Visited 17 hours ago
Dr J-Academic & Work
Professional TeacherTeaches
English
Speaks
Montenegrin
Native
Serbian
Native
Croatian
Italian
Russian
Other
Specialties
MedicalBusinessTest PreparationPhD in Psychopharmacology, 20 years university teaching, mentoring & corporate workshop facilitation
Teaches
English
Speaks
Montenegrin
Native
Serbian
Native
Croatian
Italian
Russian
Other
Specialties
MedicalBusinessTest PreparationPhD in Psychopharmacology, 20 years university teaching, mentoring & corporate workshop facilitation
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
Resume & Certificates
From United KingdomLiving in Brighton, United Kingdom (04:26 UTC+02:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Mar 25, 2020InterestsMedical & HealthcareReadingFashion & BeautyScienceFood
I'm a CELTA-qualified English teacher with a PhD in Psychology and 20+ years of teaching experience at UK universities. I combine academic rigour with hands-on experience in public speaking, corporate consulting and workshop facilitation to help my students master their academic or business English, prepare for IELTS/FCE/CAE exams and create standout job or university applications.
Over the years I've helped many students and professionals from different fields improve their academic and business writing and presenting skills. I also offer job and academic interview coaching and doctoral tutoring to support you through complex research challenges.
I'd love to see how I can help you!Me as a Teacher
My aim is to boost your speaking confidence, refine accuracy and fluency, and immerse you in the spirit of the language. Utilising my academic and business expertise, along with personal experience, I'll help you communicate effectively when studying or working in an English-speaking setting.
While I offer structured A1-C1 courses and conversational practice, I also mentor students and professionals in fields like science, medicine, engineering, marketing, philosophy, finance and HR, providing vital language and critical thinking support.
Specialising in writing and presentation skills, I empower both non-native and native English speakers to excel in academic and business communication. My lessons & teaching style
During your first lesson, we'll discuss your goals and set learning objectives. We'll then follow a programme of learning using textbooks, video/audio materials, news articles & other resources.
The most important thing to know before taking lessons with me is that you shouldn't worry about making mistakes - that's the only way to learn!
For comprehensive academic and business communication support, we'll collaborate on your essays, research papers, proposals, reports, presentations, personal statements, CVs and interview materials to meet the specific requirements of your study or work.
If you are preparing for IELTS & other formal assessments, I'll tailor the curriculum to your needs.My teaching material
- PDF file
- Text Documents
- Presentation slides/PPT
- Audio files
- Image files
- Video files
- Articles and news
- Quizzes
- Test templates and examples
- Graphs and charts
- Homework Assignments
Certificates
CELTA - Cambridge Assessment - 2019
Certificate verified
CELTA - Cambridge Assessment - 2019I was first introduced to the IELTS Masterclass textbook during my CELTA teacher training when I worked with a group of IELTS preparation students, and this is the programme I now follow with all my IELTS students. Additionally, having worked as a university lecturer and tutor for over 20 years and having marked hundreds of student essays, research reports and dissertations, I'm probably better qualified than most TEFL/TESOL teachers to prepare students for the writing part of the IELTS exam.
Certificate verified
PhD in Experimental Psychology - University of Sussex - 2005As a psychopharmacologist and research methods expert, I've worked on several medical research projects, both as an employee at University College London Hospital (a research project on prenatal genetic testing; 2010 - 2012) and as a freelance research consultant (I can provide a list of relevant medical publications under my name).
Certificate verified
PhD - University of Sussex - 2005In addition to the experience of working in the field of psychopharmacology, I was a programme director of a workplace wellbeing consultancy for 5 years. This role involved conducting assessments, writing proposals, facilitating workshops, managing a team of associate trainers, liaising with HR departments as well as senior managers and directors of client companies, attending business networking events and conferences, and speaking at business events and discussion panels.
Certificate verified
Certificate of Proficiency in English - University of Cambridge - 1995
Certificate verified
Certificate in Advanced English - University of Cambridge - 1995
Certificate verified
Teaching experience
2019 - 2021
ESL TutorTeaching English online to children and adults.
2019 - 2020
Teaching AssistantProviding support and leading sessions with groups of adult ESL learners, ranging from elementary (A1) to upper intermediate (B2).
2019 - 2019
School TutorLeading Research Skills in Psychology module practicals for first year undergraduate students. In addition to providing one-to-one support to students to help them write clear, concise and informative reports, I was also required to provide guidance and feedback to tutors to help them improve their presentation and classroom management skills.
2009 - 2016
Associate TutorTeaching seminars and facilitating practicals on four undergraduate modules (Brain & Behaviour, Cognition in Clinical Contexts, Psychobiology and Clinical & Abnormal Psychology), including essay and practical report marking. I was also required to run Essay Marking & Feedback sessions and provide guidance to new tutors.
2013 - 2013
Visiting LecturerPreparing and delivering a lecture on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to Cognitive Rehabilitation MSc students.
