Learn with someone who
SEES YOU HOLISTICALLY
and teaches consciously.
Everyone is uniquely different and learning is a uniquely personal matter.
No one learns exactly the same way and yet classrooms are structured to teach in one way, leaving many learners struggling because they are not able to receive the type of teaching they prefer.
I see learners holistically in order to personalize their learning. Understanding who the learner is, what motivates them, and how they learn are key components to consciously tailoring and individualizing our time together.
The gaining of knowledge and skills are accompanied by cultivating emotional awareness. While everyone goes through schooling to learn more or less the same hard skills, it's soft skills like communication, collaboration, maturity, and emotional intelligence that truly matter in a lifetime of continuous learning.
LEARNING WITH A
HEART-CENTERED
APPROACH
Hi, I'm Liyan
(pronounced "Lee Ann")
I’ve been tutoring since the age of 14, when cousins needed homework help. Since then, I’ve tutored at Penn State’s Learning Center, Varsity Tutors, WyzAnt, conducted corporate trainings, and was often the go-to tutor for my peers in both grad school and around the architectural office. I’ve had the privilege to be a private tutor to hundreds of students over the last 30 years.
What I’ve learned from years of tutoring experience is that trust and openness encourages learning. My patience, empathy, encouragement, genuine curiosity, and concern about each student instills a high level of trust in our relationship. I hold a vision of the learner’s highest potential until they are able to master their desired skills.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
Standardized
Test Prep
With customized lesson plans and a project management approach, preparing for the SSAT, ACT, SAT, and GRE is personalized specifically for each student. Customized plans means increased test scores while learning at the right pace. The goal is to help students to test smarter, not harder, while reducing test-taking anxieties.
Architecture and
Interior Design
Architectural and Interior Design offerings range from hand-drafting to digital 3D modeling and rendering. Professionals looking to further their skills in particular software or students in design school benefit from mentorship with a seasoned designer who has designed a range of international projects.
Emotional Wellness Coaching
Emotional Wellness and self-care is necessary for everyone. It is even more so for children and young adults, whose experiences are often dismissed or diminished. Coaching is a platform for them to share their experiences, understand their feelings and reactions, and learn various tools for healthy processing and creative expression.
Other
Services
With a diverse portfolio career and a toolbox of engineering, design, and technology skills, I also help professionals further their career through proofreading, resumé writing and layout, presentation design graphics, branding graphics, website design and publishing, content creation, etc.
Fully Invested
A testament to Liyan is that a few months ago our daughter expressed the desire to try in person tutoring with a nationally recognized tutoring organization in Chicago. However after 6 sessions, she opted to switch back to Liyan as she recognized the significant difference in how she was being tutored by Liyan, who was fully invested in our daughter's development and success vs the tutoring organization where the relationship was more transactional.
- Proud Parent
ACT Prep
Chicago, IL
Great Teacher and Mentor
As an undergrad with no previous knowledge or experience in the field, Liyan made my transition and time very comfortable, exciting, and worthwhile.
Within a few weeks, I was able to excel in various skill sets and gain control and confidence in my architectural pursuits. Liyan has helped with various skills such as concept development, drawing, rendering, and post-production. I cannot thank Liyan enough!
- UCLA B. Arch Student
Architecture
Los Angeles, CA
Sincerity and Dedication
My 12 year old son has worked with Liyan for 2 years. I have referred to her as his mentor rather than his tutor. Since then, he can more readily prepare for challenges such as taking difficult exams and moving to a new school. Liyan has a way of communicating with my son so that he remains engaged and receptive to things she would like to teach him. I appreciate her sincerity and dedication with my son. She has been an asset to his development and I value her feedback after her sessions with him.
- Brady's Mom
SSAT Prep and
Emotional Wellness
Honolulu, HI