"I am a 35-year veteran elementary school teacher in the Ithaca, NY city schools. I also have a degree teaching secondary English. In addition I have had over 150 magazine articles published in: Highlights for Children, Sports Illustrated, Parenting and many other magazines. In 2000 my book about athletes who overcame severe adversity,Uncommon Champions, was published by Boyds Mill Press.

In 2005 I founded a nonprofit tutoring organization, Golden Opportunity (aka GO), that provides free one-on-one tutoring matching retired teachers with struggling low-income students in our district. As we complete our 19th year GO has provided free tutoring for 900 students.

It is my belief that every student can learn with the proper support and guidance. Every student has his or her own strengths that can be the foundation for future success. I have been tutoring for nearly 40 years and I take great satisfaction in watching my students learn to believe in themselves and thrive." less...