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Hi! I’m Kelly. Welcome to my website!

What I do - The specifics

I can help your teen with ...

  • High-stakes standardized test prep:

    SAT, ACT, GMAT, ISEE, HSPT

  • Academic subject mastery:

    Math, History, English, Writing, Spanish

  • Resilience:

    Capacity to Rebound from Setbacks and Challenges

  • Executive Functioning Skills:

    Study Habits and Time Management

  • Buy-in:

    Active Engagement and Ownership of Learning

  • Self- confidence:

    Belief in one’s Abilities and Potential

  • Growth Mindset:

    Adaptability and a Love for Learning

I can help you, the parent, with ...

  • Maintaining Strong Student/Parent/Tutor Communication and Collaboration
  • Understanding Educational Systems/Requirements
  • Holistic and Balanced Learning Environment
  • Access to Elite Educational Opportunities
  • Educational Journey Guidance
  • Admissions Navigation

Tools For Success

To achieve these exciting outcomes, Kelly utilizes the following:

Well-defined plan and structure

Elite teaching/instruction

Proactive parent collaboration

Rigorous accountability

Adaptive learning techniques

Cutting-edge resources

Holistic development focus

Powerful rapport

Results oriented approach

My Services

STANDARDIZED TEST PREP

I provide expert guidance and support for students taking the SAT or ACT college admissions exams. We determine the best fit test for your teen through an instrument created specifically for this purpose. Then, we create an effective, personalized test prep plan. I teach both the relevant academic concepts and test-taking strategies. I hold students accountable, ensuring they’re engaged and actively contributing to their own success. And I provide guidance on the specific timing of the process and official test dates.

With expert guidance, your teen can approach these daunting tests with confidence and skill.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

I offer elementary, middle school, and high-school academic support for subjects across the board, including, but not limited to, all math through Alg 2; Spanish (I’m fluent), English, reading, and writing; and history. Recognizing that every student learns differently, I adapt my teaching methods to cater to individual learning styles. My approach goes beyond mere content teaching; I inspire a hunger for self improvement, foster curiosity, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Whether it’s mathematics, history, or Spanish, my academic support services are designed to equip your child with the knowledge and skills they need to excel.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILL SUPPORT

I can help your child or teen develop and strengthen executive functioning skills, skills which are essential for success both now and in the future. Our work together intentionally and effectively nurtures stamina, focus, preparation, discipline, organization, and motivation. Achieving skill set mastery here is no different than achieving skill-set mastery with other skills: executive functioning skills must be taught, practiced, and reinforced – over time. Setting students up for success in every facet of life, these critical skills inevitably lead to massive boosts in confidence and self-esteem.

Executive functioning skill fluency sets a student up for success – now and in life.

My Process

1

Get to know you meeting

We make acquaintances, review processes, and clarify goals and expectations.

2

Create a Plan

We discuss a timeline (for standardized tests) and frequency of meetings as well as what’s required – both from me and from the student – to achieve agreed upon goals.

3

Material Access

Learn about the plethora of resources – both paper and digital – your child now has access to, including powerful practice digital tools.

4

We begin our learning journey.

Our sessions are dynamic and highly interactive.

What Sessions are Like

Active

We move

Interactive

We engage one another

Challenging

We push outside of comfort zone

Structured

We stay on task

Productive

We achieve tangible progress

Positive

We build confidence and foster a “can do” attitude

Experiences and Expertise

Graduate of Princeton
University in
1991

Teacher of the
Year
1993

Teach for America participant in
Houston,
Tx (1991-1995)

Diverse public & private classroom teaching experiences
(1991 - 2005)

18 years perfecting a high stakes exam prep program for 1000 plus client families

30 years of experience connecting with, challenging, and empowering young people

Testimonials

Bill KurtzChief Executive Officer  , DSST Public Schools
Nat RosenthalVice President  - Professional Services , NetSuite
Jim SternAuthor, Speaker, and Consultant
StephanieHouston
Charles and TinaHouston
JDHouston
SumanChicago
Jack KlosekStudent at Columbia University

Kelly is an exceptional coach who quickly understands who your child/teen is, what motivates him/her, and how to get the best from them.  He brings an unusual combination of great content knowledge and strong interpersonal coaching skills.

Kelly tutored my son for the ACT and essay writing.  Short answer:  he raised his score by 5 points in 6 weeks and made writing essay fun.  Long answer:  Kelly has a kind and gentle approach, teaching that resonated with my son.
The biggest difference I’ve noticed in my 17 year old Collin, among many, has been Collin’s ability to see what he is ACTUALLY capable of achieving. Kelly has a POWERFUL gift of helping people discover their actual potential. The confidence he has helped instill in Collin is irreplaceable.
With Kelly’s assistance, all 4 of our children were able to achieve an average score of 8 on each section of the ISEE.  3 of our children then returned to work with Kelly for SAT and/or ACT prep.  (The 4th will be working with Kelly next year when he prepares for the SAT or ACT).  With Kelly’s assistance, our daughter achieved a near perfect score on the SAT while our sons each achieved a perfect score on the ACT.  Kelly’s help was invaluable
Kelly is always able to explain things differently to him so that our child “gets it.”
I was so impressed with how Kelly handled two very different types of students and enabled them both to achieve in their own unique ways.  He knows how to teach and to push with care and encouragement .
Kelly had extensive knowledge of content, question styles, and prep methods, and he knew tips and tricks that saved time during the test and helped me leverage all available resources, including practice exams, question banks, and expertise from other tutors when necessary.
What set Kelly apart from other tutors or courses I had previously used was the fact that he held me accountable. We had frank discussions about what was going to be needed in order for me to reach my goals……. Additionally, Kelly got to know me on a personal level. If something was bothering me or on my mind, I knew I could share my thoughts and feelings. I truly believe I learned as much about awareness, mindset, and goal-setting as I did about the ACT.