MY BACKGROUND

How I've Been Preparing to Help You

2010 - Present

PSYCHOMETRICIAN

As a Psychometrician I administer a variety of cognitive, academic and IQ tests to children and adults to assist in the diagnosis of different neuropsychological and learning issues. Although I have worked with patients of all ages, much of what I have done has involved assessing kids for ADHD, autism spectrum, dyslexia, and other learning differences.

2015- Present

SELF-DEFENSE / BULLYPROOFING INSTRUCTOR

In addition to being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown-belt level student myself, I have taught women's self defense and sport Jiu-Jitsu classes, and children's Jiu-Jitsu and bullyproofing classes at Harrisburg Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. With both groups, my focus is on empowerment and confidence-building, whether preparing for a self-defense situation or for a tournament. I also hold a 2nd degree black belt in Jung Sim Do from West Shore Academy of Martial arts where I trained for 10 years and instructed as well.

1996 - 2017

CERTIFIED BRADLEY CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR

I taught drug-free childbirth methods, deep relaxation, communication, breastfeeding and newborn care to couples to help them prepare for the transition into parenthood.

1996 - 2015

LA LECHE LEAGUE LEADER

I organized and led breastfeeding and parenting support meetings and events and offered individual mother-to-mother support to struggling new moms. I also presented at regional conferences on topics related to childbirth and parenting a "spirited" child.

2012-2015

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, CAIU / HOMESCHOOLING CO-OP TEACHER

I served as a substitute teacher in various local school districts, typically in Middle and High School settings through the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. I also designed and taught a variety of semester-long writing, science and study-skills courses for Middle and High School students at a co-op for homeschooled students.

1991-1996

GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT / LAB INSTRUCTOR, VIRGINIA TECH

During my graduate work in Experimental Psychology and Developmental Psychobiology, I taught a variety of classes and labs in the Psychology Department to upper-level undergraduate psychology students, in addition to assisting professors with lecturing, grading, and student support.

May 1993

VIRGINIA TECH, M.S. PSYCHOLOGY

May 1991

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY, B.A. PSYCHOLOGY / BIOLOGY

My Experience: My Experience

2020 - Present
OWNER / TUTOR at SAVAGE STUDY SKILLS
As a tutor, I work primarily with middle and high school students in the Camp Hill, Cumberland Valley, West Shore and Mechanicsburg school districts, as well as the private schools and several East Shore districts. We typically meet at Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill, although I have been known to be flexible depending on individual needs. We generally meet 1-2 hours per week, and I am available to them between sessions if they have a quick question or a piece of news to share. Helping students understand how they learn best is my primary objective, and I encourage them to develop skills and strategies that are as unique as they are.