~ Massimo, 5th gr ('29) Petaluma
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Here's what our Clients hAve to say
After giving advice about upcoming educational decisions...
Thank you, you have no idea how much I appreciate you.
~ Cynthia G., parent of 6th gr ('29) Petaluma
Thank you, you have no idea how much I appreciate you.
~ Cynthia G., parent of 6th gr ('29) Petaluma
After our first session - just switched to us from another tutoring service...
You’re amazing. Truly. Thank you, Tammy.
~ Jill k., parent of 10th gr ('25) Petaluma
You’re amazing. Truly. Thank you, Tammy.
~ Jill k., parent of 10th gr ('25) Petaluma
After only 2 sessions...
Thank you, Tammy. She is getting excited about math after working with you. I am happy she is enjoying learning and sharing her progress along the way. Thanks for helping her.
~ Jamie R., parent of 8th gr ('27) Petaluma
Thank you, Tammy. She is getting excited about math after working with you. I am happy she is enjoying learning and sharing her progress along the way. Thanks for helping her.
~ Jamie R., parent of 8th gr ('27) Petaluma
After just 2 months of tutoring...
Thank you Tammy!! [She] has come a long way - from a D to a B- on her report card! Not sure if she told you that. Thank you for your thorough instruction and patience. Although she would never admit it, I think she is even beginning to like Calculus. I know she feels more confident in her ability to learn this difficult subject, which alone is a great experience and will help her as she enters her college years. Many thanks!!
...and at the end of the school year......
I think 50 min is great. Just wanted to say good for you! I work at UCSF and a few months into the pandemic we made this change to 50 min zoom meetings - a mandate not an option - for the same reason you list. :)
Best to you Tammy!
~ Kelly A., parent of 12th gr ('22) Petaluma
Thank you Tammy!! [She] has come a long way - from a D to a B- on her report card! Not sure if she told you that. Thank you for your thorough instruction and patience. Although she would never admit it, I think she is even beginning to like Calculus. I know she feels more confident in her ability to learn this difficult subject, which alone is a great experience and will help her as she enters her college years. Many thanks!!
...and at the end of the school year......
I think 50 min is great. Just wanted to say good for you! I work at UCSF and a few months into the pandemic we made this change to 50 min zoom meetings - a mandate not an option - for the same reason you list. :)
Best to you Tammy!
~ Kelly A., parent of 12th gr ('22) Petaluma
Two text messages at the end of the school year...
Excellent thank you for support
Perfect. Thank you so much for being such a great tutor for [our son], we turned a big corner. I'm so glad we found you! Please don't give away our spot, we'll definitely be back! Have a great summer
~ Cynthia G., parent of 5th gr ('29) Petaluma
Excellent thank you for support
Perfect. Thank you so much for being such a great tutor for [our son], we turned a big corner. I'm so glad we found you! Please don't give away our spot, we'll definitely be back! Have a great summer
~ Cynthia G., parent of 5th gr ('29) Petaluma
Recent texts...
Btw he got a 90% on his math test! Unfortunately at [his school] a 90% is a B+
He was very happy [about it]
And he says you explain things well for him he is thankful for your sessions
~ Jennifer R., parent of 8th gr ('26) Novato
Btw he got a 90% on his math test! Unfortunately at [his school] a 90% is a B+
He was very happy [about it]
And he says you explain things well for him he is thankful for your sessions
~ Jennifer R., parent of 8th gr ('26) Novato
After 2 sessions...
Wow, this is an extremely thorough update, thank you! [My son] has been really happy with your sessions and took the first of the two make up tests yesterday. He was fully confident that he did well on it and said it was easy. You have been so helpful! Thank you so much!
~ Stacey F, parent of 12th gr ('23) Petaluma
Wow, this is an extremely thorough update, thank you! [My son] has been really happy with your sessions and took the first of the two make up tests yesterday. He was fully confident that he did well on it and said it was easy. You have been so helpful! Thank you so much!
~ Stacey F, parent of 12th gr ('23) Petaluma
4 1/2 year relationship with great client-family...
