Mae Makes It Easy
About
I take a multi-faceted approach to learning styles. Everyone absorbs information differently, and I pay attention to my students to track what's fun, what works and what might be holding them back from their full potential. I believe learning should be fun and exciting, and that no one is incapable of learning and even mastering a new skill, given the resources, environment and encouragement to do so. Whether its basic study and retention skills like using mnemonics and organization, or how to research and compose papers, I offer a range of expertise, including, but not limited to: college prep, academic/business writing, art and illustration, persuasive essays that get noticed, tricks for increased memory in stressful environments, general comprehension and absorption of various subject matters and much, much more. I draw from diverse educational philosophies like Montessori, organic learning, old standard rote memorization and music and visual approaches to ensure my students improve their grades and long-term chances of academic and career success. I have been tutoring since high school, through the California "Students Helping Others" program, as an undergrad for both college and grade school students, from 3rd grade through university seniors--at St. Paul's, St. Ignatius, Scarborough Middle, B.C. Rain, Bishop State, Faulkner, and the universities of both South Alabama and Spring Hill College. I personally worked under three professors as a T.A. (teaching assistant,) grading papers, providing academic assistance and guidance, and administering exams for those with learning disabilities. As a professional, my career has largely consisted of marketing and advertising copywriting, editing and proofing. In addition to creative concepting and graphic execution, I have also taught in-house seminars on workflow efficiency, web protocol and classroom workshops for staff docents for two major international art exhibits. I am also trained in L.E.T (Leader Effectiveness Training) interpersonal communications, Basic HTML coding and grant and proposal writing. I was the American Advertising Federation's Copywriter of the Year in 2008. My post graduate thesis was on a major shift in composition in high Venetian renaissance painting, specifically the innovation of Giovanni Bellini.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I speak with the student first, if they are adults and/or college students. If the student is a minor I have an in-depth conversation with the parent(s,) teacher(s,) or guardian who initiated the search for a tutor to understand, from their perspective, what's holding the student back from achieving their goals. This is often where I find the emotional causes for distress or decline in grades. When possible, I try to speak with current and/or previous teachers who are familiar with the student and can shed light on the areas of concern from an academic rather than personal point of view. Once I have a solid idea from the adults involved with the student in question, I sit down with the child and let them ask me some questions, and find out what THEY think is affecting them in their life and in school. I am always very keen to play a "psychologist's" role at this point, actively listening to what is being transmitted by body language, verbal communication and often seemingly random information that could point to another cause of problems that the adults may not be aware of. These factors can be so varied, its important that I pay attention to clues that could point to a need for glasses (you'd be surprised how often an eye exam changes everything.) Also factors like bullying, domestic upheaval, attention deficit, dyslexia, new friends, major life events and occasionally sheer boredom--when a child is not being challenged enough--are things I look for that can be addressed and overcome.