I have always had a passion for learning new things, and all throughout elementary and middle school, I was an avid reader. I was very fortunate to attend UC Santa Cruz for college, where I majored in cognitive science and minored in biology.

In my coursework, I learned that repetition strengthens the pathways between neurons, making the associated information more easily to recall, and we studied how to learn and study effectively, focusing on the details that can “make or break” a study plan. I was surprised to learn how import factors such as test format, subject matter, and time before test are to crafting an effective study plan, and I found myself wishing I knew all of this information when I was in middle school and high school! My biology courses also provided me with opportunities to apply new material in a laboratory setting, which was not only exciting but also helpful in developing a concrete understanding. 

I enjoy helping my students master their study skills and develop solid foundations to learning so that they are prepared for success in the rest of their academic careers. Because of my past experiences, I believe in giving students a practical understanding of the material, so that they understand not only what they are learning but also why they are learning it and how it applies to their lives. I’m always eager to share my excitement for learning with my students, no matter what subject material we’re working on.

I worked previously as a college counselor before returning to tutoring to work more closely with students in their academics. I enjoy the opportunity to help students overcome any obstacles they encounter and grow more confident in their ability to work with material in any subject.

In my free time, I love to go indoor bouldering, to listen to music, and to cook and bake.