Abigail Heaton

Biography

I discovered my passion for coaching early on as a middle school trumpet section leader, leading practices to help my peers refine their playing. I loved how guiding others through pieces, free of judgment or pressure, fostered both growth and enjoyment.

Growing up in the Bay Area, I personally benefited from AJ Tutoring during high school at Woodside. Around that time, I fell in love with economics, sparked by choosing Freakonomics for a book report, and later pursued economics and mathematics at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. There, a professor invited me to tutor economics, and for three years I happily led sessions marked by a balance of fun and structure, earning continued invitations throughout my college years.

Math captivated me when I discovered its puzzle-like nature, freed from the pressure of AP exams. Majoring in economics and mathematics gave me the space to explore ideas that deepened my passions.

I believe frustration often stems from gaps in understanding, especially in math, where every concept builds on the last. That’s why I begin by uncovering and addressing misunderstandings right away, then reteach with clarity so future lessons are built on solid ground.

Outside of tutoring, you’ll often find me playing jazz trumpet, unwinding with painting, or immersing myself in a good movie.