About Me
About Michael
I am a test prep specialist, college admissions counselor, and academic tutor. 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.
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I graduated from Bowdoin College with degree 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 a member of the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC), the Bay Area Tutoring Summit and the Matchlighters Scholars Program.
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A graduate of Tamalpa Institute, I am a certified Somatic and Expressive Arts Educator, and I use this training to better resource students for the academic and personal challenges they may face in high school and beyond. I am also a test prep curriculum writer and tutor trainer.
I previously owned a skills training business for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, and worked in a sober men's transitional shelter program. Outside of work, you might find me rehearsing with my dance theater company or hiking in the redwoods.
My Approach
In my career, 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.
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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.