My name's Pema, and I offer tutoring in Saratogra Springs, NY in English, creative writing (poetry and fiction), essay writing and revisions, literary analysis, film studies, film and script writing, Adobe Premiere / film editing fundamentals, creative projects in film and media, piano (beginner level). I am a senior at Skidmore College (2026), majoring in English with a minor in Film and Media Studies. Since my Sophomore year, I’ve worked as a Writing Center tutor where I’ve developed a strong foundation for guiding students through revision, outlining, writing challenges, and all stages of the writing process. I deeply value creating a relaxed, collaborative place. Because I used to feel intimidated asking for academic help, I am committed to creating a supportive environment where students feel respected, listened to, and assured in their abilities. I am confident in tutoring in English, creative writing (poetry and fiction), academic essays, and film studies. My experience includes supporting students with literary analysis, vocabulary practice, poetry interpretation, and analytical film writing (especially helping them to think critically about narrative, style, and tone). I am also passionate about the arts: I’ve played piano for ten years, and I enjoy teaching beginner students. Additionally, I have experience as a film TA, teaching high school students both editing basics in Adobe Premiere and helping them put their creative ideas into script form. And I have super great rates! It's just $35/hour per student for small groups of 2 or 3 students (great for writing groups, film making, etc!), or $45/hour for individual tutoring, but I also give a discount for group makers: if your child is the one who forms or adds to a small group by bringing 1 or 2 friends or family members, your price for that student drops to just $30/hr — every session, forever, as long as the group exists. And each friend or family member you invite who joins the group receives $10 off their first session when they book and attend.
Pema works with students from the following schools:
Pema offers in-person tutoring on or near the Skidmore College campus for families across Saratoga Springs New York, Wilton New York, Ballston Spa New York, Greenfield Center New York, Saratoga County New York.
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. Pema 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 Pema at Skidmore 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.