Alya is a dedicated and compassionate elementary school teacher with over four years of teaching experience. She has her master’s degree in Childhood Education and is licensed to teach students in grades 1-6. She has experience teaching students in a variety of settings, including public, charter, and accelerated curriculum schools.
Alya has extensive experience implementing targeted instructional approaches that meet various students’ academic learning styles and needs, including students with IEPs.

While in graduate school, Alya tutored elementary and middle school students in Reading, Writing, and Math. She also created supplemental curriculum material that aligned with state standards in order to provide differentiated instruction for these students.

In her free time, Alya enjoys practicing yoga, going for walks on the beach, and hiking. Alya believes that in order to best meet the learning styles and academic needs of each student, frequent and open communication with parents/guardians, and differentiated instruction is imperative. She looks forward to the opportunity to work with you!

Andrew holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The City College of New York (CCNY). He has experience teaching AP English courses, adjunct lecturing in First-Year Writing Composition to freshmen college students, and teaching advanced extracurricular grammar, writing, and vocabulary workshops to San Diego elementary and middle school students. Andrew is an editor at Fiction magazine, a literary publication headquartered in Harlem, New York.

Anna is a credentialed Special Education teacher and certified Dyslexia Specialist. She studied Special Education at Baylor University, where she gained hands-on experience teaching in a variety of classrooms and conducting research on dyslexia interventions. Her work focused on how students generalize reading skills across different contexts.

She is passionate about creating supportive and engaging learning environments that help students feel confident in their abilities and reach their goals. Anna focuses on building strong relationships with her students, going the extra mile to ensure their individual needs are met through evidence-based, structured literacy instruction.

She is both an effective teacher and a positive role model who inspires her students to believe in themselves and take pride in their progress. Outside of teaching, Anna enjoys going to the beach, taking walks, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their dog.

Ashley is an engaging and dedicated elementary educator with six years of experience teaching in San Diego schools. She has a Master’s Degree from San Diego State University in Curriculum and Instruction, and has enjoyed working with children and families in a number of capacities in and out of the classroom for the past 15 years. She has been a classroom teacher for Kindergarten through 2nd grade, run an independent childcare business, and worked as a homeschool advisor and guest teacher. Ashley knows how a strong foundation in early literacy can pave the way for future academic success. She understands that taking the time to get to know the whole child is essential to providing engaging and strategic interventions to help them thrive, whether in a classroom or homeschool setting. As a tutor, Ashley’s goal is to help your child build both academic competence and self-confidence.

In addition to her passion for teaching, Ashley is an avid adventurer, and an expert snack-packer. She is kept on her toes by her four rambunctious children ages 8 to 13 who love rock scrambling, ocean sports, and backyard engineering. Most weekends you will find her camping, beaching, or tromping around in nature with her family.

Isabella, or Bella, is a 5th grade teacher at St. Pius x School. She is currently completing her Masters in English Language Learning and her Credential in Elementary Education. She is a San Diego Mesa College and SDSU grad and will soon be a National University grad.

Bella has a passion for being in the classroom and particularly loves teaching math. She believes that math instills confidence, resilience, and a passion for problem solving. She is dedicated, open-minded, patient, and creative. With all of her experience, she has gained many teaching strategies that she keeps in her toolbox. She is great at adapting her teaching style at any moment and can recognize when modifications need to be made.

In her free time, Bella enjoys walks with her dog Nala, watching movies, and going to Disneyland.

Beverly graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Harvey Mudd College and a Master’s of Education from Boston University. She is a Certified Teacher who has worked with elementary and middle school students in Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. Beverly’s diverse teaching experience has shown her that building relationships with students is the most important step in meeting their educational needs. She believes every student is a “math person” and prioritizes developing number sense and critical thinking during her sessions. Beverly is excited to help students find learning strategies that work for them and encourage their curiosity about math.

In her spare time, Beverly enjoys hiking through autumn landscapes, solving jigsaw puzzles, and pondering why students have contentious arguments over whether a hotdog is a sandwich. (She’s inclined to say, “Yes,” per the Merriam-Webster definition.)

Brandon (BBA, M ED) is a passionate teacher and motivational speaker whose purpose is to use enthu­siasm and positivity to inspire others to become the best possible version of themselves and make the world a better place. Brandon is a world traveler to 80 Countries and 40 states, an unofficial World Record Holder for Fastest Marathon on Crutches at the NYC Marathon, and has previously worked for IBM, NASA, Ministry of Tourism of Bali, and research for the US Government regarding sustainable fundraising for NGO’s.

Due to life-threatening allergies to widespread foods and negativity, he came to understand the power of holistic health, community, and positive psychology. Brandon lives to share his achievable optimism with the world through his classroom With a story crafted within limitations both physically and emotionally, Brandon has taken what life has given him and has become the best possible version of himself seeking new challenges every day and creating epic experiences and memories with those he has met on his journey.

In his free time, Brandon loves traveling around the world, playing golf, working on business ideas to positively change the world, playing sports, raising money for charities, and hanging out with buddies!

