Our rising 7th grader met with Ryan weekly to sharpen her analytic writing skills. She happily attended each session and found Ryan's teaching style to be engaging and effective. We feel she is in great shape to tackle 7th grade English!

— Pam C.

Ryan is not only able to engage with my son and challenge his critical thinking skills and help him improve his writing, but he also makes it interesting. For a middle schooler who gravitates toward sports, this is not an easy task. Ryan very diligently communicates with us on our son’s progress, which is always much appreciated.

—Jen L.

Ryan tutors my son in writing and SSAT preparation. I have seen the improvement of his writing and he is more engaged with his work. As the school year started, my son told me that he feels better about his schoolwork. Ryan really prepared him during the summer. I am looking forward to my son’s continued growth as he continues working with Ryan.

— Jian F.

Ryan is a stellar educator who helps students understand their hidden talents as writers and will unlock their passion for reading! His experience is wide and deep. A talented writer and an overall great person, your young person will be lucky to work with him!

—Laurie G.

Ryan is a former graduate student of mine, and I also had the opportunity to work with him for several years in the school where he used to teach. He loves what he does and is so good with adults and kids. I HIGHLY recommend him if you are looking for something for any of your kids, teens, and/or young adults!

—Tomasen C.

Academic Coaching & Writing Support

I offer virtual (Zoom-based) academic coaching, tutoring, and writing mentorship for K–12 students, college and graduate students, and adults/professionals. I specialize in supporting diverse learning profiles, with a focus on neurodivergent and twice-exceptional (2e) learners. My goal is to help students and adult learners build skills, confidence, independence, and a sense of agency in their learning.

Writing Support (Grades 2–12, College, Graduate, Professional)

I support learners at every stage of the writing process:

  • Essay writing, including application essays

  • Subject-specific writing (English, history, humanities, and beyond)

  • Developing a clear thesis or argument and supporting it with strong evidence

  • Mechanics, style, voice, and word choice

  • Revision strategies and feedback that empower students to self-edit

Reading Support (K-12)

Targeted instruction and enrichment for reading:

  • Decoding and fluency

  • Vocabulary development

  • Comprehension strategies, including summarizing and inferring

  • Building stamina and confidence as readers

Executive Function Coaching (Grades 2–12, College, Graduate, Professional)

Support for skills that strengthen learning:

  • Organization (including digital organization systems)

  • Prioritization and task initiation

  • Time management and planning

  • Goal setting, reflection, and future planning

  • Study skills and test preparation

  • Self-advocacy and communication with teachers

ADHD Coaching (Grades 2–12, College, Graduate, Professional)

Strengths-based coaching that is collaborative and practical:

  • Building self-awareness and metacognition

  • Collaborative problem-solving

  • Ongoing academic support and coaching related to executive functioning

  • Advocacy for student needs at school and at home (Grades 2–12)

  • Developing strategies to express one’s natural learning style and neurodivergent traits more comfortably in academic and social contexts

Enrichment in Reading & Writing for Gifted & Advanced Learners (Grades 4–12, College Students, and Adults)

Opportunities to stretch thinking and creativity:

  • Reading enrichment: advanced comprehension and analysis, independent reading projects, advanced vocabulary and etymology

  • Writing enrichment: advanced writing techniques, creative and analytical projects, advanced grammar and syntax

Test Practice (Grades 5–12)

Focused strategies for effective test preparation:

  • SSAT

  • ISEE

  • SAT

  • ACT

Creative Writing Mentorship (Grades 4–12, College Students, and Adults)

Individualized guidance for developing voice and skill:

  • One-on-one feedback and encouragement

  • Regularly scheduled virtual sessions

  • Semester or full academic year options

  • Customized summer programs

About My Work

I’m a veteran K–12 educator who has served as a school librarian, English teacher, and academic advisor. In 2023, I founded Pinestar Educational, through which I offer private tutoring, academic coaching, creative writing mentorship, curriculum development, and educational consulting.

I’m also a published author, and my work as a writer deeply informs how I teach. Early in my teaching career, I realized I needed to model the same habits I asked of my students—drafting regularly, revising, and sharing work with others. That philosophy continues to shape my coaching today.

My books include a professional title for educators as well as children’s literature, including picture books and middle-grade nonfiction. I regularly write about education, literacy, and neurodivergent learners for national publications and visit with students and educators across the country.

Educational Background

  • B.A., Media Studies — University of North Carolina at Greensboro

  • M.Ed., Middle School Education — Lesley University

  • M.A., English Literature — Bread Loaf School of English, Middlebury College

  • Post-Master’s Certification, School Library Teacher (K–12) — Simmons University

  • Graduate Certificate, Theology & Ministry — Boston College

Interested in discussing academic coaching? I’d be happy to connect with you!