If your teens have needed a math tutor along the way, chances are they have met Michelle Rafter. For 25 years, Michelle has helped thousands of kids from her home in HOA2.

“I take pride in creating a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and working through challenges,” Michelle stated.

Michelle meets individually with more than 30 students per week, ranging in grades from kindergarten through 12. For elementary students, she helps with reading, writing and math. For middle school and high school students, Michelle teaches general math, pre-algebra, algebra 1, algebra 2, college algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

“I love being able to help students reach that moment of clarity when a concept finally makes sense—it’s incredibly satisfying to see their confidence grow as they begin to believe in their own abilities,” added Michelle.

Michelle is originally from Cincinnati, as is husband Todd, but they did not meet until college at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

Graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in education K-12 (with a concentration in mathematics), Michelle taught school in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dallas. A job opportunity for Todd brought them to Colorado where Michelle tutored and worked at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) until she had her first child.

“After going on maternity leave in 2003, I fell in love with working one-on-one with students and being able to solely focus on their individualized needs to help them reach their fullest potential both academically and personally,” stated Michelle. “Tutoring out of my home allows me to be home for my family, as family means everything to me.”

Todd, a sales director for a company that provides 911 services to telecom providers, and Michelle have been together for 34 years and married for 29. They have two boys who matriculated through BRE, Rocky Heights Middle School and Rock Canyon High School; both boys received academic scholarships for college. Sam (21) graduated with honors from the University of Arizona last month with a degree in business management and a minor in sports management. Charlie (18) is a freshman at Montana State University, majoring in finance.

In addition to tutoring, Michelle works at Lululemon in Castle Rock, where she said she gets to connect with people and “be part of a culture that values personal and professional growth.” She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and being outdoors—biking, walking and running with the family’s English lab Zeke.

And even though summer is here, Michelle continues to tutor to help prevent “summer slide,” where students have potential to lose progress in tough subjects.

“Whether it is helping with homework or building long-term confidence in their abilities, I’m always here to support the success of students and families,” concluded Michelle. “I believe education is one of the most powerful tools we can share, and I am proud to be someone others can rely on for patience, positivity and guidance.”

 

By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of Michelle Rafter