Teacher, Tutor, Consultant

I have specialized training as a reading specialist and have achieved certification in curriculum programs such as the Wilson Reading Program, Slingerland, Making Math Real, among others.

My career has included classroom teaching at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels, the founding of two private schools for students with learning disabilities and two decades as a school principal. I have worked with children with social/emotional and psychiatric challenges and have collaborated with a variety of professionals including psychiatrists, psychotherapists, neuropsychologists, and speech and language therapists.

I love working with students one-on- one or in groups. I prioritize humor, creativity and personalized attention to students’ individual needs.

I provide tutoring/educational therapy to all ages of students either 1:1 or in small groups. I am able to provide support and remediation so that students can close any learning gaps that they have or to accelerate learning for students who want to be challenged outside of their classroom environment.

Literacy (reading and writing) is my area of specialty. I can assist students with fundamental reading skills, reading comprehension and literary analysis, basic writing skills as well as writing in the content areas in the upper grades. Study skills and organization (executive functioning) are a focus for many students especially those in middle school and high school. I provide math support and acceleration in the elementary grades but for older students, a tutor with subject matter expertise is recommended. Similarly in science, I can provide support for study skills and reading/writing but for advanced courses, a tutor with specific background in the scientific subject area would be preferable.

It’s exciting to observe the joy of learning and the increase in self-esteem that comes with it. In order to achieve maximal learning, I start with an assessment of the student’s learning level. By starting at a point that is comfortable for the child and moving forward with skill development incrementally, students are ensured of success. Focusing on explicit presentation of skills and practicing until the student becomes automatic, ensures that learning gaps are filled. Multi-sensory teaching (using visual, auditory, tactile, and hands-on activities) is a hallmark of my approach. Whenever possible, I like to “gamify” learning so that students are “tricked” into learning and sessions are fun and fast-paced. I bring stories, food, stickers, and technology to make sure our sessions are positive experiences that students look forward to.

For students who are struggling to thrive in their school or classroom, I can collaborate with other professionals to create a team approach. This includes the classroom teacher, school administrators, learning specialist, psychotherapist, and/or neuropsychologist. I am able to make recommendations about alternative school settings, and support families with the admissions process if they decide to explore different options.

For families who are interested in setting up a home-schooling program for their child, I can provide instruction, locate educational and enrichment activities in the community, or assist with establishing a daily, weekly, and year-long schedule that meets the student’s and family’s needs. During the Covid pandemic, I worked as a Pod School teacher for a number of families who wanted to make sure their kids didn’t lose out educationally during that difficult year. I was able to establish a rigorous and creative program for eight students of various ages. This experience could be adapted for an individual student or group of students.

I have founded two private high schools for students with learning disabilities. This process included incorporation, fundraising, governance, marketing and admissions, program development and operation of all aspects of the schools. For school founders or schools that are expanding or developing a customized program, I can provide assistance in school or program start-up. From school accreditation to business development to staffing and training, I can customize a plan that meets the needs of the school, families, and students.