Valentina

> Contact Valentina

Valentina is an inclusive, student-centered tutor who blends psychology, coaching, and clear instruction to help learners thrive. Studying Psychology and Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan, she has designed literacy and conversation lessons for refugee women, led adaptive swimming instruction for children with disabilities, and mentored teens in academic and athletic settings. Valentina breaks complex ideas into manageable steps, sets small wins to sustain motivation, and uses interactive activities tied to real life. Experienced with ADHD and autistic learners, she structures sessions with movement, routines, and trust building so students feel safe to try hard things. A decorated competitive swimmer and certified UPchieve tutor, she brings resilience, warmth, and a belief that every student can grow with the right support.

Monday: 9am-7pm Eastern Standard Time
Tuesday: No availability
Wednesday: 4pm-8pm Eastern Standard Time
Thursday: 5pm-8pm Eastern Standard Time
Friday: 3pm-8pm Eastern Standard Time
Saturday: 10am-2pm and 6-8pm Eastern Standard Time
Sunday: 10am-2pm and 6-8pm Eastern Standard Time

My teaching approach is student-centered, supportive, and I focus heavily on adaptability. I want to build confidence by breaking down complex concepts into clear, manageable steps and I strongly believe in active learning by using interactive activities and real-world examples to keep students engaged. My goal is to create an encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and motivated to grow.

I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology and a B.S. in Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan. I earned my high school diploma with AP/IB coursework from the International School of Brussels, where I received multiple Excellence Awards in Psychology, Sports Science, and Swimming. I also completed coursework in Allied Health through the Academy of Allied Health and Science, a Rutgers University–affiliated program.

I have experience designing and delivering tailored English lessons for adult refugee women through the International Women’s Resource Center, where I focused on building literacy, speaking skills, and confidence. I also worked as a lead swimming instructor, teaching children of all ages and designing adaptive lessons for students with disabilities. In addition, I have mentored peers and younger students in both academic and athletic contexts focusing on personalized instruction.

Share
Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest
Valentina
$47.00 USD

Subject Expertise

View all collections
Algebra
Algebra
Algebra 2
Algebra 2
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry
Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Chemistry
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creativity
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
ELA
ELA
ESL
ESL
Ethics
Ethics
French
French
Geography
Geography
Geometry
Geometry
History
History

My mission

My mission as a tutor is to create an encouraging space where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to reach their potential. I am inspired by my own journey as both a student and athlete, where I learned the importance of resilience, mentorship, and believing in one’s own strengths. Tutoring allows me to pass on these lessons not just through teaching but through helping students build confidence, perseverance, and a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom and into their personal lives.

My Story

I grew up between the U.S. and Belgium, which exposed me to diverse communities and taught me the importance of adaptability. My background as a competitive swimmer shaped my discipline, but it also showed me the challenges that come with high expectations. At 12, a back injury and sports anxiety forced me to rebuild my confidence, and over time, I found new purpose in mentoring others. Whether coaching swimmers, leading therapeutic horseback riding sessions for children with disabilities, or tutoring refugee women in English, I have always been drawn to helping others discover their strengths. Today, I’m studying Psychology and Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan, with the goal of becoming an organizational psychologist. Outside of academics, I love spending time near the water, traveling, and creating communities where people feel seen and supported.

Cognitive Diversity

How I adapt to students with diverse intellectual needs.

I strongly believe in meeting learners where they are. My experience includes mentoring disabled teens through Friends Grow Friends, supporting adaptive horseback riding lessons for children with cognitive and physical disabilities, and creating rehabilitation plans for injured athletes. These roles taught me how to adapt lessons for diverse learning needs, and I am open to breaking down steps further, using hands-on approaches, or creating inclusive, confidence-building activities. I understand the importance of patience, flexibility, and celebrating small successes to help any and all students thrive because I have lived those experiences with my past students.

I have worked with children and teens with ADHD in both academic and extracurricular settings and often to keep my students engaged, I use short, interactive activities, structured routines, and a lot of movement-based breaks when needed. I have also found it helpful to go over some small, achievable goals at the beginning of lessons to maintain motivation and build confidence.

Valentina Sample Lesson

Push play to get an inside look at Valentina's Tutoring Sessions