About Me

VISION & BIRTH OF ENCOURAGE:

My vision for Encourage Elementary Education Services is to bring high-quality academic support to families. I sought education alternatives as a young person and later as an adult, searching for a better choice for my children. I started with Ocean Grove as a parent in 2008 and later became an ES in 2010. When I decided to tutor homeschoolers, Ocean Grove was a clear place to start. Most of my clients are connected with the school, but I also have some private clients who homeschool independently.

My encouraging, positive approach is very effective with children from diverse backgrounds with differing needs. I believe in tailoring instruction to the individual as much as possible to produce the best results. For children still in elementary school, the parents are a vital part of the decision-making. If we find that our philosophies fit, then we can work together to find methods and curriculum that your child responds to - and even looks forward to - every time I visit! I will get to know you, your child, and what your goals are.  

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A FEW HIGHLIGHTS

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I have classroom experience on San Jose's east side, teaching 5th grade with diverse students and achieving results by teaching conflict management and treating children with dignity and respect.

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I work closely with students and parents to help them achieve their individual academic goals.

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My background is in varied learning methodologies, progressive education, learning differences, and parent education. Many of my children's schools had parents in the classroom, and I am very comfortable with this collaboration.​

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CREDENTIALS HELD CURRENTLY:

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• Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

• Supplementary Authorization: Music

• Crosscultural Language and Academic Development Certificate 

• Level 1 Certified Handwriting Specialist with Handwriting Without Tears

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TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

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Encourage Elementary Education Services (2017 - present)

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San Jose Unified School District

Substitute Teacher, elementary

2016-2017

Ocean Grove Charter School, San Jose

Education Specialist, all grades

2010-2015

LEAD Center/Liber Community School, Los Gatos

Math & Music Teacher (all grades)/Core History & English Classroom Teacher (4th-6th)

2008-2009

Foothill Intermediate School, Mt. Pleasant School District, San Jose

Classroom Teacher: Fifth Grade

1994 - 1999

EDUCATION:

 San Jose State University  1993

Credential Preparation Program

California Institute of the Arts  1990

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Composition

OTHER CONFERENCES, TRAINING, & AWARDS:

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Advocator of the Month, Lives in the Balance Advocator Group, January 2022

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The Stanford Neurodiversity Project: Special Interest Group for Neurodiversity (2018-2021)

The Stanford Neurodiversity Summit: 2020, 2021
 

Emotional Healing From Trauma: Trauma-Informed Care (for developmental disabilities, 2018)

Global Leadership Summit (2004, 2009, 2017, 2021)

Handwriting Without Tears (2017)

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• Handwriting Assessment Workshop

• K-5 Handwriting Workshop

• Pre-K Readiness and Writing Workshop

• Pre-K Math and Literacy Workshop (2018)

Autism and Asperger's Conference (2013)

UC Extension EdTherapy Courses (2009):

• Understanding Learning Differences

• Autism Intervention and Treatment​

Oak Grove School District: Maximum Use of Resources Vision Award (2007)

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