Methodology

After leading wilderness experiences and coaching children in competitive equestrian sports across the country, I decided to take the next step to pursue my love of teaching. I enrolled in college...again...in my 30's.

Based on my own learning experiences filled with frustration, low confidence, and a lack of understanding of how I actually learned and the tools I needed to succeed, I knew it was imperative for me to find a non-traditional program. Amazingly, I found Alverno College, a performance based curriculum devoid of grades. No more cramming days before an exam only to forget the material days later. I had to show up. I had to self reflect and prove that I knew my "stuff." I believed in this philosophy so much, I knew teaching in a traditional setting was not for me. I found few schools that met my expectations, and eventually created my own school that focused on more than strict academics and recall. While these skills have their importance and purpose, I noticed children also need modeling and support in problem-solving, communication, responsibility, self-care, emotional processing, and determining their individual learning styles.

While my days of running a school have paused since moving across the water, I bring my passion for this wholistic teaching approach to my tutoring sessions. I love that I can not only help a student read, write, or understand math better, but also instill joy in learning, intrinsic motivation, engagement, confidence, and a path to the other side when things are hard or the relevance is unclear. I strive to create meaningful learning experiences tailored to each student.

Some of the approaches and tools I use in tutoring include:

• Utilizing hands-on applications (manipulatives)

• Using breath work as a focusing and calming strategy

• Noticing, describing, allowing, and processing emotions

• Creating awareness around sleep, nutrition, and hydration, and their daily impacts on life and learning

• Ensuring a safe environment for risk taking

• Setting goals based off self-assessment

• Acting as a facilitator to teach content and support students in their own educational journey where they are responsible for putting in the effort

Tutoring sessions may be comprised of:

• Homework guidance

• Test prep

• Reviews of completed tests and assignments

• Solidifying foundational skills

• Learning what focus really looks like

• Accountability and self-assessment