Request Tutoring Info
Please enter name
Please enter email
Please enter phone
Please enter details
Serena R.
Share
ESL/English & Medical Science Tutor  
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Language Lessons
Preschool
Adult Learning

Fun Facts

Since I have traveled a lot and lived in Central America, I really enjoy talking about travel and other cultures. I'm also a science buff! I love to talk about new discoveries in science and the wonders of nature. I'm very interested in the relationship of natural science to discoveries and advances in medicine. My favorite animal is the cat and I have two sweet kittens that I love to show off!

About Me

I have a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Although I retired from clinical work due to an injury, I have been a physical therapist for more than 30 years and I teach medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology to secondary school and adult ESL learners. I have a lot of experience as a pediatric therapist which has helped me to effectively engage Pre-K through primary school ESL and ELA learners. My youngest students are those who have not been able to enter the primary school system due to Covid restrictions for children under the age of five. I help them prepare for kindergarten and often these students enter at a reading level of first grade or above.

Experience

I began teaching ESL classes abroad in an orphanage in Guatemala to children from Pre-K to 6th grade. I also worked as their physical therapist and school nurse. Back in the USA I began remote tutoring with grade school children and then took on students at secondary school and college level for vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing. I expanded this to teach medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology to students in various medical college majors and careers.

Approach

I have a patient and facilitative style of teaching that encourages my students to develop independent skills throughout the learning process. I understand the challenges for students who have English as their second language as well as students who need additional assistance with comprehension and study skills. I like to combine visual, auditory, kinesthetic, reading, and writing exercises to help students find their strengths and gain confidence in their abilities.

Request Me Now

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Medical Technology

Arcadia University

Master's of Science Physical Therapy

Masters

coursework only

Graduate Coursework
Request Me Now

Anatomy Physiology I Tutoring

I took undergraduate and graduate anatomy and physiology and achieved a 3.0 or better in these courses. I also have practiced more than 30 years as a physical therapist which requires me to have ongoing knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as pathology and trauma.

English Tutoring

I always had a 3.8-4.0 average in all English courses throughout grade school and college.
I have been teaching English, both ESL and ELA curriculum for 6 years. I also teach children in under-served areas in Maryland. I understand the needs of students over a wide spectrum of abilities and challenges.

Reading Comprehension Tutoring

Reading comprehension is one of the key areas I consistently teach students in my ESL and ELA classes. I use core curriculum and methodology that fits the student's learning style to help them develop comprehension skills while reading. Students learn how to identify the plot, main themes, characters or subjects, and drill down into details of a story or essay.

Study Skills Tutoring

Study skills are the foundation of success in any learning process. I teach study skills to all my students regardless of age or grade. I teach common techniques but tailor them to each students needs and learning style. I do hold each student accountable for using the methods during class in their actual studying to make this a practical activity do be done on a daily basis. Emphasis is placed on taking notes and understanding the 80/20 rule when studying. Students learn to create a plan of action that meets their study goals and aligns with the assignments they receive. Gamifying tasks is also incorporated to keep the process engaging and interesting.

ESL Tutoring

I have 6 years of teaching ESL and EFL to students of all ages. I can help students prepare for exams and writing assignments as well as help them increase their vocabulary bank, grammar, speaking/pronunciation, and comprehension skills. Depending on their academic tasks, I teach formal or colloquial ways of expressing themselves and engaging with their cultural surroundings.

Reading Tutoring

I teach reading skills to help students not only understand what they are reading, but to give them techniques to analyze and discuss the issues in the reading material. We review different types of reading and how to read efficiently with good retention. Role play is used to engage the student in their understanding of the author's viewpoint as well as the characters in the story or subject matter. Student plans are geared toward their individual needs but include public speaking, phonemic awareness, scanning/searching, researching/searching, clarifying, questioning, inferring, debating, summarizing, and visualizing while organizing information.

Request Me Now