I'm an English teacher from Portland, Oregon, and am enthusiastic about working with English learners from around the world. I love to travel and have lived in both China and Mexico, first as an English teacher and then as a foreign language student myself (I've studied Spanish and German for several years now). Studying language is a passion for me, and I am just as interested in learning foreign languages as my students are in learning English. Additionally, I love to camp, look at the stars through my telescope, play with my dog, and meet new people from different parts of the world.

Although my knowledge and experience of the English language is extensive and academic, I recognize that one of the best ways to develop conversational proficiency in any language is through conversation. I prefer low-pressure speaking settings to formal classroom learning, and from my experience as both a teacher and learner I've discovered that one can often learn more speaking to a friend or tutor than one can learn from a text book. I can provide grammar instruction whenever it's needed, but I generally try to keep tutoring sessions casual and informative.

I look forward to meeting new students and hope to have a chat with you soon!