That sounds like an awful lot [of material covered] - excellent job both of you! Thanks Tammy for going through the homework but also looking at the big picture…tackling it! Good stuff
~ Mary Beth C., parent of 10th gr ('24) Cloverdale
That sounds like an awful lot [of material covered] - excellent job both of you! Thanks Tammy for going through the homework but also looking at the big picture…tackling it! Good stuff
~ Mary Beth C., parent of 10th gr ('24) Cloverdale
Thank you. Yes this is a topic that has always been a challenge. I honestly wouldn’t even attempt to help him this. Thank you so much for your patience and encouragement
~ Liz P., parent of 8th gr ('24) Penngrove
~ Liz P., parent of 8th gr ('24) Penngrove
After 1 session with first child...
Thank you for the thorough recap. [Our daughter] provided very positive feedback and seems to work very well with you. So well in fact, that we were wondering if you would have availability for her brother?
After 1st session with second child...
There was an immediate boost in confidence after the session and he feels like he clicks with you. Thanks again- [our son] looks forward to seeing you next week.
~ Fred C., parent of 11th gr ('23) & 6th ('28) Petaluma
Thank you for the thorough recap. [Our daughter] provided very positive feedback and seems to work very well with you. So well in fact, that we were wondering if you would have availability for her brother?
After 1st session with second child...
There was an immediate boost in confidence after the session and he feels like he clicks with you. Thanks again- [our son] looks forward to seeing you next week.
~ Fred C., parent of 11th gr ('23) & 6th ('28) Petaluma
While his teacher was out on paternity leave...
Thank you Tammy, I appreciate the update. It seems pretty clear the absence of the primary math teacher has been a distraction to [my son's] (and his classmates) math progress. Your tutoring has allowed [him] to continue his progress. We VERY much appreciate the additional worksheets and perspective that your time together each week is the bulk of [his] math learning at this time.
~ Phil C., parent of 8th gr ('26) San Anselmo
Thank you Tammy, I appreciate the update. It seems pretty clear the absence of the primary math teacher has been a distraction to [my son's] (and his classmates) math progress. Your tutoring has allowed [him] to continue his progress. We VERY much appreciate the additional worksheets and perspective that your time together each week is the bulk of [his] math learning at this time.
~ Phil C., parent of 8th gr ('26) San Anselmo
After only 2 sessions...
Thank you Tammy. This seems to be working out better than I could have imagined. Her attitude towards the subject is something completely different than it was a month ago.
We will see you next week!
~Matt M., parent of 8th gr ('26) Penngrove
Thank you Tammy. This seems to be working out better than I could have imagined. Her attitude towards the subject is something completely different than it was a month ago.
We will see you next week!
~Matt M., parent of 8th gr ('26) Penngrove
After 8 weeks...
Thank you Tammy!! [My daughter] has come a long way - from a D to a B- on her report card! Not sure if she told you that. Thank you for your thorough instruction and patience. Although she would never admit it, I think she is even beginning to like Calculus. I know she feels more confident in her ability to learn this difficult subject, which alone is a great experience and will help her as she enters her college years. Many thanks!!
~Kelly A., parent of 12th gr ('22), Petaluma
Thank you Tammy!! [My daughter] has come a long way - from a D to a B- on her report card! Not sure if she told you that. Thank you for your thorough instruction and patience. Although she would never admit it, I think she is even beginning to like Calculus. I know she feels more confident in her ability to learn this difficult subject, which alone is a great experience and will help her as she enters her college years. Many thanks!!
~Kelly A., parent of 12th gr ('22), Petaluma
After only 3 months of weekly online sessions...
[My son] has been so excited this week. He can’t wait to tell me how well his finals are going. He has received B’s on each of the finals thus far English, Science, Math. He has PE today and Spanish and History on Friday.
Thank you so much for helping him get his confidence back.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday.
~ Liz P.R, parent of 8th ('26), Penngrove
[My son] has been so excited this week. He can’t wait to tell me how well his finals are going. He has received B’s on each of the finals thus far English, Science, Math. He has PE today and Spanish and History on Friday.
Thank you so much for helping him get his confidence back.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday.
~ Liz P.R, parent of 8th ('26), Penngrove
Toward the end of one school year of Concierge Teaching...
Janet has been terrific and [our daughter] has really enjoyed working with her. Thank you for finding her for us. It has turned out to be a great year academically for [our daughter], and she got into Branson, which is where she really wants to be for high school.
