Search
Keana H.'s Photo

Berkeley Psych Grad | English, Reading, Essay & Debate Coach
Keana H.

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $45
Contact Keana

About Keana

Bio

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Psychology, where I focused on child development, learning, and how young people build confidence in their own voice— both spoken and written. I’m not here just to correct a sentence or fix an argument, but to help students think more critically and argue more clearly, skills that go beyond a single assignment. In high school, I competed nationally in speech and debate for several years, placing 3rd in the nation in Spoken Word. My competitive...

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Psychology, where I focused on child development, learning, and how young people build confidence in their own voice— both spoken and written. I’m not here just to correct a sentence or fix an argument, but to help students think more critically and argue more clearly, skills that go beyond a single assignment. In high school, I competed nationally in speech and debate for several years, placing 3rd in the nation in Spoken Word. My competitive background is a big part of why I coach debate and argumentation built from real specificity, not just general tips.

Professionally, I work in program coordination for a nonprofit supporting older foster youth. I help students navigate college applications and other online resources, and tutor them across various subjects, often for students working to finish high school. I’ve also spent years babysitting and working directly with kids and teens across a range of ages, so I’m comfortable adjusting my approach for a second grader building basic reading skills or a high schooler prepping for a debate tournament or their college apps.

I specialize in English and reading comprehension, debate and argumentation, and essay writing, including personal statements and college application essays. I also write personal essays and creative work myself, so I bring that same care and attention to a student’s writing.

I don't believe any student is simply 'bad' at reading or writing. I believe they haven't found the approach that works for them yet, and I adjust my teaching until we find it, whether that means building confidence step by step or pushing a stronger writer further on structure, clarity, and voice. I tailor every session to the individual student rather than running a fixed curriculum, and I check in regularly with parents on progress so there are no surprises. I’m currently tutoring remotely and happy to work together to find a schedule that fits us both.

Read more

Education

University of California Berkeley
Psychology

Policies

Schedule

Keana hasn’t set a schedule.

Approved Subjects

Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I completed three advanced creative writing courses at UC Berkeley, including two poetry workshops and a short story course, each requiring a submitted portfolio of my work for admission. Outside the classroom, I placed 3rd in the nation in Spoken Word poetry, and placed 3rd in state two years in a row. That combination of formal workshop training and competitive performance experience means I understand creative writing both as a craft to be studied and revised, and as something meant to be read aloud and land with an audience.
Debate

Debate

I was part of my high school’s speech and debate team for three years, where I competed individually in Spoken Word, placing 3rd in the nation and 3rd in state two years in a row. Rather than competing in debate rounds myself, I spent significant time helping teammates prep their cases and arguments, and I judged debate tournaments as well. That combination gives me a strong understanding of how debate arguments are built, evaluated, and delivered, even though my own competitive events were in speech rather than debate. I coach students on argument structure, evidence, and delivery, drawing on both the prep and judging sides of the activity.
English

English

I graduated as valedictorian of my high school and went on to earn my degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley, consistently earning top grades in coursework that required heavy reading comprehension and analytical writing. My academic background trained me to read closely, form clear arguments, and write with precision, skills that directly apply to tutoring English at any level. I also have years of experience working with kids and teens across a wide age range, so I’m comfortable adjusting instruction for different reading and writing levels. I focus on building both comprehension and clear written expression, tailored to what each student actually needs.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

My own college application essays helped get me into both UC Berkeley and UCLA, so I understand firsthand what makes an admissions essay stand out. I also received the Fresno Unified Scholarship through the Foundation for Fresno Unified Students, which involved a competitive application process. At Berkeley, I consistently earned top grades on written coursework in my Psychology degree, which required clear, well-argued writing. I coach essay writing with an eye for authentic voice and structure, and I work with students on personal statements, application essays, and academic writing, focusing on making their actual voice come through clearly.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I competed in speech and debate for three years in high school and placed in every tournament I competed in, including 3rd in the nation and 3rd in state two years in a row in Spoken Word. I also competed in Rotary Club speaking competitions and won prize money there as well, so my competitive experience extends beyond school-based events. My public speaking experience goes back even further. In 5th grade, I spoke in front of my local Board of Education to advocate for renewing my school’s charter. That range, from formal competition to real-world advocacy, means I can coach students on both prepared speeches and the kind of speaking that requires thinking on your feet.
Keana H.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Keana before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Keana
Hourly Rate: $45
Contact Keana