Independent tutor based in Portland, OR

Patient, personalized tutoring that builds real understanding.

I teach math and science to students ages 10–18, focusing on the “why” behind the work, not just the answer. Lessons happen in person around Portland or online over video call — whichever fits your family better.

— no obligation, just a conversation

Meet the tutor

Hi, I'm Maya.

I’ve spent the last nine years teaching and tutoring math and science — five of them in public middle and high school classrooms, and the last four working one-on-one with students as an independent tutor. I hold a B.S. in Biology from Portland State University and a teaching credential in secondary science, and I’ve tutored everything from fifth-grade fractions to AP Chemistry.

My approach is simple: I want students to actually understand what they’re doing, not just memorize steps well enough to pass a test. That means slowing down when something isn’t clicking, asking a lot of questions, and connecting new ideas to things a student already knows. Some sessions are quiet and methodical; others involve a whiteboard covered in diagrams. I adjust to what the material and the student need that day.

I became a tutor because classrooms rarely give a struggling student the fifteen quiet minutes they actually need. One-on-one, I can give them that.

Who the lessons are for

Wherever you're starting from, that's a fine place to start.

Every student who reaches out is working through something different. Here are a few common starting points — struggling with material is never something to feel embarrassed about.

Catching up on a topic

Sometimes one confusing unit snowballs into feeling behind on the whole subject. We go back to wherever the gap started and rebuild from there, at a pace that actually sticks.

Preparing for a test or exam

Whether it's a unit test, final, or standardized exam, we work through practice problems, review strategy, and target the specific areas that need the most attention.

Building better study habits

Some students understand the material fine but need help organizing their approach — note-taking, time management, and how to practice a skill instead of just reviewing it.

Gaining confidence

For students who've started to believe they're "just not a math person," a lot of the work is showing them, patiently and repeatedly, that they can do this.

How tutoring works

A clear, unhurried process... adapted to you.

There’s no fixed curriculum here. The plan below describes how we get started; what we actually work on is shaped entirely around your coursework and goals.

Short consultation

A free 20-minute call or video chat to talk about what’s going on — the subject, the school’s curriculum, upcoming deadlines, and what kind of support would help most.

Learning assessment

In the first paid session, I spend time understanding where a student’s understanding is solid and where it gets shaky, using real coursework rather than a generic placement test.

A personalized lesson plan

I put together a loose plan for the coming weeks — which topics we’ll focus on and in what order — and share it with you before we begin regular lessons.

Regular lessons

Weekly or biweekly sessions, in person or online, following the plan but adjusting week to week based on what’s coming up in class and where the student needs more time.

Progress updates

Short written notes after each lesson, and a brief check-in every few weeks with parents or the student, covering what’s improved and what we’re still working on.

Subjects & pricing

Straightforward pricing, no hidden fees.

All lessons are billed per session, at the rate listed below — there’s no separate registration fee, materials fee, or minimum package.

In our first lesson, expect me to spend real time listening before I start teaching — asking about what’s confusing, what’s already working, and what a “good week” in this subject would look like. From there, lessons are steady, unhurried, and built around your specific coursework.

Math

Biology

Chemistry

Study skills

What's included with every lesson

In-person lessons take place at my home office near SE Hawthorne, or at a public library by arrangement. Online lessons use video call with a shared digital whiteboard. Payment is due after each session by card or bank transfer — I don’t require packages or upfront payment for multiple sessions.

before we start

Frequently asked questions

Where do in-person lessons take place?

Usually at my home office near SE Hawthorne in Portland. For families who prefer a public setting, I’m also happy to meet at a local library — just let me know when we set things up.

What does an online lesson look like?

We meet over video call and share a digital whiteboard where we both write and draw in real time. You’ll need a laptop or tablet with a webcam and a stable internet connection — no special software to buy or install.

What's your cancellation policy?

Cancel or reschedule with at least 24 hours’ notice and there’s no charge. Cancellations within 24 hours are billed at half the session rate, except for genuine emergencies — I’ll always use judgment there.

How does payment work?

I invoice after each session, payable by card or bank transfer within five days. There’s no package requirement or upfront commitment — you can stop at any time with no penalty.

Do I need to provide materials?

Just your student’s current textbook or coursework, if they have one. I provide any supplementary worksheets, practice sets, and a shared notes document — all included in the session rate.

How involved should parents be?

As involved as you’d like. Most parents join the first consultation, then let their student take the lead in lessons while receiving a short written update every few weeks. I’m always reachable by email with questions in between.

What about safety and background checks?

I’m background-checked and happy to share documentation on request. For in-person lessons with younger students, a parent or guardian is welcome to remain on site, and first meetings can always take place in a public location like a library.

What happens in the first consultation?

It’s a free 20-minute call with no obligation to book anything afterward. We’ll talk about the subject, the school’s curriculum, any upcoming tests, and what kind of support would actually help — then decide together if it’s a good fit.

Get in touch

What Do You Need Help With?

Send a few details below and I’ll follow up personally — no automated sales sequence, just a reply from me.

I typically reply within one business day. If it looks like a good fit, next step is a free 20-minute consultation call.

Your information is used only to respond to your inquiry and, if you become a student, to schedule and manage lessons. It’s never sold or shared with third parties.