Michelle is an educational therapist who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies from California State University, Northridge, and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Educational Therapy from the same institution. During her graduate studies, she worked as an educational therapist intern at CSUN's Teaching, Learning & Counseling Consortium, where she supported neurodiverse students with executive function skill building and learned how to address underlying issues that impede learning. Michelle has deep experience in education and has served as an instructional aide for students with autism and other developmental disabilities, a case supervisor for students learning adaptive skills, and an educational therapist. She is trained in Discrete Trial Teaching and Applied Behavior Analysis. As an educational therapist, Michelle regularly reads and interprets testing reports, conducts informal assessments, and addresses remedial math, reading, and writing needs. She also communicates with parents and any therapists, educators, and faculty that may be part of a student's support team. She supports elementary and middle school students with remedial reading, writing and math. At the high school level, she works with students in English, including AP Lit and AP Lang, math through Algebra I, American Sign Language, and writing. Michelle is also an experienced Executive Functioning coach who helps students improve study skills, time management, organization, and planning. In her free time, she enjoys playing puzzle games, creating art, cats, and true crime.

 

We Asked, Michelle Answered 

  • What is one of your fundamental beliefs about education?

    It is an opportunity for growth. Whenever my students get the wrong answer or don't understand how to do something, I tell them that it's okay because it tells us what we need to work on - we learn from our mistakes.

  • What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

    I enjoy working on executive function skills, especially organization. These skills are often not explicitly taught in school. I find great satisfaction in equipping my students with tools and strategies that they can use in their daily and academic routines.

  • What makes Hayutin different?

    The team is not only knowledgeable and efficient but also genuinely kind and attentive. They go above and beyond to ensure that every need is met, and their personalized approach makes a significant difference.

  • What is the favorite thing you've learned from a student?

    How to use tape diagrams for dividing fractions. Now that I understand it, I will be able to confidently help future students with this technique.
     

  • Other than education, what is something you are passionate about?

    I really enjoy traveling. My partner and I are always brainstorming ideas for the next adventure!

  • What is a stretch you experienced growing up?

    How to ask for help. During my undergraduate years, I only attended a professor's office hours once, and that was because a friend of mine wanted to ask for help on a problem while we were working on homework together. I do ask my supervisors questions now, primarily to avoid making mistakes that could negatively affect others. However, I still find it difficult to seek help when the impact is solely on myself.

  • If you could tutor any historical figure, who would it be and what would your focus be?

    I don't know about a historical figure, but I would love to be able to go back in time and tutor my 6th grade self. It was the first time I was not the "best student" in class and I really struggled with algebra. It never crossed my mind to ask my teacher or classmates for help. I thought that I had to figure it out on my own because that's what I was used to doing. 

  • What’s the book on your nightstand you are dying to read?

    I don't have a book picked out yet, but I am looking forward to reading my next mystery novel!

< BACK TO OUR TEAM