Drawing from more than 2 decades of experience in K-12 schools, after-school programs and higher education and through a collaborative approach, I work with students of all ages to develop independent learning skills, identify academic and personal goals, improve communication and self-advocacy, develop time management and organizational strategies and become empowered to reach their goals.  My academic based work has focused on students with special needs, unique abilities and diverse backgrounds. Through an individualized approach that offers support and facilitates the development of independent skills, students are empowered to develop a passion for their educational goals. Some specifics of this approach include:

Initial Meeting: assess strengths, needs and establish goals for sessions.

Academic direct instruction: assist with writing skills, reviewing assignment rubrics and creating outlines; assist with assignments in a tutoring capacity.

Organization skills: work with students to improve organizational and time- management skills. Assist in creating systems to plan study periods, complete assignments early or on-time, ensure course materials and tasks are organized and effectively prioritized.

Study Skills: teach basic skills needed to effectively study for exams, take notes in class and for outside assignments, writing and editing strategies.

Emotional Support: provide counseling to students to identify challenges and develop strategies to address those challenges that interfere with academic success. Provide a forum to explore how various emotions hinder ability to access education and allow students to feel supported.

Communication: assist with development of communication skills needed for self-advocacy. Includes assistance with writing email to teachers/professors, developing scripts to guide meetings, modeling and supporting effective phone calls, and attending meetings with students.

Support with Accommodations: assist students with questions about accessing their accommodations and exploring needed accommodations.

Goal Setting: assist students make connections between their academics and future career/academic goals, explore course selection during registration periods, identify career goals, discuss short-term goals/ objectives related to their personal and academic aspirations.

Referrals: Provide referrals to assist with accessing resources as needed.