Deborah

My teaching mentality and methods draw from my lifelong journeys as a martial artist and Jewish neurodivergent student (ADHD, anxiety, depression). With empathy, I emphasize personalizing processes and strategies, effort and progress over perfection, understanding over memorization, validation, and fun. Dubbed the Queen of Google Docs, I often tutor using color-codes, odd but apt analogies, examples with Batman, corny jokes, and vitally, plans based on YOUR needs and strengths, aiming to aid on not only your current assignment but also relevant skills for future ones. My students often say that I reduce their assignment anxiety, make assignments clearer and more approachable, and help them see their writing in whole new ways. I love when I clarify concepts and students say, "wait, it's that simple?" I've taught writing as a TA (5 years), an adjunct professor (2 years), and a writing center tutor (10+ years). I am now a PhD student.

["I enjoy hiking","biking","playing board games","reading","watching comedy specials and shows","spending time with friends and loved ones","and (hopefully soon) returning to actively practicing martial arts. Organized","quirky","creative","I'm from New York but currently live in Philadelphia with my husband and two cats."]