About this Coach

LESSON FEES: $55 for a 30-minute lesson $65 for a 45-minute lesson $75 for a 60-minute lesson IN-PERSON LESSON LOCATIONS: Hawthorne, El Segundo, Torrance, Culver City, Venice, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach SUBJECTS: Social Studies, World History, European History, Music Appreciation, Guitar, Flute, Voice, Singing, Audition Prep, General Writing, Essay Writing, Creative Writing, College Application Essay, Literature, Grammar/Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Reading, SAT - English Prep, ACT - English Prep, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition COACH BIO: As a mother of two, and a teacher with over 20 years experience, I understand the challenges that parents face. I homeschooled my daughter for four years. She is currently a junior at UC Berkeley. My son just graduated from Sarah Lawrence College. My entire life has been immersed in the creative arts. I’ve performed in dozens of musicals and plays, and participated in choirs, glee clubs, and choral groups. I majored in music at Fort Wayne Bible College and studied theatre and dance at Cleveland State University, Indiana University, and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I studied child development at Santa Monica College, which helped me develop my signature music class: “Sing, Dance & Play,” which I’ve been teaching since 1999. In 2019, I wrote and performed a one woman show about my life called “Wake Up Little Susy.” I created 30 different characters to tell my story (including a sage old sea turtle, and a wise-cracking, brutally honest puppet). I’m passionate about literacy and creative expression. I wrote my first memoir when I was 8 years old and have been writing ever since. My expertise includes creative writing, storytelling, developing characters, memoir, and journaling. I help students find their authentic voice so they can write about their personal lives with confidence and clarity. My teaching philosophy is that spelling, grammar, and writing logistics can be fun and that students learn better when they enjoy the process. My approach is sensitive, kind, and consistent. I hold a high bar for success, while also giving students the gentle encouragement they need to feel comfortable and creative.