Ellen
NASA Math/Physics Tutor - 20 Years Experience
Hello! Nice to meet you! Things you need to know about me: I have a passion for learning about the world around me, and I absolutely love to help others gain a similar understanding and fan that spark which lives in all of us. I have a B.S. in mathematics from UH-Clear Lake, and after six years at a government agency and the last three years as an actuary with a major accounting firm, I have recently decided to return to Texas in order to attend graduate school for a PhD in Physics. I am...
linear algebra
I majored in mathematics and actually published original undergraduate research in abstract algebra. I have taken multiple linear algebra or linear-algebra related courses, both lower level and upper level undergraduate, and I have tutored the topic extensively, both at San Jacinto Junior College and privately.
logic
computer science
I have been a student of computer science since I was 11. As a teenager I read extensively about Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, ENIAC and UNIVAC, and first started studying programming on an Atari. I have also taken comp sci classes at the college level covering programming, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, the rise of the internet, etc. I can program in several languages and have enjoyed for some time studying the history as well as the mechanics of convincing computers to help humans.
actuarial science
computer programming
I have been programming computers since I was 11 years old; my mother majored in comp sci and taught a class at my elementary school in basic programming in addition to giving me extensive one-on-one tutoring. I then went on to major in mathematics, focusing heavily on computer science, and utilized my skills at both NASA and KPMG. I taught myself Matlab in three weeks for a project at NASA, have programmed extensively in Excel VBA as well as utilizing Pascal, C++, Oracle, SAS, etc., and can learn new languages with relative ease. I enjoy helping students learn how to interact with computers.
algebra 1
algebra 2
American history
calculus
chemistry
vocabulary
grammar
Microsoft Excel
general computer
I have been programming computers since I was 11 years old; my mother majored in comp sci and taught a class at my elementary school in basic programming in addition to giving me extensive one-on-one tutoring. I then went on to major in mathematics, focusing heavily on computer science, and utilized my skills at both NASA and KPMG. I taught myself Matlab in three weeks for a project at NASA, have programmed extensively in Excel VBA as well as utilizing Pascal, C++, Oracle, SAS, etc., and can learn new languages with relative ease. I enjoy helping students learn how to interact with computers.
geometry
physics
Microsoft PowerPoint
prealgebra
precalculus
reading
Spanish
trigonometry
astronomy
statistics
ESL/ESOL
SAT math
GRE
proofreading
GED
SAT reading
physical science
probability
spelling
ACT Reading
ACT Math
ACT Science
elementary math
elementary science
piano
I started playing piano when I was five, and have given many public performances, both through school and at a hotel where I also worked for two years as a bartender/waitress. I am very rigorous and precise with my playing, much as with my mathematics, and understand how to cater both the theory and mathematics behind the music as well as the physical and temporal discipline required to master an instrument to my students. Most of all, though, as in all subjects, I do my best to make it fun, because at the end of the day creative pursuits are there to allow humans to express themselves and connect with the universe around them.
differential equations
I majored in mathematics and have actually published original undergraduate research, utilizing skills learned in differential equations. I have taken multiple differential equations or differential-equation-related courses, both lower level and upper level undergraduate, and I have tutored the topic extensively, both at San Jacinto Junior College and privately.
Amanda D. from Houston, TX
I've never had to get a tutor for one of my children. They normally do great in school but my daughter has been struggling in Algebra II. Ellen has been so great with explaining the content to her and not just feeding her formulas. My daughter walks out feeling happy and excited that she "gets it!" I'm glad we made the choice to find a tutor and that we found Ellen!!
Julie F. from Webster, TX
Ellen has helped my daughter grow not only her math skills, but also her confidence. Her patient and competent approach has allowed my daughter to increase her independence and her grades. Very pleased.
Catherine T. from Houston, TX
Ellen was fantastic. She knew right away what my daughter needed and was able to zero in on each particular point that was a problem. My daughter felt so much more confident that she would be able to succeed on her test after meeting with Ellen. We will be calling her again!
Melissa L. from League City, TX
Ellen was extremely patient and took great care to thoroughly explain needed concepts. My daughter absolutely loved working with her. After a single session, I can already see an increased understanding and confidence. I could not be happier. We are definitely planning follow up sessions with Ellen!
Harrison R. from Houston, TX
This session was a big help in preparations for finals. It really made a difference!
