Kate
Let's Work Together: You Can Succeed With the Right Tools and Tutor
Tutoring while guiding the student is my purpose. I believe that all students can learn and become high achievers if they are given the appropriate tools and strategies. I have an MBA from Ohio State University, a BA in Economics and a BBA in Management (from St. Mary's at Notre Dame). I have a minor in humanities. My years in the business world, and more than 20 years tutoring students from kindergarten through college, as well as conducting corporate training have permitted me to help s...
ADD/ADHD
The ADD/ADHD students I have worked with have actually been quite a joy. the key for me has been to determine what learning style they appear to have. I try to adapt the material and session to play to their strengths. I have over 10 years of experience in tutoring students with ADD/ADHD. I have attended seminars covering learning styles in special needs students in the course of my tutoring. This has led me to conduct seminars for teachers in addressing learning styles in special needs students. In my corporate career, I conducted training seminars for managers in how to train their employees that had adult ADD. Overall, I have about 15 years of experience in teaching people with ADD/ADHD.
algebra 1
algebra 2
American history
American History is currently my favorite history. I love to try to make American History come alive for my students. It is my belief that students can fall in love with American history and gain a terrific understanding of WHY it is important to study and know the history of the country's founding, including its founding documents.
ASVAB
business
I have two Bachelor's degrees in Business and an MBA. I have years of professional experience in the corporate world. In addition I own and operate my own company. I have broad based knowledge in business course work and business practices.
career development
When it comes to career development, I use a similar approach to my regular tutoring approach. I take into account the your personality type and your learning style. You and I will look at your work, life, and volunteer experiences and education. We will examine where your interests and goals are now. We look at industries and company cultures that might be a good fit. I have researched good fit fields for various Myers-Briggs types, and done extensive research and various types of jobs. I have spent over 25 years in management and consulting. Throughout this time, my official job duties as well as my volunteer mentoring duties have included advising people about career paths and job preparation. Time and again, clients are amazed that they can put together a well-thought out plan. They frequently just haven't known how to verbalize and explain their interests, nor have they realized how the experience and education they already have can be culled for proof that they are serious about their goals. I help you determine not only 'What Color is Your Parachute"---but also how to be sure the parachute works, and which plane(s) might be a good choice. Let's work together---the future is yours!
college counseling
elementary (k-6th)
Elementary reading and language arts are a specialty of mine. I have over 10 years experience tutoring various age elementary school children in reading, language arts, phonics spelling and vocabulary. The important thing when it comes to learning in the elementary school years is to incorporate what the school is teaching, along with working with the child's learning style. When you work with (rather than against) the child's learning style, the child becomes a much more successful student. These skills are what I also use to tutor in social studies and related subjects. Elementary school math must be learned step-by-step. Students that are struggling in math generally have some holes in their knowledge that must be addressed. When I meet with the student i first assess where the student is at, and then we move forward to fill in those gaps. I have more than 10 years experience tutoring math on a volunteer basis. Again, working with the child's learning style goes a long way toward helping the child succeed in math. Science in the elementary years must be approached with strong reading and math skills. Thus, tutoring in the sciences, by necessity will require addressing reading and comprehension issues, as well as filling in math gaps. Science then becomes much easier for the student. let me help your child succeed in math.
elementary math
English
GED
geometry
government & politics
grammar
literature
phonics
I have spent over 15 years teaching phonics on a volunteer basis to individual pre-school and elementary school aged students. I have used most of the major curriculum providers that specialize in phonics. These include Samuel B, as well as Teaching Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. In addition, I have trained other moms in how to teach their children phonics. This has in most cases helped correct reading and comprehension problems that the children have experienced. In the teaching of phonics, I work with the child's learning style, so as to maximize comprehension and learning, while making it enjoyable and non-intimidating for the child.
prealgebra
proofreading
reading
special needs
I have worked with special needs students for 20 years, while helping them reach their potential. The specific special needs that I have experience include: ADD and ADHD students, Aspergers' syndrome students, and dyslexic students. I am patient and kind, and work very hard at building student self-esteem. Students with special needs have suffered from emotional abuse from teachers and fellow students in many cases. In my tutoring time I spend time helping students believe in themselves, and to learn various ways of learning. This helps them work with their learning issues and find "work arounds". Student success is ALWAYS possible. It is NEVER too late. My goal is to nurture, heal, and inspire.
