Catherine Murray, BA

Look for signs such as declining grades, struggles with homework, or a lack of confidence in certain subjects. If your child is consistently having difficulty understanding and applying concepts, a tutor may be beneficial.

10 Signs your child will significantly benefit from tutoring:

1. Consistent Decline in Grades: If a child's grades show a consistent downward trend across multiple subjects, it may indicate a need for additional academic support.
2. Lack of Understanding of Core Concepts: Difficulty grasping fundamental concepts in a subject, despite regular classroom instruction, could signal a need for targeted tutoring.
3. Avoidance of Homework or Studying: A child who consistently avoids or procrastinates on homework and studying might be struggling and could benefit from a tutor's guidance.
4. Expressed Lack of Confidence: If a child expresses feelings of inadequacy or lack of confidence in a particular subject, it may be an indicator that they need extra help to build their understanding and self-assurance.
5. Frequent Requests for Help: Constantly seeking assistance from parents or teachers for homework or class assignments may suggest that the child is struggling to work independently and might benefit from a tutor's support.
6. Behavioral Changes: Unexplained changes in behavior, such as increased frustration, irritability, or disengagement from school-related activities, could be linked to academic challenges that a tutor could help address.
7. Incomplete Assignments: Regularly failing to complete assignments or submit them on time may be a sign of organizational or comprehension issues that a tutor can help address.
8. Teacher Feedback: If teachers consistently report concerns about a child's academic performance or behavior in the classroom, it's a clear indication that additional support may be necessary.
9. Learning Style Mismatch: Some children may struggle in traditional classroom settings but thrive with personalized attention. If a child's learning style doesn't align with the teaching methods used in school, a tutor can provide tailored support.
10. Upcoming Exams or Standardized Tests: As important exams or standardized tests approach, heightened stress or anxiety may emerge in a child who is struggling academically. A tutor can help with targeted preparation and confidence-building strategies.

• Seek a tutor with expertise in the specific subject area, relevant teaching experience, and preferably someone with a background in education. A tutor with good communication skills and the ability to adapt teaching methods is also important.

Catherine works with the interdisciplinary team at Plantation Counseling & Wellness, which includes child development experts, child therapists, and school psychologists.

Embark on a Learning Adventure with Catherine!

🌟 Your Child's Guide to Success:

• With a Bachelor's in Psychological Sciences (GPA: 3.57) and ongoing pursuit of a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University, Catherine knows how to teach others how to excel in academics. She understands different learning styles, learning disabilities, and giftedness.

🚀 Exploring Minds Through Research:

• All of our interventions are evidence-based, and we go one step further too - we don't just rely on the "research" of publishers of materials and programs who stand to profit from the use of their programs, but since we do a deep-dive in the academic literature, including meta-analytic reviews from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). For example, this is how we know that CogMed memory training is the only computer-based program that works for improving working memory, and decreasing ADHD symptoms.

🌈 Shaping Futures as a College Counseling Assistant:

• Catherine was a High School College Counseling Assistant at WISH Academy - advising students and guiding their dreams, ensuring that children confidently steps into their future.

🎓 Personalized Support Beyond Textbooks:

• Picture your child not just understanding but enjoying learning. Catherine is experienced at engaging with children and teens and will help your child develop a love of learning.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Sciences, Loyola Marymount University, Psychology GPA: 3.57
• Current pursuit of Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University.

Research Experience:

• Applied Cognitive Technologies Lab at Loyola Marymount University (2021-2022)
  • Explored stress, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
  • Conducted studies on microexpressions and virtual reality for assessing balance in athletes.

Honors and Certifications:

• Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
• Tri Beta Biology Honor Society
• Dean’s List Recognition

Our tutoring fees are straightforward: $75 for a 50-minute session.

We have additional educational services that vary in cost, including:

• Standardized Academic Testing: Rather than just relying on grades and school performance, we highly recommend that your child receive academic level testing with a nationally-normed standardized test. This will tell us exactly how they are performing in comparison to other kids their age and in their grade level across the US. This test assesses the following academic areas:
  • Reading
  • Written Expression
  • Conventions of Writing (grammar, mechanics, etc)
  • Vocabulary
  • Mathematics Concepts
  • Mathematics Computation (arithmetic)
  • Science
  • Social Studies

This testing is option, but highly recommended, because it allows us to target your child's tutoring much more precisely to get better and faster results. The cost of this text is $500, broken down into two payments. ($250 when reserving your testing appointments, and $250 on the day of testing).

