Engaging, Confidence-Boosting Tutor | 10+ Years Experience

Danielle D.

ADHD

I have experience working in developmental classrooms where I supported students with ADHD and other learning differences. This gave me hands-on skills in scaffolding lessons, breaking down instructions, and using movement and sensory supports to keep students engaged. Combined with my background in early childhood education, I create lessons that are both structured and flexible, helping students build focus, confidence, and independence. In addition to over a decade of tutoring, I am also a homeschooling parent of a child with ADHD and on the spectrum. This gives me daily, personal experience designing lessons that are flexible, multi-sensory, and tailored to different attention needs. I understand the importance of patience, clear structure, and celebrating small wins, and I bring that approach to every session.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

I have worked in developmental classrooms supporting children on the autism spectrum, where I gained experience using visual supports, structured routines, and individualized strategies to meet each student’s needs. My background in early childhood education allows me to design lessons that are flexible, engaging, and sensitive to sensory and communication differences. I focus on creating a safe, encouraging learning environment where students can thrive at their own pace. In addition to my tutoring and classroom experience, I homeschool my own child on the spectrum, which gives me daily, personal insight into supporting students with autism. I understand the importance of structure, patience, and celebrating progress, while also recognizing the need for flexibility and creativity. I design lessons that balance academic growth with social and emotional support, helping each learner feel capable and valued.

Career Development

I bring a wide range of experience to career development. At DeVry University, I worked as a Student Services Coordinator, guiding students through career planning, academic advising, and transfer decisions. I’ve helped learners craft strong resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and strengthen their professional writing and communication skills. My background also includes leading workshops and group classes, mentoring in leadership roles, and organizing team-based projects such as a women’s choir. Beyond academics, I’ve supported families and students in navigating systems like IEPs and disability services, giving me insight into advocacy and long-term goal-setting. Whether you’re seeking help with a career transition, balancing education with life demands, or simply want focused support in building confidence, I can provide structured, encouraging guidance tailored to your goals.

Common Core

I hold an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and have spent over 11 years tutoring children in reading, writing, and math, many of whom attended Great Hearts Academy, a school that integrates Common Core standards into its curriculum. My background allows me to bridge both academic instruction and child development strategies, making learning engaging and accessible for students at different levels. I specialize in breaking down Common Core concepts into clear, manageable steps so students can build confidence and truly understand the material, not just memorize it. Over the years, I have helped students strengthen skills in areas like fractions, multi-step problem solving, reading comprehension, and grammar. I also focus on study habits and organizational strategies to support long-term academic growth. My approach combines patience, structured guidance, and individualized support so that each child feels capable and encouraged. Whether a student is catching up, staying on track, or looking to advance, I work closely with them to ensure their goals are met while reinforcing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that Common Core emphasizes.

Creative Writing

I’ve been writing stories for years, and it’s become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. I’ve drafted several short stories that explore different genres and characters, and that experience helps me guide students through the ups and downs of writing creatively. When I work with students, we don’t just polish grammar or structure — we dig into how to take an idea and turn it into something that feels alive on the page. I especially enjoy helping students who feel ‘stuck’ discover their voice and see that their imagination has real value. Writing isn’t just about finishing an assignment; it’s about building the confidence to tell your own story.

Elementary (K-6th)

I hold an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education and am currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in English. I have over ten years of tutoring experience, supporting students in reading comprehension, grammar, essay writing, and study skills. I work with all ages, from elementary students building literacy foundations to high schoolers preparing for standardized tests, and even college students completing English 101/102 coursework. My approach is patient and individualized, focusing on breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps so students gain both confidence and strong communication skills.

Essay Writing

I am pursuing my English degree with a 4.0 GPA and have a strong academic foundation in writing, literature, and analysis. Over the past decade, I have tutored students in grades K–12, helping them strengthen their essay structure, clarity, and argumentation skills. My background in curriculum writing has equipped me with strategies to break down the writing process into manageable steps. I specialize in guiding students to organize their ideas effectively and build confidence in their writing.

Executive Functioning

I have experience helping both children and adults strengthen executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, and task management. As a homeschool educator and former preschool teacher, I’ve supported students with ADHD, dyslexia, and learning differences by building routines, self-regulation strategies, and step-by-step learning plans. At DeVry University, I served as a student mentor, guiding peers in setting career goals, managing deadlines, and balancing coursework. I’ve also led community enrichment courses that emphasized practical skills, accountability, and confidence-building. My approach combines patience, structure, and encouragement so learners can meet goals with greater independence and success.