spelling
study skills
vocabulary
world history
writing
ADHD
Lyndsay P. from Chandler, AZ
My husband is an adult learner who has struggled with math his entire life. He also has ADD and some other learning difficulties so when it came time to retake a math class for the third time, we knew we needed to bring in reinforcements. Enter Kate. Kate has turned my husband's phobia of math into a comfort level that I've never seen. He even said today, after coming home from his tutoring session, "I've never felt this comfortable with math before"! This is HUGE! Not only is Kate patient, but she tailors the tutoring sessions to the specific needs of her clients. She has taught my husband tips and tricks to help him break down the math problem and make it feel less overwhelming. She has made herself incredibly available as well so we could work around my husband's school and work scheduling needs and we have appreciated that very much. I will forever be grateful (as will my husband) for our experiences with Kate and we highly, highly recommend her to anyone, including adult learners, who find math to be tedious, overwhelming and daunting. She has made the entire math experience for my husband not only tolerable but, she has helped build confidence and a feeling of accomplishment in him that I am so thankful for. Thank you Kate! You are amazing!!
Robert L. from Chandler, AZ
Kate is the best! I contacted her needing help with not only public speaking, but also coming up with effective PowerPoint presentations. She didn't just sit there and "preach"- she LITERALLY changed my way of thinking about how to get a point across and what techniques to use to change my attitude about both skill sets. I met her for an hour in the morning and left with a new outlook on ideas and focus and met with her again in the afternoon with a new approach. While I still need to "practice" the public speaking part, my skill overall is more refined and focused. Thank you, Kate!
Denise K. from Chandler, AZ
Kate knew exactly where to start with my daughter. She gave me great ideas on how to work with her at home. She was always patient, kind and persistent in making sure she was prepared for tests. Thanks, Kate!
Courtnie S. from Chandler, AZ
Kate is a sweet woman and very versatile. She helped my sophomore son with algebra 1, world history, an English project, and study skills. For algebra, she was able to relate the lessons to something my son loves - football. For history, she showed him how to pull out key points from the text. And thanks to Kate, my son went from not really knowing how to take effective notes to getting an A in the class. The teacher even used his notes as an ideal example for the rest of the class. She also took time to go over his schedule and help him organize his after-school hours so he could be most effective with his time. Also, when he had large projects, she helped to break them down into manageable pieces. I highly recommend Kate!
Kathy T. from Mesa, AZ
Kate tutored my son with the goal of raising his ASVAB (military entrance exam) score. Before tutoring, his score was 19 -- after tutoring with Kate for a relatively short period of time, our son's ASVAB score rose to 40! Our son enjoyed his tutoring sessions with Kate and found her to be patient and kind with a positive outlook and always ready with encouraging words. Thank you, Kate, for your very valuable help. We would highly recommend your tutoring services to anyone needing that extra help to achieve their goals!
Cathleen D. from Mesa, AZ
We had a great session tonight! We were able to finish up my son's algebra homework and spend some time working on graphing equations. He added these extra notes and examples to his folder. Excellent session!
Crystal W. from Mesa, AZ
We just LOVE Kate! She is so patient, very helpful and always has great tips to help her students succeed.
Tracey S. from Gilbert, AZ
My daughter has been going to Kate for tutoring for about 5 months. Her grade has improved steadily during that time. Kate has a great connection with her, which makes her feel comfortable and confident with her math skills. Kate is very easy to communicate with, and very accommodating when it comes to schedule changes. She works with my daughter at Barnes and Noble, which makes it very convenient for me as well. I would highly recommend Kate for tutoring!
Jen T. from Gilbert, AZ
Kate is a wonderful tutor! She has renewed my son's faith in his ability to learn algebra. Kate is always prompt, friendly and encouraging. She is a true educator in the sense that she cares about both her subject and her student. I am extremely pleased with my teenage son's progress-- he is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to Kate's patience and support! I highly recommend her!
Michael M. from Chandler, AZ
Our son has absolutely loved working with Kate from the very beginning. All the issues we are focusing on have shown excellent progress and he looks forward to each lesson. It's not possible to express enough appreciation for all the help! Thank You!
Kim F. from Chandler, AZ
Kate has worked with my daughter for three sessions now. My daughter feels very comfortable with her and Kate really works on getting her self confidence up regarding math. Kate is also very thorough in her lessons. Definitely worth the money! Kate does an excellent job explaining math concepts to my daughter!