~ Catherine K., parent of 8th ('25), Ross
Janet has been terrific and [our daughter] has really enjoyed working with her. Thank you for finding her for us. It has turned out to be a great year academically for [our daughter], and she got into Branson, which is where she really wants to be for high school.
~ Catherine K., parent of 8th ('25), Ross
After supporting their daughter for almost 3 years, a parent wrote...
Yes, thanks--that helps a lot... I am very glad she has you in her corner.
~Winston B., parent of 9th ('24), Santa Rosa
Yes, thanks--that helps a lot... I am very glad she has you in her corner.
~Winston B., parent of 9th ('24), Santa Rosa
After supporting their daughter for 3 1/2 years, a parent wrote...
Thanks Tammy. We so appreciate your input and feedback. You link things together nicely...and make good assessments.
Have we ever seen you tired? No
~Mary Beth C., parent of 9th ('24), Cloverdale
Thanks Tammy. We so appreciate your input and feedback. You link things together nicely...and make good assessments.
Have we ever seen you tired? No
~Mary Beth C., parent of 9th ('24), Cloverdale
After our fourth tutoring session, a parent wrote...
I think you are doing a great job with the girls and they have definitely shown improvement at school. Thank you so much!
~Claudia S., parent of 7th ('26) & 4th ('29) graders, Petaluma
I think you are doing a great job with the girls and they have definitely shown improvement at school. Thank you so much!
~Claudia S., parent of 7th ('26) & 4th ('29) graders, Petaluma
You are amazing! Also she’s been sharing with her Dad and I how much she loves math and how she’s finally getting i! Last week she helped a friend in math class and she felt very proud of herself. Thank you.
~ Maria N., parent of 6th grader ('27), Petaluma
~ Maria N., parent of 6th grader ('27), Petaluma
Thanks for all the detailed feedback, and for the fantastic instruction. You have been really helping both girls progress in math, and we appreciate it!
~ Jennifer F., parent of 12th grader ('22) and 10th grader ('24), Petaluma
~ Jennifer F., parent of 12th grader ('22) and 10th grader ('24), Petaluma
This [report] sounds awesome! Let's hope she keeps progressing this year, now that she has a fresh start.
~Shannon L., parent of 8th grader ('25) Santa Rosa
~Shannon L., parent of 8th grader ('25) Santa Rosa
After our first tutoring session, a parent wrote...
WOW Tammy! I am so impressed with your professionalism and your detailed summary about your work with the girls. I can tell that you love what you do! Thank you so much for your support with the girls' education
~Claudia S., parent of 7th ('26) & 4th ('29) graders, Petaluma
WOW Tammy! I am so impressed with your professionalism and your detailed summary about your work with the girls. I can tell that you love what you do! Thank you so much for your support with the girls' education
~Claudia S., parent of 7th ('26) & 4th ('29) graders, Petaluma
After her final exam, a student wrote...
Hi there, just wanted to give you a quick update after signing off my math final a few minutes ago. This is the most confident I’ve felt leaving a math final in a long long time. I’m happy to say that I think last night’s meeting and all of our other work has done wonders for my skill and confidence. At first, I was very overwhelmed, but I just settled down and attacked it piece by piece, first by working on what I did know, then going through my notes(!) for what I didn’t. Afterwards, I covered up my work and used another piece of paper to double check all my answers (just like we discussed). I felt more confident and capable working through it than I have any other math test.
I’m not finished improving and next semester might be my hardest yet, but for now, thank you so much, and have a wonderful holiday.
~Paige K. '22, Santa Rosa
Hi there, just wanted to give you a quick update after signing off my math final a few minutes ago. This is the most confident I’ve felt leaving a math final in a long long time. I’m happy to say that I think last night’s meeting and all of our other work has done wonders for my skill and confidence. At first, I was very overwhelmed, but I just settled down and attacked it piece by piece, first by working on what I did know, then going through my notes(!) for what I didn’t. Afterwards, I covered up my work and used another piece of paper to double check all my answers (just like we discussed). I felt more confident and capable working through it than I have any other math test.
I’m not finished improving and next semester might be my hardest yet, but for now, thank you so much, and have a wonderful holiday.