Fiction Writing

I bring 15 years of tutoring experience and a strong academic background in English and creative writing. I’ve completed college courses, with a 4.0, including CRW 150, CRW 160, CRW 170, and ENG 101 & 102, along with earning my degree, which has given me both theoretical and practical grounding in writing. In addition, I lead a weekly writers’ group where I teach and coach on fiction craft, helping participants strengthen their ideas, structure, and style. My approach blends academic training with real-world writing practice, giving students both the tools and confidence to tell their stories effectively.

High School Placement Test

Subject qualifications: I have over a decade of experience tutoring students in math, reading, and writing, helping them prepare for standardized tests and assessments with confidence. My background includes working with children from elementary through high school, as well as mentoring college students in study skills, goal setting, and academic planning. I’m skilled at breaking down test strategies, strengthening core subject knowledge, and teaching time management so students feel ready on test day. In addition to tutoring, I’ve supported learners with ADHD and dyslexia, which allows me to adapt lessons to different learning styles. My focus is not only on improving test scores but also on helping students build long-term skills in problem solving, comprehension, and critical thinking.

Homeschool

I bring 15 years of tutoring and teaching experience, supported by a degree in Early Childhood Education. My background includes working as a preschool teacher and serving as an enrichment instructor for the City of Peoria, where I created, implemented, and oversaw a complete curriculum program for children across multiple grade levels. In addition, I have run in-home classes and currently homeschool my own child, giving me firsthand insight into balancing structure with flexibility in a home learning environment. With a strong understanding of state academic standards and developmental milestones, I design customized learning plans that are both age-appropriate and academically rigorous. My approach blends creativity with structure, helping students build confidence, independence, and steady progress across subjects.

Painting

I’ve been painting for over ten years, and acrylic has always been at the center of my work. I know how it moves, how quickly it dries, how to layer it for depth or thin it out for translucence. I’ve spent years experimenting with brushes, palette knives, and mixed media techniques to achieve the effects I want, and I enjoy sharing those same techniques with students so they can make the paint work for them instead of against them. I also work with watercolor and gouache, but my true strength lies in helping students understand the versatility of acrylic—from bold, textured strokes to soft, blended layers. My focus is on giving students both the technical skills and the confidence to experiment, because painting is as much about discovery as it is about precision.

Phonics

I hold an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and have over 15 years of tutoring experience in reading, writing, and phonics. I’ve worked with a wide range of phonics programs, including Handwriting Without Tears and Bob Books, and I specialize in helping young children build strong foundations in sound recognition, blending, and pronunciation. My approach blends structured phonics instruction with playful, engaging activities to keep young learners motivated and confident.

Reading

I hold an A.S in Early Childhood Education and have been teaching and tutoring all ages for over 15 years.

Special Needs

With 15 years of tutoring experience, I have supported students with special needs in both developmental classroom settings and homeschool environments. As a parent and DDD advocate, I bring a strong understanding of individualized education plans and strategies for learning differences. I design lessons that are flexible, multi-sensory, and student-centered, ensuring each learner feels supported and capable. I specialize in creating supportive and flexible instruction that builds confidence and independence in students with special needs.

Study Skills

I have 15 years experience teaching and tutoring all ages and have an enthusiastic and approachable teaching method that makes all my students instantly at ease and excited about learning.

Vocabulary

Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education 15+ years of experience tutoring reading, writing, phonics, and vocabulary Background as a preschool teacher with expertise in literacy development Skilled in teaching phonics foundations, word analysis, and vocabulary-building strategies Experience supporting English Language Learners as well as native speakers

Voice (Music)

I have over 5 years of experience tutoring voice, including teaching music classes for preschool children through Lovable Learners. I also organized and directed a women’s choir for 3 years, where I gained hands-on experience in vocal training, group direction, and performance preparation. My background allows me to adapt lessons to different ages and skill levels, from young beginners to more advanced singers. I focus on helping students build confidence, technique, and joy in their singing.

Writing

I’ve been helping students with their writing for over 15 years, from elementary readers to college students polishing essays. Along the way, I earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and completed college coursework in English and Creative Writing. I also run a weekly writers’ group where I guide people in making their writing clear, engaging, and true to their voice. My goal is to make the process less stressful and more enjoyable while helping you feel proud of your final work.