Paula Tinnin Ed.D

Columbia's premier tutor for gifted and neurodivergent learners

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A unique educator for unique minds

Learning isn’t meant to fit in a box – especially when it comes to twice-exceptional kids. I’ve spent my 40+ year career learning, leading, and now designing the “classroom outside the classroom” that fits each student. I understand that children have diverse learning patterns, and success comes from recognizing the differences and the preferences, and adapting to them. I can help you and your child do just that.

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Testimonials

  • Morgan

    “Dr. Tinnin collaborated with us to make a plan that was right for him. She was so kind. She also played a key role in providing us and his school additional information that ultimately led to a Dyslexia diagnosis.

    Without her guidance we may not have pushed for early testing.”

  • Scott & Kam

    “Dr. Paula Tinnin has had a profound impact on our family and on our sons' academic development. Dr.Tinnin quickly recognized their unique strengths and learning needs, providing individualized instruction, encouragement, and support that helped them make tremendous gains in reading.

    Beyond improved academic skills, she helped them develop resilience, self-confidence, and a belief in their own potential.”

  • Jennifer

    “Dr. Paula has been an incredible reading and writing tutor for both of our neurodivergent children. We've worked with her from elementary school, through middle school and now into high school. We feel having strong reading skills is the key to learning anything and everything.

    Dr. Paula has given them the skills they need to excel in anything they choose.”

  • Danny and Meredith

    “Dr. Paula Tinnin has been absolutely incredible for our son, Porter, completely transforming his confidence and excitement toward reading. Dr. Tinnin created a flexible, fun environment where Porter could move around, choose books of his interest, and truly thrive.Porter is now reading with more fluency, independence, and excitement than we could have imagined.

    She has made a lasting impact on our son, an exceptional reading specialist who knows how to unlock their child's potential.”

  • Susan

    “Paula has an amazing ability to connect with reluctant readers and otherwise twice-exceptional kids. 

    She strikes a great balance between nudging when necessary and rolling with resistance. We have seen significant growth in his literacy skills and performance at school during his time working with Paula. Strongly recommend!”

  • Finn

    “I have worked with Dr. Paula for almost nine years.  Together we have read dozens if not hundreds of books.  It has given me an opportunity to read and discuss books beyond my grade level in school.  We have worked on reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing and grammar. 

    Dr. Paula works personally with the student; she does not have a regular teacher vibe.  She is a family friend.  And she is one of the best tutors I have ever had.”

Books and framed artwork arranged on built-in shelves against a gray wall. The top shelf features three framed abstract landscape paintings with blue, beige, white, red, and yellow colors. The middle shelf displays children's books, including titles
A boy lies on carpeted floor reading a children's book, with a black dog stretched out beside him, in a room with gray walls and curtains.
A child with light brown hair is sitting on a carpeted floor, looking down at a colorful picture book that is open in front of them. Behind the child, there are two white bookshelves filled with numerous books and a white box on top of one of the she
A young boy with short, light brown hair, wearing a white long-sleeved shirt with a black Nike logo, is sitting at a table reading a children's book. The open book features colorful illustrations and text. The background includes a window with blinds
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Bookshelves filled with children's books in a room with a patterned rug, artwork on the wall, and a beige carpet.
A young boy in a black hoodie sitting on a beige carpet, writing on a whiteboard with purple words, surrounded by purple word tiles scattered on the carpet. A large black dog with a yellow collar is lying next to him, resting its head on the floor. T
A person with brown hair wearing glasses is sitting on the floor in a room, reading and writing in a workbook, with a black dog wearing a yellow collar lying beside them. Bookshelves with colorful books are behind them.
Open children's book with colorful illustrations of various animals, lying on a blue patterned rug in a room with bookshelves.

What Is Gifted & Neurodivergent?

Neurodivergent gifted students (also known as 2E, or Twice exceptional) are advanced learners with processing differences like ADHD, Dyslexia, or Autism. They are complex learners with unique cognitions. Such unique learners need a unique educator.

How can I help?

  • Private Tutoring (in-person and virtual)

    Throughout the one-on-one tutoring process, I partner with the parents and the child’s teacher to set strategies for success.

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  • Parent Consultations

    Parents need to know that their children can achieve, often in a context outside the school setting.

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Ready to get started?

Gifted, neurodivergent, or both.  I can help.