• Undergrad:

  Western Washington University

• Tutors Out Of:

  Kenmore, WA

• Travel Radius:

  10 miles

• Tutoring Certifications:

  biology - elementary (k-6th) - geography - grammar - prealgebra - reading - special needs - study skills - world history

• Tutor's Fee Per Hour:

  $40.50 * with a 10% discount after purchasing $360

Hello!

I have had the joy of working with kids (birth to 20 years of age) for 23 years, both in a professional and volunteer capacity, in addition to raising and home schooling my own, elementary school age, children. While in college, I initially began working in day cares in Before and After School programs. After graduating cum laud, in Psychology at WWU (Mental Health Concentration) I began working for 10 years in the mental health field, with Catholic Community Services, initially, in residential care for 4 years as a recreational therapist, which involved group and one on one instruction. I then worked for 3 years advocating for children as a case manager in a Community Mental Health Outpatient setting, before having the privilege in becoming a Foster Parent Trainer and Licenser for 3 years.

After starting our family, over 9 years ago, I have been able to stay home to raise our 4 children. When my oldest daughter was starting school, my husband and I decided we were going to home school our children. I am now the primary teacher of our two girls, who are currently, 7 and 9 years of age. Our boys will be next, once they are old enough, as they are 4 and 2 years of age. I am a believer that home schooling starts the minute you bring a child into the world and I have learned just as much, if not more, from my children, as they have learned from me. What is most important is that we are really seeing an excitement for learning and it is a joy to help them discover just how capable and valuable they are. Both of my girls have learned to read at the age of 5 and really have a love of reading, which makes their learning of their various subjects, all the easier.

Before having children, and since my kids have gotten older, I have also been able to volunteer more in the community and at our parish church. Before having children, I have worked, in Bellingham and Seattle, as a social worker/counselor relief for 7 years at Royal Family Kids Camps, after going through a Director training in California. RFKC is a camp that works with kids with a history of abuse, many of whom are in foster care. I have also volunteered at Vacation Bible School for 4 years and this year, I am a co-leader for my girls' scout troop and a Sunday School Leader.

My areas of strength are many: On the behavioral/emotional level, I am able to handle melt downs when kids get frustrated and encouraging them to keep trying, considering any limitations they may have, while celebrating the little successes they are building on; academically, I have done well in math, reading, writing, grammar, spelling and history. I was a pre-college student in high school and went all the way up to calculus, even taking a quarter of calculus in college. I did quite well in statistics in college as well, earning A's and B's and earned high grades, as well on the many research and term papers I wrote. I have always had the gift of encouragement, as well, being voted Most Inspirational several times in high school and Most Outgoing in my senior class. My grades and volunteer experience also have demonstrated my dedication, values and high regard for the gift of each person I encounter.

I am looking forward to working with you and helping you discover the potential you have with your educational pursuits.

Email this tutor in Kenmore, WA!

• elementary (k-6th)

  I have worked with elementary aged children for 23 years: initially, in before and after school care programs while going to college; 10 years working with high risk youth in the Children's Mental Health field with Catholic Community Services; 7 years working as a volunteer at a summer camp with kids who have a history of abuse; and 5 years volunteering at Vacation Bible School. Most importantly, I have been home schooling my two girls for the last 5 years, starting when they were 4, doing pre-school work. I really enjoy seeing them progress, and being able to advance at their own pace. Both girls started reading fluently at the age of 5 and both are reading and spelling at advanced levels. Having strong reading skills has given them the solid foundation for suceeding in all of their other subjects. We cover Reading, Writing, Spelling, Handwriting, Grammar, Math, Social Studies, Memorization, Religion, Physical Education, Art Appreciation, and Natural Science. My children have benefited by having me tutor them, giving them the individual attention they need, encouraging them as to how capable they really are, teaching them how to handle frustration and learn the skills that will help them through out their lives to be sucessful, confident and considerate citizens, and know that they are valued for the gift of who they are.

• special needs

  I have worked with kids with emotional and behavioral problems in various settings for 23 years and have been gifted with having not only patience, but often, insight as to the intention behind the acting out behavior. Each child is created unique. They each have their own story and need understanding and respect regardless as to their limitations. I earned my BA in college in Psychology, with a concentration in Mental Health and I focused naturally, with working with chidren. Initially, I had wanted to teach but instead of pursing a teaching degree, I wanted to work with kids in a smaller setting to ensure they received the attention they required. Once I graduated, I began working in Residential care, for 4 years, as a Therapeutic Recreation Therapist, both individually and with small groups. I then worked as a Outpatient Children's Case Manager for 3 years before working as a Foster Parent Trainer and Licenser for another 3 before being able to stay home and begin raising our family of 4 children, one of whom has medical needs. I have taken numerous trainings to help me advocate more effectively for my clients and assist them in their development. I have worked with kids in the Autism spectrum (PDD, Sensory Input Disorder, and Asberger's Syndrome), Drug and Alcohol Effected, and those with ADD/ADHD. I also know how to seek out resources to help me help those I am working with, and I value being a part of a treatment team, with the parents leading the way, since they know their kids the best. Working with kids with special needs certainly reveals the fact that we, as a community, can all contribute to help these precious ones succeed, encouraging them to work through their difficulties, acknowledge their limitations while bringing out their best and seeing how they can grow and be excited about life.

• study skills

  Acquiring good study skills will serve a student through out their life. Teaching a student how to structure their time efficiently will assist them in developing good habits, necessary for success. While in high school and college, I was a successful student, who had an active social life, while also being involved in sports and various school, church, and community activities. I earned high grades, but didn't miss out on the "fun". My academic success was attributable to learning how to schedule my time, setting achievable goals for each study period, and adapting when things didn't go as planned. I have learned through the years that everyone has different styles of learning. Sometimes it takes some work to figure out what that style is. However, there are some elements common to each learning style, and quite essential: having a consistent study time, a quiet place to study, access to someone who can help when stuck, and taking a short break when getting tired, frustrated or overwhelmed, to name a few. Having a study buddy is also quite beneficial (and also provides memorable learning experiences). Someone who can challenge you, who is also committed to learning, and can help solve problems in light of a different perspective. There are also many techniques available to assist students with their study habits. It may take some exploring to find a way that fits each individual; we need to be patient with ourselves while doing so. Learning can be fun! I have the gift of encouragement; I know how to make things exciting when needed, or at least how to lighten things up when frustration sets in. I try to emphasize that we are more than what we do, we are valued for who we are. With that in mind, however, I expect my students to put forth their best effort. When they do, we will always see success and improvement. Having the right attitude is often half the battle, and I am gifted in facilitating a more positive mind-set in the students I work with. I look forward to being a part of your educational achievements.