~Paige K. '22, Santa Rosa
Your comments are very helpful, insightful for me. Thank you. She reported to me that the time spent with you helped cement concepts in her mind. I hope it will give her confidence to do well on tests. She does seem to be improving on taking notes. If she can keep doing that, being confident and working toward improving test taking, she will have make great progress.
~Amoura S, parent of 6th grader ('27), Novato
~Amoura S, parent of 6th grader ('27), Novato
Great Concierge Tutoring! Using Tammy for my husband who has a traumatic brain injury and has had to re-learn things from arithmetic to spelling and grammar. We've seen so much progress in just 1 year of weekly sessions. She's patient and tailors the sessions to apply to real-world situations for my husband who works part-time as a software engineer. Highly recommend Tammy and her concierge tutoring services!
~ Robyn & Alex, Novato
~ Robyn & Alex, Novato
Thank you! It does all of our hearts good to hear she is progressing during such a tumultuous time. We are grateful to you and your Dedication.
~ Maria N., parent of 6th grader ('27), Petaluma
~ Maria N., parent of 6th grader ('27), Petaluma
Thank you very much Tammy! I don’t use Facebook but would be happy to give you a five star rating if there is a way to do that. I have already told my SIL who is an AP English teacher at Casa and several other friends that this is the best money I’ve spent recently; particularly during the shelter in place. [My son] got far more out of his lessons with you and Angela than he was getting out of school this semester. I appreciate the time you took to work with him and the flexibility given the crazy works we are finding ourselves in these days.
~ Christine E., parent of '21, Petaluma
~ Christine E., parent of '21, Petaluma
I would like to keep [your services for] next year...it looks like she will be able to choose grades over credit/no credit, and she has all As and 1 B!! We are so proud of her!
~ Jennifer, parent of '22, Novato
~ Jennifer, parent of '22, Novato
Sonomarin Tutoring is great, Tammy is reliable, organized and down to earth. My daughter and son felt comfortable, engaged and free of judgment allowing them to ask questions. Angela worked with my daughter for the English portion of the SAT prep and she was also fabulous. Than you for a very positive experience!
~ Jasmine G., parent of '21 test prep & '23 tutoring students, Petaluma
~ Jasmine G., parent of '21 test prep & '23 tutoring students, Petaluma
I loved walking by her door and hearing your voice Tammy
Just love how you connect with [her], and seems to me you are teaching her how to think and approach the unknown...
Thank you
~Mary Beth C., parent of '24 tutoring student, Cloverdale
Just love how you connect with [her], and seems to me you are teaching her how to think and approach the unknown...
Thank you
~Mary Beth C., parent of '24 tutoring student, Cloverdale
Thank you and we will not be canceling [during the shelter-in-place/pandemic] ! So glad we have your tutoring
~Jennifer R., parent of '19 & '22 tutoring students, Novato
~Jennifer R., parent of '19 & '22 tutoring students, Novato
I have a big grin from ear to ear reading this [report] Tammy! Thank you so much for your support. This is invaluable. The rapport you build with [our son] is so positive! He really enjoys seeing you and feels it as support. That is huge. Thank you a million times over!
~ Doug L., parent of '21 tutoring student, Petaluma
~ Doug L., parent of '21 tutoring student, Petaluma
After our first tutoring session, a parent wrote...
She actually came out and told me I get it!! She is very happy and excited to keep working with you!
~ Jenny R., parent of '22 tutoring student, Novato
She actually came out and told me I get it!! She is very happy and excited to keep working with you!
~ Jenny R., parent of '22 tutoring student, Novato
Tammy, you do an excellent job teaching [our daughter]. ... All of this adds to her ability to think critically. Although I do wish the teacher at her school inspired her in this fashion, you are some well spent educational dollars. I endorse all the hours [she] is looking for in her finals prep. Success breeds confidence and the thirst for more success. ... Thanks as always for your efforts
~ Nick P., parent of '21 tutoring student, Santa Rosa
~ Nick P., parent of '21 tutoring student, Santa Rosa
Written by the spouse of a Concierge Tutoring client 2 weeks into tutoring to overcome his aphasia...