Regina B. from Mesa, AZ
Kate is awesome! She has a great knowledge of highschoolers and what they need and how they learn. My son has not only increased his Algebra grade, but also has increased his confidence in math.
Ken P. from Gilbert, AZ
It was only one lesson, but both my wife and I were extremely happy with Kate, and our son, who does not like school, nor homework, was very excited to work with her again, and even asked if she could come every day. This has not happened to him in all his school years, so talk about a fantastic first impression! He took that single hour with her, and has already shown improvement in his study skills. Kate, I don't know how you did it, especially in only 1 lesson, but that was fantastic! Very, very much looking forward to the next lesson and beyond! Update, as of 4/24/2013 - Hi Kate. We just received word that our son received the highest score in the 6th grade, in math, on his Ames test. This is amazing, so exciting, and we’re so thankful for what you've done! You've done such an amazing job with him, and not just due to Ames testing, but in the fact that he simply DOES HIS HOMEWORK, and doesn't miss assignments (has never happened before). He just gets his work done, his grades are greatly improved, and the Ames testing -- well, the cherry on top of the cake. Again, you've done such a wonderful job, and we’re so grateful! Thank you so very, very much.
Marva N. from Mesa, AZ
Kate has tutored my daughter for almost 4 years in a wide range of subjects. She is amazingly dedicated, always comes up with ways for my daughter to understand things. She has become a member of the family and we rely on her. Thanks so much.
Olivia M. from Gilbert, AZ
Kate is truly an outstanding tutor. She is very patient, kind and has wonderful tutoring skills that have effectively helped our daughter master Pre-Algebra in just a short time. She is highly recommended and we are so grateful to have Kate as a tutor - we could not ask for anything more!
Junette W. from Gilbert, AZ
My daughter is now a sophomore in high school and she has had Kate as a tutor for a couple of years now. Most of the tutoring has been in junior high and high school math, but Kate is also helpful in other subjects like science and English. Kate goes above and beyond just being a tutor. She really takes an individual interest in my daughter and applies what she knows about her and the way she learns best when she provides tutoring for her. She has gone as far as to create flashcards on her own time that she felt my daughter could use in her preparation for a test. It's very reassuring for me as a parent to know that I can rely on Kate as an experienced tutor and while also feeling comfortable that she is spending time with someone that cares about her and wants to see her be successful.
Heather W. from Gilbert, AZ
Kate is so patient and encouraging with my daughter. She has a great way of making 5th grade math fun and works very hard to find ways to help my daughter understand the math problems or remember math facts. My daughter has made great improvements in her math grade over the past few months. Kate is very thoughtful and great to work with. She is considerate of schedules and makes every effort to accommodate changes when possible. I highly recommend Kate and am thankful we found such a great tutor to help our daughter. She always looks forward to working with Kate.
Joshua K. from Gilbert, AZ
We have been working proofreading a document that is over 250 pages with massive amounts of revision. She keeps seeing it through with me and does not lose patience. She is really a great tutor. I am lucky to have her. Thanks Kate!
Erin K. from Gilbert, AZ
I wish that I had had a teacher as patient as Kate years ago. She breaks things down into little steps, but doesn't make me feel dumb for needing that. I feel like I can really learn things now, because she has been so patient. Thanks so much, Kate. She helped me figure out how to begin to decide what I wanted to try to do with my career.
Jessie W. from Gilbert, AZ
WOW - Kate taught me how to save a bunch of money on my college tuition. Like you said Kate - testing will be like a college scholarship that I control myself! I can't thank you enough, but I will try! Thanks!!
Darcey H. from Mesa, AZ
Kate has been incredibly helpful with tutoring our two homeschooled daughters, 12 and 14. The girls love her and she explains things well, and has them teach back to her the things they are learning. She is always on time, and is 100% focused. She truly cares about their success and thanks to Kate the girls have been improving in math at a much faster rate. She doesn't let them "skim by", they have to really know it before they can move on. She's wonderful and I would recommend Kate to anyone!
Mindie L. from Gilbert, AZ
I have a tendency to not get to the point. That is the case whether I am writing or setting some goals for what I want to accomplish. Kate was able to help me figure out how to focus. Believe me, that is not an easy thing for me to do. I am more likely to wear myself out thinking of every possibility, and never get around to charting a path. That is discouraging. So her analysis of my hesitancy was Right On.