Rhonda M. from Houston, TX
At one point, my daughter was flunking both Pre-Cal and AP Physics. With Ellen's help, she passed both easily. She really enjoyed their sessions. We plan to start things right next year and use Ellen for Calculus too.
John R. from Houston, TX
I was struggling with Integrals but Ellen simplified the subject so well I even understood where the actual integration by parts formula was derived. I'm definitely going back to Ellen for Calculus 3
Salam L. from San Jose, CA
I was struggling with Calculus 3. I ended up making a high grade in a summer class thanks to her help. Thanks.
Melissa B. from Friendswood, TX
Ellen is able to further explain the lesson in a way my child understands. She enhances what was learned in class.
Carol F. from Houston, TX
Ellen is an excellent tutor. Last year she helped me with Algebra 2 and this year with Pre-Calc, she explains everything very well and makes you feel very comfortable. No question is a stupid question.
Ivonne L. from Baytown, TX
Ellen's instructions are clear and Jovonne is able to grasp and understand concepts and meanings. Because of Ellen, Jovonne got an A on her first AP Calculus test, and continues to make improvements with lessons taught by Ellen. I'll definitely continue seeking Ellen's services.
Samuel G. from Houston, TX
We worked on programming in MATLAB and Abstract Algebra. Wonderful tutor. Very perceptive and realizes when you don't understand something, even if you don't say anything. She also never makes you feel stupid or like you should know something already. I would highly recommend.
Maxine O. from Houston, TX
I needed some help with more advanced probability concepts and she was able to help me sort out my questions! Very helpful and super nice!
Caitlin W. from Seabrook, TX
Our daughter made a 58 on her first College Algebra test. We hired Ellen to tutor her and her next test she made a 98 and her third test 100. The results speak for themselves.
M ikala S. from Houston, TX
Our daughter has enjoyed working with Ms. Ellen so much thanks me everyday for finding her. She has helped our 16 year old daughter ,Mikala, by bringing her grade up 3 points in AP Physics & Algebra II! She has very a professional attitude and goes out of her way to make sure she understands the subject matter. She has completely impressed our daughter. Ms. Ellen has motivated her ,a Junior in High School, to get excited about complex topics such as AP Physics and Alegbra II. She even takes the time to stay late with her when she does not get it and encourages her to not give up. She really likes and respects her knowledge and caring approach to education. As her parents, we cant tell you how grateful we are to have Mr. Ellen as our daughters tutor would not want anyone else.
Jon F. from Pearland, TX
Clearly very smart and good at learning the level you need to be taught at. Booking more sessions for sure.
Jeff P. from Houston, TX
My daughter just started coming to Ellen for some AP Physics help - her high school teacher is less than impressive. I wanted my daughter to not only pass her physics class (which she easily can without a tutor), but to really understand and hopefully even enjoy it as she has her sights set on engineering degree. After 2 sessions (the first Ellen didn't charge because Ellen wasn't satisfied in that session), my daughter is feeling much better about herself and her abilities, so off to a great start with Ellen. There really is nothing like a one on one coach experience!
Victoria J. from Seabrook, TX
Ellen helped my daughter prepare for a test. Most important, Ellen was able to get her in at the last minute. We will probably start going on a regular basis now, and not wait. Thanks Ellen!
Jennifer H. from Seabrook, TX
Ellen was very patient with my son and my son has ADD so he has difficult time paying attention so it takes a real patient person to work with my child! I would recommend Ellen to anyone! She was very knowledgeable in his grade level studies and I look forward to working with her again!!
Kristin B. from League City, TX
Once again a great lesson, after doing poorly on my first test a 68 I made a 93 on my second. I have one more and then my final, thanks to Ellen I am facing these with full confidence in the work I am doing. I look forward to continuing to work with Ellen as I continue with school.
Christina W. from Houston, TX
Ellen is like a magician. She can get my 17 year old excited about Math. She is always timely and she has a very flexible schedule.
Sarah M. from League City, TX
Ellen is very professional and knowledgeable. My daughter was really struggling in her second semester pre-cal class. She had a hard time understanding her teacher at school. Ellen can explain the material step by step in a way my daughter can understand. My daughter just made a 90 on a major test after not doing so well on most major tests this semester. I would highly recommend Ellen to anyone who needs a private tutor.