Brian holds a Ph.D. in Physics from UC San Diego, where he spent over five years as a graduate teaching assistant. With the long-term goal of becoming a professor, he is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring others to “give back” his knowledge. In 2023, he received the Distinguished Senior Graduate Teaching Award from the department in recognition of his dedication in this area.

Having both studied and taught math and physics for many years, Brian understands the challenges that often come when learning these subjects. His approach is to guide students through example problems by breaking them down into clear, manageable steps. He believes that, with the right guidance, every student can develop the skills and confidence to solve problems independently.

In his free time, Brian enjoys sailing with the Maritime Museum of San Diego—a hobby that, much like teaching, requires patience and a good sense of direction!

A patient and innovative educator with general and special education experience at all grade levels, including students with disabilities and English language learners.

Cella has been an educator for over a decade, with experience spanning Kindergarten–5th Grade and Special Education in both Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe settings. Her passion lies in literacy and supporting diverse learners, especially those with language-based learning differences.

In 2022, she was honored to be named Reading Teacher of the Year, a milestone that reflects her commitment to effective, evidence-based reading instruction. She holds a Dyslexia Interventionist Certificate from the University of Florida and is currently pursuing advanced training in Educational Therapy to deepen her ability to support students with complex learning needs.

For the past three years, she has served as a professional learning facilitator, leading Science of Reading-aligned professional development sessions for schools across the country. She is passionate about helping educators bring research into practice through practical, engaging, and impactful training.

At the heart of her work is a belief in literacy equity and a commitment to equipping all students with the tools they need to thrive.

With over 20 years of classroom experience in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction and educational administration, Cheryl brings a strong blend of classroom teaching, online instruction, and individualized tutoring to help learners achieve their academic goals. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education, TESOL certification, and a prior Special Education credential.

Over the past decade, Cheryl has supported students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds through online ESL instruction and one-on-one tutoring. She specializes in creating engaging, personalized lessons that meet each student’s unique needs. Cheryl is deeply dedicated to fostering language and academic growth, promoting cultural understanding, and building confidence in communication across academic, professional, and personal settings. She looks forward to continuing her work with students and helping them succeed in today’s world.

Courtney is a dynamic, student-focused mathematics educator with over 15 years of classroom experience supporting middle and high school learners. With a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and a Master’s in Teaching, she brings deep content knowledge and a passion for making math accessible, meaningful, and engaging for all students.
Outside of teaching, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and hitting the tennis courts. She is also a music enthusiast and devoted Red Sox fan, and strives to weave students’ personal interests into her lessons to make learning more engaging and meaningful.

Dani is a teacher who lives and works in the heart of San Diego. She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in May 2024 and is currently a Transitional Kindergarten teacher in San Diego Unified. Known for her playful and lighthearted approach, Dani loves connecting with new students and supporting them in becoming the best versions of themselves. She is excited to join Prep Academy Tutors to continue fostering the growth and learning of San Diego’s youth.

Daniel is a well-rounded Educator with over ten years of classroom experience. He specializes in creating curriculum that is personalized for and relevant to each of his students. He is capable of creating structured support for a variety of subjects including ESL, Math, Science, and Computer Science. You’ll also find him an empathetic, patient, and passionate tutor. Set your goals, and Daniel will help you reach them.

Diana A. is a passionate English and Spanish educator with over 17 years of experience helping students develop their academic writing, reading comprehension, and communication skills. She holds a Master’s in TESOL, Literacy, and Culture from the University of San Diego and has taught across both high school and college settings. Diana empowers students to become confident, independent writers through engaging, student-centered lessons that make complex ideas accessible. Her approach combines structured skill-building with creativity—whether she’s guiding students through persuasive essays, college application writing, or literary analysis. Beyond academics, Diana fosters a supportive environment where learners build confidence in expressing their own voices. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys discovering new authors and designing lessons that connect language learning to real-world experiences.

Eduardo is a native Spanish speaker. He has an undergraduate degree and Master’s degree in Spanish. He earned both degrees at San Diego State University. During his time at the Master’s program he taught Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Spanish.

After graduating from college, he started teaching K-12 as a substitute teacher. He has experience teaching every educational level. From Kindergarten all the way to College.

Eduardo is very excited to start this new journey as a tutor. His goal and number one priority is to see his students succeed and having fun by learning a new language.

In his free time he likes to spend his time at the beach, hiking, jogging, going to the movies, and attending sports events.

Elizabeth has been an educator for over 20 years, working across public, private, and preschool settings. She holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and is passionate about using a multi-sensory approach to help children learn and thrive. She believes in making learning fun and engaging by incorporating hands-on activities, creativity, and movement to keep students excited and motivated.

A few years ago, Elizabeth stepped away from the classroom to focus on raising her son. However, her passion for teaching never faded. She has continued working with students through tutoring and leading toddler sensory classes, where she fosters early learning through play and exploration.

