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Neurodivergent-Friendly Teacher
Melanie S.

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $65

About Melanie


Bio

I hold a Master's degree in Education and have been teaching and homeschooling neurodivergent students for over a decade in various settings, from private one-on-one lessons to classroom environments. My educational background has given me a deep understanding of how different students learn, and I've made it my specialty to adapt my teaching methods to meet each student exactly where they are. I've worked with students ranging from young children just beginning their learning journey to...

I hold a Master's degree in Education and have been teaching and homeschooling neurodivergent students for over a decade in various settings, from private one-on-one lessons to classroom environments. My educational background has given me a deep understanding of how different students learn, and I've made it my specialty to adapt my teaching methods to meet each student exactly where they are. I've worked with students ranging from young children just beginning their learning journey to adults returning after years away, and I've found that the key to success is always the same: patience, flexibility, and meeting individual needs rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

My teaching experience spans both in-person and online formats, and I've taught students of all skill levels. I currently teach at an established music school while also maintaining private lessons, which has given me experience with structured curriculum as well as personalized lesson planning. I'm particularly skilled at working with students who struggle in traditional learning environments—whether due to ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or simply a different learning style. Having navigated my own neurodivergent learning journey, I understand firsthand how frustrating education can be when teaching methods don't match how your brain works, and I've developed strategies to make lessons engaging, low-pressure, and enjoyable.

My approach is student-centered and goal-oriented. I start by understanding what each student wants to achieve and what motivates them, then build lessons around those goals while developing solid foundational skills. I believe learning should be joyful, not stressful, and I work hard to create an environment where students feel safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and progress at their own pace. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your skills, I'll work with you to create a learning experience that fits your life, your learning style, and your goals.


Education

Sacramento State College
Humanities
National University
Masters

Policies


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Approved Subjects

Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I hold a Master’s in Education and have extensive experience supporting elementary students in grades K–6 through homeschooling, individualized tutoring, and substitute teaching. I focus on building strong foundations in reading, writing, math readiness, and critical thinking while keeping learning engaging and developmentally appropriate. I am especially effective with neurodivergent learners and adapt instruction to support attention, sensory needs, and executive functioning skills. My approach emphasizes confidence, curiosity, and a positive relationship with learning.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I hold a Master’s in Education, a BA in Humanities, and a minor in English, and previously taught 9th and 10th grade AP English before transitioning to homeschooling my children. I specialize in teaching essay structure, thesis development, evidence-based analysis, and clear, confident academic writing. I help students understand how to think through an essay—not just follow a formula—making writing more approachable and less intimidating. My approach is especially effective for neurodivergent learners and students who struggle with organization, confidence, or getting started.
General Music

General Music

I hold a Master’s in Education and have extensive experience teaching General Music to learners of all ages, from toddlers to adults in their 80s and 90s. My instruction builds strong musical foundations in rhythm, pitch, listening skills, music literacy, and creative expression while keeping learning engaging and accessible. I specialize in working with neurodivergent learners, adapting lessons to each student’s developmental level, interests, and sensory needs. I am also a professional working musician, bringing real-world musical experience into every lesson.
Homeschool

Homeschool

I hold a Master’s in Education and a BA in Humanities, with extensive experience teaching my own two neurodivergent children and collaborating with other families to enrich our homeschool experience. I regularly support students who benefit from structured guidance in reading, writing, and historical thinking while still nurturing curiosity and enjoyment of learning. Both of my children transitioned successfully into middle and high school independent study programs and are thriving due to the strong academic and executive-function foundation built during homeschooling. My approach is flexible, developmentally appropriate, and especially well-suited for neurodivergent learners and families seeking individualized, relationship-based instruction.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I am a Distinguished Toastmaster, an honor achieved by fewer than 1% of Toastmasters worldwide, demonstrating mastery in both communication and leadership. With a Master's degree in Education and over a decade of teaching experience, I combine elite public speaking skills with proven teaching methods. I specialize in helping students overcome fear, build confidence, and develop compelling presentation skills for school, work, or personal growth. Whether you're preparing for a specific speech or want to become a more confident communicator overall, I provide personalized coaching that gets results.
Songwriting

Songwriting

I hold a Master’s in Education and am an active, working songwriter with experience mentoring students in songwriting across ages and skill levels. My instruction covers lyric writing, song structure, melody, harmony, and developing an authentic creative voice. I help students move from ideas to completed songs through supportive, process-focused guidance that reduces self-doubt and perfectionism. My approach is flexible, encouraging, and especially well-suited for neurodivergent learners and writers seeking confidence, clarity, and creative momentum.
Special Needs

Special Needs

I hold a Master’s in Education and have extensive experience tutoring neurodivergent and special needs students across a range of ages and learning profiles. In addition to my professional background, I am a parent of two neurodivergent children, which informs my practical, compassionate, and realistic approach to learning support. I specialize in adapting instruction to address attention differences, executive functioning challenges, sensory needs, and emotional regulation while maintaining high expectations and respect for each student. My tutoring is flexible, strengths-based, and focused on building confidence, skills, and a sense of safety in learning.
Voice (Music)

Voice (Music)

I hold a Master’s in Education and currently teach voice lessons at a local music school, working with students of varied ages and experience levels. My instruction focuses on healthy vocal technique, breath support, pitch accuracy, and expressive singing while building confidence and ease in the voice. I tailor lessons to each student’s goals and adapt instruction for neurodivergent learners and sensitive nervous systems. As a professional working musician, I bring practical, real-world insight into vocal use, sustainability, and musicality.
World History

World History

BA in Humanities A genuine history nerd who makes history fun
American History
Art History
English
European History
Grammar
Literature
Music Theory
Political Science
Proofreading
Reading
Social Studies
Writing
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Hourly Rate: $65
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