About Me

I grew up in southern California with my two sisters. In seventh grade, I began to hate school. Kids were unfriendly and disruptive, and there wasn't much learning going on. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise! The next year, I enrolled in a progressive school*, where we had a say in our learning. Classes were tiny, so we could discuss things at length. I truly found myself during those years. I also discovered my passion for progressive education.

After college, I went to San Jose State to get my teaching credential. I taught for five years in Mount Pleasant District. It was a huge growth experience for me, but I had also gotten married. So, I quit my position and became a stay-at-home mom. Before long I was volunteering in my mother's group, the preschool, and working with friends to open the Indigo Program. Later, I homeschooled for a bit, and taught at a learning center my kids were going to. When they were 9 and 12, I worked for Ocean Grove as an ES for four years, and even did some subbing in public schools. All those positions had pros and cons, but I really wanted to be able to teach the way I felt was best.

In 2017, I opened Encourage Education Services. I focus on reading and writing, my favorite subjects. I think my students pick up on my enthusiasm. I enjoy working with families to provide the best learning experience for each individual child. There is more about my approach to education on the Tutoring page.