Outside of teaching, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband, 7-year-old son, and their playful puppy. In her free time, she loves visiting the beach, going on long walks with her dog, and playing sports with her son.

Emmanuel has been teaching since 2007 in a diverse range of places, from Los Angeles to Japan, Miami, and San Diego. He has taught students from 2nd to 12th grade, and has a special enthusiasm for phonics at the early grade levels and US history at the upper grades, although he is similarly enthusiastic for mathematics from lower elementary all the way through high school . He also has a keen interest in languages, and is bilingual in French and English, as well as having studied Spanish, Hebrew, and Japanese. Emmanuel believes that every subject is inherently fascinating and that every student is capable of excelling, even in a subject that they never imagined themselves to be experts in. He loves helping students to embrace struggle and feel the satisfaction that comes with pushing themselves to more than they thought possible.

Erika recently retired after 33 years in elementary education, during which time she held various roles. For 17 years, Erika was a second-grade bilingual teacher and taught primarily in Spanish with a special focus on developing English literacy. She then went on to be a Language Arts Specialist, overseeing all targeted interventions and closely monitoring progress in order to provide tailored support to the students who need it most. After three years, Erika returned to the classroom as a fourth grade teacher and held the position for eleven years. Prior to retiring, she spent the final year of her teaching career in an administrator position (Multi-tiered Systems of Support Coordinator). In addition to providing support to principals and teachers at two different schools, Erika oversaw the collection, analysis, and synthesis of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data for the purpose of designing and coordinating targeted interventions for individual students.

Erika truly enjoyed her teaching career and took great pleasure in watching students grow and gain confidence in their learning. She believes it’s crucial that a student feel at ease and that they view reading as an enjoyable experience, not a chore. She recognizes that at the early stages, reading needs to be interactive to build confidence and comprehension. She attempts to make learning fun and look for ways to connect with the student’s interests. Since retiring, Erika has missed the kids and looks forward to having the opportunity to work with them again. Erika would love to have the opportunity to work with your family and support your child’s success in school.

Estefania is currently a Ph.D. student at UC San Diego, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. She completed both a B.S. in Chemistry/Biochemistry and a Thesis M.S. in Chemistry at UCSD. Her career thus far has focused on investigating chromosomal aberrations and their correlation to cancer. In addition to her research, she has served as a teaching assistant across multiple courses within the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at UCSD over the past four years.

These experiences have given Estefania a deep understanding of the skill sets necessary for success in higher education. As a current student, she is familiar with how to acquire these skills. She has personally encountered and overcome challenges in developing effective study techniques that enhance learning. This background has enabled her to help many other students create systems that work for them. Estefania is a strong believer in a “growth mindset” for learning, recognizing that anyone can learn anything with time and effort. She understands that this type of support and confidence is essential to a student’s success, and she strives to implement these values in her teaching sessions.

As a physics researcher and educator, Ezra has gained 7 years of experience instilling students with the guidance and the insights they need to grasp complex topics. He received his B.S. in Physics from the University of Minnesota, and his M.S. also in Physics from San Diego State University. He has taught math to students from elementary through upper division college courses.

Ezra’s enjoys sharing his excitement about math and theory providing deep insight into how the natural world can be quantified. This has translated well into finding ways unique to each learner that make them capable of finding solutions to novel problems on their own after being guided through examples. The flash of recognition that occurs after a student comes to truly understand a concept is a spark he enjoys creating again and again.

Farin has over 10 years of experience teaching in the classroom, grades K-12. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Diego, her Multiple Subject Credential and Masters of Education from National University, and her Special Education Credential from Cal State San Marcos.

She takes a passionate pride in nurturing and guiding students so they will develop a love for learning that enhances their abilities and thus become contributing citizens in their community. She has a patient, yet firm and consistent demeanor, which has allowed her to be successful in reaching students with varying needs and learning abilities.

She is well versed in the IEP process, assessing students, and able to support parents and students with special education needs.

Giovanni is an experienced educator with six years of teaching experience, holding both a Master’s degree in Education from Pacific Oaks College and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University San Bernardino. He brings a combination of classroom teaching expertise and clinical intervention skills using ABA and occupational therapy methodologies.

Throughout his career, Giovanni developed and implemented lessons across core Elementry subjects including literacy, math, science, and phonics. His background as a behavioral therapist has equipped him with specialized strategies for breaking down concepts and adapting instruction to individual learning profiles to support student learning. When he’s not teaching, Giovanni enjoys visiting art galleries, playing music, and discovering the city’s best coffee shops.

Guille is a compassionate education specialist with 25 plus years of teaching experience. She is certified to teach K-adult students with her multi-subject and special-education credentials.
Guille has experience working with students with dyslexia and our special needs’ population, particularly with the autism community.
During her spare time, she volunteers with Special Olympics and Camps for Sports 4 Exceptional Athletes.

