Professional Tutoring in Westchester County

Adrian is a seasoned executive with more than 18 years experience building, leading and motivating teams in a diversity of industries: Waste Management, Capital Markets, Manufacturing, Interactive Gaming and Equipment Rental Solutions.

His strengths include developing and executing on strategy, growing revenues, fine-tuning operational efficiencies to produce consistently profitable revenue and cross-enterprise collaboration to devise and implement initiatives that impact bottom and top-line results

I am the founder and CEO of Prep Academy Tutors (formerly Write at Home Tutoring ) where we bring qualified teachers into your home and provide thorough weekly reports based on our collaborative goals for your child.

Upon completion of my undergraduate degree at Western, I completed a M.DPE from OISE, U of T and was employed for 3 years at OISE running an infant developmental lab, before embarking on my tutoring business.

SPECIALITIES: CHILD PSYCHOLOGY | EDUCATION | PSYCHOMETRICS | INTERPRETATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL TESTING | EDUCATIONAL GOAL SETTING AND MEASUREMENT |SPECIAL EDUCATION

Our mission at Prep Academy Tutors is to attract and build a network of franchises made up of people who recognize the importance of community, and share a passion for education and business. We strive to deliver the educational tools required for students to not only build self confidence, but achieve higher levels of academic excellence and success.

Jessica is an experienced academic and strategic planner with over 10 years experience working both in the medical administration and education management industries. She holds a bilingual Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Education from Glendon College at York University. She is skilled in all areas of office administration, strategic leadership and training, content management, and quality improvement.

Jessica brings these skills to the management of recruiting and on-boarding new hires at Prep Academy Tutors by leveraging process improvements through the use of new and innovative technologies.

Andi has been a special education teacher for seven years. She currently teaches in a self-contained special education classroom at Bloomfield Middle School in New Jersey.  What Andi loves most about teaching is getting to teach to every student’s individual level and helping them succeed in any way she can.  She teaches all major subjects; language arts, math, social studies, and science to a class of both seventh and eighth graders.  While Andi teaches these four major subjects, she is most passionate about language arts because she loves writing and bringing out creativity in her students.  Andi is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education.  She also has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.  Andi is certified to teach elementary grades kindergarten through sixth grade, and special education from kindergarten through twelfth grade.  In addition to teaching, Andi has also been tutoring for her entire teaching career.  She loves getting to work with students on an individual basis because she can get to know their interests and strengths.

Bernard is a master tutor who has been teaching and tutoring for more than thirty years. He graduated from Tufts University and graduated with a Master of Science in Secondary Math at Lehman College. He has worked in White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle and most recently at the Hendrick Hudson school. Bernard taught seventh and eighth grade math in middle school and Algebra, Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra 2 and Trigonometry, Precalculus and AP Statistics at the high school level. He was the math Honor Society Advisor for six years at Henrick Hudson and an AP Stats reader in 2014 to 2016 and did virtual grading at home in 2020. He was the math department instructional leader from 2010 to 2013 where he worked with administration and other department leaders to make the school run smoothly.

        He has also tutored SAT math and ACT math as a private tutor and for tutoring services. Bernard has just retired from teaching after 33 years. He has vast knowledge in many courses to help students achieve in this unprecedented time. Bernard was an adjunct professor at College of New Rochelle and more recently at Iona College where for two years he taught Business Calculus.

        Bernard is married with three children ages 26, 23 and 19. He plays golf, bowls and has aspirations to become a voiceover artist. He is looking forward to continuing to help students learn and at the same time learn from students as well.

Casey graduated from Manhattan College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education. While completing her master’s degree, Casey worked as a special education teacher providing small group instruction to students with individual education programs. After finishing school, Casey began to work full time as a third grade teacher for the Department of Education. Casey has since worked with students in kindergarten through fifth grade (in all subject areas) throughout the last five and a half years as a general and special education teacher. She has worked with students of many different learning styles and tailors her instruction to support her student’s individual needs. Having worked with general and special education populations, Casey has developed strong instructional strategies to increase student achievement.

Chelsea Gillespie is a math teacher at Rye Neck High School in Mamaroneck, NY. She graduated from Iona College earning a bachelor’s degree in Adolescent Math Education. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree through the University at Albany in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology. She has taught algebra and algebra II classes where she has designed creative lessons aligned with the common core state standards and has developed learning activities to support a diverse classroom. She has worked as a teaching assistant where she designed and implemented mini-lessons to assist students with specific math skills from pre-algebra to calculus. This fall, Chelsea will be teaching geometry, statistics, and algebra II.

