INSTRUCTOR PROFILE:
I am originally trained as a scientist but have always loved teaching in various ways, from writing research papers to teaching Colloquial classes in college. Although I did not realize it at the time, I was growing as a natural teacher. I earned my degree in 1994 and have continuously found myself in positions of teacher, instructor, educator, coach, and tutor since then. After discovering the healing power of natural medicine, my focus has shifted toward anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, epigenetics, diabetes, and cancer. I feel very strongly about sharing what I have discovered so others can benefit. I have even written a book on why it is important to do annual cleanses and have developed an online program to support the healing experience.
The concentration of my teaching/tutoring/coaching experience over the years has been with adults wanting to change their lifestyle to improve health, heal cancer and diabetes, and take their health and fitness to the next level. I have had an amazing time developing education programs for doctors and wellness centers, sharing my knowledge with individuals, and witnessing how it helps people reach their goals!
More recently, I have also been tutoring K-12 students. I have tutored for children of friends and family and formally both online and in person. I have found that kids are so capable, especially once I find ways to peak their interest and draw them into the learning process. This is a challenge I find myself taking on with joy! I have a knack for breaking complex things down into very understandable parts, laymen’s terms.
I am a firm believer in UPN, unconditional positive regard, as a first approach with all children. First, they are human ‘beings’, then human ‘doings’. I also call on the little “kid” within myself and have fun during the tutoring process. I think about work from the child’s perspective and make decisions with them as long as the process is moving forward. If they get stuck, I make suggestions, but my goal is to build their confidence in solving problems. I treat them a little older than they are and drop myself down to a younger mindset. That has really been the only strategy I have ever had to use. It works every time, as long as I can discover what gets their attention.
Typically, I plan a well-structured day that leaves me feeling relaxed and accomplished by the evening. I enjoy daily workouts of qigong, cycling, or trail running, and meditations including chanting, drumming, and silence. I enjoy creating useful education presentations based on questions that come up from friends, family, and coaching clients. This gives me the opportunity to create in the various ways I enjoy creating. Other ways I love creating are with needle and thread beading, book writing, and aromatherapy. I believe in and enjoy a well-varied day to stimulate my mind and stay nibble both in body and mind.
I offer a variety of tutoring services for Peak Academics. I am excited to share my enthusiasm for science, as well as all elementary academics, upper level science, executive functioning skills, and remedial academic support.
Testimonial:
My 9-year-old son had a very hard year and fell out of love with school. We needed someone to give him skills to organize his work so he wasn’t overwhelmed with the volume and to make learning fun again. Andrea to the rescue! Andrea is kind, supportive, imaginative and focused. She finds creative ways to support him as he masters organizational skills for middle school and also keeps him completely engaged for his entire tutoring sessions. He has acquired countless skills, but above all has gained confidence that he can tackle any work set before him as long as he comes up with a plan and takes it one step at a time. Homework time was a multi-hour battle at our house with our son needing all the attention in a three-child home, but after only one semester of tutoring, the skills Andrea has taught my son make homework time in our family a peaceful and efficient process.
