I am passionate about teaching students who struggle to read and write. My teaching journey actually started after I had my two sons. Previously, I was a Brand Manager for Focus on the Family and managed their children’s book line. My youngest son struggled in Kindergarten to learn to read. He still didn’t know some of his letter names and sounds when he finished Kindergarten. Given very few school options in a small town and the fact that he was a very active boy, I decided to dive into homeschooling. I homeschooled him from 1st – 7th grade and my oldest son from 4th – graduation. Through this experience I realized I had a heart and passion for teaching children who struggle to learn. I went back to school and earned my teaching license so that I would be able to continue making a difference in the lives of students.
I have a Master’s degree in Reading Education and hold an Arizona teaching certificate for K-8 elementary education and mild/moderate special education K-12. I also was trained by Ron Yoshimoto in the Orton-Gillingham multisensory structured language program. This training was life changing for my teaching approach. It gave me the tools I need to help provide kids and parents hope and confidence that they truly can learn to become better readers and writers.
I worked as a learning specialist for a charter school in Colorado where I was able to provide reading interventions, help parents through the RTI process and coach parents through choosing homeschool curriculum that fit their child’s learning style. I was also able to provide teaching and scheduling tips. Almost four years ago we moved to Arizona and I had the opportunity to work as a resource teacher and reading interventionist.
I bring a unique perspective to tutoring because I understand both the homeschool and public school worlds. Some students work well in public school but others learn better being homeschool or in a private school. I believe that given the right environment and approach that every student can reach their full potential.
Degrees & Qualifications:
- Masters of Arts in Elementary Reading Education
- Arizona teaching certificate in K-8 elementary education and mild/moderate special education K-12.
- Orton-Gillingham trained
- 10+ years teaching experience