Crafts & Hobbies Lessons

I'm a passionate chess player and full-time chess coach with an extensive knowledge of chess theory who specializes in teaching beginner/intermediate (up to ~1600 USCF) players of all ages. Lessons will be personalized to focus on student's weaknesses and areas of needed improvement, as well as generalized chess instruction. In our lessons, we'll analyze full games (games that you've played as well as master-level games), study opening and endgame theory, and practice tactical motifs to improve all aspects of your play. Chess is a great platform to improve critical thinking skills and one's ability to focus, as well as a great way to have fun. As an adult learner, I understand that getting into chess (especially later in life) can be a bit daunting. I'm here to help remove the stress from chess learning and to make the process fun and enjoyable. My lessons will help you or your children gain a deeper understanding of the art of chess and improve your confidence and ability to play the game.

At age 11 I achieved the title of Master, and since then have become an International Master (with 1 Grandmaster norm), 5-time National Champion and am currently the #1 18-year-old on the west coast of the United States. Without chess instruction from the most patient, inspiring, and hardworking chess coaches none of this would have been possible. I began to play chess at 7 years old and after my coach ended our first class by saying, "Every champion was once a beginner" my youthful imagination ran wild and I was hooked. My early development in chess proved to be nontraditional where my structured classes provided by my school were supplemented by the aggressive, unconventional playing styles I learned from spending my weekends sneaking games in with hustlers at my local chess park. Yet learning these vastly different approaches to the game allowed me to become a more complete player, and after 6 weeks of practice, I could beat every kid in my class and almost defeated my coach. Fast forward to my first competition I lost every game and finished in last place, but I loved every second of it and quickly learned from those mistakes. Now, I have defeated numerous world-renowned Grandmasters and played some of the best in the world including world champion Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. My peak United States Chess Federation and International Chess Federation ratings are 2425 and 2340 respectively, awarding me the titles of International Master and FIDE Master (top 0.43% in the world). I founded a School of Chess and have taught for 4 years in chess camps across the state with 100's of students ranging from 5-85 years old. One of my biggest teaching accomplishments is assisting one of my students to go from #117 in the country to #13 in the country (gained 500 rating points) for their age group in a matter of 5 months! In addition, two of my students went from 1500-2000+ achieving the master title in less than a year! After receiving many hours of coaching myself (even from Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand) and improving to where I am today, I can guarantee I can help you get to the next level. My personalized approach, creating lessons tailored to each individual, dramatically improves players' weaknesses at an accelerated pace. I specialize in thinking through problems along with my students, and fostering understanding rather than memorization. If you are ready to improve your Chess don’t hesitate to shoot me a message! * Currently I am teaching a free chess camp for 160 kids from across the country as well as a group of refugees who recently immigrated to Northern California with the goal of motivating communities to come together through education and to inspire hope during the COVID time period. *

I have been teaching chess for ten years and my students have gone on to tournament level and won competitions. Within the first few lessons, my students have developed a deeper understanding of chess strategies As they progressed further in their lessons they have developed special moves to win the chess games. I take pride in my students' success and love working with them. I do provide tournament chess boards for my students.

Are you ready to start or advance your crocheting skills? I am here to help! I am a Craft Yarn Council Certified Crocheting Instructor and have been working professionally as a crocheting artist and teacher since 2009. I teach beginner through advanced students how to crochet items such as beautiful scarves, warm, colorful winter hats, and funky bracelets and headbands. If you can imagine it, you can create it! Lessons are focused on the student's specific needs and level. I am happy to help you with a crocheting pattern of your choice or can recommend crocheting patterns based on your level and what you desire to learn. I can also assist you in correcting mistakes, problem solving, reading patterns and pattern interpretation. Please don't hesitate to message me with any questions you may have or if you need any help booking lessons. I am always excited and happy to help students' reach their goals and learn more about this engaging and fun art form.

Teaching Experience 13+ years - Lead Chess Instructor in elementary/middle school (New York City 2017 - present time) - Lead Pudong brunch Chess Instructor (Shanghai 2016 - 2017) - Lead Chess Instructor (Chicago 2010-2016) - Educating students through private and semi-private lessons online and live since 2009 - Teaching in private/public schools on elementary and middle school levels since 2010 - Teaching intensive courses in chess camps for all levels and age groups 2010 - present time Playing experience - European Rapid Chess Youth Champion Girls U-18 2009 - #1 US Top Girls Under 21 2012 - Finished fourth in the U.S. Women's Championships in 2012, 2015 - Part of the U.S. National Team at Women's World Team Championship 2013, 2015 - Represented the U.S. team at the match USA against China 2013 - Life Master since 2012; Original Life Master since 2017

Learn to machine stitch (not machine embroidery) from a BurdaStyle certified instructor and experienced educator. Lessons are customized based on age and goals of the student. Group pricing available, please contact customer service for more details on how to set up group lessons.

Instead of focusing on one skill set or one type of project, I am always trying to learn new skills! I have experience making home goods, amigurumi and clothing. If there is something you want to learn how to make, I can teach you the skills necessary to get from start to finish! Skills I can teach: Basic stitches (magic ring, chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, dec, inc, etc.) Basic/advanced stitch patterns Color changes C2C crochet Crochet in the round Reading written and visual patterns Amigurumi Cabel crochet Lessons are catered to you based on what you want to learn how to make. I have been teaching crochet since 2020 and have taught students as young as 11!

Personalized sewing lessons!!! - Making clothes - Reading pattern - Hand sewing & hand embroidery - Bags & accessories ... etc. Openings for new students. Lessons are offered in my studio. Fun and friendly learning environment. Look forward to guiding you on your educational journey!