I am a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono where I received my Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology. During my undergraduate tenure I had the opportunity to participate in the Honors program, which focused on the study of Classic Western Literature. I got my CELTA (an English as a Second/Foreign Language teaching certificate) in Dublin, Ireland and earned a certificate to teach Spanish as a Foreign Language from la Universidad de Antioquia, in Medellin, Colombia. My tutoring experience has mostly been working with students in Colombia who are looking to improve their English language skills, anything from conversation to writing. The students range from beginners to people who are preparing for exams such as the TOEFL and IELTS. I tutor both English and Spanish. I really have a passion for languages and language learning, as I feel it opens up a new world for the learner. And sharing that experience as an educator opens my world to new ways of thinking and experiences. I can relate to language learners as I spent 5 years in Colombia learning and perfecting my own level of Spanish, while teaching English there. I think that people learn best when they are engaged in the language and relate personally to the material. Bringing language to life by using all five senses is critical to the learning experience. Outside of academia I like to do things that stimulate other areas of personal growth. For instance; I love traveling, especially abroad, and photography. Both of those allow me to engage with new places and people and take everything in. I also like to read and listen to music in Spanish and other languages, too! In my spare time, I follow the Red Sox and Patriots during their respective seasons.