Ellie's Story:

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My journey in education and tutoring spans nearly 20 years and began in an extraordinary place—the Kingdom of Bhutan. After receiving a BA in German from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia, I had the privilege of teaching law while immersing myself in a unique cultural and educational environment halfway across the globe. This experience reinforced my commitment to inclusive and accessible education for all.

Test Prep

In my own preparation for law school, I took an LSAT prep course and learned firsthand how effective test prep can be. I'd historically performed well on standardized tests, but I improved my score from 153 to 173, the 99th percentile. Upon returning to the United States, I joined Kaplan, where I specialized in test preparation for  the SAT, ACT,  GRE, and the LSAT. Helping students navigate standardized tests and achieve their academic goals became a central part of my academic interests.

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Teaching

I later transitioned to NC A&T State University, where I guided undergraduate students on a pre-law track. These varied experiences, both personally and professionally, have equipped me with a strong foundation in critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education. My approach is student-centered, focusing on fostering a supportive and encouraging learning environment where every student can thrive.

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Neurodiversity

I was diagnosed with autism only a few years ago, and I remember feeling as if pieces were falling into place as I reflected on my experiences as a student and educator. There were always aspects of learning that felt more – or less – difficult for me than my peers. It wasn't until I began teaching that I realized how some of those challenges were due to the way systems designed to teach every student simply didn't work best for me. This personal knowledge grounds my practice as I learn and incorporate what works best for each individual student.