"I've been teaching and tutoring for over fifteen years and to me the most important aspect of teaching is that the student learns how to think for him or herself. Without that, there is no real learning. This begins with the relationship between teacher and student. There must first and foremost be trust, so that the student feels comfortable learning with a particular person. This is also important for the teacher so they begin to understand how the student thinks, how the student learns and what obstacles to learning the student may or may not possess. My approach is one of rapport, enthusiasm for learning, enthusiasm for the subject matter and one where I guide the student in the right direction, rather than giving her all the answers. Together we'll tackle whatever problems or issues face us and figure it out together. The more we do this, the more the student gains knowledge, confidence and critical thinking skills, all of which will serve the student going forward as an independent thinker and worker. I love to teach, I love to learn and I know my enthusiasm for both comes across when working with a classroom of three hundred students or one on one. I'm a writer and filmmaker by trade. I've been teaching and writing for over twenty years, have a variety of academic and non-academic interests including films, books, sports, music, travel, languages, art, theater and many more. To be honest, I'm pretty much interested in everything in one way or another, whether it be academic or pop culture related. I speak three languages, have traveled extensively and come from a very academically oriented family.

As an undergraduate I attended the University of Oregon where I double majored in English Literature and Spanish. Essentially, I read, wrote, and studied storytelling and grammar for four years, in two different languages. While attending the University of Southern California, where I received my M.F.A., I worked as a writing tutor in the USC Writing Center and also taught Classical Greek Mythology. After gr" less...