Experience Summary
Hi there! My name is Kelby Katz and I'm currently a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Palo Alto University/Stanford. I am a registered member of the United States Chess Federation and regularly attend tournaments during my spare time. I coached and tutored the University of Miami Chess Team during my undergraduate career and proudly led as their peer-elected president.
I began playing chess when I was in middle school and fondly remember entering K-8 scholastic tournaments with my team. I greatly enjoy teaching kids, adolescents, and adults and have lots of experience working with a variety of different cultures and populations. I believe in adjusting my teaching style to that of my students with my main objective being their success.
I led my college team "Rook-E Move" to victory during the US Amateur South Chess tournament of 2013. I have a great amount of experience teaching students from all backgrounds thanks to my experience working as a chess tutor at Ponce De Leon middle school in Miami, FL.
Teaching Style
When it comes to teaching chess, my top rule is for my students to have fun. If you're not enjoying the game, how could you possibly be expected to learn more about it? I like to level with my students and go at their pace. If you want to go fast, we can go fast. If you want to take it easy and take a more casual approach to learning the game, I offer that as well. I'm very outgoing, open-minded, and just as eager to learn as all of my students. I take pride in developing a great relationship with my students and their families.