Ishita is a passionate, licensed educator with over seven years of experience teaching students of all ages. Holding a Master’s in Elementary Education from DePaul University and a Bachelor’s in Theatre from Loyola University Chicago, she brings warmth, creativity, and engagement to every learning experience.
With a deep belief that learning should be joyful, meaningful, and student-driven, Ishita tailors instruction to each child’s unique strengths and interests. She specializes in play-based learning, social-emotional development, and meditation techniques, creating a nurturing environment where students feel safe, confident, and excited to explore. To Ishita, learning isn’t confined to a classroom—it happens everywhere, in every moment, and she strives to help students recognize and embrace that with their own learning.
Through years of experience in homeschooling, learning pods, and one-on-one tutoring, Ishita has developed a whole-child approach that blends real-world applications with hands-on exploration. Whether leading field trips, designing personalized curriculums, or fostering critical thinking, she is dedicated to cultivating curiosity and resilience in every student. She deeply believes in the power of each child’s unique creativity and “genius.” She also encourages a growth mindset, reminding students that while learning can sometimes be challenging, they are capable of achieving great things.
At the heart of Ishita’s teaching is a genuine love for helping children discover their own potential and build confidence in their abilities. She is dedicated to creating a learning experience where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Above all, she hopes to inspire a lifelong love of learning in every student she works with.

With more than 20 years of experience as a teacher and tutor, Ivan has a rich background in education, spanning various countries and educational levels. As an engineer, he brings a unique approach to helping students succeed and boosting their self-confidence, particularly in quantitative subjects. Ivan is known for his patience and his ability to understand each student’s unique perspective. He emphasizes the importance of mastering the basics to foster deep understanding, avoiding mere memorization and promoting genuine learning.

Janet is an experienced math educator who brings over 10 years of classroom experience to her work with students. She believes every child can succeed in math when given the right tools, encouragement, and support. Janet specializes in making math feel engaging and accessible, often using hands-on and project-based approaches to spark curiosity and build confidence. She helped lead her school’s shift to the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, a program designed to help students truly understand math—not just memorize steps.

Jessica is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education for Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential with an emphasis on Inspired Teaching and Learning. Her goal is to teach Biology/Science to secondary level students (grades 7-12) once she receives her teaching credential.

Jessica’s teaching/tutoring experiences began while she was in school herself. She always helped her classmates when they were having difficulty understanding new concepts and worked as a student aid and student tutor in high school. While she served in the US Navy, she was an instructor for about three years and learned that each student is and learns differently and successfully tailored her lessons and instruction methods to meet the needs of every student.

Jessica loves learning about science and earned a BS in biology which made her even more curious and in awe of the world around her. She likes traveling, going for walks, observing the everyday phenomena she encounters, watching movies and shows, listening to a variety of music, teaching, and learning. As a future biology or science teacher she hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists to stay curious and do great things.

Jessica has been working in education for nearly 15 years in various settings. She received her B.A. in Theatre Education from Emerson College and her M.Ed. in Special Education (mild/moderate disabilities) from Lesley University. Jessica has experience teaching charter and private schools, tutoring, and supporting homeschool families. Throughout her years in education, she has supported upper elementary, middle, and high school students in all core content areas. In the past few years, Jessica has specialized in supporting reading and language development in middle school students and has received countless hours of training in Orton-Gillingham.
As a part of her educational philosophy, Jessica believes that all students can grow and succeed with the right support and encouragement. Jessica is a passionate life-long learner and works to share that passion for learning with all her students.
In her free time, Jessica enjoys being a mother, reading, math, and taking walks around San Diego. Jessica also enjoys challenging the students with puzzles, riddles, and brain teasers regularly to help encourage out-of-the-box thinking. She also welcomes being challenged by her students in kind.

Jessica has been teaching high school for over 20 years. During that time, she focused on English/English as a Second Language, Spanish, and college preparedness. She is the coordinator of AVID at her high school and part of a college network that aims to get students into colleges that fit and tailor their needs. She builds great rapport with students and is a great motivator. Her energy and enthusiasm mesh well with junior and high school students. She is patient with high expectations, firm but warm. Her true gift is helping students get into college. Specializing not only with the UC/CSU system, she is also very knowledgeable with private school applications and scholarships. Jessica Vargas is a great choice during college application season, or anytime for tutor support. Bilingual and IEP support is available as well.

John S. is a fully licensed math teacher in California with five years of experience teaching middle school mathematics. A graduate of Marist College, John began his career on the southwest side of Oahu, Hawaii, where he also dedicated his time to coaching a variety of sports. Now a sixth-grade math teacher at Albert Einstein Academies in San Diego, he is excited to bring his passion for education and mentoring to students at Prep Academies. John believes in building strong relationships with his students and their families, and he applies his coaching philosophy to the classroom to help students succeed both inside and outside of their academic pursuits.

Joshua is a Math-Computer Science major at University of California San Diego with a strong passion for helping students succeed. He has several years of experience mentoring and tutoring from elementary to college level. He is also currently a mentor for first year students at UCSD. Joshua specializes in Mathematics and STEM subjects, and is naturally skilled in breaking down questions to an understandable concept. He comes with an approach of patience and encouragement, and understands that every student is different, adapting when needed. His goal is to not only focus on the grade but to build confidence and understanding of the subject.

