Frequently Asked Questions

I did. My curriculum has been inspired by multiple sources, but most importantly, from my own personal experience studying communications and working on the radio for 13 years. Additional resources include: Mr. David Yastremski’s (incredible, outstanding, award-winning!) speech & debate program at Ridge High School where I am fortunate enough to be both an alumna and a coach, Steve Meadows’ National Speech & Debate Association Public Speaking Course Guide, "Speak Out! Debate and Public Speaking in the Middle Grades" by Kate Shuster & John Meany, and various internet articles/videos. I developed my curriculum alongside my mother, who was an educator in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school system for 37 years. She also holds two Master’s Degrees, one of which focuses on the different types of learners. I am certain my curriculum encompasses the skills your child needs to become a more confident, charismatic and compelling speaker. 

Please review my Public Speaking 201 and Public Speaking 301 offerings under the "Class Descriptions" tab.

If your child needs help preparing for an interview or a forensics competition, you do not need to enroll in a course; I am happy to offer a la carte sessions. Please note I am unable to coach high schoolers who might be competing against the Ridge High School speech & debate team, as it would be a conflict of interest. 

It’s all good! Our first lesson is a la carte, and then you can decide whether or not you’d like to continue with the course. I want your child to feel comfortable in my class, so no hard feelings if you choose to move on. Once you commit to the course, however, it is non-refundable. If you have emergency/extenuating circumstances, rest assured I'm a reasonable human being who's experienced her fair share of "THAT WAS UNEXPECTED!" moments, so we'll chat and come up with something that works for both of us!

Any cancellations must be made at least 12 hours before the scheduled appointment, either via email or call/text at (908) 419-9536. If your child is late for a session, the session will still end at the scheduled time. Additionally, you will not be prorated or refunded for the session, nor will you be able to make up the session. 

However… especially since I work out of my home and I have a kindergartener, it is of the utmost importance that all children - and I! - are healthy when working together. So, any last-minute cancellations due to illness or emergencies (are appreciated for everyone's safety, and) will be made up with a 1:1 half-hour zoom session at a time that is mutually beneficial for both parties. If I have to cancel a session, that session will be rescheduled. 

I certainly stay in communication with you and am more than happy to chat with you during our time together. Additionally, you will receive handouts that your child can apply to daily use at home, as well as an assessment at the end of the course. 

To ensure each child gets as much attention as possible, I work with no more than five students at a time. I believe that social proof is very helpful for some of my students, so inviting friends is always a great idea. 

I am! In order to coach the Ridge High School Forensics Team, I had to obtain my substitute certification. That also means I've been fingerprinted and background checked by the State of New Jersey.

We work out of my heated/air conditioned porch near Cedar Hill School in Basking Ridge.

I also will be conducting workshops at Embrace Tutoring in Chatham, NJ.

My invoices will come from Quickbooks, so be on the lookout! To avoid transaction fees, I prefer bank transfer, or checks made out to: Badass Chick Productions, Inc.

My online course was created specifically to give students an overview of the six essential skills of public speaking. While I offer worksheets, exercises, observations and demonstrations, it is not the same as working with me live, and is not a suitable replacement for the whole Public Speaking 101 course. However, if you're unable to work with me live, it serves as an excellent self-paced option to enhance your basic skills! Learn more here.