Background:
Welcome to my profile! I recently relocated back to the USA, after several years of life in Western Europe. I spent 15 years on an academic career path, at Oxford University, where I earned two masters degrees in Modern Languages (French) and English.
I began tutoring as a very young honors student in high school, helping other students with their coursework in English and Spanish. While a college student at UCLA, I tutored athletes and helped them to pass their basic college requirements, so they could maintain good standing and avoid academic probation. In graduate school, I taught Shakespeare, the short story, and literary theory, in a British summer school program designed to introduce Oxford English to high school applicants from inner cities. After graduating, I went on to tutor English and French (in the US and abroad); I edited and wrote books, articles and plays that have been professionally published and produced. I also helped many students to pass admission tests to private and selective public schools, colleges, and graduate programs in the arts, English, humanities, and social sciences.
Public Speaking record:
While at UCLA, I was on the college debate team, and, in 1996, I was selected as the Student Commencement Speaker and Valedictorian of my college graduating class. My public speaking, since then, has led to invitations to other speaking events and long-term relationships with professionals in Jungian and clinical psychology, law, publishing, radio broadcasting, and education. I am thus capable of, and enthusiastic about helping both working professionals and beginners in speech writing and public speaking for presentations to small groups and at colloquia and larger venues. I have a good eye and ear for public performance and in helping others with presenting their best selves.
Approach/Methods:
I have worked, both in person and at long distances from, my students and writing clients (via phone or online). To begin with, I generally ask for specific goals, needs, and requirements to cover some history of their recent performance levels and best determine where they are in their process and/or skill set. For writing assistance, I like to see a sample paper, writing passage or essay. I then discuss specific ways to approach meeting goals, with a realistic time table of achievement.
Supervision:
If the student has a regular teacher or college supervisor and/or a pre-set examination or submission date, I like to have this information and any other relevant requirements, in advance, so we can successfully meet the student's or client's needs and goals together.
Standards:
I am familiar with US and international school and college application procedures, as well as various American and European formatting standards for academic citations and bibliographical material.
Age Range:
I have taught students from the ages of 9 to undergraduate and postgraduate college students, as well as working professionals in publishing, theatre, business, law, and film. I have assisted grammar school students with writing their first essays and helped Master's degree students properly format, write, and submit their graduate theses according to expected guidelines and submission standards.
Track Record of Success:
I am proud to say that many of my clients and students have published or produced the books and articles I have edited, including full-time professors in academia. Many of my grammar school students have gotten into private schools, after working with me.
Languages and Immersion:
Over the years, I have lived in Paris, France, Oxford, England, and Salzburg, Austria. I am fully fluent in French, Spanish and English. I also speak and read some Portuguese and Hungarian. Having grown up in the bilingual community of Los Angeles, with a European mother and grandmother who spoke several languages, I am willing and able to help people of various backgrounds to learn to speak, read, write and fully comprehend the English language.
College & School Applications:
I am additionally able to assist students with their college applications and study abroad programs. I especially enjoy helping others embarking on their university careers and preparing them for anticipated cultural, logistical, and academic transitions.
Arts & Athletics:
From 1976-1985 I was a competitive gymnast, and, in 1984, I competed in California State Finals as a springboard diver, competing in the LA Olympics pool, at USC, later that year. From 1986-87 I attended New York University, on a fine arts scholarship, and played Division III NCAA Women's Volleyball. I also play classical piano and flute; I have exhibited my art work within the Beverly Hills Unified School District, and have done private commissions of portraiture for individuals and leaders in government and education.
Contact:
I am happy to arrange a conference to discuss your specific needs and answer any questions you may have.
I may best be reached via EMAIL, in the first instance, and may call or email you back, in a timely manner.
I look forward to hearing from you and to helping you achieve your goals!
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