Biography

Before I graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in journalism, a peer told me of an opportunity to teach English in China. I decided to take the risk and move entirely out of my comfort zone. In doing so, I realized my love for teaching while living in China for two years.

After moving back to my hometown of Danville, CA, I began a teaching credential program at Saint Mary’s. For two years as a student teacher, I learned the importance of pedagogy, curriculum, and classroom management. My time also included many hours of substitute teaching to see what the classroom was like. After getting my credential, I got my first teaching job during the COVID-19 pandemic and began teaching 8th-grade math and science.

I have learned so much about learning and improving academic subjects in the past five years. To improve on a topic, you must practice it daily with a clear goal. While it is essential to practice, a goal is needed to understand and have that passion to improve yourself. I learned that challenges from the teacher are ways to help you grow and discover who you are.

I tutor in K-8 and have a deep love of math! For almost 19 years, I had a summer job that required me to understand basic math concepts. This experience taught me how to do math in my head; mental math is essential for any student. When a student comes across a new math topic, the student needs to be open to mistakes and the trial and error that comes with learning any math concept. Practice makes perfect, and that is my intention when I tutor.

In my free time, I like to play hockey, read science fiction novels, cook Italian food, and hike in the hills near Saratoga, California.