This past spring, Chelsea had to transition from face-to-face learning to remote learning. During this time, she developed skills with technological tools, such as Zoom and Screencastify, where she used these programs for synchronous and asynchronous learning. She also assigned tasks for students using websites, such as Google Classroom, Edpuzzle, Khan Academy, and Delta Math, in order to enhance student learning.

Chelsea is very excited to be a tutor at Prep Academy Tutors and looks forward to working with you!

Christina has recently graduated from Syracuse University with a dual Bachelor of Science in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education with a minor in anthropology and concentration in people, places and societies. She is now attending the University at Albany, completing an online graduate program in Curriculum Design and Instructional Technology. She will be graduating in 2022 with her Master’s degree. During her time at Syracuse University, she participated in many practicum placements, ranging from 1st to 4th grade. Christina has a passion for inclusion, and making sure that every student’s needs are met. She is excited to show her love of teaching through tutoring and supporting students in their learning.

Mr. Lin is ecstatic to be teaching at Prep Academy Tutors. “I look forward to helping out the families in the Westchester and Bronxville areas to take their children’s education to the next level!” Mr. Lin worked for the public schools for over 12 years but wanted a different challenge in his career. “I wanted to do something different that actually makes a difference in students’ lives.” He decided to work for the Archdiocese of New York and work at Sacred Heart School where he taught middle school English and Social Studies. Mr. Lin currently works at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School in the South Bronx and teaches 11th grade English. In addition, Mr. Lin has also taught College Composition, Literature and Business Writing for close to two decades teaching at Hudson County Community College, The City University of New York, Mandl College and Monroe College in New Rochelle. Besides college, Mr. Lin has taught at private test prep centers teaching a wide array of grades from 3-11. If you are looking for an experienced educator who truly loves to teach, Mr. Lin is the perfect tutor for you. “I am lucky to have found my passion in life. I love teaching and can’t see myself doing anything else.”

Gigi is a veteran teacher with more than 20 years of experience in the classroom.  She has a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Bank Street College of Education.  Gigi is Orton-Gillingham trained and specializes in working with children with dyslexia.  She is passionate about teaching children and instilling a love of reading.

Gigi has taught grades kindergarten to 6th grade and has worked in various roles as a special educator, resource room interventionist and dual-language teacher.  She believes every child is unique and capable of success.

In her free time, Gigi enjoys gardening, listening to 80’s music, going on hikes with her husband and watching documentaries. Gigi is a resident of New Rochelle and has two children, two rescue dogs and two rescue cats.

Gwen has been teaching and tutoring students for over 15 years. She has a BS in Chemical Engineering, an MS in Environmental Engineering, and an MBA in Finance, as well as an Advanced Certificate in Secondary Education. Gwen is certified to teach mathematics, chemistry and physics, and is presently teaching at Tuckahoe High School in Eastchester, NY.

Ira brings twenty years of experience teaching literature, writing, and grammar to students at the Horace Mann School in Riverdale, NY. His teaching practice (MA, New York University, English Education) has been informed by his background in theater and writing. He received a BA in Theater Studies from George Washington University and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Brandeis. He has studied with members of the Royal Shakespeare Company on ways to use rehearsal techniques to engage students’ emotional and kinetic intelligence. Ira’s interest in languages and world cultures drew him to the study of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Teachers College, Columbia University. As an instructor at Westchester Community College, he has taught ESL to students at all levels of English proficiency. He has tutored students in the US and China via Zoom in ESL and TOEFL preparation. Ira brings deep knowledge of his subject areas along with dedication to finding the best mix of techniques to help each student thrive. He knows that students learn best when they feel seen and prized as individuals with interests and skills beyond the work at hand. Ira helps students to see and understand their academic growth so they can develop confidence in their ability to learn independently.

Jane’s education, teaching experience, and ability to compassionately interact with students, prepare her well to continue the teaching she loves.

After living and studying in Montevideo, Uruguay and Madrid, Spain she developed a love for language and literacy.

Jane earned her BA at Tulane University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2003. In 2013, Jane graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hunter College with an MA in K to 12 education with a specialization in TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages). Jane taught and became certified in three different states, adhering to each state’s standards.

Jane facilitated and taught seven different curricula on the road with child actors on the national tour of “Annie.” Recently Jane worked with private clients using micro-schooling as schools switched to remote learning due to COVID.

