School is tricky, and there is no universal pathway to success. I started Carpenter Tutoring for those seeking a little help finding their way.

Amy Carpenter
Amy Carpenter, M.Ed.

I received my B.A. from The College of William and Mary in 2018 and received my M.Ed. from W&M in 2020. As an undergraduate, I worked and was trained as a tutor at W&M's peer tutoring center, the Tribe TutorZone. During this period, I conducted over 150 one-on-one appointments with W&M students in 26 different content areas. I earned lifetime Advanced Tutor Certification, the highest level W&M can grant, through the College Reading and Learning Association, and I was trained as a time management consultant. I took on leadership roles within the TutorZone until I was working alongside its director. As a graduate student, I became one of the Graduate Assistants helping oversee the TutorZone as well as an academic coach to students with high need for academic support.

I loved getting to work with the Tribe TutorZone tutors, but I realized that I missed being the tutor. There's just nothing like watching the light bulb of understanding go off or seeing students who had struggled with material master it! With that realization, I decided to dedicate my life to my passion -- helping students of all ages learn, succeed, and believe in themselves.

My instructional approach focuses on meeting students where they are and supporting them through any hesitations or discomforts from which academic difficulties may arise. Whether your student only has to brush up on a few concepts or is resistant to completing coursework, I will come to each session with patience, understanding, and just the right amount of discipline. I truly believe that excellent educational relationships begin with mutual respect, and I work to build meaningful relationships with all of my clients.

Thank you for considering Carpenter Tutoring.

Genevieve Akins

Genevieve is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the College of William & Mary. Previously, Genevieve earned a master’s in Equality Studies from University College Dublin and bachelors’ degrees in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies from St. Olaf College. In high school, Genevieve began tutoring elementary and middle school children in piano and violin. While in college, Genevieve worked as tutor in a local elementary school, focusing on language arts, reading, and math. Genevieve continued to seek tutoring opportunities while living in Dublin and gained experience working with middle school- aged children in reading and language arts. Through her work as a tutor and additional employment experiences, Genevieve has worked with individuals of variety of ages, academic levels, and children with additional support needs. Genevieve loves supporting students and working with them to foster a love of learning and overcome any challenges. As a Carpenter Tutor, Genevieve welcomes students seeking assistance with all levels of reading, writing, and language arts; elementary and middle school math; piano and violin; and additional skills such as time management and study skills.

Genevieve Akins
Genevieve Akins
Ian Wilenzik
Ian Wilenzik

Ian Wilenzik

Ian Wilenzik, PhD candidate, graduated from William & Mary with a degree in biology, a minor in chemistry, and an honorary minor in geology. Ian spent three years as a tutor at William & Mary, logging over 150 tutoring hours and receiving tutoring certification through the CRLA. Tutoring became a passion of his, which led to him forming a network of dedicated clients. Ian strives to create an educational, safe, and judgement-free environment during his tutoring appointments. Ian resides in Northern Virginia and is currently a PhD student in evolutionary biology at George Washington University. His central thesis is guided by the idea that the only stupid questions are the ones left unasked. He is happy to contribute to Carpenter Tutoring, assisting with high school biology and chemistry (including at the AP level) in addition to college-level evolutionary/cellular biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry, which is his tutoring specialty.

Joel Monroe

Joel has been a math nerd since he first discovered the number 11. Since then, he has worked to develop his skills in both studying and teaching math. Joel earned his Bachelor's in Mathematics and his Master's in Computational Operations Research from the College of William & Mary. Throughout his education, he has consistently sought opportunities to tutor, whether it was helping friends in high school, peers in college, or other students during his Master's program. Joel has a passion for seeing students break through the barriers which can form when studying math and discover the amazing language hidden within. As a part of Carpenter Tutoring, Joel is happy to offer assistance to students in high school and college math and introductory physics.

Joel Monroe
Joel Monroe, M.Sc.
Lauren Peerbolte
Lauren Peerbolte

Lauren Peerbolte

Lauren Peerbolte was born and raised in Chicago. She earned her BA from Illinois State University, majoring in English and minoring in creative writing. She then earned her MA in English Composition from Bradley University. Lauren has been a higher education professional in both teaching and administration for over fifteen years. She taught both developmental and college-level English at Wright College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, and Concordia University Chicago. On the administration side, she has worked in various college departments such as Admissions, Orientation, Advising, and Transfer. She believes in holistic education and is always searching for new teaching methods to help students of all ages learn, grow, and succeed. Lauren and her husband live in an Illinois suburb with their two sons, two daughters, and two cats.

Tajana Freeman

Tajana is a third year master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the College of William & Mary with a love for education and learning. She is a United States Navy veteran who graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor's in Psychology. She has substitute taught students from elementary to high school level in math and English language arts online and in person. Tajana is excited to partner with students to help them identify their individual learning modalities and to help them find the exhilarating fun of learning through tailored exercises. As a part of Carpenter Tutoring, Tajana is passionate about education and helping her students and inspiring generations of future leaders.

Tajana Freeman
Tajana Freeman