Patricia H. from Gilbert, AZ
I had gotten very frustrated working on my research project. Your approach was just perfect. As we worked through it together, you kept my spirits up and helped me to finish the first draft. You can be sure that I will be in touch in the future if I need help again. It is so reassuring to know that not only are you just an email away when we don't have a session, but beyond that, I can tell that you really believe in me. That made such a difference to me.
Dave H. from Gilbert, AZ
I have been working on a project that got stalled. Kate's great attitude and attention to detail made all the difference. We are now half-way through the project, and she will enable me to easily meet my deadline. Thanks, Kate.
Dan D. from Tempe, AZ
Kate is working with my grandson who wants to join the US Navy and wants to score high on his ASVAB test. Kate is just fantastic and is always available to him. I am totally happy with the progress he is making.
Duncan A. from Gilbert, AZ
I have always struggled with math and it was keeping me getting the above and beyond score I needed for my ASVAB. Kate was able to explain problems in terms I was able to understand. She set the problems step by step, which made solving much easier. Lessons were relaxed and very informative. She was very patient and would always correct me in a way that never made me feel discouraged. The homework she sent me actually felt like it was doing something for my memory and if I had question she was a phone call a way. Kate was the teacher I wish I had in high school because i would have been able to tackle the ASVAB much sooner and with confidence.
Kimberly K. from Chandler Heights, AZ
Our daughter has been struggling in school since the 3rd grade, mostly having a hard time staying focused and continuously falling behind in all subjects. After our first session with Kate, we knew we found the person that understood and was going to help. Kate helped to first solve our daughters main problem- "clutter" in her thoughts - which allowed us to go at a different angle with her reading and studying process. She helped her find a better way to organize and understand the material she was reading (she had been spending 4 hours per night on homework and reading assignments). After just over a month of tutoring sessions, our daughters grades have significantly improved and she has shown a better focus and understanding of her assignments. We are grateful to have found such a wonderful, proactive, and encouraging tutor. Ms. Kate is wonderful, and we are so happy to have found her.
Cindy P. from Chandler, AZ
We brought Kate in last fall (FY11) after our son (5th grade) was experiencing challenges with his math and creative writing. After working with him every other week for a 4 months and scaling back to once a month, I am very proud to say that in his year end celebration yesterday (May 2012) he not only made the MERIT HONOR Roll, but was selected to receive a PRESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT award for his high AIMS test scores. Kate, you were a blessing and although we hope we wont need tutoring services next year, but if we do expect a call from us! Thanks so much!
Lauren D. from Tempe, AZ
My daughter passed the ASVAB with a 60, far exceeding her goal of 50. She did especially well in math. Thank you so much - you helped her go from a 25 to 60 and she couldn't have done that by herself or with just our help. Now she can enlist in the Navy and move on with her life.
Michelle M. from Gilbert, AZ
Over the past several weeks my son has been gaining more confidence and his math grade is going in the right direction. We have decided to stick with Kate for the rest of the school year since she is very patient and Joey is feeling a lot better about math these days. Great job Kate! Thank you!
Allison H. from Mesa, AZ
Kate is a wonderful tutor! My daughter went from having to use her fingers to count addition and subtraction to being more confident in her abilities to do math. Kate has also helped her a lot with her test and quiz taking anxiety. She is truly a wonderful tutor!
Vickie G. from Gilbert, AZ
Kate is a wonderful person through and through. she has tricks up her sleeve to help my son in every way.
Sue H. from Gilbert, AZ
Kate has been tutoring my daughter for several months now, and has done such an outstanding job with helping her to turn her "D" into an "A" (in algebra). It was not even expected that she would do more than fill in knowledge gaps and catch up with this tutoring. But she is now excelling and not stressed at all about math! Thanks, Kate. We feel so blessed to have you!
Heather V. from Queen Creek, AZ
My family is so glad to work with Kate. We have been working with her for seven months. My son has gone up a whole grade level in reading but his confidence is the thing we notice most of all. Kate makes her lessons fun and she bring new ideas and techniques to see how your child best learns. My son looks forward to his lesson every week!
Fabiola G. from Chandler, AZ
Kate was wonderful. She helped me grasp some concepts that were difficult, and made them easier to comprehend. She was very interactive used visual aides and taught new tools to help get problems resolved faster and efficiently.
Theresa P. from Gilbert, AZ
My daughter has a very difficult time with math. Kate is great! She makes my daughter feel so much more confident each time that we meet with her!