Joshua also has a strong background in robotics and STEM leadership. He participated in VEX and FIRST Robotics throughout high school and later returned during college to mentor younger robotics students. In addition, he was a counselor with The Social Engineering Project at Stanford where he mentored 5th–6th graders.

Parents describe Joshua as reliable, focused, and effective. He uses tutoring time intentionally, keeping students on track, holding them accountable, and providing gentle redirection when needed. Joshua spends his free time with Church activities and trading card games.

Kaitlan is passionate about motivating students to believe in themselves and thrive academically. She holds a K–5 multiple subject credential as well as a single-subject English credential, and she earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University.

Warm, encouraging, patient, and structured in her approach, Kaitlan brings a steady presence that helps students feel comfortable and confident. She has experience supporting students with attention and focus challenges.

Outside of tutoring, Kaitlan volunteers with the Girl Scouts, mentoring girls in leadership and creative projects. She also helps facilitate artist panels at the Chicano Park Cultural Center and Museum. Her community-minded focus, mentorship background, and interest in the arts help her connect quickly with students and make her an especially strong fit for creative, relationship-driven learners.

Katrina has 5 years of experience teaching and tutoring in STEM. She has taught introductory biology college courses and tutored grades 2-12 in mathematics. Katrina obtained her PhD in Molecular Biosciences from Washington State University. She also has her B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Sonoma State University of California.

Katrina has a passion for sharing her knowledge of science with others. She loves creating scientific content including visuals which help others better understand various scientific topics. Katrina understands everyone learns differently and personalizing the learning experience to each student is important to bring out their potential. She has experience teaching both groups and individuals in person and virtually.

Kaylin is an experienced elementary educator with nine years in the field, including roles as a transitional kindergarten, third-grade, and fourth-grade teacher. She received her Master’s degree in Teaching and her multiple subject teaching credential from Chapman University. Kaylin has experience working in both public and charter schools in San Diego and Orange County. Before becoming a classroom teacher, she worked as a reading specialist and special education instructional assistant, giving her a strong foundation in supporting diverse learners. Kaylin teaches with a whole-child approach and believes that strong parent-teacher communication is essential to student success.

In her free time, Kaylin enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and Golden Retriever, taking a work out class, visiting new coffee shops, and being outside.

Kaylin believes that every child deserves a high quality education in a supportive environment where they can thrive. She believes that adding fun and excitement into learning is important and is excited for the opportunity to work with your family!

Kelsea Shea is a recent graduate from San Diego State University with both her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She is currently in the Master’s program at SDSU and a 2nd grade long term substitute in Poway while she completes school. She completed her student teaching in 4th grade and has subbed in all grades! Kelsea is originally from Los Angeles County but currently lives in Pacific Beach with her 4 best friends (and two cats)! She used to be both a camp counselor and programs assistant for Mission Bay Aquatic Center where she would teach water sports and marine science to 6-14 year olds.

As an educator, she believes that she has the responsibility to support and advocate for the young minds of our future generations. She also believes that it is her job to create a motivating, safe, and positive environment in which students can grow as both learners and peers. She aims to be a role model for her students that encourages a growth mindset by growing together. Throughout her student teaching and future classroom, Kelsea’s instruction is equity-driven and unique to the student where they can learn in many engaging and educational ways. Whether this be through access to visual, kinesthetic, collaborative, or auditory supports, the learning of the student is built around them and their characteristics. Kelsea grounds her teaching on the notion that every student is a valuable contribution to their classroom and the world around them, therefore the instruction and environment in which they learn in, must be rich in value as well.

Kendall is an experienced and committed educator. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from the University of Delaware. Kendall has worked closely to support students with diverse learning needs at the elementary level. She currently works as a special education teacher at a K-5 Charter School. Kendall has a passion for helping students reach their full potential, especially in the area of reading development. She believes in using research based, multi-sensory intervention programs that target students’ unique needs. She looks forward to the opportunity to work with your family and make a positive impact on your child’s learning journey.

Kevin is a former high school math teacher with over 30 years of teaching and tutoring experience. He has created and taught three math courses for a local California college and has previously taught at Palm Beach State College in Florida and CT State Community College in Norwalk, Connecticut. Kevin is also the author of two math books: The SAT Mathematics Solution Guide and Quantitative Reasoning. In addition to teaching, he consults and provides corporate training in Excel and Microsoft Office products, and he conducts a series of courses at MiraCosta College.

Kimberley is an Ed Specialist with over 10 years of experience in teaching Special Education. Diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD during her childhood, she is deeply passionate about helping students facing similar challenges to achieve success in school. Trained in the Linda Mood Bell reading program, Kimberley has found it to be highly effective for struggling readers. She takes great joy in witnessing students grow more confident and successful in their academic pursuits. Outside of her professional life, Kimberley enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as running, surfing, and hiking with friends in San Diego.

