I have a Bachelors in Asian Studies with a focus on Japanese language from SUNY New Paltz, and am currently working toward my ESL certification. I have experience tutoring and teaching a wide array of age groups, from preschool to high school students, and thoroughly enjoy instilling a love of learning and curiosity about one's environment to my students. My specialties are Japanese language skills, Japanese culture, English language skills, Reading, Writing, and Essay editing. I always make an effort to provide an engaging learning environment where language is not only a subject to be studied, but a vital part of our daily interactions that can be incredibly interesting. I always try and foster a love of the language we speak and hear with my students so they may continue to enjoy it even while they aren't preparing for a test. Because I am not a native Japanese speaker, I understand the needs of those learning Japanese as a second language, and am always flexible to fit the way my students learn best. Outside of teaching, I spend my time cooking, painting, and watching Japanese soap operas.