• Testing for ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Gifftedness, as well as PsychoEducational Evaluations: Have you ever heard of a "twice exceptional" learner? or did you know that 20% of the population has Dyslexia (and that most dyslexic individuals are also smarter than average? These are the types of questions that educational testing can answer. The specific testing needed, and the associated coast, is determined individually for each case based on the child's academic, behavioral, social, and emotional history. ........Imagine a child who seems so smart that he has conversations with adults on deep topics, build Lego creations without instructions like he was an architect, but then gets in trouble at school, and avoids doing homework. But he friendly and social, makes deep connections between topics, and yet can't learn how to ride a bike. This child exists! This child is a "twice exceptional" learning, scoring in the "gifted" or "very superior" range of one area on an IQ test, but also has several learning disabilities. This child exists! (and many like him) In fact this child is the son of our founder, Dr. Chantal.....so you see why we're passionate about help all kids succeed in school and in life, regardless of their unique strengths and struggles.

• CogMed Memory Training: Cogmed is a cognitive training program designed to improve working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information in one's mind over a short period. Developed by leading neuroscientists, Cogmed is based on the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections.

CogMed Memory Training helps with:

• • Improved Academic Performance
  • Enhanced Attention and Focus
  • Strengthened Learning Skills
  • Improved Executive Functioning
  • Benefits for ADHD and Learning Disabilities
  • Real-World Impact on Cognitive Abilities

A tutor can play a crucial role in test preparation by providing targeted assistance in understanding the subject matter, identifying key concepts, and offering effective study strategies. Through personalized sessions, a tutor can help students break down complex topics, reinforce foundational knowledge, and develop a systematic approach to review materials. Additionally, tutors can guide students in creating realistic study schedules, practicing time management, and employing proven techniques for memorization and comprehension. This individualized support not only enhances content mastery but also boosts confidence and reduces test-related anxiety.

Furthermore, a tutor can significantly contribute to the improvement of study skills. By assessing a student's current study habits and learning style, a tutor can tailor their guidance to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. This may involve teaching effective note-taking methods, providing organizational strategies, and offering tips for active engagement during independent study. The tutor's role extends beyond subject-specific content to foster the development of broader study skills that empower students to become independent learners, ensuring their success not only in the immediate context of test preparation but also in their academic journey as a whole.

Cogmed stands out as a specialized cognitive training program meticulously designed to elevate working memory skills, empowering individuals to better hold and manipulate information over short durations. Crafted by leading neuroscientists, Cogmed derives its effectiveness from harnessing the principle of neuroplasticity, emphasizing the brain's remarkable capacity to reorganize and adapt through the formation of new neural connections. This program utilizes adaptive training, tailoring exercises to the individual's performance in real-time, ensuring a personalized and effective experience.

Various individuals can benefit significantly from Cogmed's targeted approach, including:

1. Students: Enhancing working memory can lead to improved academic performance, particularly in tasks requiring concentration, information retention, and problem-solving.
2. Professionals: Better working memory contributes to enhanced focus and productivity in complex work environments, enabling professionals to manage tasks more efficiently.
3. Individuals with ADHD: Cogmed is often utilized as an intervention for individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), addressing cognitive challenges associated with the condition.
4. Those with Learning Disabilities: Individuals facing learning disabilities may find Cogmed beneficial for improving cognitive functions related to memory, attention, and executive skills.
5. Seniors: Cognitive training, including working memory exercises, can be beneficial for older adults, potentially supporting cognitive health and preserving mental acuity.
6. Athletes: Cognitive skills are crucial in various sports, and Cogmed can assist athletes in honing their working memory for improved decision-making and performance.
7. Professionals in High-Demand Fields: Individuals in fields requiring constant learning and adaptation, such as technology or healthcare, can benefit from Cogmed's focus on enhancing cognitive flexibility and memory.

By catering to a diverse range of individuals, Cogmed aims to unlock cognitive potential and promote success across various aspects of life.