Meet Our Tutors

Who am I?  

My name is Christian and I look forward to helping you with your English communication needs.  I am the founder of Onward Tutoring and I truly enjoy being an online teacher. My education background includes a Masters Degree in Intercultural Studies with a teaching certificate in English as a Second Language(ESL).  My ESL career began in 2003 teaching students at a private company in Fullerton, California and then I continued teaching at the university level at Cal Poly Pomona University and Hope International University since 2011. 

What are my passions and hobbies?

My hobbies include playing tennis, going fishing, and eating out with friends at various restaurants. I hope to share these hobbies with students since these are perfect times where we can share about our life experiences and personal challenges.  

I definitely found a passion teaching ESL adult learners.  This passion stems from the close relationships that have been formed with some of the international students throughout the years.  It also comes from the types of challenges they have experienced adjusting to life in California.  They have shared their career aspirations, personal goals as well as the cultural obstacles acclimating to their new surroundings.  Being aware of these has truly given me more motivation to help them reach their goals and overcome their own obstacles.

What does it mean to learn a different language?

Personally, I believe that learning a new language is one of the biggest challenges one can experience in life.  Yet, I also feel that it is one of the most rewarding.  Learning a new language includes learning about the food, the family, and the various aspects of another’s culture.  One of the greatest benefits I’ve received as an ESL teacher is giving the chance for my students to share their culture with me.  The cultural nuances of greeting, communicating, and shopping in different languages have taught me a lot about life.  My students have taught me the meaning of "resilience" by overcoming life-challenges while learning English surrounded by their new California environment. This has truly given me a greater appreciation for what it truly takes to learn a new language.  

What is my goal at Onward Tutoring?

As a teacher, I really want to help students identify their own English communication needs.  In order to do so, I will challenge them to clarify what their personal and career goals are.  Helping my students understand their own goals (short-term and long-term) will give me a better understanding of the type of English lesson plan suitable for them. 

Who am I?
My name is Abby Parker and I am so grateful to be part of the Onward Tutoring community! I currently function as the Marketing Director and as a tutor. My education background includes a Bachelors Degree in Intercultural Studies along with a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). I have a variety of classroom experience, working with different age groups and content matter. I worked in ESL classrooms at Hope international University as a teaching assistant for almost four years, while also working as the director's assistant for the university's International Student Programs office. I traveled to China where I taught in ESL classrooms for a Bright Start Education winter STEAM camp for middle school and elementary students. I have worked with school-age students as a teacher/tutor in a day-care setting, and as a technology teacher for a K-8th grade private school. Currently, I work with middle school students in a Special Education classroom in addition to my position with Onward Tutoring. Although Onward Tutoring is California based, I am adventurously located in Alaska! 

What are my passions and hobbies?
I enjoy exchanging and engaging with various cultures, learning about history, meeting new people, experiencing new things such as music, food, and art. I love nature and seeing new sites- exploring is my hobby! I enjoy conversations about life and making new friends. I have a passion for working with people to help them meet their goals. All of these things combined makes working with students that are aspiring to develop their English proficiency the perfect job! Through the relationships I build with my students, we can share all of these things as we become more connected to our world and our cultures through language.

What does it mean to learn a different language?
Learning any language is a difficult endeavor. To learn a language does not just mean to learn and master words or phrases. I believe that learning a language-at its heart-is the sharing of culture and the development of one’s identity within a new culture. To learn English means to invest in its surrounding culture. It also means finding ways to communicate and express your own culture, just in a new way! Sharing this exciting journey with my students is what motivates me. 

What is my goal at Onward Tutoring?
As you grow in your English proficiency with us at Onward Tutoring, you’ll find that learning English will open many new doors for you. My goal is to help give you the keys to unlock your career aspirations, educational goals, confidence to settle into a new community, or even to strengthen cross-cultural relationships; the potential for what you can do with the English you learn is as great as you are! We at Onward Tutoring are here to help you get to where you want to go!