Biography

I am a native of Atlanta, Georgia, with roots in southern Appalachia and Northern Ireland. I spent my formative years in Lima, Peru, where I learned Spanish from an early age. I completed a BA in History and Classics (summa cum laude) and an MA in History at the University of Georgia, where I studied the origins of the California mission tourism industry and how it related to the wider imperial developments of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. As a first-generation college graduate, I am passionate about helping students and their families make specific, actionable plans for their academic success.

Before working at AJ, I pursued a career in classroom teaching and curriculum planning. I taught 11th grade US History at a college preparatory academy, where I worked with students with learning differences to create individualized learning plans to reach their goals. Previously, I designed history curricula at the Library of Congress Center for Learning, Literacy, & Engagement, and created interactive timelines for middle school students at the Digital Library of Georgia. These experiences gave me a solid foundation in social studies content and pedagogical methods.

At AJ, I work with a wide array of students of different ages, and in every case skill development is at the heart of my teaching methods. I work with elementary-aged students on core academic skills like math and reading comprehension, as well as qualitative skills like critical thinking and organization of both materials and information. I help middle school students navigate the transition to more abstract content and independent learning as they start to manage six or more classes at once. I also emphasize the research and rhetorical skills that become increasingly important in their curriculum, adding persuasive writing and thinking prompts to sessions whenever possible. For high school students, I help them expand their confidence and comfort with various academic processes, especially research, writing, and argumentation, particularly for students taking advanced or AP humanities courses. SAT/ACT preparation is one of my favorite elements of teaching at AJ, as I get to help students maximize their score by accessing the knowledge they have been accumulating throughout the years, and shoring up their foundational skills as needed.

When I’m not tutoring at AJ, you can find me reading books by global authors, listening to my ever-growing collection of vinyl records, and experimenting with new recipes in my pressure cooker. I love the outdoors, and am always looking for new trails to explore. Please let me know your favorite local hikes at your next session!