Hi, I'm Madeline!
What is my background?
I'm a passionate educator on a mission to help young minds not just survive, but thrive! As a Lecturer at San Francisco State University, I've found so much joy in teaching, where I get to witness the "aha!" moments as students conquer challenging topics. I currently teach courses like Adolescent Psychology, Social Psychology, Decision Making, and a Capstone Senior Writing which allow me to bring a wealth of knowledge and a thoughtful approach to every session.
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But my journey didn’t start there! Before stepping into the classroom, I spent 12 fulfilling years as a babysitter and nanny, where I learned the secrets to nurturing well-rounded children. The key? Mutual respect—a cornerstone of my approach to guiding adolescents. This tried-and-true method remains at the heart of how I help young people grow into confident, capable individuals today!
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My educational background includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social, Affective, and Personality Psychology from San Francisco State University.
How did the idea for Book Buds bloom?
During my time as a babysitter, I was struck by how much of the homework burden fell back on parents. Don’t get me wrong—children are fortunate to have parents who step in to help! But when stress levels rise, parents often end up spending late nights completing assignments. This experience made me question how we can shift the responsibility of learning and understanding back to the children themselves.
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And that’s how Book Buds was born! While parents can still enjoy those bonding moments by reading and discussing with their child, the real goal is to empower the child to grasp and comprehend the material on their own. Our sessions are designed to build confidence and comprehension, ensuring each meeting leaves them more prepared and self-assured than the last!