We help students improve their performance across a wide range of academic subjects. By targeting and developing the critical thinking skills that underpin all learning, we train our students to read, write and think deeply. Our team gives students at all stages of education – from kindergarten to graduate school – a program of comprehensive support, including:
- One-on-one tutoring for individual subjects
- Dedicated training for test-taking
- Strategies for test anxiety
- Help with efficient work habits
- Support for the K-12, college, or graduate school admission process
- Revisions and notes for MFA applications in fiction or poetry
We also feel strongly that students with non-standard learning profiles deserve to have goal-oriented, compassionate support. That includes students with diagnosed learning disabilities, exceptional talents, alternative learning needs, and more. Our holistic approach fosters lifelong learning through a dual focus on academic training and personal development.
Partners in our practice:
Susan McCormick, Ph.D., works with students with non-standard learning profiles, including students who are:
- gifted
- artistic
- diagnosed with ADD/ADHD
- dyslexic
- dysgraphic
- anxious (esp. on tests)
- challenged by executive function
- twice exceptional
- standardized-test-phobic
- poorly served by traditional teaching approaches in other ways
She identifies and implements approaches that will allow students to navigate their academics and develop permanent, successful problem-solving and learning strategies. Her methodology focuses on developing skills with verbal input and output, primarily reading and writing. Since quantitative achievement also depends on verbal ability, targeting math is critical as well.
Dr. McCormick’s emphasis on language structure means that she works with students on essentially all of their major subjects: English language and literature; Math K-12; Science; History; Second language; AP/SAT/SATII/ACT/SSAT/HSPT/ISEE prep. Work may include college application counseling as well as support for admissions and transfer applications to area schools.
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Kai Marks, M.F.A., M.A. has worked in Bay Area education for 28 years as a teacher, a tutor, and a school administrator, including serving as a Head of School. She works individually with students in all areas of the reading and writing processes for students in grades 6-12 and in college and university settings. She has experience with all kinds of learners, both neurotypical and neurodivergent, including those who have learning profiles with:
- ADD/ADHD
- dyslexia
- dysgraphia
- anxiety and/or depression
- perfectionism
- ASD
- sensory-sensitive
- gifted
- twice exceptional
- multi-exceptional learning needs
In addition to individualized instruction, Kai also works with schools, assisting with a variety of needs, including: teacher/instructional coaching; curriculum design and implementation; and assistance with all aspects of school improvement and accreditation processes.
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Associates in our practice :
Thom Beckwith, M.F.A. helps students improve their writing skills. He prepares a wide range of documents for publication, including:
- College essays
- M.F.A. applications (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry)
- Essays for publication
- Middle and high school coursework
- Statements of purpose
- And more (contact with specific needs)
Thom is skilled at identifying and fixing structural issues commonly found in works of apprentice writing. He wants all of his students to feel empowered to write effectively and confidently. He believes that anyone can learn to write competently with practice.
As for M.F.A. applications, Thom knows from experience that creative writing programs are very selective and difficult to prepare for, since creative output is subjective. He can identify stylistic and structural elements that creative writing professors want to see in prospective applications. He can also point to common errors or mistakes that may disqualify applications from consideration. He’s also written recommendation letters for students who have not found mentors through formal creative writing classes.
Riley Mulcahy, BA
Riley Mulcahy is the Executive Director of The RILEY Project, a 5013c nonprofit dedicated to creating a platform for students and young adults who learn differently through storytelling, media literacy and advocacy. In addition to his work at The RILEY Project, he has worked with schools to elevate their online presence through social media and community outreach. Riley is an alum of Saint Mary’s College where he studied in English, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. As a person with dyslexia, Riley is well versed in the power of advocacy, and would be able to help schools and organizations serving all students to implement strategies to elevate their messaging and serve all students.