Maitreya Ravenstar Tutoring



Award-winning journalist, editor, and artist with 5+ year of professional experience helping students craft stronger essays, college applications, artist statements, and creative portfolios in NYC or remote



Brooklyn, NY
 (518) 338-4263
maitreyaravenstar@gmail.com


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EDUCATION

Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 2025
BA Self-Determined Major in Nonfiction Media Arts, Minor in Art
GPA/Honors: 3.9, Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude with departmental honors

AREAS OF TUTORING

Academic Writing, Essay Organization & Revision, Research Papers, Humanities (History, English, Media Studies), College Application Essays, Critical Reading, Research Skills, Art/Media Portfolio Development, Artist Statements, Editing & Proofreading, Public Speaking & Interview Preparation

ABOUT ME

I'm a Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude graduate of Skidmore College, where I designed my own major in Nonfiction Media Arts and completed an honors thesis supported by competitive research grants. Professionally, I work as an impact producer for a documentary film, where I develop educational materials, conduct research, and communicate with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. I also work as an oral historian, conducting and editing long-form interviews, and I co-founded SCEPTER, an international artist interview publication for which I research, interview, edit, and design each issue.

My work has given me extensive experience helping people develop and communicate ideas through writing. Whether editing interview transcripts, writing journalistic articles, mentoring collaborators through the revision process, or producing educational resources for documentary audiences, I have built a career around thoughtful communication and clear storytelling. In addition to academic writing and research papers, I specialize in college application essays, artist statements, portfolio writing, and creative nonfiction, helping students find their authentic voice while developing strong structure and persuasive arguments.

Growing up in a Waldorf education environment shaped my approach to learning and teaching. I believe the best writing emerges from curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful conversation rather than rigid formulas. My goal is not only to help students improve a single assignment but to give them the confidence and skills to become stronger, more independent writers and thinkers.

ABOUT OUR LESSONS

My approach to tutoring is collaborative, student-centered, and focused on building confidence alongside technical skills. Rather than simply correcting mistakes, I help students understand how to develop ideas, organize arguments, conduct research, and communicate effectively in their own voice. Drawing on my background in documentary storytelling, oral history, and journalism, I often begin by asking questions and helping students think through their ideas before moving into the writing process.

A typical session is tailored to the student's goals and stage of work. Depending on the assignment, we may brainstorm topics, develop a thesis, create an outline, review sources, revise drafts, or strengthen structure and style. For college essays and artist statements, I use an interview-based approach to help students identify meaningful experiences and translate them into compelling, authentic writing.

What sets me apart is my interdisciplinary background. As a documentary impact producer, oral historian, and editor, I bring professional experience in research, storytelling, interviewing, and revision. I specialize in helping students move beyond formulaic writing to develop clear, thoughtful, and engaging work that reflects their own interests and perspective.

I work with middle school, high school, college, and adult learners. My areas of expertise include academic writing, research papers, humanities coursework, thesis writing, college application essays, artist statements, portfolio development, creative writing, and public speaking. Whether a student is preparing for college applications, completing a major research project, or simply looking to become a more confident writer, I adapt my approach to meet their individual needs and learning style.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Documentary Impact Producer

ArgoFilms (Remote) | 2026–Present
  • Develop educational outreach materials and discussion guides for an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker.
  • Research organizations and educational partners.
  • Write professional correspondence and educational materials.
  • Coordinate communication with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Research, Impact and Production Assistant

Elemental Films | 2026–Present

  • Community engagement/audience development research through various channels
  • Outreach research and data entry for potential partners
  • Pre-interview research and screening calls
  • Edit video with  Premiere

Oral Historian & Co-Producer

Hatricks Public Relations (Remote) | 2025–Present
  • Conduct in-depth oral history interviews.
  • Edit interview transcripts for publication.
  • Organize complex research materials and archival collections.
  • Communicate difficult ideas clearly through writing and storytelling.

Co-Founder & Editor

SCEPTER Interviews | 2024–Present
  • Conduct long-form interviews with artists and scholars.
  • Edit interviews into publishable essays.
  • Design and publish print publications.
  • Mentor collaborators through the writing and revision process.

News Assistant

Skidmore College Office of Communications
  • Researched and wrote feature articles.
  • Conducted interviews with faculty and students.
  • Produced polished writing under deadline.
  • Collaborated with editors to revise written work.

Designer & Editor

MDOCS / CREATE Community Studios
  • Edited archival material into cohesive narratives.
  • Collaborated with community organizations on public history publications.
  • Organized large research projects from conception to publication.

AWARDS/GRANTS/FELLOWSHIPS

Storyteller’s Institute Fellow (2025)
Periclean Scholars Award for Senior Thesis (2025)
Phi Betta Kappa (2025)
Golden Acorn (2025)
Student Opportunity Fund grant, Skidmore College (2025; 2023)
SEE Beyond Award, Skidmore College (2024)
Van Dewater Award, Schick Gallery Juried Show (2024)
Slow Travel Grant, DIS Copenhagen (2024)
Audrey Longley Award, Richmond the American International University in London (2022)

EXHIBITIONS
·   but as the clouds descended on us, I could see you, Printed Matter, New York, NY, 2024-present
·   SCEPTER Volume II,  Behind VA Shadows Gallery, Cambridge, MA, 2026
·   Unsaid, Unseen, Picture Lock One, Troy NY, 2025
·   a retrieval of parts, Storyteller’s Institute Exhibition, Schick Gallery, Saratoga Springs NY, 2025
·   The Last Knickerbocker in New York, Case Gallery, Saratoga Springs NY, 2025
·   Looking Toward the free state of Transpendency—Curator, Tang Teaching Museum, Saratoga Springs NY, 2025
·   Our Shared Acquiescence, Schick Gallery Juried Show, Schick Gallery, Saratoga Springs NY, 2025
·   SCEPTER Volume I, Paper Moon, Troy NY, 2025
·   SCEPTER Volume I, Tang Teaching Museum, Saratoga Springs NY, 2025
·   The Undulation of a Clock Hand in November (2024!), Schick Gallery Juried Show, Schick Gallery, Saratoga Springs NY, 2025
·   but as the clouds descended on us, I could see you, The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne, Australia 2024
·   but as the clouds descended on us, I could see you, Printed Matter St Marks, New York, NY, 2024
·   but as the clouds descended on us, I could see you, Schick Gallery Juried Show, Schick Gallery, Saratoga Springs NY, 2024
·   And branches reach for each other, Inevitably, we;, Case Gallery, Saratoga Springs NY, 2023

PUBLISHED INTERVIEWS

·   SCEPTER INTERVIEWS: 11 interviews with artists, 2024 and 2026
·    WSPN Radio Station: Interview with Portland, ME Musicians Jeff Beam and Domonic Lavoie, 2025
·    SHIFT BOOKS: Interview with Swan Collective [published on artist’s app Lexi.exe], 2024
·    WSPN Radio Station: A Berlin Musician’s Persistent Connection to the Capital Region’s Hip-Hop Scene, 2023
·    Tang Teaching Museum: Artist Interview with Alice O’Malley, 2022