"Hello! My students call me Ms. V, and I’ve been a K–12 art teacher and reading/math tutor for over eight years. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from the University of South Florida, graduating with a 3.2 GPA in my major coursework and a 4.0 GPA in my educator preparation program. I began my teaching career at a high school for students with disabilities, where I worked my way up from Teacher Assistant to Head of the Art Program, creating lessons that combined creativity, academics, and real-world experiences.

I’ve taught in brick-and-mortar classrooms, virtual programs, and hybrid models, guiding students through projects like building stage sets, creating artwork for fundraisers, and participating in community art exhibits. Many students and parents have told me my classroom felt like a safe, encouraging space where students could grow at their own pace.

As a tutor, I bring that same supportive and creative energy into each session. My specialties include reading foundations, phonics, comprehension, and writing skills, as well as art instruction for all levels. I integrate cross-curricular learning, meaning I often blend core academic skills like reading into art activities so students learn while creating. I have a unique ability to recognize when a student needs to revisit the basics before moving forward, ensuring they’re set up for long-term success.

Whether we’re building confidence in reading or exploring artistic techniques, I tailor each lesson to the student’s interests, needs, and learning style. I’m excited to offer both one-on-one and small group tutoring to help students reach their goals and have fun while doing it." less...