It always bothered me when students got "turned off" to math at an early age due to frustration when the material was explained too quickly or not presented in a way that reached every student. Since math is a basic skill that is needed to manage life, I try to ease anxiety and give confidence to students, so they believe that they CAN do math!

When I first meet with a student, I try to assess strong and weak understanding of concepts. I present material as necessary based on the student's needs, and then we work through problems until the student understands and remembers the steps to perform with minimal hesitation. I have created teaching materials to help us focus on the particular areas of difficulty.

My goal is that the student will be able to think on his/her own and think logically when attempting to solve a problem. Life is full of problems to solve, and being able to think logically and remember a series of steps is essential when in school, on the job, cooking, doing a home project, planning a party, etc.; I try to make students understand this so they stop questioning "why" they need to learn the material in the first place!

Sometimes life gets in the way of tutoring appointments, so I ask for at least a 2-hour notice of cancellation, and we can reschedule. We can meet online or at a local library, bookstore, or coffee shop, wherever the student feels relaxed and comfortable and can focus.

I have tutored all levels of math through Calculus 1 professionally since 2008, but I have been helping people with math for most of my life. Additionally, I teach Pre-Algebra and Beginning Algebra (to students ages 18 - 63!) at the local community college.

I received the 2022 MichMATYC Teaching Excellence Award.

I enjoy helping students realize that they do not need to fear math!