About Us
Process-oriented tutoring
In our experience, kids often have an expectation of what an essay “should look like,” or what arguments/perspectives “the teacher loves” in order to, essentially, game their way into a good grade. In our minds, authenticity and focused exploration of a topic are more important than learning how to anticipate expectations and fit work to meet them. Especially in middle and high school, we want to encourage thought that challenges students. We want them to take risks, write with gusto, and not be too hung up on a particular grade if they put true focus and concentration into work on the assignment. Positive results will come from good processes. Our goal is to foster habits that they can rely on through their academic careers and into adulthood. We want our students to become intelligent, decent, interesting adults that anyone would want as a coworker, manager, employee, or friend.
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Time management
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In order for a student to approach their schoolwork in an authentic and interested way, assignments must be viewed as more than just work to be completed as expediently as possible so a kid can have free time. This can be tough, especially with certain assignments, full schedules, and the compelling nature of video games, sports, social media, etc. always there to engage us. Free time is important for kids, and we think that helping students maximize their free time by creating their own reliable systems of information and time management can also help them buy into their school work. We help students find their own efficient note-taking practices, connecting, reinforcing, and prioritizing the information they’re receiving at school. With any answer available on the internet in seconds, the ability to map information in useful ways has become even more valuable. We do the same with scheduling and planning— as schools and teachers often change interfaces, it helps when students actively do their own scheduling, whether it’s in a calendar app or even in an old-fashioned paper calendar (not too many takers on that these days). Students who find themselves on time and aware of their upcoming obligations end up feeling more confident, independent, and with the time to pursue their individual interests.
Our Tutors
We find tutors that are adaptable and are comfortable working with a wide range of academic subjects and student personalities. They come from top-tier colleges and universities, and may have advanced degrees. We look for tutors with experience in education, and many have worked in a professional field.
JOSH STAMELL
Founder, Humanities Tutor
Academic Coach/Consultant
Josh Stamell launched Ivywood Tutors in 2012 after several years of private tutoring in West LA. Josh worked as a camp counselor while in high school, a tutor while attending Williams College, then for an educational publisher and as a substitute teacher in his home state of Maine before moving to New York City to work in admissions for the New Teacher Project’s New York City Teaching Fellows program. He then received his MFA from the American Repertory Theatre IATT/MXAT at Harvard University, where he also met his wife (and Spanish tutor extraordinaire) Sheila Carrasco. After moving to Santa Monica and taking on some students, Josh found that his individualized approach, positive attitude, and engaging nature had a beneficial effect. He decided to start Ivywood in order to help students and families find other dynamic, effective tutors.
EVA FLAMM
Math/Science Specialist
Academic Coach/Consultant
Eva Flamm grew up homeschooled on the East Coast and lived abroad in Estonia and Thailand before graduating from Williams College in 2010 and moving to Los Angeles. She has over a decade's worth of experience tutoring students in multiple subjects at all levels, but with a particular focus on high school math and science. In her free time she loves hiking, rehabbing injured wildlife, and going to In'N'Out with her dog for animal fries.
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More Tutor Profiles coming