In her last teaching position, she facilitated teacher training on supporting the English language learner in mainstream classes. Jane co-wrote and co-led professional development training to middle school and high school classroom teachers.

This fall, Jane is teaching part time in the Edgemont School District. She is happy to have returned home, closer to her Nyack roots.

Jane is committed to helping those who struggle with language, and develops confidence and independence in her students, while identifying and strengthening the skills these students need to succeed.

Jessica is honored to work with your children. Jessica has a Master’s degree in education with certifications in elementary education and special education K-12.  She has been a classroom teacher since 1999 and has taught all grade levels at some point and currently teaches 6th grade ELA and social studies. She is a published writer for various newspapers and magazines. Jessica is looking forward to helping your children achieve their goals. Her philosophy: every child should reach for the stars, and the teacher should be the astronaut who helps them get there. Jessica loves to spend time with her husband and two children. They play tennis, go hiking and can almost always be found at the beach. People tell her she makes an awesome lasagna!

Kate received a B.A. in Sociology, with a minor in Education from Bowdoin College, and continued her education at Lesley University, receiving an M.Ed. in Elementary Education. She currently holds a State of Connecticut Educator License in Elementary Grades 1-6. She most recently worked in the Fairfield Public Schools as a library media specialist. During her time there, she successfully integrated both literacy and technology, using the Teachers College workshop model for implementation of the lessons. She provided district training for elementary teachers for both the G Suite platform and several educational applications during distance learning last spring. Prior to her time in Fairfield, Kate was employed by the Ridgefield Public Schools for five years, in which she served in a multitude of roles. Her most recent years were as a fourth grade classroom teacher. The foundation of her literacy instruction was based on the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. Her math instruction was also delivered through a workshop model, with daily, flexible small group instruction. She attended multiple professional development opportunities, including Teachers College, Math in Practice’s Susan O’Connell, and Responsive Classroom.

Katie is an NYS-certified elementary teacher with a master’s degree in Childhood Education (grades 1-6) and a bachelor’s degree in English Language & Literature from Pace University in New York City. She thrives on finding creative, empathic, and engaging ways to empower students to learn. Honing her craft as a student teacher at P.S. 6 Lillie Devereaux Blake School in Manhattan, Katie designed and delivered differentiated, culturally responsive, standards-aligned instruction in ELA, math, social studies, and science to first- and fourth-grade classes. As a tutor, she has coached pre-K through second-grade students in math and ELA. Additionally, she teaches music to individuals and small groups, aged 5 and up.

In March 2020, like many educators, Katie switched from in-person to distance teaching. As well as developing proficiency in technological tools such as Zoom, she focused on supporting critical thinking and social-emotional learning in virtual settings by engaging in professional development specifically centered around adapting to and enhancing unconventional learning environments.

Katie is thrilled to be a tutor at Prep Academy Tutors of Westchester. She believes in confidence building and delivering personalized instruction to ensure that all students are given equal opportunity to reach their full potentials. 

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Lourdes is an elementary school teacher for grades 1-6 in New York State. Lourdes currently works for The Windward School at the Westchester Lower School which specializes in language-based learning differences. She graduated in 2020 from The City College of the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education, and a concentration in Languages and Literature. In 2017, Lourdes was the winner of The Stark English Composition Award from the English department of the City College of New York for her winning paper, “Traditional Martial Arts: Timeless in the Modern World.” As a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwon-Do, Lourdes has also worked with children as a Taekwon-Do Instructor for Gotham Martial Arts in NYC. She teaches children from ages 2-13 and continues to instill her martial arts training, particularly socio-emotional learning and physical movement, into her academic instruction. Working with children means never having to “work” another day! As well as teaching children, Lourdes is an avid reader, writer, outdoor enthusiast, and animal lover.

Maci is a graduate of Concordia College, NY where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and Master’s degree in Special Education. During her time at Concordia, Maci spent time living and teaching in the slums of Chennai, India. Currently, Maci is a third grade teacher and completing her NY teacher certifications. Maci is passionate about education and helping all children reach their full potential, regardless of any accommodations or modifications needed. She is also very passionate about differentiating in the classroom and not giving every child the same thing, but what is needed for them to succeed. Apart from being an educator, Maci enjoys traveling, reading, and swimming in her spare time.