Thanks, Tammy! It seems to be going well. He's much more conscious of his errors and getting confused less than before. I have noticed improvement in his speaking confidence as well.
~ Robyn N., spouse of adult Concierge Tutoring client, Novato
Thanks, Tammy! It seems to be going well. He's much more conscious of his errors and getting confused less than before. I have noticed improvement in his speaking confidence as well.
~ Robyn N., spouse of adult Concierge Tutoring client, Novato
[My son] really feels like you have helped him a lot, so I was glad that I could pass on your info to [our friend]!
That is also wonderful news about his [160 point SAT] test improvement.....fingers crossed for the actual test!
~ Kathie S., parent of '19 test prep student, Petaluma
That is also wonderful news about his [160 point SAT] test improvement.....fingers crossed for the actual test!
~ Kathie S., parent of '19 test prep student, Petaluma
I just need to let you know how immensely grateful I am. To be able to find someone of your caliber, demeanor, and positive approach to learning is a true blessing.
~ Pamela S., parent of '18 & '20 tutoring students, Healdsburg
~ Pamela S., parent of '18 & '20 tutoring students, Healdsburg
Tammy helped me through my math classes during all four years that I was in high school. She was excellent at guiding me in a way that would allow me to arrive at the answer myself rather than being told it explicitly. I passed every single math class that I took in high school with an A, and received a 4 on both the Calculus AB and BC exams. Not to mention the fact that she was very funny and pleasant to work with!
~ Austin L. '17, Petaluma
~ Austin L. '17, Petaluma
Janet understands the demands of each project she takes on and works diligently to produce clear, concise, and effective writing. She is wonderful to work with and goes above and beyond what is asked of her. Her attention to detail, tireless editing, reliability, and flexibility are a few of the many qualities that make her an excellent choice for editing or writing projects. She has helped me improve as a writer and constantly pushes me to expand my skill set further. Highly recommended!
~ Sahar A. '14, Novato, UC Berkeley '18
~ Sahar A. '14, Novato, UC Berkeley '18
Math tutoring made the difference for me in math class. Under my tutor's care, I went from being a student who would panic, feeling like I was left behind and confused, to being confident enough to present to the rest of the class on complicated concepts. My tutor made math fun, and has a singular ability to reach students like me in creative, unique ways. Thank you so much!
~ Sydney L. '14, San Anselmo
~ Sydney L. '14, San Anselmo
History has always been a difficult subject for me because I was not interested in history back when I was in China. However, my impression of history was totally changed after I came here and had you as my teacher and guidance in history. What I learned in your class is way beyond what is in the textbook: politics, global issues, etc. I can truly find “stuff” interesting. It has been my pleasure to have you as my teacher and to know you in my life. Thank you for the amazing sophomore year
~ David J. '19, San Anselmo
~ David J. '19, San Anselmo
Our tutor was incredible. She was able to immediately identify stumbling blocks and clear up issues that were preventing my son from succeeding in Algebra 2. Her insight and knowledge helped him raise his grade, and he had a great time, too!
~ Lisa M., parent, Santa Rosa
~ Lisa M., parent, Santa Rosa
Janet taught me more about writing during two months of tutoring than I received in 4 years of high school, and she did it with patience, kindness, and a sense of humor.
~ Mike R. '12, Petaluma, UCSD class '17
~ Mike R. '12, Petaluma, UCSD class '17
Thank you, Tammy, for being a wonderful tutor. You always make math funny and interesting and I will miss that. Thank you for all your after school help and patience.
~ Megan S. '17, Woodacre
~ Megan S. '17, Woodacre
As a student, I can see your passion for teaching, and it somehow influenced me at the same time; believe it or not, I began to like learning about history... I feel very lucky to have you as one of my teachers...and you are definitely my FAVORITE teacher... I am grateful for all your support and everything that you have taught me
~ Irene W. '19, San Anselmo
~ Irene W. '19, San Anselmo
In her sophomore year of high school, my daughter took Algebra II from Tammy Swanson. My daughter had always struggled with Math classes until she had the joy of learning with “Ms. Swanson.” Tammy always made herself available to my daughter and did so with an extremely positive greeting! My daughter would slump into Tammy's office saying, "I just don’t get it." And Tammy would reply "Excellent! Let’s figure this out." And together, they worked through problems, and devised strategies. Tammy makes learning fun and makes learning stick. Tammy’s love of mathematics shows in the way she interacts with students, and her way of making math matter is unique and so valuable. She is the best tutor around.
