Biography

From my work teaching preschool students to curious retirees, elementary robotics to Polynesian dance, and kiddos with learning disabilities to teens with anxiety, I’ve learned that the best way to teach is to listen to the needs of the student. Every student has their own special way of learning, and I love the flexibility 1-on-1 college counseling and tutoring provide to meet my students where they need me.

After graduating from UC Irvine in southern California, I moved to the Bay Area to broaden my experience in education. Before joining the AJ Tutoring team, I taught K-5 students computer literacy, coding, and robotics, mentored students in middle and high school, and worked as an assistant teacher in the social science and earth system science departments at my college. I began at AJ Tutoring with a focus on test prep and study skills, and have since enjoyed tutoring and counseling students with more specialized academic needs. I am passionate about helping students grow their confidence with learning. My goal is to introduce my students to the idea of being a life-long learner and help them connect their values to their experiences in school to set them up for success in the future, whatever that means for them.

My focus turned to college consulting after seeing how interested my middle and early high school students were in learning about the college experience, but how little vocabulary they had to ask about it. I found that students were much more motivated when they understood what their future entailed. After completing my college counseling certificate through the Western Association for College Admission Counseling and UCSD, I began to work with students on their applications and essays. The most intriguing part of college counseling is figuring out what school is going to make that student both happy and successful. I want to focus on the whole picture for that student and their family. I make sure my students feel that they have power over their futures whatever their path may be.

When I’m not spending time at AJ, I enjoy walking my dogs, reading with my daughter, and playing games with my family. I look forward to learning more about your student and their goals and interests as well.