As a Drama major, I focused on directing and dabbled in writing, performing, and costuming as well. As an Italian major, I spent a semester studying at the University of Bologna, completed a translation for my thesis, and worked as a drill instructor for first-year students. After graduating I was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Catania, Sicily, where I spent a year teaching high school students English language, culture, literature, and theatre. In my spare time, I acted in an Italian version of As You Like It, did a weekly guest spot on a radio station, tutored privately, and started an after school theatre program culminating in an end-of-year performance in English. In addition to tutoring, I currently devote my professional time and energy to theatre directing and producing. I am fascinated by the ways in which the arts can impact and enrich society in ways both big and small, and using this understanding to develop a culture of creativity and community. As a tutor, I find that empathy, a sense of humor, and flexibility are invaluable in helping others gain academic success and personal confidence. Working as a director has taught me that careful listening and guided collaboration are critical to both problem solving and teaching--and of course, that there is no greater teacher than trial and error! I love finding ways to help others make connections, develop strategies, and answer questions. A naturally curious spirit, I find that learning what makes people tick and how we can use it to resolve problems is a ongoing challenge and tireless adventure. I'm an avid (albeit still amateur) runner, sometime yogi, and constant consumer-participant in the cultural life of New York City. In the short term, I aspire to finally have enough shelving to keep my books off the floor and an urban herb garden that makes it through the winter.

Books, travel, arts