Joy

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Joy is an occupational therapy practitioner and creative educator who helps students build focus, confidence, and executive-functioning skills through hands-on learning. A Summa Cum Laude graduate and licensed COTA/L in New York and New Jersey, she combines her background in occupational therapy with years of tutoring experience in reading, writing, and organization. Joy has worked with children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and sensory processing differences, creating playful, multisensory lessons that turn learning into discovery. A self-taught artist and multi-instrumentalist, she loves painting, music, and outdoor adventures with her husband and daughter in New Jersey.

Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm Eastern Standard Time
Sunday: No Availability


My approach to teaching is rooted in my background as an occupational therapy practitioner. I focus on helping students not just learn information, but learn how to think—to plan, organize, and problem-solve effectively. I use a play-based, hands-on approach that keeps learning fun and engaging, because when students enjoy the process, learning becomes meaningful and lasting. I also emphasize executive functioning, self-regulation, and confidence-building, so students develop skills that transfer to every area of their lives.

I earned my Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Therapy from Orange County Community College, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude. I also completed advanced placement coursework at Pillar College and Sussex County Community College, focusing on English, business, and small business management. I graduated Valedictorian of Veritas Christian Academy with a 4.33 GPA.
I am a Licensed and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) in New York and New Jersey. I am a self taught artist with an extensive art portfolio and have been commissioned for several murals and paintings.

I’ve been tutoring and helping peers since I was in high school, from elementary students to college classmates. My tutoring experience includes supporting students with handwriting, organization, and study skills, as well as academic subjects like reading, writing, and test preparation. As an occupational therapy assistant, I regularly work one-on-one with children on visual perceptual skills, fine motor control, and cognitive organization — all of which tie directly into academic success. Parents often tell me they appreciate my patient, calm, and encouraging approach that helps students feel confident and capable.

Joy
$212.00 USD

My mission

My mission is to help students not only succeed academically but also build the skills and confidence to become independent, curious, and resilient learners. I am inspired by the unique ways each child thinks and learns, and I love creating lessons that are fun engaging, hands-on, and tailored to each student’s strengths. Seeing a student gain confidence, discover their potential, and enjoy learning motivates me every day and drives my work as a tutor.

My Story

I grew up homeschooled through fourth grade, which gave me a strong, individualized foundation for learning, and I feel truly blessed for that opportunity. In high school, I worked as a camp counselor at a camp for individuals with disabilities, which inspired me to pursue a career supporting children with a variety of learning and developmental differences. I became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant because I love helping students gain not only academic skills, but also the strategies, confidence, and independence to succeed. My husband is a musician, and together we value the arts deeply, sharing that love with our young daughter to inspire her curiosity, creativity, and passion for learning. I live in Vernon, NJ, and in my free time, I enjoy painting, playing music, and spending time outdoors with my family. I am passionate about helping students achieve their academic goals in a meaningful, effective, and enjoyable way.

Cognitive Diversity

How I adapt to students with diverse intellectual needs.

I believe every learner’s brain is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet each child where they are. My occupational therapy background has given me extensive experience working with students with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and sensory processing differences, as well as gifted students who need enrichment and challenge. I start by identifying a student’s strengths, interests, and learning style, then use that information to build engaging, individualized lessons.
I also understand what it’s like to think creatively and sometimes differently — I’ve worked closely with family members and students who learn in nontraditional ways, and I value making each learner feel seen, capable, and proud of how they think.

I’ve worked with several students who are twice-exceptional — children who are highly gifted but also have learning or attention challenges. My approach focuses on supporting both their strengths and their areas of need, ensuring they feel both challenged and understood. I love helping 2e students develop confidence in their unique way of thinking while giving them tools for organization, self-regulation, and focus.

I’ve worked with gifted students who benefit from deeper critical thinking challenges and opportunities for creative expression. I enjoy designing enrichment tasks that allow them to explore their interests while also fostering balance in areas like organization, perseverance, and emotional regulation. I have also worked with savant syndrome students, helping them reach their full potential while providing support to navigate challenges.

I have limited direct experience with profoundly gifted students, though I understand the importance of individualized pacing, emotional support, and flexibility to meet both intellectual and social-emotional needs.

I work daily with students diagnosed with ADHD, helping them improve focus, planning, and self-management skills. During online sessions, I use strategies like movement breaks, visual schedules, timers, and frequent positive feedback to maintain engagement. I also help students learn to channel their creativity and energy productively while building executive functioning skills.


I have extensive experience working with children and adults on the autism spectrum in school-based occupational therapy settings as well as life skills. My primary work focuses on visual perceptual skills, fine motor coordination, handwriting, and sensory regulation. I prioritize structure, predictability, and visual supports while incorporating each child’s interests to make learning engaging and meaningful. I’ve also supported students with savant syndrome, helping them gain independence in learning while providing guidance and encouragement when needed.

I have direct experience supporting students with dyslexia. In high school, I consistently tutored a student with dyslexia for three years, helping them build reading, writing, and study skills while boosting confidence and independence. I use multisensory strategies, breaking tasks into manageable steps, incorporating visual supports, and providing frequent encouragement to make learning achievable and enjoyable.

This is one of my strongest areas of expertise. I have significant experience supporting children with sensory processing challenges, helping them learn to regulate and participate more fully in school and home routines. I incorporate movement, sensory tools, and individualized strategies to help each child stay calm, focused, and ready to learn.

This is one of my strongest areas of expertise. I have significant experience supporting children with sensory processing challenges, helping them learn to regulate and participate more fully in school and home routines. I incorporate movement, sensory tools, and individualized strategies to help each child stay calm, focused, and ready to learn.

Joy Sample Lesson

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