Kimberly taught English and ESL for 14 years at South Side High School. Before that, she taught ESL and English at Northwood Middle School for 10 years. Both schools are located in Fort Wayne Community Schools in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has a BA in English with a minor in French from Indiana University. She also has an MA in Education from Indiana Wesleyan. In addition, she holds a Professionalized Teaching license in the state of Indiana.
Kimberly has taught a diverse population of students including students from over 20 different countries. She has taught students with IEP’s as well as students with high ability. Kimberly’s passion is to see academic growth in students. She enjoys helping students achieve benchmarks in their learning to achieve their goals. She values getting to know the student as well as communicating with parents on a regular basis. She is very excited to be part of Prep Academy Tutors and she looks forward to meeting you!

“Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself.”
– Paulo Coelho

Kiseme holds a Master’s in Teaching along with dual credentials as a Multiple Subject Teacher and Education Specialist. He has a gift for making learning fun and engaging, often bringing project-based activities and critical thinking into his lessons. Kiseme loves working with students of all abilities, including those in special education, and takes pride in helping each child feel confident and capable. His favorite subjects to teach are reading, writing, and math, where he focuses on building strong foundations and encouraging problem-solving in meaningful, practical ways.

Kristina has taught Science and AP Psychology at Brunswick School in CT for ten years. She is excited to start a new chapter at Bishop’s School as a Biology Teacher! She has a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Claremont McKenna College, a Master’s of Art in Teaching from Manhattanville College, and a Master’s of Science in Biology from NYU.

Biology and Chemistry can be some of the most challenging classes in high school, and she enjoys breaking the material down into smaller, digestible parts. Incorporating the latest research in Cognitive Science, she likes to focus on the context, or big picture, and then tackles the nuances of the material. She utilizes videos, diagrams, drawings, and lots of practice problems to instruct all types of learners.

In her free time, she loves taking her 75lb golden retriever, Zeus, for walks!

Leila holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has over 10 years experience teaching in public elementary and middle school settings as well as homeschool classrooms. Currently, Leila uses her passion and expertise for engaging emerging and struggling readers with one on one explicit instruction. Adhering to the philosophy of The Science of Reading, which addresses all components of language (spelling, phonics, writing, and oral communication along with reading) her passion is connecting with the individual student and developing an engaging and personalized curriculum that fosters their desire to learn. Leila utilizes an approach that is centered around games and personal connection. She believes educational success should also include parental involvement and finds creative ways to incorporate learning into family life and uses positive communication to work as a team within the family unit. By closely monitoring progress and careful attention to observable and measurable data, Leila teaches in a method that is specific to each individual’s needs and interests.

Mary has been teaching for the past 15 years, including working 9 years as a special education teacher for grades TK-12, 4 years as a general education high school English teacher, and 2 years as a Creative Writing adjunct professor at the University of California Riverside Extension. She has also worked as a writing tutor for the University of California, Santa Cruz for two years, and as an in-home tutor for students grade K-8 for 3 years (tutoring reading, writing, and math), and as a college admissions essay tutor. She currently works as a special education teacher for a local charter school, teaching reading, writing, and math, as well as supporting students in Social Studies and Science, for students grades TK-8 both virtually and in person at a local learning center.

Mary has a BA in Literature from UC Santa Cruz, where she received College Honors and Honors in the Major. She has also received an MA in English and MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University, and California credentials in Single Subject English and Mild/Moderate Special Education from Brandman University, and is certified to teach Wilson Reading. She has experience teaching and tutoring both online and in person, and worked as a freelance writer, and an editor of books and magazines before she became a teacher and tutor.

Mary has a great love of learning, which she brings to her students when teaching reading and writing. As an avid reader, and experienced writer of fiction, poetry, plays, and articles, she imparts her enthusiasm of reading and writing on her students. She especially loves to help her students improve their writing, and uses tools such as the Wilson Reading program to help struggling readers and spellers learn how to read and spell. As a teacher of students with a variety of ability levels, including students with disabilities, gifted and Honors students, and twice exceptional students, she knows how to tailor instruction to meet each student’s individual needs.

Matthew’s journey into education was an unexpected yet deeply rewarding path. After earning a BA in Television, Film, and New Media, he initially pursued a career in the film industry. However, in 2013, while teaching a film course at the Digital Media Academy summer tech camp, he discovered a passion for guiding young scholars toward academic, creative, and professional success. This experience inspired him to pursue a single-subject teaching credential, leading him to a fulfilling career in education.

Since 2018, Matthew has been an educator at The Preuss School, UC San Diego, where he has honed his teaching philosophy and instructional methods. Initially stepping in to fill a vacancy in the Drama department, he transformed the curriculum into a film-based program that integrates Art, English, and History. His courses reinforce grade-level ELA comprehension and writing skills through in-depth units on story structure, plot development, character analysis, and thematic content. Students apply these skills to writing their own screenplays, while Film I students explore film theory and cinema history. In his advanced Film II/Honors Film course, students engage in collaborative, hands-on projects that guide them through all stages of video production, from pre-production to post-production.

