Chaikind McNulty, LCSW-C

Habits of Mind & Growth Mindset

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Dr. Carol Dweck
The Growth Mindset Coach by Annie Brock & Heather Hundley
Habits of Mind Across the Curriculum; Learning & Leading with Habits of Mind by Arthur L. Costa & Bena Kallick

Adolescent Development

The Grown-Up's Guide to Teenage Humans by Josh Shipp
How to Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
Under Pressure by Dr. Lisa Damour
Enough as She Is by Rachel Simmons
Raising Cane: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys by Dr. Dan Kindlon & Dr. Michael Thompson
Masterminds & Wingmen by Rosalind Wiseman
The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross W. Greene

Math

Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential through Creative Mathematics, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching and What's Math Got to Do with It? by Dr. Jo Boaler
Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl

Websites

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

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