COVID-19 Update

One-on-one tutoring available only; no groups. Meetings are held outside, under cover, masks required. Zoom meetings also available.

MY BACKGROUND

I've been working with children all my life. I've worked in various schools both here and abroad and have had the opportunity to develop a wide range of experiences. I'm a professional nanny, so you can rest easy that I'm certified in CPR and First Aid, will pass any and all background checks, and kiddos seem to like me ok. I'm a good listener, and a patient teacher, and some of my very best friends are small. 

I spent several years at Munich International School where I worked primarily with second graders and had the opportunity to run a creative writing class. It was amazing to watch each child blossom as they were invited to use words in a creative atmosphere. Regardless of age, being able to feel pride and propriety over what we create with our minds is a huge benefit and can lend a helping hand in various directions within your child's life. I've seen creative writing turn students who were struggling with behavior and attention issues into avid storytellers who couldn't wait to innovate and express. I watched the quiet students who were usually overlooked by their teachers and classmates turn into the most powerful people in the room as their minds became the focus. I think writing is something that allows each of us to stretch in all the particular ways we may need. It can heal, it can excite, it can help facilitate connection, and it is more than worth nourishing.

WHAT THIS CAN DO FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

In Portland I've spent my time working with various ages in a wide variety of settings. I've taught at young writer and artist camps with highschoolers, given lectures about poetry and writing to middle schoolers, and led several summer programs with grades 3 through 7. I've had experience working with students with a wide variety of language backgrounds and all levels of English proficiency. 

Young writers are everywhere, but they don't always have the opportunity to emerge. It's easy to forget how important the act of using words to communicate ends up being in all arenas of life. Writing helps us approach our thoughts and the world around us from different angles. It enables and endorses empathy, creativity, articulation, and eloquence.

Having a mentor who teaches creative writing can be an important part of your young artist feeling encouraged to step towards their own creative passions. Life is difficult at every stage, adolescence, young adulthood--there are so many things that come up that can be helped through the act of writing and having someone listen. I'm an encouraging and dutiful instructor no matter the child because I truly believe in a young person's ability to perceive the world in startling and creative ways. And I believe it is important for us to pay attention. Writing is a place we can think and dream and process. It's a place in which we have some semblance of control, and to a young person, this can be life-saving.

Youth Who May Benefit

If if you have a child who is creative, thoughtful, whose mind moves like a hummingbird. If you have a child who is withdrawn, hurting, who has difficulty opening up or communicating, who is going through a difficult time and needs a little extra support. If you have a child who loves to think, ponder, create. If you have a child who struggles with academics or behavior. If you have a child who likes to read. If you have a child that doesn't like to read.  If you have a child at all, chances are they will stand to benefit from the act of writing creatively. 

Regardless of age or proficiency level, children's books to short stories to poetry to novels to journals to publishing to chapbooks to spoken word to slam poetry to graphic novels to post-its to anything at all. My teaching curriculum is fluid. I can provide assigned readings and writing exercises and activities that are age appropriate and carefully curated. Everything I do will be designed to fit your child and bring out the parts of them they can write down and you can be proud of. Give your child the chance to glow. Our world needs more of it.

I'm available for one on one tutoring sessions and small group instruction (Open to homeschooling situations as well, anywhere there might be a need.).

I'm able to come to you and your child, or we can meet at a coffee shop or library or at my place, wherever you are most comfortable. 

So, if you need someone to sit with your little one and make a children's book, or slouch with your adolescent and explore the inner workings of love and angst, or lean with your teenager and help them take steps towards getting their writing published in an online journal,  just let me know!

Cost: $50/hr for individuals (I provide all instructional materials). For small or large groups, email to inquire.

feel free to contact me with any questions

heather.napualani@gmail.com

TEACHING EXPERIENCE & PAST COURSES TAUGHT

College Level

Adjunct Professor - Portland State University - Intro to Poetry - 2014 - 2016

Graduate Assistantship - Portland State University - Intro to Poetry - 2012-2013

Graduate Assistantship - Portland State University - Composition - 2012-2013

High School

Poetry Hybrid/Writing Teacher - Marylhurst University - Show:Tell Workshop for Teen Writers

Middle School

Guest Poet and Workshop Leader - Oregon Episcopal School - Grades 6-8

Critical Thinking & Creative Response - Oregon Episcopal School - Summer Series grades 6-8

Hybrid Creative Writing - Oregon Episcopal School - Summer Series grades 6-8

Creative Writing - Munich International School - Grades 6-7

Elementary School

Make Your Own Children's Book - Oregon Episcopal School - Summer Series Grades 3-5

Creative Writing - Munich International School - 2nd Grade