My story and background

A lifelong educator passionate about every learner

Certified, credentialed, and deeply committed to helping every child feel capable and confident in their learning.

★ Milken Teacher of the Year 2024-25 Orton-Gillingham certified M.Ed. Educational Administration 10+ years tutoring
About me

A little about my journey

I grew up watching children light up the moment something finally clicked, and I have been chasing that moment ever since. My path into special education started at Marist College, where I earned degrees in Childhood Education, Special Education, and Psychology, and deepened through four years of classroom teaching in Hawaii's public schools.

I am a certified Orton-Gillingham practitioner, which means every literacy lesson I teach is rooted in the Science of Reading: structured, sequential, and multisensory. I have worked with students who have dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and a wide range of learning differences, and I know that the right approach changes everything.

As a former Student Services Coordinator and holder of a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University (2026), I bring deep knowledge of the IEP process, special education law, and how to navigate the system as a family. I am not just a tutor. I am a partner for your child's education.

Orton-Gillingham Science of Reading NYS Early Childhood Ed (Birth-Grade 2) NYS Students w/ Disabilities NYS Childhood Ed 1-6 Hawaii Elementary K-6 Hawaii Special Ed K-6 Goalbook Toolkit 2024
🏆
Milken Teacher of the YearRecognized at the school complex level for outstanding teaching and student impact, 2024-2025.
💛
Patient, warm, and encouragingEvery child is met where they are. Sessions are safe, supportive, and genuinely fun.
📍
Long Island, NY and virtualIn-person in Huntington, Commack, Smithtown, Dix Hills, Melville, and nearby areas.
📈
Data-driven progressI track student growth carefully and communicate it to families clearly and regularly.
🎓
M.Ed. in Educational AdministrationEarned from Grand Canyon University in April 2026, with deep expertise in school leadership and student services.
Skills and expertise

What I bring to every session

Literacy

Orton-GillinghamStructured literacyPhonemic awarenessPhonicsFluencyComprehensionHeggertyDyslexia support

Special education

IEP developmentIEP complianceCSE meetingsProgress monitoringRTI / MTSSTier 2 and 3 intervention

Instruction

Multisensory teachingDifferentiated instructionPush-in and pull-outSmall groupExecutive functioningStudy skills

Assessment

Literacy assessmentData collectionProgress reportingGoal monitoringGoalbook ToolkitInstructional planning
Experience

Professional background

2025-2026
Administrative Leadership Intern and Department Head
Ho'okele Elementary School, HI
Partnered with the principal on daily operations, hiring, and school-wide strategic planning. Led special education department coordination and facilitated compliance across multidisciplinary teams.
2025
Student Services Coordinator
Ho'okele Elementary School, HI
Oversaw school-wide IEP compliance, documentation, and communication between families, faculty, and leadership across 30 or more active student cases.
2024-2026
Special Education Mentor
Ho'okele Elementary School, HI
Coached a first-year special education teacher through instructional planning, literacy intervention, data collection, and IEP compliance. Modeled evidence-based practices and provided regular feedback.
2022-Present
Special Education Teacher
Ho'okele Elementary School, HI
Delivered individualized and small-group literacy and math instruction for K-3 students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning differences. Managed IEP caseload, led multidisciplinary meetings, and maintained full regulatory compliance.
2014-Present
Private tutor: literacy, math, and executive functioning
Independent, Long Island, NY
Over a decade of individualized academic support in reading, math, executive functioning, and study skills across diverse learners of all ages and profiles.
Education

Academic credentials

Master of Education
Grand Canyon University
Graduated April 2026
Educational Administration
Bachelor of Science
Marist College
May 2022
Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) · Special Education (Grades 1-6) · Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2)
Bachelor of Arts
Marist College
May 2022
Psychology
🏆
Milken Teacher of the Year — School Complex
Recognized for exceptional teaching, leadership, and impact across the school community
2024-25

Ready to work together?

Start with a free 15-minute consultation. No pressure, just a conversation about your child.

Book a free consultation See all services