Margaret has been an educator for the past five years, starting out as a Middle School teacher before taking on her current role as Director of Library services at the Chapel School in Bronxville. Her road to the present started at Iona College, where a love for literature and writing helped her get her BA in English which then promptly led to her first Master’s degree in the same field. Building on that passion, Margaret then pursued a second Master’s degree in Library and Information Services at St. John’s University. It’s no surprise to then know her first year as a teacher was spent solely teaching reading, writing, and grammar. Additionally, her expertise includes fifth grade level mathematics, science, and social studies. Margaret’s role as a librarian has helped broaden her skill set, giving her proficiency in instructing research using various technologies and print sources. Margaret also wouldn’t mind having a lively discussion about what books everyone is reading, at school and at home! She has always enjoyed working with students, getting to know each one and figuring out the best way to help them learn. She can’t wait to tutor and meet her new students!

Marianne is a 24-year veteran teacher, having taught almost every grade from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Her focus in the past 15 years has been in middle school and high school math.  Her teaching philosophy is that she strives to create a safe, inclusive and equitable classroom environment that encourages students to be innovative and creative in their problem solving.

Marianne has taught a range of subjects ranging from math to ELA, special education, algebra, finance and honors math. Marianne has a passion for working with and advocating for students with different learning needs and has experience writing and working with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans). She is currently teaching in a small middle school program geared for students with social emotional issues.

Marianne has numerous teacher certifications.  They include Elementary Education with Math Middle School Extension (Grades N-9), Mathematics 7-12, Students with Disabilities 1-6, Mathematics 7-12 and Generalist 7-12; Reading Teacher (Grades K-2) and School District Administrator. She has earned her B.A. in Elementary Education, Concentration in Math, Minor in Italian (Pace University); MSEd. Concentration in Reading and Literacy Education (Fordham University), MSEd, Supervision and Administration (College of New Rochelle), and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology (Stony Brook University).

Marianne is a lifelong resident of Westchester County, New York.  She has been happily married for 21 years and has two wonderful children, aged 13 and 17.  When not teaching and tutoring, you can find her rooting for her kids on the soccer field and basketball courts.

Maureen Darcy was raised in Southern California and moved to New York to attend New York University. As an undergraduate, she majored in French and Linguistics with a minor in Arabic. She then went on to receive her Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Teachers College, Columbia University. Maureen currently teaches French and Spanish at the Professional Children’s School where she is also a Middle School Advisor and a Yearbook advisor. She enjoys sharing her passion for world languages and cultures in her classes while also supporting students in their academic and personal growth. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York with her cat Pistachio.

Melanie R. Buchanan received a bachelor’s degree of fine arts in acting from Creighton University and worked as the Youth Director at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette in Indiana. While working full time, she opted to return to school at Purdue University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and immediately moved to Lima, Peru, where she worked at an English immersion school. In her free time, she enjoyed learning Spanish, eating ceviche, and exploring the Peruvian culture (including Machu Picchu).

In August 2013, Melanie moved back to the US, and applied for the New York City Teaching Fellows program. Once accepted, she participated in the Spring Classroom Apprenticeship and the Blended Learning Institute and started as a full time teacher in the fall of 2014. In June 2016, she completed her Master’s degree from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Melanie taught for 6 years at Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists in the south Bronx, but, last year, moved to Tuckahoe High School. She currently teaches Regents and AP Chemistry after having taught Algebra 2, Regents Earth Science, Forensics, and Everyday Engineering. Ms.Buchanan is married to an English professor, and they have one dog, Camote, a cat, Khione, and a fiery, red-headed six year old. When she isn’t teaching, grading, or traveling with her family, you can find her completing 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles, reading, or tending to her plants.

A recent retiree, Monica Gerken spent the last twenty-five years teaching second and then first grade at the Horace Mann School in Riverdale, Bronx, New York. Prior to that, she taught pre-K for several years. A firm believer in continual growth and professional development, she has had complete training in the Fountas and Pinnell Reading System, Teachers’ College Writing Workshop, Handwriting Without Tears, Singapore Math, the Yale Institute for Emotional Intelligence RULER initiative, and Zoom for online teaching. While at Horace Mann, Monica was chairperson of the Language Arts Department and the Yearbook, and was a mentor for new teachers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mercy College and has done graduate work at The College of New Rochelle and Manhattanville College. A recipient of the Bellett Award for Teaching Excellence at Horace Mann, Monica’s work ethic and warm, nurturing, and creative approach to teaching was recognized. The mother of four and the grandmother of twelve, she counts time with her family as her most precious gift. In addition, in her spare time, she enjoys reading, theater, and days on the beach. Monica resides with her husband in the Bronxville area.

