Biography

My passion for education began as an undergraduate student at Case Western Reserve University, where I volunteered as a math tutor for high school students. I found joy in helping students understand difficult concepts, and seeing the way that personalized teaching enhanced student’s educational experience, particularly in developing their confidence, solidified my commitment to becoming an educator.

I grew up in Los Altos, and my love for math started young, shaped by a fascination with numbers and logical thinking. While pursuing a degree in mathematics at Case Western, I gained both a theoretical and practical understanding of mathematical concepts. My college years were filled with rigorous coursework, collaborative projects, and a supportive community of peers and professors who inspired me to delve deeper into the world of math. Through these experiences, I learned the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and the ability to approach problems from multiple angles—lessons that I now strive to impart to my own students. I find the way that students approach new mathematical concepts—with a mix of apprehension and curiosity—intriguing. It is rewarding to guide students through these challenges and help them see math not as just a jumble of numbers, but as a way of describing the world around us.

Throughput both high school and college, I held various teaching roles, from being a camp counselor, to being a teacher’s assistant, to volunteering as a tutor. Each of these experiences taught me something new about teaching. I learned to be patient, understanding, and adaptable, because every person learns in a different way. My experiences have played a vital role in shaping my teaching philosophy, which centers around meeting students where they are at and working with them to build a strong conceptual foundation.

In tutoring sessions, I strive to create a safe environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new approaches. With the 1-on-1 tutoring format, I am able to tailor sessions to meet a student’s individual needs by using tools like flowcharts and outlines to make challenging problems more manageable.

Outside of tutoring, I enjoy playing with my dog, baking, and playing tennis.