Biology, History & ESL Tutor | Making Science, Stories & Syntax Fun

Kathryn V.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Biochemistry, and History from Lawrence University, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with a concentration in Health Behavior, Implementation, and Dissemination Science. I also earned my TEFL certification in the summer of 2012 to support my passion for language education and cross-cultural communication. My professional background includes years of experience leading communications and mentoring teams at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where I’ve coached colleagues in strategic messaging and public speaking in high-pressure, high-impact environments.

During my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia, I taught students ranging in age from 5 to 70, in both formal classroom settings and informal, small-group environments. My lessons covered a wide range of subjects, from basic English and grammar to biology, health, and life skills. I developed culturally relevant, age-appropriate lesson plans that made complex concepts approachable and actionable, often using visual storytelling and participatory methods to support learners with varying levels of literacy. I worked with elementary through high school students, and also facilitated community workshops for adults, local health educators, and professionals.

My approach to tutoring is rooted in empathy, clarity, and adaptability. I tailor my teaching to meet each student’s needs, interests, and learning style, drawing on a strong foundation in science, health, and language. Whether helping a student master English grammar, improve writing skills, or understand biology fundamentals, my goal is to build confidence, foster curiosity, and create an engaging, supportive learning environment.