Gemma
Support for Writers of All Ages and Abilities!
I guide writers through the development of their work — from academic writing to fiction, from application essays and test essays to plays. I have a sub-specialty in working with individuals with disabilities, including executive functioning disorders (such as ADHD), learning disabilities, and anxiety disorders; my unique coaching system supports all writers of all ages and skill levels, from high school students to doctoral candidates, by focusing on the individual's specific writing process...
literature
proofreading
SAT writing
Theater
ADHD
theatre
I worked in theater for more than ten years, as a playwright, director, and stage manager. My work has been produced in New York and Chicago. I have trained with a wide range of prestigious playwrights and directors in multiple cities and am the founder of the Ghana Sustainable Aid Project's Theater and Performance Club in Pokuase, Ghana.
ADD/ADHD
Since 2009, I have been a writing coach at the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Office of Access and Disabilities Services, as well as coaching students independently. I have consistently supported students with executive functioning disorders, including ADHD, in their written work. I am well-read in the disability, but focus on working from a student or client's skills and strengths.
dyslexia
English
grammar
reading
writing
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Connie O. from Brookline, MA
We are so appreciative to Gemma for everything she has been doing to help my daughter! The two of them have a really good connection, and my daughter no longer loathes writing as she used to. Gemma has really gotten to know my daughter and her way of working. It's all going in the right direction for her, and we really have Gemma to thank for that. She is a very special "find" for us!
Vladimir Z. from Chestnut Hill, MA
My son has been working with Gemma since last Fall with the goal to become an independent and effective writer. I believe that in great part because of Gemma's creativity, professionalism and ability to engage our son was able to significantly advance himself. Gemma is always prepared and always works on a "bigger picture" not being limited to the assignment at hand. It is very important that while coaching our son on a particular homework she always makes a step toward achieving a bigger goal. We certainly plan to continue working with Gemma over the next school year.
Thomas A. from Miami, FL
Gemma is a wonderful writing instructor. She really forces you to think, and connect what would appear at the moment unrelated. She helps you hone in on structure, and will definitely help bring to life a much stronger piece of work.
Cathy D. from Hingham, MA
Gemma's goal with my son was to develop a habit of mind with regard to essay writing and develop a strategy for outlining his argument and choosing relevant quotes in the text. My son said she asked really good questions and made him "dig deep" to think about the text as it relates to the prompt.
Lorraine N. from Boston, MA
She was excellent in helping me learn how to write a paper, not doing to much work for me. Thanks Gemma.
Lisa L. from Reading, MA
Gemma was wonderful. She provided me the direction to properly form my paragraphs to provide strength to my content.
Abra B. from Cambridge, MA
So far Gemma sets reachable weekly goals that have helped me a leave a serious year or two of writer's block. She's also been great with visualizing the presentation of qualitative data in diagrams and figures.
Ed H. from Seattle, WA
Gemma is helping me prep for a writing assessment test. Her feedback is helpful and she is very knowledgeable about writing. Would recommend highly for help with writing.