My Path to Mentorship
A love of learning has always guided my journey, a path that led me to a Ph.D. in chemistry and, ultimately, to my true passion: helping others learn. Raised by a mother with thirty years of experience in early childhood education, I was fortunate to be in a gifted program for ten years, an experience that gave me a deep appreciation for tailored, enriching education. Throughout my academic career, I consistently found my way into teaching roles—from peer tutoring in college to serving as Head Instructor for a 250-student university course.
After academia, I found fulfillment in serving as a high school physics teacher in New York, where I developed a close rapport with my pupils and saw the direct impact of student-led, curiosity-driven learning. My professional experience has also given me a unique aptitude for logistics and operations, from managing a $150,000 budget as a Kitchen Manager for a 60-person housing cooperative to serving as a Lab Manager and Auditing Accountant.
I believe in creating clarity and structure, anticipating needs, and fostering a supportive environment built on mutual respect and joy-centered enrichment. My approach is grounded in patience and a deep respect for individual needs, informed by my extensive experience supporting neurodivergent learners, especially autism, ADHD, and mental illness. I don't just teach subjects; I teach the invaluable skill of learning how to learn, mentoring children to become well-rounded, motivated, and self-starting young adults.
Experience
My journey as an educator has been diverse, spanning traditional classrooms, university labs, and private homes. Each role has deepened my understanding of how to connect with and inspire learners.
In the Classroom & University
As a High School Physics Teacher in New York, I managed classrooms of diverse learners, designed curriculum for both Regents and AP-level courses, and maintained clear, consistent communication with families.
At UC Berkeley, I served as a Head Graduate Student Instructor for a large organic chemistry course, where I coordinated a team of instructors and made complex material accessible. These roles taught me how to balance the diverse needs of a group while adapting my teaching style to a dynamic environment.
Personalized Mentorship
The core of my work is one-on-one mentorship. As a freelance STEM tutor, I have spent hundreds of hours helping students aged 10 to 22 master challenging subjects like math, chemistry, and physics.
As a Research Mentor at UC Berkeley, I trained two undergraduate and five high school students to conduct their own independent research projects, guiding them from initial concepts to final presentations. My focus is always on understanding each student's unique way of thinking, breaking down complex ideas, and personalizing my strategy to help them build the skills and confidence to solve problems independently.
Beyond the Books
A true education extends beyond academics. My experience as an Educational Nanny for a family with four children (ages 3 to 13) involved managing schedules, transportation, meal preparation, and providing both age-appropriate enrichment and subject-specific tutoring.
As a Kitchen Manager for a 60-person cooperative, I managed a $150,000 budget and coordinated all operational workflows. Similarly, my work as an Auditing Accountant for a nonprofit involved creating clear financial systems and reconciling over 100 disorganized accounts. These roles have honed my ability to create clarity and structure in dynamic family environments, allowing me to serve not just as an educator, but as a reliable and supportive Family Assistant.
For a complete overview of my qualifications and experience, please see my full resume: