About Me
About Michael
I am an educator, college counselor, curriculum writer, and tutor trainer. Having worked with several hundred students, and with experience at both large tutoring companies and boutique firms, I bring my expertise to meet the needs of each individual student.
From an early age I was passionate about learning. I graduated from Bowdoin College with BA in Sociology, where I worked in the Admissions Department. I have tutored students to perfect scores on both the SAT and ACT, and, more importantly, to major score increases. I am also a member of the Bay Area Tutoring Summit.
Prior to tutoring, I was a social worker working with adults with developmental disabilities and in a sober men's transitional housing program. I was also a project manager for SOTENI, a community development non-profit, working on the ground in Kenya, East Africa; I currently serve on the Advisory Board.
A graduate of Tamalpa Institute, I am a certified somatic movement and expressive arts educator. Outside of work, you might find me rehearsing with my dance company or hiking in the redwoods.
My Approach
In my years of tutoring, I have often found there is a need to reinforce the value of every young person, regardless of their grades or performance in school.
Students feel a pressure to produce results that has arguably never been higher – and that can be especially pronounced with testing. Amidst all of their responsibilities, I view the role of a tutor as a unique one: I not only offer my expertise, strategic guidance and practical tools but also support students in feeling seen and heard as a person.
I have found this holistic approach produces better results, too. Focusing on all the things a student can control – the strategies, the content, and self-care – brings their attention where it belongs, and away from the future unknowns that threaten to distract them from the task at hand. For students experiencing testing-related anxiety, I offer tools to bring themselves back to their bodies and calm down so they can return to focusing on one question at a time.
I view testing as a metaphor for life: a puzzle to solve, a mountain to summit. Whatever the challenges we face in life, there is someone to help so we don’t have to do it alone. I am here to work with each individual student, collaboratively set their goals, and support their success in every way I can.