I love the natural lighting in this portrait.

It would be better to use her other hand to put to her face so that it:
a. isn’t a big blob in front of her
b. doesn’t obscure her face

Try to get your subjects to look directly in line with the direction of her nose. A trick I use is too have my eye to the viewfinder (though I did work off a tripod for portraits) and use the hand that was on their face side to direct the gaze. If they watch your hand only, move your hand until their eyes are just where you want them then, and this is really important, ask them to focus on something directly behind your hand. You can see it in their eyes when they have and then, only then, take your hand away and get the shot. At all times talking quietly to them to keep them concentrating on what they’re looking at – even whilst you take the photo. Whilst talking to them do not ask them a question! They will immediately look at you so that they can answer.

I think that she should be leaning forward a bit too. Everyone should when doing a portrait.

Regarding to your email about visually demonstrating your point on our pictures at times, here and now I give you my permission that you can do that with my picture, when I asked you to critique it and you see, that your point could be conveyed easier that way. Actually for me it helps, because I am visual, if I hear it and see it, sticks with me better. (I hope):)Beside English is my second language, so that can cause at times difficulties.
Thank you very much for your work, and we do benefit and learn from it a great deal!