About Your Brave Brain Instructor

Hi! I’m Esther-Racquel — founder of Brave Brain, bilingual educator, and mom to a neurodivergent child who inspires just about everything I create (including the occasional middle-of-the-night idea that suddenly feels like a necessity).

For over 20 years, I’ve worked with new arrival English language learners, multilingual families, and students with disabilities, helping them build confidence in both academics and emotional regulation. Most of my teaching career has been in Bilingual Mathematics, Spanish, and ENL/ESL — supporting students who are learning English while adjusting to a new school system, a new culture, and sometimes a whole new country. (I’ve become very skilled at recognizing “I’m confused but pretending I’m fine” in any language.)

I also hold New York State certifications in Mathematics 7–12, Bilingual Education, ESOL, School Building Leader, and School District Leader. Before coming to New York, I built my foundation in Puerto Rico as a high school teacher, college advisor, and college professor — and yes, the Puerto Rico Department of Education still reminds me to renew my license… even 15 years later. Some ties never fade.

In New York, I continued that work as a principal, assistant principal, ENL teacher, math teacher, bilingual educator, and district attendance coordinator across a beautifully diverse public school community.

Here’s what nearly two decades of working with kids has taught me:
Kids don’t just need tutoring — they need understanding.
They need someone who sees their strengths, gets their challenges, and breaks learning into steps that feel do-able, not overwhelming.

That’s why Brave Brain tutoring is different. It blends:
✔ Homework help
✔ Task breakdown & organization
✔ Strategies to help with anxiety, big feelings, and overwhelm
✔ Tools to understand and practice focusing skills
✔ Quick SEL tools
✔ Clear bilingual explanations (English or Spanish)
✔ A calm, caring space where kids feel safe asking questions

Whether your child is…
new to the country

• learning English

• struggling with math concepts

• neurodivergent

• feeling anxious or stuck
  …they will be met with patience, humor, and a whole lot of heart.

Every Brave Brain session is about helping kids feel smart, supported, and brave enough to try again. 💛

Esther-Racquel Rodriguez, MA Ed.
Email: support@bravebrain.fun

Languages: English/Spanish
(Fluently)

Certifications:
Bilingual Math • ESL/ENL
School Building Leader
District Level Educator

What ages or grades do you support?
Brave Brain tutoring is designed for children in Pre-K through 8th grade, including multilingual learners and neurodivergent students.

Do you work with children who have IEPs or 504 plans?
Yes. With over 20 years of experience supporting students with disabilities, IEP goals, MTSS supports, anxiety, ADHD, and learning differences, all sessions are adapted to your child’s needs.

Can you help if my child is new to the country or learning English?
Absolutely. Most of my career has been in Bilingual Math, ENL/ESL, and working with new arrival families. Sessions can be conducted in English or Spanish.

Is everything online?
Yes. All sessions take place via a secure Zoom link that will be sent to you automatically after booking.

What happens during a session?
Each meeting includes a Brave Brain check-in, personalized academic help, step-by-step support, and strategies to help your child stay calm, organized, and confident.

What technology do we need?
A device with a camera and internet connection is all that’s required. Headphones are helpful but optional.

Can parents sit in on sessions?
Parents are welcome to listen in quietly if it helps the child feel comfortable.

What if my child is shy or anxious?
Totally okay. Many kids start off nervous — sessions are calm, warm, and low-pressure. We move at a pace that feels safe for your child.

What is your refund policy?
Sessions are non-refundable once booked, but can be rescheduled with 12 hours’ notice. Missed sessions cannot be refunded.

Do you offer ongoing weekly support?
Yes. Many families choose the 10-session bundle, which provides consistent weekly structure and the best value.

How do we book?
Click the button under the session you want, select your date/time, and you’ll receive an email with the session link.

Can families from Puerto Rico book sessions?
Yes — absolutely. All sessions are available to families in NYC, Puerto Rico, and anywhere in the U.S.