Success is not the goal, it's the byproduct.
I’m Jacquelyn, an academic mentor whose work combines a passion for psychology, language, and international education. I hold a B.S. in Child and Family Studies from Syracuse University, an M.A. in Italian from Middlebury College, and an M.A. in International Education from New York University.
My experience spans classrooms and learning environments in both the United States and Italy, as well as many years of one-to-one academic mentoring across a range of ages and learning profiles. I gave 1700 hours of service to a middle school in Sacramento, CA, where my focus group of ten students all showed notable gains in areas of: attendance, social emotional learning (SEL), attendance, ELA and Social Studies grades, and SBAC test scores. My most meaningful work happens in individualized and small-group settings, where learning becomes relational, personal, and connected to what genuinely matters to each student. That's why I started Sentieri, meaning "paths" in Italian. My approach extends beyond academic instruction alone. I work with students to cultivate self-awareness, confidence, and a reflective understanding of how they learn. I do not simply correct their work, but instead I strive to strengthen their agency as thinkers and learners for success both in and out of the classroom. When students feel understood and engaged, progress becomes a natural consequence rather than a forced outcome.
About Sentieri
Why work with me
Individualized support without lowering academic standards.
My approach is shaped by my graduate research on Maria Montessori, who advocated for the abilities of children others had underestimated. Rather than modifying content, I focus on building confidence and scaffolding skills so students can meet high standards in a way that feels achievable and empowering.
Engaging, holistic methods that make learning more enjoyable.
Traditional classrooms can’t always accommodate individual learning styles or make time for personal connection and real-world relevance. That’s why I use interactive, personalized methods that help students connect with the material and understand why it matters beyond the classroom.
Students leave feeling more confident, not more overwhelmed.
Many students have worked with tutors who unintentionally made learning harder by over-correcting, over-explaining, or adding more work without checking for understanding. My goal is the opposite: to clarify, simplify, and support so students leave sessions feeling lighter, clearer, and more capable - not more burdened.
Relatability, not judgment.
I understand what it’s like to struggle in a subject or feel misunderstood, and I never assume what a student is capable of based on benchmarks or labels. I also never assume that they aren't trying. I see learning as a collaborative process built through trust, respect, and care. There isn't a universal approach to student success.
Academic Writing Support
Middle School $55 / hour
High School $70 / hour
College $85 / hour
Italian Language Instruction
$65 / hour
Study Abroad Planning Package $450 or hourly upon request
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Academic & Professional ESL $60 / hour
ADHD Coaching
$65 / hour
Weekly Coaching/accountability check-ins $240 / month