I bring to tutoring a wide background of experience and enthusiasm.  Since retiring from the classroom, I have supported diverse students who have created strong application essays and successfully introduced themselves to college admissions committees. Previously, I had spent 16 years as a teacher in the Highly Gifted Magnet at North Hollywood High School; while there I taught AP English Language and Composition, AP Psychology and World Literature. (My students’ pass rate was above 95% in English and was 100% in Psychology.)  I also sponsored the creative writing journal for the HGM.  During my tenure as a high school teacher I helped many students prepare successful college application essays and also helped students revise essays for numerous writing contests.  

 

Before joining the HGM staff, I had a career as a folklorist.  After completing my doctorate in Folklore and Mythology (with a secondary focus on cognitive and social development), I taught several undergraduate courses at UCLA: Introduction to Folklore, Children’s Folklore, Family Folklore, and Fieldwork Methods.  In addition, I was for several years the assistant editor of an academic journal, Western Folklore Quarterly. During those years I also worked for Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles.  Previous to my work in Los Angeles, I taught English classes and Folklore/Anthropology courses at the University of Guam where I also organized and coordinated a two-year interdisciplinary pilot program for teaching advanced ESL for incoming college students.