Clarissa
Education: M.S. in Chemistry (Oakland University, in progress); B.A. Biochemistry (Southern Virginia University)
Area of Expertise: Chemistry
Clarissa believes that aside from helping students master a particular subject or material, a huge part of being a tutor is teaching students learn and think for themselves. “I love seeing the confidence and excitement that comes from when a concept ‘clicks’ for a student,” she adds.
As a lover of learning herself, Clarissa strives to instill this same passion in her students. She describes her tutoring style as personable, engaging, and student-focused, adding that she takes the time to connect and get to know her students and use their interests in relating academic concepts. In teaching science to students, Clarissa uses analogies and metaphors as she finds that it’s easier for students to grasp complex material when applied to everyday life.
Outside of tutoring and all her school- and career-related research endeavors (she has previously worked on “β-Galactosidase Modifications, a Study on Purification Methods” while at the Southern Virginia University), Clarissa also loves being active, exercising, reading fantasy novels, spending time with friends and loved ones, and exploring new things.
Student Testimonials
“Clarissa was an amazing Ochem tutor. I heavily struggled with the topic and thanks to her I passed. Clarissa explains things so well and always made sure to move at a pace that worked for me. Stemly is a great program.”
— Gwenyth A.
★★★★★
“Clarissa was very nice, confident, and knowledgeable. My son inadvertently didn’t send the email with his homework questions and lesson plan till this morning. However, she was well prepared given the short time she had. She was able to modify the learning based on my son’s knowledge on the subject. She provided practice problems on the spot for an upcoming lesson and discussed the lesson without hesitation. Her notes are well organized and easy to follow. Overall, my son says Clarissa was able to answer his questions and felt he could grasp the info she taught; and for this reason the tutoring session was really good.”
— Candace B.
★★★★★
“Clarrisa is a wonderful chemistry teacher. My 16 year old 10th grader was struggling in AP chemistry till we hired her. She always gives extra practice after each session to my son and they go over it on the next session. His grade changed from C to B and now he is confident to take IB chemistry next year. We will continue with her on summer and next year.”
— Azita H.