This program is tailored for students in grades K – 8. Our specialists communicate with your child’s teacher to support and practice skills to reinforce their learning in school. Our support builds essential skills that lead to fluent reading, writing, comprehension, and mathematics.
OUR APPROACH TO TUTORING
We get insight from your child’s current teacher to understand where they need support most.
Academic Boost Tutoring targets specific sub-skills your child needs to become fluent in literacy, science, and math.
Our Academic Specialist assists your child with their homework, directly applying the skills they learn with us to their school work.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ACADEMIC TUTORING
Let’s discuss your child’s strengths and needs to determine if Academic Boost Tutoring is the right fit.
Your child will work with a tutor 1 to 3 times weekly to build skills leading to fluent reading, mathematics, and science.
Academic Support Specialist
Hello everyone! I’m Serena, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this community. Originally from New York, I spent the first 27 years there, earning degrees in Early Childhood & Elementary Education and Psychology from Hofstra University.
While my educational background initially led me to traditional teaching, I soon realized my true calling extended beyond the classroom. Relocating to California in 2010, I explored various roles, including a marketing and sales director stint for a San Francisco chocolate company. However, the one-on-one impact of supporting children’s growth and development drew me back to my roots as a Special Education teacher and Academic Support Specialist.
Educational Coach & Tutor
I’m Kaila, a passionate tutor and coach helping students discover their true potential. With my background in neuroscience, I customize tutoring for each kid’s cognitive process. For elementary to early high school students, I encourage exploration and engagement with math, biology, chemistry, and language arts.
Every student has a preferred way to learn, and I fit my approach to their ideal style. My goal is to encourage academic growth, equipping your child with the skills they’ll need to manage homework time, stay organized across classes, and reach their academic goals. Learning is enhanced by positive experience, and I personalize the process for each child, making sessions more enjoyable and effective.
Literacy Specialist
Natalie is dedicated to building fluency, confidence, and a love for learning in young readers. With over 6 years in education and a psychology background, Natalie specializes in working with elementary school students, especially grades K-2, through evidence-based methods like Orton-Gillingham strategies.
Natalie ensures each child gets the personalized, hands-on instruction suited to their unique needs, nurturing the personal and academic aspects of reading. Overall, she encourages children to find joy in becoming skillful, passionate learners through positive, stress-free experiences.
Academic Support Specialist
Hey everyone! My name is Maddy and I’m excited to be a part of the Mind by Design team as an Education Support Specialist. I’m passionate about empowering students by embracing their creativity and building their problem-solving skills. Growing up with an executive functioning coach as a mom, I’ve had first-hand experience with the challenges that parents and children face in the education system.Â
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems from the University of Nevada, Reno, a well-rounded program that was creative and technical in content. During my time at Reno, I continued to build my diverse skill set by pursuing a role as a writing and speaking consultant at our university writing center. There, I supported students one-on-one from all majors with a variety of assignments. In addition, I have spent the last seven years working in youth recreation in the City of Santa Clara’s junior theater program (RJJT).
Educational Tutor and Coach
Hello! I’m Dana, and for the last 20 years I have been a special education teacher in Bay Area public schools. Currently, I serve as a tutor and coach at Mind by Design, both roles I embrace with passion and dedication. What excites me about being part of the Mind by Design team is the ability to work individually with clients, and I’m committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
I embarked on my journey in education with a MS in Special Education from Dominican University, CA, a foundational experience that equipped me with the knowledge and skills to pursue my career. My professional path began as a Special Day Class teacher in San Francisco Unified School District, evolving over time to working as a Transition Specialist assisting high school seniors forge a path toward continuing education and a career. I am new to the Mind by Design team and look forward to working outside of the school setting.
An assessment of some sort helps determine which support is the right fit for your child. If you’ve already had an evaluation done elsewhere, let’s discuss whether it provides the information needed to help your child succeed.
The exact skills depend on what your child needs but may include foundational reading, writing, comprehension, and math skills.
Your academic specialist will connect with your child’s educator to get more information on their academic performance. From there, a customized plan will be developed for your child.
No, this service is not covered by insurance carriers. We do, however have packages of tutoring sessions available at a reduced rate.
Please see our Billing & Insurance page for additional information.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to schedule a call with one of our team members, please fill out the form. You’ll then receive a link to our calendar.
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