Meet our Tutors

Meet Our Tutors

Elisabeth McLaughlin

Tutor

What subjects do you like to tutor?

I enjoy tutoring most subjects in humanities, especially writing, however, I am capable of tutoring science as well. I am quite passionate about working with “learning disabilities,” as I myself have been diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD and quite enjoy passing on my knowledge on how to manage in the school system.

Education and current job.

I have a B.A. in Philosophy and currently work full-time at 4Corners Riversports.

Why do you like to tutor?

I have have a passion for learning as well as an understanding of what it is like to have a brain that works quite differently than the “average.” For myself, there is nothing quite like being part of the psychological transformation of non-understanding to understanding. If I can in anyway impart the utter enjoyment and feeling of power that comes with learning and knowledge, then I am accomplishing something beyond myself.

What are you doing when not tutoring or working?

I am constantly reading, indulging in a hobby, learning something new, or gallivanting about in nature.

Fred Kosak

Tutor

What subjects do you like to tutor?

SAT & ACT prep, writing, reading, research, Chinese (Mandarin), and French.

Education plus current job:

McGill University (East Asian Studies), Peking University, and Middlebury College Language Institute. Currently works at the iAM MUSIC Institute, running individual and group lessons in ukulele, mandolin, guitar, and songwriting.

Why do you like to tutor?

As a teacher of almost 15 years, I’ve always gotten enormous satisfaction out of watching students’ intellectual growth and the sense of empowerment they take away from each successful learning experience. Realizing that we all have the ability to better ourselves, whatever the subject and its challenges, is an insight we can all bring to other areas of life where we sometimes feel powerless or stuck in our routines.

What are you doing when not tutoring or working?

I write and play music in three different Durango-based bands, backcountry ski, mountain bike, backpack, roast coffee, and read.

Kylie Krauss

Tutor

What subjects do you like to tutorMath, Science, Test-prep

Education plus current job:
BS in Biology from Warren Wilson College and an MS in Restoration Ecology from the University of Idaho.

Besides tutoring, I teach Biology at Pueblo Community College and run a landscaping/garden care business called Little Elk Landscapes.

Why do you like to tutor?
I enjoy working one-on-one with students, getting to know them as individuals and tailoring my teaching style to their unique learning styles. I guess I just love learning (it’s so fun!) and I love sharing my passion for learning with my students.

What are you doing when not tutoring or working?

Probably riding bikes. Or skiing, hiking, running, gardening, reading books and fixing and/or breaking things.

Isaac Segura

Tutor

What subjects do you like to tutor?
Chemistry, Physics, Math, Biology

Education plus current job:
B. S. Chemistry – Fort Lewis College

Why do you like to tutor?
The rapport that develops in a one-on-one dynamic is ideal for learning. Each encounter is a challenge because the process of teaching needs to be unique and singular with every student. In that, I learn every time I teach in order to adapt with different learning styles.

What are you doing when not tutoring or working?
traveling, cycling, cooking, photographing, reading, writing… Best when any of these are done with friends!

Katie Ratko

Tutor

What subjects do you like to tutor?
I like to tutor Spanish and writing.

Education plus current job:
I am a recent graduate of Fort Lewis with a B.A. in Spanish. Along with tutoring, I also work at the Pet Haus!

Why do you like to tutor?
It’s such a privilege to see the individual growth from working with a student one-on-one. It feels great when students tell me they’re gaining confidence in their own skills – it’s always my goal to equip students with the tools to grow as learners on their own.

What are you doing when not tutoring or working?
On my days off, there’s a pretty good chance that I’m off somewhere in the Four Corners rock climbing, soaking up the sun, with friends and my dog!

Alma Wolf

Tutor

What subject do you like to tutor?

Math is my favorite subject to tutor!

Education

I am a current Sophomore at Animas High School.

Why do you like to tutor?

When I was younger, I had wonderful tutors who helped shape my passion for math. Now, I enjoy tutoring because it allows me to inspire students to be eager to learn and have confidence in themselves.

What do you do when you’re not tutoring?

When I’m not tutoring, I love to do anything outside! I’m partial to my mountain bike and skis, and you can usually find me with my dogs!

Dylan Williamson

Tutor

What subjects do you like to tutor?

I enjoy tutoring Spanish, phonetics, reading, spelling, Art and writing.

Education

I am a senior at Animas High and on my way to Rhode Island School of Design next year!

Why do you like to tutor?

I like to tutor because it allows for me to give back to the next generation. I enjoy academics and love sharing this love with kids in hopes that I can foster a passion for learning.

What are you doing when not tutoring or working?

I am an artist and cyclist and enjoy reading, drawing, being outside, and learning about new cultures. I really love to travel too!

Acacia Bryson

Tutor

What Subject do you Like to Tutor?

I enjoy tutoring all subjects but math and science are my favorites!

Education Plus Current Job:

11th Grade and I am an intern at the powerhouse.

Why do you like to tutor?

I love to work with kiddos! I think kids are the greatest things in the world and I love to watch their curiosity grow. Kids are so open to new information and I think that’s the best thing about them!

What are you doing when not tutoring or working?

I am absolutely in love with the mountains! From hiking to biking to camping, the mountains are my home. On any given weekend, you can find me and my dog and my friends exploring the great outdoors around Durango.

Josie Pelham

Tutor

I like to tutor Spanish, French, and Creative Writing.

I have my BA in General Theater. Currently I am teaching Spanish at Durango Adult Education Center.

I can remember when I was in school and I was seriously struggling with college algebra. I hated it and decided I would never understand it. Then I met the right tutor, an 80 year old man named Harold, and he changed my whole perspective on how I viewed math, and helped me entirely overcome my lack of confidence in grasping the subject. I hope to help other students push beyond personal mind blocks and inspire them to find their own passion within a subject that perhaps they didn’t know they had.

When I’m not working or tutoring, I am busy working on my publishing my next children’s books, and autobiographical novel. I also love to play in the woods, make mini swing necklaces, and dance myself into a natural high.

Cecilia Compton

Tutor

What subjects do you like to tutor?

Math and basic sciences

Education:

Sophomore at Animas High School

Why I Tutor:

I really enjoy tutoring because I have utilized tutoring throughout my education and it has helped me through challenging math classes and to help with dyslexia. Since tutoring has helped me so much I enjoy helping younger people overcome the same challenges. I am also able to increase my own knowledge by exploring topics again.

When I’m not Tutoring:

I compete in biking and running at Animas and DHS, I also love traveling, mountain climbing, and just out

Risa Holmes

Tutor

Subjects I like to tutor:

I like to tutor anything, but especially Reading or Spanish.

Education:
High school senior at Animas High

Why I like to tutor:

I like to tutor because I love kids and their vitality. It gives me a chance to connect with them while personally helping them improve and excel in their education.

When I’m not tutoring:

When not tutoring or in school, I like to spend all of my time outdoors or making music. I sing and play a couple instruments.

Allie Jackson

Tutor

What subjects do you like to tutor?
Math, Geology and Scientific Writing

Education plus current job:

Currently in my second year teaching geology at Fort Lewis College

B.S. – Geology, Colorado State University

M.Sc. – Geology, University of Utah

Why do you like to tutor?

In the large lecture setting at my current job it can be difficult to tell if most people are following or not, especially when covering tricky concepts. When talking one-on-one with someone, however, it is perfectly clear what is making sense to them and what isn’t. I like being able to focus in on the topics that aren’t clicking and work through those until the ‘light bulb’ goes off!

What are you doing when not tutoring or working?

I am generally out rock or ice climbing when I am not at work.