Professional experience
Middle school math teacher, 31 years
Bloomfield Public Schools, 1986 to 2017
Self-reported
All professionals
Board and card games in Montclair
Carmen Perez
Board and card games and Personal training: Canasta, gin rummy and hand and foot
Former math teacher who makes canasta and gin rummy easy to learn and hard to put down
- 4.8 from 6 reviews
- Lives in Montclair
- All five checks passed
Ask a question before you book. Contact details stay private.
Mahjong
- Mahjong: Needs 4 players. You set up the table, the pro brings the game.
Mahjong and Canasta are booked as at least 4 visits.
Brings a few basicsA band or two and a mat
Credentials
Certification
Senior Fitness Specialist
American Council on Exercise, 2019
Self-reported
About me
I taught seventh grade math in Bloomfield for thirty one years, and I am convinced card games are the most fun way there is to keep your brain counting. My mother taught me canasta at her kitchen table in Newark, and I have been teaching it to anyone who will sit still ever since.
A first lesson with me is slow on purpose. We play open hands at the start so you can see my thinking, and I keep a cheat sheet with the scoring on the table until you stop looking at it. I also teach seated strength classes, so if you like, we spend the last part of the visit on a short routine with light bands to keep your shoulders and grip in good shape for shuffling.
I live in Montclair near Edgemont Park, and on Tuesday nights I still play in a canasta group that has been meeting for nineteen years. We have outlasted two card tables and one very loud parrot.
What a first visit looks like
- 1
Minute 0 to 5
Learn what games you already know and who you would like to play with.
- 2
Minute 5 to 20
Walk through the deck, melds and scoring with open hands on the table.
- 3
Minute 20 to 50
Play a full practice round together, talking through each choice out loud.
- 4
Minute 50 to 60
Do a short seated band routine for shoulders, wrists and grip.
- 5
Minute 60 to 65
Leave a scoring cheat sheet and a two handed version to practice alone.
What to have ready
Nothing to buy before the first visit
- A table with two chairs
- Good lighting at the table
- A pen and notepad for scores
Where Carmen goes
- MontclairLives here
- Bloomfield
- Glen Ridge
- Livingston
- Verona
Where in the home
Living roomAnywhere with a chair
Usual week
Mon
Off
Tue
1pm
to 5pmWed
Off
Thu
9am
to 1pmFri
Off
Sat
1pm
to 5pmSun
9am
to 1pm
What families say
“The cheat sheet is taped to the fridge.”
Raj P.
“Mom wore earrings for it. Enough said.”
Maria E.
“Mom looks forward to every single visit. Truly wonderful.”
David L.
“Mom looks forward to every single visit. Truly wonderful.”
Susan P.
“Mom looks forward to every single visit. Truly wonderful.”
Michael R.
“Mom looks forward to every single visit. Truly wonderful.”
Linda T.
Checked and vetted
- Online search
- A real conversation with our team
- Signed provider agreement
- Criminal background check
- National sex offender registry check
$75 per hour
Plus a $2.50 booking fee and 10% service fee.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before.