About Melissa
15 Years of Teaching Excellence
Melissa's Story
I spent 15 years in elementary classrooms in Florida, teaching grades K-6 across math, reading, science, and more. I loved the energy of a full classroom, but I noticed something: in a room of 25-30 students, individual kids sometimes got lost in the pace. Some needed extra support; others needed challenge. All of them needed to know I saw them.
That's why I started Cabrera Tutoring.
One-on-one tutoring lets me do what I'm best at: meeting each child exactly where they are, building on their strengths, and creating a safe space where they feel confident to take risks and ask questions. I assess where they actually are—not where they 'should' be—and we work together from there.
How I Teach
My approach is needs-based and data-driven. Here's what that means:
1. Running Record Assessment — I start by understanding your child's current skills and struggles. This isn't a test to fail; it's a conversation to learn.
2. Baseline Assessment — I give a 10-question baseline to establish where we're starting and what we're working toward.
3. Frontloading & Building Prior Knowledge — Before diving into new material, I build the foundation your child needs. This prevents frustration and builds confidence.
4. State Standards Alignment — I use what your child is learning in school to guide my teaching. No disconnect between tutoring and the classroom.
5. Celebration & Progress — We celebrate small wins. Confidence is built one session at a time.
The result? Your child doesn't just improve grades—they believe they can learn. And that changes everything.
Certifications & Experience
- Florida Certified Teacher, Elementary Education (K-6)
- Reading Specialist Certification (K-12)
- 15 years classroom teaching experience
- Background in differentiated instruction, ADHD support, and ESL strategies