Hello! My name is Mia Roman, and I am a Neuroscience and Psychology student at Oberlin College pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree while also minoring in Cognitive Science with an Integrative Concentration in Education Studies. I have always been passionate about understanding how children learn, think, and communicate, which is what inspired me to study both neuroscience and psychology. My long-term goal is to become a speech-language pathologist, where I can help children develop strong communication skills and gain confidence in themselves. I chose this career path because I enjoy working with children and want to make a meaningful impact on their academic, social, and personal development. Working with children has been a major part of my life for many years. Growing up with four younger siblings taught me patience, responsibility, and how to connect with children of different ages and personalities. In addition, I have over five years of experience as a babysitter, where I regularly helped children with homework, creative play, and daily activities while providing a safe and supportive environment. I also currently work as a Teaching Assistant at Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development, where I supervise a class of elementary-aged students and lead engaging learning activities designed to strengthen literacy, communication, and critical thinking skills. I also volunteer as an English volunteer, helping individuals improve their language skills while building confidence in the classroom. Outside of academics, I have played competitive volleyball since middle school, including travel volleyball, and have served as a team captain. I enjoy working with younger athletes and would be excited to coach students who want to learn the fundamentals of volleyball or continue developing their skills. Through these experiences, I have learned that every child learns differently. My teaching approach focuses on understanding each student's individual learning style and adapting lessons to meet their needs. Whether a student is struggling with a new concept, preparing for a test, or simply looking to build stronger academic skills, I strive to make learning engaging, interactive, and encouraging. Rather than simply giving answers, I guide students through the thought process so they can develop confidence in solving problems independently. I enjoy working with elementary and middle school students in reading, writing, English, psychology, general science, and volleyball instruction. As a fluent English and Spanish speaker, I am also able to support bilingual learners and families when needed. I believe students learn best when they feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and celebrating their progress. My goal is to create a positive and supportive learning environment where students not only improve academically but also build confidence in their own abilities. I look forward to helping each student reach their goals while making learning a fun and rewarding experience.
If you have a specific tutor in mind, you're welcome to request them directly — we'll confirm whether they're available and the right fit for your student. Otherwise, Ryan writes a personal email to understand your student's needs, learning style, and goals — then handpicks a tutor from the roster. You're not filling out a form and getting assigned randomly. If the first tutor isn't the right fit after the first session, we'll find you a better match at no extra charge.
Yes. Many families start with a single session to see how the tutor and student connect before committing to a regular schedule. There's no pressure to book in advance — reach out and we'll set something up.
Yes. Many of our tutors are strong across several subjects, and sessions can cover more than one if that's what the student needs that week. Flexibility is built into how we work.
Most of our tutors continue working through breaks, either online or in-person at the college if the tutors remain on campus during that vacation. We'll let you know in advance if a tutor has a gap in availability and arrange coverage with one of our other tutors — in-person or online — in the required subject.
Occasionally, if the student lives very close to the tutor's campus. Most sessions take place on or near the college campus or online. This keeps sessions in an academically focused environment — which tends to produce better results.
The families who see the biggest results are the ones who commit to a regular cadence — typically once, twice, or three times a week. One-on-one tutoring with a student from an elite college, who genuinely understands the material, is a fundamentally different experience from a tutoring center or an app. Most of our clients stay with us for multiple semesters.
Email Ryan@ShiresTutoring.com and mention which tutor and college town you're interested in, or fill out our Request a Tutor form. We typically respond within one business day.
That depends on where your student is starting and how consistently they show up. Mia will identify the specific gaps, focus sessions on them, and adjust as the student progresses. Families who stick to a weekly schedule typically see meaningful progress within four to six weeks.
Email Ryan@ShiresTutoring.com and mention you'd like to work with Mia at Oberlin College, or fill out our Request a Tutor form — you can also click the Request a Tutor button at the bottom of this page. We'll follow up within one business day to confirm availability and schedule your first session.