2012 - 2013
Visiting LecturerConvenor of the Psychopharmacology 3rd year BSc module; this included developing module guide, preparing and delivering lectures, essay marking, setting exam questions and marking exam papers.
2008 - 2010
Visiting LecturerPreparing and delivering lectures and tutorials on four undergraduate modules (Biological Basis of Behaviour, Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology, Issues in Empirical Psychology and Research Methods), including essay, practical report and exam marking.
2006 - 2007
Visiting LecturerPreparing and delivering lectures on the Applied Cognitive Neuroscience (MSc) & Neuropharmacology of Cognition (3rd Year BSc) modules.
2004 - 2004
Associate TutorTeaching seminars as part of the Neuroscience of Behaviour (2nd Year undergraduate module).
1999 - 2003
Graduate Teaching AssistantTeaching seminars and tutorials on a number of undergraduate psychology-related modules, including co-convening the Clinical & Abnormal Psychology 3rd year BA module.
Education
1996 - 1999
Bachelor’s - Experimental Psychology
1999 - 2004
Doctorate - Experimental PsychologyPsychopharmacology research project funded by the Overseas Research Student Award (Universities UK) and the Graduate Teaching Assistantship (University of Sussex).
Doctoral thesis title:
An investigation into the effects of stress and hostility trait on alcohol-related behaviours in social drinkers.
Work Experience
2015 - 2020
Programme DirectorWorking with client organisations in commercial and not-for-profit sectors, assessing the wellbeing needs of their employees, designing workplace wellbeing programmes, facilitating workshops and trainings, and evaluating programme effectiveness. In this role I also managed a team of associate facilitators and trainers.
2010 - 2012
Research PsychologistWorking on a National Institute of Health Research-funded project developing non-invasive prenatal testing for Down's syndrome and other genetic disorders.
2005 - 2008
Research FellowWorking on a Wellcome Trust-funded project investigating the role of the glutamate system in nicotine addiction.
2004 - 2004
Research OfficerWorking on an MRC-funded research project investigating psychological effects of repeated alcohol withdrawal and binge drinking.
1999 - 1999
Research AssistantSummer studentship, working on a Nuffield-funded project investigating alcohol-induced appetizer effect.
5.0
Rating
260
Students
2,782
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
135 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Presentation Skills for Business & Academic Purposes (incl. job interview & PhD interview preparation)
B2 - C2Business253 lessons completed
USD 55.00+
Package with 23% off
Business English: personalised 1-to-1 lessons
B1 - C2Business404 lessons completed
USD 40.00+
Package with 18% off
English for Scientists & Medical Professionals - improve your writing, presentation and job interview skills!
B1 - C2Medical145 lessons completed
USD 75.00+
Package with 30% off
Academic Writing & Discussion Skills - for secondary school, college & university students (undergraduate, Master's, PhD) - includes SOP & CV writing
B2 - C2Language Essentials650 lessons completed
USD 50.00+
Package with 22% off
Test Preparation - IELTS, FCE & CAE exams
B2 - C2Test Preparation217 lessons completed
USD 60.00+
Package with 17% off
General conversation / Elementary, Intermediate & Advanced courses
A1 - C1Language Essentials978 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Package with 17% off
Availability
123 Reviews
yuchen
16 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Dr. J is the best teacher I’ve encountered on italki. I truly appreciate her not only for the knowledge I've gained but also for the influence she's had on my future career. I have enjoyed every class with her. Her professionalism and dedication to her students are remarkable. As someone with no prior research experience, I've made significant progress under her guidance. Dr. J genuinely cares about each student, always approachable and supportive. Her lessons are well-structured and focused; every word she shares is valuable and relevant, helping me clearly understand how to improve. Thank you for your guidance, and I hope to continue learning from you!
Aug 18, 2024
Michał Misiak
3 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Jelena is a wonderful teacher! She helped me prepare documents for my application for a job at Oxford University. Her suggestions helped me highlight my strengths and feel confident with my CV and cover letter. I highly recommend her to anyone who is preparing their documents to apply for a job. Thank you so much for your help!
Apr 24, 2021
Zhilin
31 English lessons
Dr. Jelena is a great teacher with patience, guidance and encourages. Looking forward to explore more with her.
Nov 6, 2025
Omar
9 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
She's the BEST!🔥 🔥 🔥
Having received assistance from various college resources and tutors on campus, as well as reviewing help online, I must say that my experience with Dr J has been exceptional. She genuinely cares about her students and goes above and beyond to collaborate and bring out the best in their essays. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking academic support
Jan 30, 2024
NHO
2 English lessons
Dr. J has been amazing in helping me prepare for my job interview. She takes a deep interest in my motivation and asks thoughtful questions in an effective, supportive way. I really love her teaching style, and I will definitely make sure to do more sessions with her. Thank you so much, Dr. J!
Apr 9, 2026
Firas aoun
1 English lesson
Jelena is a good teacher and business mentor ,she helped me to understand the subject we talked about in many aspects.
Oct 24, 2025
Trial Lesson
USD 35.00
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