Tobi
Tobi has taught English and writing to a wide range of students for over ten years. His passion for language extends beyond an academic scope and has given him an enthusiasm that he shares naturally with those around him. With kindness and patience, Tobi specializes in coaching students through the process of writing high school and university admissions essays. He believes that, at its core, to teach writing well means teaching students that what they have to say—their own, authentic truth—is valuable and compelling.
Tobi holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Stanford University. He is also a graduate of Boston University’s M.F.A. program in English and creative writing, where he taught both fiction and poetry to undergraduates. He has served as a visiting artist at Mills College and has led graduate-level poetry workshops in their Master of Fine Arts program. His poetry has appeared in publications including The West Marin Review, Meridian, and Leland Quarterly.
After graduating from Stanford, Tobi lived for several months at Plum Village, Thich Nhat Hanh’s monastery in Southern France. He has spent time working as a shepherd on the island of Crete, and, most recently, lived for several years on a noisy street in Rome, just steps from the Colosseum. He returned to California due to the pandemic and these days can often be found surfing the early morning waves in the inlet of a small village, north of San Francisco, where he lives.
“Tobi really listens and knows how to connect with his student. He is able to stir up discussion, flesh out topics, and get his student going. He is very patient and encouraging. We are thrilled to be working with him!” - Parent
"Tobi was so patient with [my son]. He was also successful in gauging his moods, adjusting to him, getting him to open up, feel confident about what he was writing, etc. [My son]'s essays turned out so thoughtfully written and evoking emotion yet you could definitely hear [his] voice all throughout. We loved working with Tobi and would do so again!" - Parent
“[My son] had an immediate rapport with Tobi and really enjoys their time together. He brings up their work together throughout the week and takes the homework assignments seriously. Tobi inspires him and encourages his creative voice in a way that really reaches my son.” - Parent
“Tobi is empathetic and very good at building rapport. He gave very specific and tangible guidance on how our son could improve his writing while also building up his confidence. He does know how to push students in a very constructive and caring way. Our son enjoyed working with him a lot!” - Parent