FAQ

Why do you like supporting executive functions, or organizational skills?

Learning how we think, learn, and organize our time and work is essential! I love seeing people take charge of their time, school, and work obligations because they’ve learned how they think and which strategies are most effective for a given task, project, or assignment.

How did you learn how to teach writing? 

I was the kid writing stories and thrillers who became an English major in college, so I wrote lots of essays and papers.  I studied Spanish at the graduate level as I taught both English and Spanish, and there was more writing, and in a different language.

I got to know how languages, contexts, and meanings work.

Grammar matters! Vocabulary is essential!  Syntax! But so is voice, clarity, and detail.  I continue trainings in today’s best methods of writing instruction because I love it.

What is your experience?  

After being in the classroom in both public and private schools, I started tutoring about 15 years ago.  I sought the best training and certifications.

I completed professional certification for Supporting ADHD Support and Neurodiversity (Learning Differences)  from Landmark College, an innovative and effective college serving students with LDs and ADHD in 2019.

My final project explores and explains the functions of long-term and short-term memory in writing and how to maximize both in learners. 

I use a variety of effective methods from the structured, high-support Hochman Writing and SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development)  Methods to the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop techniques I learned at Columbia University’s Teachers’ College institutes.

What is most important about your work with students?  

“Everything is possible with relationship,” is my mantra. I relish the individual attention I can give to students. I encourage students to learn and communicate with integrity, impact, and accuracy. They need to learn “to fish,” instead of being served broiled salmon. 

What is your background?    

I grew up on the Texas-Mexico border with intensive Spanish in school and at my friends’ homes in El Paso, Texas. English and Spanish have lived side-by-side since the 1600′s. This was the foundation of my bilingualism and my love of Mexican culture. I graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, and then began my career as an English teacher in bilingual schools in Albuquerque, NM.

I studied Spanish in college, at the graduate level, in graduate translation courses, and in Cuernavaca and Oaxaca, Mexico. I also studied in Seville, Spain.

Do you have a family? Where do you live?

We live in Santa Fe, NM after several years in Manhattan.

Yes. Husband of 34 years and three kids.  Two who are grown and flown, and one attends Southern Methodist University, SMU, in Dallas, Texas.  And, a dog- Phoebe.  

We have a grandchild too!

What do you for fun?  

A lot, and I’m trying to have more! I’m a big believer in fun.  I love physical activities: running, tennis, dance, skiing, and yoga. New ethnic foods and finding hotter hot sauces are also passions. Travel and learning more about people and places is becoming a bigger part of my life.  Check out my Instagram @c14learn2live. 

I’m a frequent ballet performance groupie, and I love all other art forms too. I can’t wait to read every night before bed. And then there is Netflix too. 

Current & Recent Training

Executive Functions and Neurodiversity Support Certification. Landmark College Institute.  The newest and most effective methods come from Landmark College. I’m already using the techniques and materials I’ve developed. My thesis explores and explains the functions of long-term and short-term memory in writing and how to maximize both in learners. 

SRSD, Self-Regulated Strategy Development, Method. July 2019. New York City. Writing requires so much mental energy and focus, or self-regulation. Some students need concrete techniques they can call on quickly for academic writing. Many are named with memorable acronyms and sequenced in a logical way. Answering prompts correctly, talking oneself to persevere and finish,  paragraph structure, essay structure, and revision strategies are emphasized.

The Hochman Writing Method, presented by The Writing Revolution. December 2018-February 2019. New York City. Many students need this structured, clear method that begins with correct sentences and builds to long essays and academic compositions.  I’m already using the Note-Taking technique and Single Paragraph Outline with my students!

Columbia University’s Teacher’s College Teacher-Student Conference Institute. December 2017. Students learn to read critically and write from individual time with the teacher and in small groups.   Essay Writing Institute. October 2017.  Writers of all ages can, and should, write essays with a claim supported by clear evidence.  Reader’s and Writer’s Projects Summer 2017. 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Currently.  I work with students at Santa Fe Preparatory School in addition to working with students online.  I love being in schools. 🙂

Teaching Certifications:  English, and Social Studies Grades 6-12.  Spanish – Grades K-12. ESL (English as a Second Language)  K-12

SCHOOLS AND TEACHING EXPERIENCES

American School of Bombay in January 2017.  My customized Spanish and English enrichment programs ran at the beginning of January in Mumbai, India. Spanish for Little Learners, KidSpanish, Speak Spanish Now and Around the World in 5 Days (English) were a hit!

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte, NC.  2011- 2016. Spanish I-IV, Spanish Immersion Social Studies.

Charlotte Country Day School.  1999-2009.  Spanish Teacher. Department Chair of Middle School Foreign Languages.

Albuquerque Public Schools. English 9-12. 12 AP.  Albuquerque, NM.  1995-1998.