Frequently Asked Questions
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Tutoring
What's unique about my approach?
In contrast to directive teaching, my approach is both collaborative and whole-person oriented.
We have the luxury of working one-on-one, specific to each person’s needs.
With each client and within each session, I begin with and maintain a relationship built on interest, curiosity, compassion and resilience.
It’s important that we never hurry. Because when we slow down, things show up that get missed when rushing. This can be the needed key.
Though academics may be what initially brings us together, I’m equally invested in modeling and teaching you how to identify and navigate the bigger picture challenges of becoming a joyful, lifelong learner.
How might someone benefit from my tutoring?
Many of my tutoring clients have a different learning style than their current learning environment offers. I can help bridge the gap between standarized setups and the way a client naturally processes information.
Some people are creative thinkers or processors. Some struggle in traditional settings in general. Perhaps the pace is too fast or too slow in the educational setting or the environment itself is under- or over-stimulating.
Students may fall behind and need academic re-teaching in ways that make sense for how they think and mentally file information. A student may need a slower, calmer environment in which to process both the learning and pressure caused by external expectations, which may have become internalized as anxiety (see struggle areas in the next question).
With what struggles do I help?
There are many factors that play into why a student might struggle and many ways I can help. Addressing and dispelling anxiety is key to having and being able to maintain a fun, curiosity-driven relationship with learning.
The alternatives of being externally pressured and self-pressuring often cause disinterest, avoidance, shutdown, refusal and acting out. These expressions of frustration can stem from internalizing the struggle to learn as a reflection of their own value and not wanting to disappoint others.
It’s not fun when we struggle to learn. Removing the struggle can make learning fun again.
In what areas do I tutor (for children, teens and adults)?
For Children & Teens
In terms of content, I’m certified grades 1–8 in Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies/History. I tutor teens and adults in a variety of areas, including learning to read and helping with research and study skills.
For Adults
With adults, I offer tutoring in academic and non-academic-related areas. I help in areas such as editing and wording (e.g., research papers, articles and books) for clarity and brevity. I’ve helped clients narrow down an overwhelming number of options for a project so they can take action and move forward.
How do I communicate with parents?
I value and depend on parental input as the place to begin helping your child. During our initial conversation, I listen to your concerns and ask questions to gain an understanding of your child’s struggles. We’ll schedule a time for me to come to your home and meet one-on-one with your child for 30 minutes.
Directly following my visit with your child, I’ll meet with you to discuss observations and suggestions. Based on our conversation, we decide the best next steps.
After each student session, parents have the option of either receiving my session notes and/or having a 5-minute conversation to go over notes.
Mentoring
What does your mentoring work include?
You get my full attention. I’m able to listen to subtleties in how you tell me what you want that enables me to pull out threads and clarify things you might not have thought of.
I help you dream big. I can help you prioritize what you really want vs. what you think you’re supposed to do. Importantly, I encourage you to not pre-edit before you’ve had a chance to to see your whole idea. This way, you can grab the really juicy pieces as opposed to the structure you think you’re supposed to have in place.
I help you bring awareness and clarity to the idea you want to develop. Our process also reveals aspects you can let go of because they can interfere with clearly seeing your goals.
On the practical side, we’ll organize details and create a flow from inception to outcome. 21 years in a classroom helped me learn how to do that!
I can also help you clarify who your audience is. We’ll work to ensure that while honing in on your audience, people on the outskirts of your audience will also recognize the value of your project.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 30 minutes each*. The reason for this is because the creative mind tires and needs time to restructure and settle. Our meetings are once a week. I’ve been mentoring for 12 years and this structure has been shown to be the most creative and rewarding.
*60-min sessions are available based on discussion.
What types of projects or challenges do you help with?
You can bring any number of questions, projects or challenges to be worked on and we’ll narrow it down to find the core. Then we’ll get to the heart of what you most want to create right now.
I’m able to help you clarify what your skill sets are. Recognizing what’s key to your personal inspiration, we can then articulate how you want to bring this into the world.
Why would I want this?
I provide a non-judgmental space where you can openly explore with curiosity. I offer an unusual mixture of creative and practical expertise to help you uncover your own brilliance.
If you’d like more conflidence and clarity surrounding a creative pursuit, I can help you obtain those, with your participation. I’m always listening for how to help you change your life for the better.
Accountability and bouncing ideas around with another creative individual and getting feedback is useful in itself. This helps builds confidence and clarity.
What I don’t offer is financial, technical, clinical mental health support or legal advice.
Do we meet online or in person?
Sessions take place by your choice of phone or video Zoom call.
What results can I expect?
I can help you get to a finished product you’re proud of. I support you to end up with a product you love. A lot of this work is you getting out of your own way.
Movement As Medicine
What's the purpose of movement as medicine?
Movement as Medicine invites and supports you to deepen the sense of connection and safety in your own body.
Whether you’re recovering, deepening or establishing a new relationship with your body, movement is an important ingredient.
You’ll explore what it feels like to invite all of your parts to show up and move.
When you get curious and fascinated by how your body wants to move, surprising outcomes unfold, including repatterning habits that no longer serve.
Many of us, especially if experiencing PTSD, are not comfortable with sedentary practices, such as seated meditation. When the same intention and mindful care used in seated meditation is applied to movement, you can begin to explore your connections between mind and body, body and environment, etc. Over time, familiarity and trust develop inside your body that courageously informs showing up in your life more fully.
How do we work together?
You can choose a private session, group session or come to class. See the Work with Me page to sign up.
Are there pre-qualifications I need?
No. Just come curious and willing. You don’t need any prior dance experience or training. You’ll want to wear loose, comfortable clothing you can move in. Any questions you have before a session, feel free to reach out and ask me.
