Practically speaking, I teach people ways to write stories and take them on walks in nature to do mindfulness exercises and talk about life. On a relational level I connect people: with new ideas, with themselves, with the earth, and with kind, authentic ways of expressing themselves.
This was all born from my path as a tutor in a Chicago co-op of homeschool families. Blessed by my fairy godmother - a matriarch of that community - I was invited to teach many tweens/teens, and in time parents called on me to play various roles beyond my classes: co-leading a workshop on respect across gender lines for the youth, running a small boys book club for them to discuss their feelings, joining as a facilitator for a girls' coming of age retreat, and ultimately becoming a mentor to a select few kids whose families I am close to.
In and out of the classroom I am asked to help young people explore their purpose, values, and passions, to meet them where they are and offer help along the path to a compassionate, empowered relationship with themselves and the world. I am not a therapist - I do not diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, or provide direct therapy to students - but I am also not trying to be one. Young people, all people, need spaces of play and imagination that are multi-disciplinary and invite in the bigger picture of what it means - and takes - to be human. That is my role, to play with people using a few of life’s fundamentals: earth, story, and relationship.
Credentials
- Annual background check (provided to clients upon request)
- BA in English (Creative Writing), DePaul University
- 10+ years tutoring in community with homeschool families
- Lead 17-day, 11 guest private tour in Japan for students and parents
- Dare to Lead Trained, Brené Brown
- Comprehensive Sexual Health Educator, OWL
- TEFL certificate, Chicago
- N2 certificate, JLPT
- C1 certificate, Institut Catholique de Toulouse
- IJL diploma, Ritsumeikan University
- Interpreter/Intercultural Liaison for GQ magazine and Art Battle Japan
- Lead translator on Letters of Youth, 550 page volume for SSVP
- Formerly licensed as a CNA in the state of Illinois
Learning is connecting
Earth is our teacher
REVIEWS
“He's not just there to teach; he genuinely cares about his students' progress and well-being.” - Sebastien S.
“Walker finds unique ways to teach each student in a process that he/she or they will understand, No other teacher has invested so much time in me.” - Eclipse S.
“As a youth mentor, I began to collaborate with Walker on rite of passage retreats for the youth in our community, and Walker’s compassion for youth shone throughout, creating a safe space and positive environment for growth.” Jessi T.
“Once I met Walker and we had a conversation, I was convinced that my oldest would thrive and grow working with Walker. And she has in so many wonderful and exciting ways!” - Rosalyn L.
“He is an extremely patient and kind teacher. His style of teaching is more conversational, so in class we usually have lots of conversations in purely Japanese.” Oskar S.
“Walker is an excellent writing tutor. I've been a college consultant for 25 years, and I did not hesitate to use him.” - Jen W.
“Walker is an excellent writing and language teacher. He has an innovative approach that helped me succeed in various essays and college applications.” Tom B
“I can't emphasize enough the positive influence Walker has had on both of my sons.” - Anna F..
“Walker is responsible, reliable and kind. He is sensitive and understanding about queer identities. He paid attention to my kid’s interests, tailoring lessons to their strengths.” Nina B.
“Walker met with [my son] and in the span of two hours guided him from his rough draft to a polished essay. Not only did they get to the heart of his main point, but they helped bring it forward by highlighting my son's ideas and strengths. Any high-school students in need of help with their common app or any college application essays need look no further!” - Tatti W.