Hello! I am enthusiastic about tutoring and coaching people of all ages to become more skilled at reading and writing. I have taught reading one-on-one for five years, and I currently teach at the Active Reading Clinic. I have also taught acting, dance, and creative writing. Before becoming a teacher I worked for over ten years as an editor and technical writer. I have a B.A. in English and Dance from UC Riverside, and an M.A. in Educational Theatre from New York University. I am currently enrolled in the Educational Therapy Certificate Program from UC Santa Cruz Extension, and will have completed the Certificate in January 2009.
I am an avid reader and a published writer; I write short fiction and plays. I also have experience as a performer and director. My theatre and dance work has been produced in San Francisco, and most recently my play "Lost and Found in the Mission" won the Best Ensemble Award in the 2008 San Francisco Fringe Festival.
I teach reading according to each student's needs, whether that means finding ways to work with learning differences such as dyslexia; working on comprehending and remembering text; learning how to recognize or sound out difficult words; finding strategies for spelling; or learning how to read smoothly and fluently. I use a phonics-based method that includes games, hands-on activities, physical activity for restless learners, and lots of friendly coaching.
My approach to writing is to break down the process of writing into manageable chunks, such as working with the actual physical task of writing; finding the steps to organizing the student's material; and searching out the best way to find the student's writing voice.
I also offer tutoring that focuses on study skills and organizational skills.
Finally, here are a few of my qualities: I am patient, fun, compassionate, responsible, occasionally silly, adaptable, communicative, and creative. I hope to meet you and become your tutor and coach.