DERIN K.

Derin has a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from Yale University. Currently preparing for medical school, she possesses a first-hand understanding of high-level sciences and rigorous academic standards. With several years of private tutoring experience, Derin has developed a deep proficiency in guiding students through complex material, including college entrance exams and Advanced Placement curricula. She prioritizes a student-centered approach that emphasizes meeting learners where they are. Her method of personalized instruction fosters both academic growth and confidence. By equipping student with the tools to deconstruct problems and think analytically, she encourages the development of critical thinking skills and effective test-taking strategies over rote memorization. A firm believer in the value of education, Derin is dedicated to helping every student reach their full academic potential.

Jenifer L.

Jenifer is a 25 year veteran of the CT public school system. A former speech and language pathologist, she acquired a Masters of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Southern Connecticut State University. From there, she dove into a rewarding career in the support of students with disabilities and their families, working tirelessly to achieve improved learning outcomes both in academics and speech and language. Working closely with special education teams, classroom teachers (often in a collaborative and coteaching format) and families, she supported student’s acquisition of reading, comprehension, phonological and phonemic awareness, vocabulary and concept knowledge, written language, math skills and social skills. During the last 10 years of her career in public school, she also worked with students with more complex diagnoses, helping to acquire daily living skills, improve behavior, and acquire core communication skills, often through the use of augmentative and assistive communication tools. Additionally, Jenifer is experienced in supporting students with college essay writing and identifying and implementing strategies for improved executive functioning. She values the collaborative effort between families, schools, and herself. She prides herself on implementing lessons in a student centered and fun atmosphere that is engaging, that increases focus and attention, and activates learning. Dedicated to families and students with learning challenges, she continues her work by supporting their needs through tutoring, coaching families and advocating for educational resources and plans that will lead to improved learning and stronger academic achievements.

Lauren W-R.

Lauren is a certified teacher in three languages (French, Spanish and Latin) and also teaches Italian. She studied these languages throughout high school and college, earning a Bachelor of Arts in French Language & Culture with a minor in the Classics, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education (Vassar College, SUNY Purchase and Mercy College). She spent two semesters living abroad in France. She taught for 20 years in a New York State public high school, taking students on trips out of the country (to France, Italy and Canada) when possible to experience the language and culture authentically.

Lauren enjoys getting to know each student she teaches. She uses various tools to diagnose where the student stands along their continuum of language learning, so that she can address their needs and provide a customized teaching plan that will ensure their progress in learning the language. Lauren makes language learning fun by using an interactive approach that will have the student speaking and understanding the language in a short period of time.

Gamal M.

With over 30 years of classroom experience and a deep passion for student success, Gamal M. brings a wealth of mathematical expertise to our tutoring team. Gamal holds a B.S. in Mathematics and is a State-Certified Educator for grades 7 through 12.

His career spans from teaching honors-level programs internationally to providing dedicated homebound and after-school support right here in the Waterbury community. Whether a student is navigating the foundations of Algebra and Geometry or tackling advanced Calculus and Trigonometry, Gamal excels at breaking down complex concepts into manageable, “lightbulb” moments. His patient, student-centered approach ensures that every learner—from middle schoolers to high school seniors—gains the confidence and skills needed to excel in the classroom and beyond.

Jonah B.

Jonah B. PhD is an educator, technologist and author who grew up in New York City. He currently works as a Software Consultant and has recently become a suburban dad. He lives with his partner and their young son in New Haven, CT.

Jonah studied Communications at Columbia University and in 2016 defended his doctoral dissertation, Dangerous Gifts: Towards a New Wave of Psychiatric Resistance, which examines significant shifts in the politics of psychiatric resistance and mental health activism. He has been organizing around mental health issues for over a decade, and cares deeply about the environment, social justice and privacy.

He has over 20+ years of experience as a professional software architect, designer, and developer. He is an active free/open source contributor whose technical interests include ethical AI, algorithmic fairness, Linux, Python, Content/Learning Management, and Annotations. He loves to bike ride, travel, scuba dive, and play the bass. He earned a masters in Communication and Education at Teachers College (’07) and graduated from Princeton University (’97) with a BA Cum Laude in Philosophy, and certificates in Computer Science and Cognitive Studies.

Peter D. R.

Peter is completing his final term of a Bachelor of Science degree at Wilfrid Laurier University in Chemistry and Psychology. Through his studies, he has developed a lifelong interest in science and mathematics. He particularly enjoys helping others understand challenging concepts. Peter is eager to begin tutoring and supporting students, helping them to grow in confidence in their academic skills.

Peter has worked with many young people in group settings, including assisting instructors at a Totus Tuus day camp and participating in training for overnight camp counselling. These experiences enabled him to support younger students and guide them through various activities across a variety of learning environments.

In breaking down complex topics into simpler steps, Peter uses real-world examples to help students better understand the material. His goal is to create a comfortable learning environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions and develop confidence.

Outside of academics, Peter enjoys playing hockey, golf, and soccer, as well as gaming and chess. He looks forward to helping students enhance their understanding of science and mathematics and achieve their academic goals.

Ahmed A.

Ahmed is a PhD student in neuroscience at McGill University, where he also completed his master’s degree in neuroscience after finishing his undergraduate studies in biomedical science at the University of Ottawa. Over the course of his academic career, he has published in peer-reviewed journals, mentored undergraduate students, and tutored at both the secondary and post-secondary levels, with a focus on biology, physiology, biochemistry, research methodology, and psychology.

As a researcher, Ahmed spends a lot of time thinking about how to communicate science clearly and impactfully, and that naturally shapes how he tutors. He knows how intimidating dense material can feel, and he knows how to break it down without losing what makes it interesting. His approach is practical and student-centered: he figures out where you are, works from there, and focuses on building the kind of understanding that actually transfers, not just to the next test, but to the way you think about problems. He works on promoting critical thinking and tailoring the content to instill confidence and curiosity in the student. He firmly believes that learning can be fun for anyone if approached in the right way.

Outside of the lab and the classroom, Ahmed plays soccer, trains in kickboxing, reads, and hangs out with his cats.

Aislinn H.

Aislinn is an experienced educator with nineteen years of teaching expertise across Grades 1–8, including French Immersion and Core French. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Program of Education from Canisius College (2007), and she has continued to deepen her professional knowledge as an FSL Specialist, a Math and Literacy Leader with the SCDSB, and a certified DELF Correcteur. Aislinn is known for her results‑driven tutoring approach, using evidence‑based diagnostic assessments to design personalized programs that accelerate student growth in any subject area. She brings a holistic, child‑centered philosophy to her work, supporting not only students’ academic development but also improving learning skills and a strong growth mindset. Aislinn has particular strengths in number sense and numeracy acquisition and fluency, early reading and spelling intervention, and French‑language literacy for both Core and Immersion pathways, including preparation for the DELF exam. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her three teenage daughters, coaching and playing volleyball, and reading outdoors whenever she can.

Stephanie C.

Sophie L.

Sophie is a mechanical engineering student at York University. She has been working with children and youth for three years and plans to become a high school math and physics teacher. Sophie is dedicated to helping her students build confidence and a love for learning through engaging in supportive instruction, tailored to each students unique needs and learning styles. She places an emphasis on organization and time management, helping students develop skills that support academic success while helping them navigate changes and challenges in their learning journey
Outside of the classroom, Sophie is an athlete, an experience that has taught her the value of teamwork, perseverance and leadership, all qualities that she brings to her teaching. In her free time, she likes to read, hike, and exploring new hobbies.
She loves inspiring students to reach their full potential, encouraging curiosity and problem solving in math and science.