About Me

Hi! My name is Abby, and I currently work as a full-time nanny (and occasional babysitter) in Nashville, TN, and I love my job.

I was born and raised here in Nashville, and I have enjoyed working with babies and children from an early age. In high school, I imagined having a career in Early Childhood Education or as a Child Life Specialist. Even without younger siblings to care for, I found plenty of babysitting gigs to keep me busy, and I loved volunteering my time as a rocker for Centennial Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit once I graduated high school.

After graduating from Harpeth Hall School in 2011, I double-majored in two of my other favorite subjects: English and Chinese Studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. Nevertheless, even after college, I felt unsure of what I wanted my life and career to look like day-to-day. I was offered the chance of a lifetime to study Creative Writing in the University of Memphis MFA program. I completed two years of the program before deciding I needed to pursue something else. Although I loved reading, writing, and having in-depth discussions on literature and history, I did not enjoy teaching large groups at the collegiate level. However, I did greatly enjoy my work as a tutor over those years. I tutored children ages 4-17 at the Bowie Center in Memphis, most often working with high school students looking to improve their scores on the English, Reading, and Writing sections of the ACT. I also have dozens of hours of experience tutoring students through the Wilson Reading System techniques (specifically designed to help students with learning differences such as dyslexia), middle school language arts, high school English, and both high school and college essay writing. Strong reading comprehension and the ability to write effectively are crucial keys to success in any academic or career field, so I take great care to make sure my students and I stay on the same page. I also worked in the University of Memphis's Center for Writing and Communication to assist undergraduate and graduate students (across a variety of majors/subjects) craft written assignments through the planning, drafting, revising, and final editing stages of their projects. I am also experienced in helping students construct and practice delivering oral presentations.

Additional Qualifications and Previous Experience

In 2014, I earned my certificate to teach English as a Second Language through Oxford Seminars. From 2014-2015, I taught ESL once a week as a volunteer for Memphis's Refugee Empowerment Program, teaching flexible lesson plans to cater any study from age eight to eighty. While studying abroad in Taiwan in 2012, I also taught an English as a Foreign Language class.

Through personalized one-on-one attention, I can supplement your child's education according to their strengths and weaknesses. I strive to make learning fun, interesting, and confidence-boosting by offering a nonjudgmental space for my students, regardless of age or learning level. I am especially passionate about working for the welfare of future generations, especially through education.

I have worked very hard for my academic success, and understand the frustration your or your child may be feeling when faced with intimidating tasks. Learning should be fun and should instill students with self-confidence and further curiosity to learn more. I sincerely believe that every student can succeed, given the right tools and guidance. I respect every teacher who strives to reach each of their students; however, having more than twenty students in class at a time makes optimal learning for every student virtually impossible—and, please believe me, I say this from experience.

If you are interested in my tutoring services or if you would like a list of my professional and/or personal references, please contact me. I hope to hear from you soon!