Nancy’s teaching philosophy is that every child can and will succeed when given the right tools, patience and understanding.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in special education and will graduate in summer 2020 with a Master’s degree in Education: Learning & Technology.  She has been a special education teacher and family advocate for 12 years, working with children of all ages, across various educational settings, including specialized classrooms, resource room, inclusive classrooms and gifted programs.

During the school day, she provides special education services and intervention/remediation to students, as well as oversees school-wide special education systems and practices.  This includes participating in IEP meetings, developing high quality IEPs, and coaching/collaborating with teachers and staff.  She has received training in Orton-Gillingham approaches (Fundations, SPIRE) to strengthen her skills as a Reading Specialist.

Teaching and inspiring students’ personal growth is Nancy’s true passion!  Outside of the classroom, she provides tutoring, enrichment, test prep, and academic coaching services.   Nancy says, “Let’s work together to turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones!”

Nick Patel is a math and science teacher. Nick began on his teaching path in the winter of 2002 when he began working with the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education at New York University.  He earned his BA and MS degrees from New York University with a concentration in biology, chemistry, economics, and general science, and obtained his teaching credentials in science education from Fordham University and City College of New York.  In Nick’s words, “To me, teaching fulfills a higher purpose.  Knowing that the future leaders of this world will face many coming challenges, teenagers and young adults must immediately be guided in such a way that will prepare them for the coming challenges that humanity faces.”  Nick has been actively involved in the education sector for almost fifteen years, teaching in private and public schools, and providing services to educational institutions in the greater New York City area.

Richard has taught high school English for 13 years at three different independent schools. After graduating from Davidson College, with a BA in English (and a minor in economics), Richard taught at Worcester Academy (MA) for two years. He then earned his MA in Teaching of English from Teachers College at Columbia University. For the next four years, Richard worked at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., where he earned the Hall-Hoffman Award, given to the faculty member “who taught us in the classroom and on the athletic field that, through maximum effort, we can excel with honor in all that we do.” He most recently spent seven years at St. Sebastian’s School, outside Boston. Richard is also a dedicated and accomplished coach. He has coached soccer, hockey, and baseball at the varsity level, while also leading teams at several sub-varsity levels. Richard believes that teaching and coaching are the same, and that a sound mind in a sound body is a solid foundation for success.

Richard is pursuing a graduate certificate in Sport Management from the University of New Haven, and he spent the summer of 2020 coaching the 17u Connecticut Bombers baseball team. When not teaching or coaching, Richard enjoys running around with his two kids, riding the Peloton bike, golfing, and reading.

A fun and energetic tutor, Richard loves learning and sharing knowledge with others. He earned a BA in History at SUNY New Paltz. Richard went on to receive an MS in Elementary Education for grades 1-6. After finishing his studies, Richard began his career teaching in the special education program in the Lakeland Central School district  and tutored both privately and for a learning center. Richard spent some time teaching 7th and 8th grade math and science at a private school in Westchester, and is currently teaching 3rd and 4th grade math and science. Richard has tutored math and phonics to elementary school children as well as SAT test prep for high school students looking to increase their overall score for college. “I focus on getting to know my students and creating a fun and safe learning environment. Many times students lack the confidence in themselves and I strive to help them believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.” Richard has always excelled in math and believes “mistakes allow thinking to happen.” He has loved sports, movies and animals since he was a child. Richard is the owner of two kittens, Millie and Mittens.

Toni’s passion for education began after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Physics from the honors college at Arizona State University. She then served for two years as a Corps Member with Teach For America where she taught pre-AP physics at the high school level. Concurrently, Toni completed her teaching certification in secondary science through Johns Hopkins University. Toni is now completing a Masters in Climate Sciences at Columbia University while continuing to exercise her love for education through tutoring. Toni covers all math subjects from pre-algebra to calculus in addition to biology, environmental sciences, and physics.

Tracy Penning is a math teacher who has been teaching for 22 years. She graduated from the University of Louisville earning a BS in education with an emphasis in mathematics.  She also earned her Master’s degree in Education.  Tracy taught middle school mathematics until relocating to NY.  Most recently, she taught 2nd-5th grade math at a project based learning school in Hastings.  Tracy loves adventure.  She travelled to China and Thailand to teach English at a summer camp.  She also studied abroad for two summers in Kenya and Namibia with the University of Miami.  Tracy, although a great math teacher, loves science and history.  Tracy is energetic, outgoing, kind and funny.  She loves nature, being active and hanging out with her husband and their dog, Abby.  She is very excited to be working with students and can’t wait to meet you and your children.