Matthew’s adaptability and innovation were especially evident during the pandemic when The Preuss School transitioned to remote learning for two years. While many educators faced challenges, he embraced the format, finding new ways to engage students and enhance learning through strategic virtual instruction. He firmly believes that, when thoughtfully designed, virtual learning can be just as impactful—if not more—than in-person instruction.

His passion lies in inviting students into the vibrant world of poetry, literature, and history and watching them engage with enthusiasm. Through teaching, he hopes to foster a deep sense of global awareness, empathy, and compassion in his students, empowering them to express themselves through both written and visual storytelling.

Matthew is eager to begin the tutoring process for students in need of support in English, reading, writing, history, social studies, college essay writing, and test prep. Additionally, with his background in Film, he is thrilled to assist students seeking help with video production, editing, or acting. His expertise also extends to Public Speaking and Debate courses, providing students with valuable skills to enhance their speaking abilities.

Matthew is excited to bring his expertise and passion for education to Prep Academy Tutors, where he continues to support students in their academic journeys.

Meg Kell is a dedicated educator specializing in supporting TK–4 students with learning differences. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Elon University in North Carolina and brings a warm, encouraging approach to her work. Born and raised in Virginia, Meg recently relocated to San Diego, bringing with her years of experience from both private and public schools.

With a focus on early literacy, reading intervention, and mathematics, Meg has successfully worked with a wide range of student profiles, including those with ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and executive functioning challenges. She tailors her instruction to each learner’s strengths, helping students feel that they are capable.

Melissa is a passionate educator and mentor with over five years of teaching experience, dedicated to empowering the next generation in STEM. She earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Miami, where she taught university students cell biology, neuroscience, and research techniques through both lectures and hands-on lab instruction. She also mentored high school students on independent scientific projects, fostering curiosity and critical thinking at an early stage.

Prior to UM, Melissa completed her Master’s at Drexel University, where she taught materials science and led engaging engineering activities for middle school students from diverse backgrounds. She earned her BS in Biomedical Engineering from University of Florida.

Melissa has worked with students ranging from middle school to college and understands that learning is never one-size-fits-all. She meets each student where they are, helping to build confidence and deepen understanding at a pace that supports their individual growth. She thrives on problem-solving and loves the creativity students bring when learning to apply new math and science concepts. Knowing that complex assignments and tests can be challenging, she is committed to making learning approachable by breaking down tough topics into real-world, relatable examples.

Outside of research and teaching, Melissa enjoys hiking, kayaking, live concerts, and belting karaoke with loved ones. She’s excited to join Prep Academy Tutors and looks forward to making a meaningful impact on each student’s academic journey!

Micaela is an enthusiastic and student-centered educator with several years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a focus in English and has worked in a wide range of educational environments supporting learners of all ages.

In addition to Micaela’s five years of classroom experience teaching grades 1st through 4th, she has spent several years tutoring students from 1st grade through the college level. She has also been deeply involved in youth mentorship—volunteering with local elementary school programs, working as a camp counselor, and most recently serving as a STEM camp director. Her recent work as an Activities Coordinator at an international language school further allowed her to support students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and strengthen her understanding of how to build inclusive learning communities.

Micaela’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that students learn best when they feel seen, valued, and safe. She is committed to creating learning spaces that honor each student’s background and learning style, and she designs lessons that are engaging, collaborative, and curiosity-driven. She encourages students to take risks, ask questions, and actively shape their own learning. Her goal is always to empower students to grow with confidence and feel supported both academically and personally.

Outside of teaching, Micaela enjoys spending time outdoors, whether at the beach or in the mountains, trying new restaurants around the city or experimenting with recipes at home, and enjoying quality time with friends and family. She looks forward to the opportunity to work with you and your student!

After working with hundreds of students, Michael understands that struggles with math and science are incredibly common—and that students are not alone. Often, classroom teachers don’t have the time to adapt to every student’s unique learning style. That’s where Michael steps in: he works closely with each student to find the approach that makes the most sense for them. His past students have gone from being frustrated by a single problem all day to breezing through it with just a small shift in perspective.

Michael’s teaching experience spans a wide range of settings, from one-on-one tutoring in high school to leading review sessions for hundreds of college students. He was even selected as the pedagogy fellow in his graduate program, responsible for preparing incoming graduate students to teach—an honor that reflects both deep content knowledge and outstanding instructional skill. This high-level perspective on effective teaching methods enables Michael to bring exceptional flexibility and responsiveness to his tutoring sessions.

In terms of subject expertise, Michael brings thousands of hours of experience, including 11 years of tutoring, 7 years as a teaching assistant, 2 years of instructing college courses, and both a PhD and a BS in Physics, along with an undergraduate minor in Mathematics. With this foundation, he is confident in his ability to work through any course material alongside his students.