~ Kristen L., parent, Kentfield
~ Kristen L., parent, Kentfield
Janet is amazing! She has helped me complete many of my college papers from upper division English essays to personal statements and graduate school essays. She is available to help with a moment's notice and goes above and beyond to help you produce high quality work. She has definitely helped me improve my writing skills. I cannot praise her enough. I will be asking for Janet's assistance on ALL of my future papers!
~ Parwinder P., Graduate student Touro University
~ Parwinder P., Graduate student Touro University
We have been very pleased with Tammy tutoring our grandson in middle school math. She is very patient and knowledge in all levels of math.
~ Deanne S., grandparent, Novato
~ Deanne S., grandparent, Novato
Mr. Sethre is so knowledgeable and funny. He's my favorite teacher. I think everyone loves him.
~ Derrick Y. '19, San Anselmo
~ Derrick Y. '19, San Anselmo
Tammy Swanson is by far the most patient, engaging, and fun math teacher I've ever had. She helped me so much in high school. I highly recommend working with her!
~Rachel Z., '14, Novato
~Rachel Z., '14, Novato
I was fortunate enough to be taught by both Mrs. Swanson (Algebra 2) and Mr. Sethre (Europe and the Modern World). Mrs. Swanson was a joy to learn from; engaging, experienced, and exited to be there and help! Mrs. Swanson was always available to help explain my homework, and she spent several study halls and after school math club meetings making sure I knew the polynomials like the back of my hand...Thanks to her I was able to go into Pre Calculus confident that I had the solid foundation to take on Calculus!...Really, everyone should be able to take a class from Mr. Sethre. I don't think anyone else could make the French Revolution so intensely funny while also facilitating thought provoking discussion on why and how revolutions occur. Mr. Sethre knows exactly how to capture a student's interest and make the subject matter interesting.
This is a group of people who are going to make sure that not only you learn; but that you love every minute of it. I know I did, and any one of their students will gush about their positive experiences and the skills they learned that they will remember for life!
~Nicole C., '18, Nicasio
This is a group of people who are going to make sure that not only you learn; but that you love every minute of it. I know I did, and any one of their students will gush about their positive experiences and the skills they learned that they will remember for life!
~Nicole C., '18, Nicasio
I have been working closely with Janet since 2010, and have enjoyed every minute of it. Janet has offered me her brilliant, thoughtful, and proficient editing of scholarly papers, grant proposals, conference lectures, my PhD dissertation, and my book manuscript.
Janet offers not only the most careful and engaged editing, she also shares great ideas about content and structure, and is experienced in explaining how to improve my writing, offering me tools I can use.
Janet also has a unique ability as an editor and a tutor to help my own voice to be heard in the most articulate way possible, an ability not many editors share.
Janet puts a lot of time and effort into every project she works on, never missing a sentence, and providing wonderful and original ideas and comments.
I recommend anyone looking for a professional, thoughtful, and serious editor or writing tutor to contact her; she is the best you can get!
~ Gili Hammer, PhD.
Assistant Professor
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Janet offers not only the most careful and engaged editing, she also shares great ideas about content and structure, and is experienced in explaining how to improve my writing, offering me tools I can use.
Janet also has a unique ability as an editor and a tutor to help my own voice to be heard in the most articulate way possible, an ability not many editors share.
Janet puts a lot of time and effort into every project she works on, never missing a sentence, and providing wonderful and original ideas and comments.
I recommend anyone looking for a professional, thoughtful, and serious editor or writing tutor to contact her; she is the best you can get!
~ Gili Hammer, PhD.
Assistant Professor
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Great tutoring! Very good at making difficult concepts easy to understand. Always patient, friendly, and makes sure that the student has a solid grasp of the material. Would absolutely recommend!
~ Shynie L., '18, Tiburon
~ Shynie L., '18, Tiburon
Tammy was the best teacher I ever had. She was very patient and kind. She always took the extra time to help me understand things.
~ Minnewa E., '04, Culver City
~ Minnewa E., '04, Culver City