Meet Ryan

I believe students learn best when they feel understood, supported, and capable of succeeding. I founded The Learning Heart Tutoring and Academic Coaching to provide individualized support that recognizes each student’s strengths, challenges, and unique way of learning.

I bring more than seven years of classroom teaching experience, including extensive work in special education, along with experience supporting students with a wide range of academic, behavioral, and learning needs. I hold a Master of Education in Special Education, earned with a 4.0 GPA, as well as bachelor’s degrees in History and Philosophy & Religion.

I hold teaching licenses in Special Education, English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, Social Studies, and Health. My background allows me to provide support in reading and writing, mathematics, test preparation, study skills, executive functioning, and academic organization while adapting instruction to the individual learner.

I am also currently completing a Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I maintain a 4.0 GPA. This additional training has strengthened my ability to listen, build supportive relationships, understand barriers to success, and help students develop greater confidence and independence.

My Approach

Tutoring shouldn't simply be about getting through tonight's homework. My goal is to help students understand how they learn, develop skills they can use independently, and experience the confidence that comes from genuine progress.

Some students need a concept explained differently. Others understand the material but struggle with organization, attention, planning, or confidence. Students with learning disabilities may need instruction specifically adapted to how they process information. Whatever brings a student to The Learning Heart, I begin by meeting them where they are.

My approach combines high expectations with patience, encouragement, and individualized instruction. Students don't all learn the same way—and I don't believe they should all be taught the same way.

At The Learning Heart, the goal is bigger than a grade:

Build skills. Build confidence. Build independence.