Michael’s tutoring journey began in high school, when he noticed that many of his peers didn’t know where to turn for academic support. This inspired him to explore Universal Design for Learning—an approach that emphasizes presenting content in multiple formats to meet different learning styles. Since then, he has supported college students in tutoring centers, led supplementary instruction sessions, and taught lecture and lab courses at the university level. Michael creates a learning environment where students feel safe to ask questions, engage deeply in discussions, and leave sessions empowered to apply their learning in the real world. He brings this wealth of experience to every tutoring session to help students get exactly what they need from their education.

Ms. Jang taught Math and Mandarin for 28 years at Hilltop High School, Bonita Vista Middle School, Eastlake Middle School and Options Secondary School in Chula Vista, California. She also has taught Financial Accounting and Mandarin at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California.

Ms. Jang has a BA in Western Languages and Literature from National Cheng-chi University, Taipei, Taiwan, MS in Accountancy from San Diego State and has passed the CPA license examinations, and a teaching credential from San Diego State.

She is best known for her passion to teach math and her dedication to her students. She firmly believes that each one of us is capable of learning anything and needs to be seen as an individual learner who has his/her own strengths and needs. She emphasizes the individual pacing based on assessments and building trusting relationships with students and parents to facilitate and further the desired learning goals and outcomes.

Ms. Jang has been married for 35 years, has an adult daughter and son. In her spare time, she likes to decorate her yards with garden flowers and plants and rescue struggling plants. Additionally, she likes to cook homemade meals, travel, learn a different language (Japanese currently,) listen to watch true crime stories in podcasts, audibles or on TV. Her all time favorite hobby would be the thrills of bargain shoppings. She also likes to give a her helping hand as needed when she can.

Nicole Drousé is a credentialed K-12 educator with 13 years of classroom teaching experience. She currently teaches 2nd grade and has previously taught 1st and 3rd grade. Nicole holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Master’s degree in Education. She is trained in Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) and the LETRS program, with a particular specialization in phonics instruction.

Nicole is highly skilled in building strong student relationships, fostering a positive classroom community. She has worked extensively with students of diverse cognitive, physical, and academic abilities, including those with disabilities. In addition to her core classroom roles, she has provided reading intervention for 4th and 5th graders and has experience working with middle school students through yearbook club and coaching.

Outside of the classroom, Nicole is passionate about sports. She has coached middle school volleyball as well as her children’s recreational teams. Nicole grew up playing soccer, softball, and volleyball, and continues to enjoy watching and participating in sports. As a mother of three, her favorite family activities include spending quality time together, being creative, going to the beach/swimming, and traveling.

Reza is a PhD physicist from Purdue University with nearly two decades of experience teaching physics and mathematics across a wide range of levels, from high school to postgraduate education. In his free time, he enjoys practicing Muay Thai, watching murder mystery shows, and reading novels.

Sofia is a doctoral student in the cell and molecular biology program at SDSU and UCSD. Her project explores the biological mechanisms of ovarian cancer metastasis and drug resistance.
Ms. Howe’s journey in science began at North Dakota State University where she was researching paternal investment in bees under stressful conditions, like cold weather. During her senior year, she shifted her research focus to biomedical sciences where she researched the effects of asthma in smooth muscle cells. While researching these biological topics, she was a goalkeeper for the Division 1 soccer program for 4 years.
Ms. Howe tutors biology, chemistry and math for Prep Academy Tutors of San Diego. Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Howe enjoys hot yoga, playing with her two yorkies, and restoring vintage Coach bags.

Sun graduated from UC San Diego with an MBA and holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry. She has taught a range of subjects at UC San Diego, from General Chemistry to Advanced Organic Chemistry, as well as Algebra, Calculus, and Trigonometry. Sun understands the individual struggles students face and is passionate about guiding them along their educational journey. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball.

Tiffany is a recent graduate of Arizona State University, earning her Master’s in Elementary Education. She also holds a B.A. in Biology and Spanish with a minor in Psychology from West Virginia University. Her experience spans from student teaching to after-school programs and summer camps, which have allowed her to work with a wide range of students in grades K-6.

Passionate about inquiry-based learning, Tiffany advocates for student agency and creative expression. She enjoys designing engaging enrichment projects and incorporates the arts into her lessons whenever possible. Her goal is to nurture each student’s intrinsic motivation to learn while fostering self-confidence and a love of discovery.

Outside the classroom, Tiffany can often be found curled up with a good book and her cat. She also enjoys hiking, playing games, solving puzzles, and traveling. As a newcomer to San Diego from a small town in West Virginia, she’s always eager for recommendations on local sights and activities!

Zeke is a credentialed social science and special education teacher with over eight years of classroom experience. He holds a BA from UCLA and an MA from UCSD. Zeke is a patient, personable, and adaptable teacher who loves creating the spark that fosters lifelong curiosity and exploration.

In his free time, Zeke enjoys traveling, playing guitar, hiking, cycling, reading, and watching sports. His favorite teams include the San Diego Padres, UCLA Bruins, and anything Team USA.