Kwadwo N-J.
Kwadwo “Kojo” is a passionate, highly versatile educator with over 20 years of experience helping students of all ages unlock their academic potential. Specialized in breaking down complex topics into clear, manageable concepts, Kojo brings a patient, student-centered approach to every tutoring session.
His extensive background in education spans across local Ohio institutions, currently serving as a Junior High Science and High School Algebra and Geometry Instructor at Zenith Academy Schools. Previously, he spent nearly two decades as an Instructor for the Workforce Department at Columbus State Community College. There, he specialized in adult math education, pioneered highly efficient GED preparation strategies, and actively supported the immigrant and refugee communities through impactful ESL after-school enrichment programs.
In addition to his deep classroom experience, Kojo holds an MBA in Business Management from Franklin University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Economics) from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. This unique blend of advanced business and academic expertise gives him a structured, goal-oriented methodology that teaches students how to learn, solve problems, and build lasting academic confidence. Whether helping a student conquer advanced high school mathematics, navigate general sciences, or prepare for standardized exams, Kojo is dedicated to delivering personalized, high-impact instruction that drives measurable success.
Kojo enjoys playing soccer on weekends.
Allison A.
Dr. Allison A, affectionately known as “Dr. Ali” by her students, is an accomplished biomedical scientist, STEM educator, and entrepreneur with an extraordinary background in scientific research and hands-on learning. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, years of professional experience conducting biomedical research for military and government programs, and a passion for making science and mathematics accessible to young learners, Allison brings a unique combination of advanced scientific expertise, creativity, and real-world experience to tutoring.
Allison earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Bachelor of Arts in Microbiology from the University of Kansas. During her graduate studies, she also served as a teaching assistant for medical and dental students, discovering how rewarding it could be to help others understand complex scientific concepts.
Following her doctoral studies, Allison built an extensive career as a biomedical research scientist, working with organizations supporting the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and federal research programs. Her professional research has spanned microbiology, immunology, infectious diseases, molecular biology, respiratory infections, vaccine research, and military medicine. She has designed scientific experiments, analyzed complex data, contributed to peer-reviewed scientific publications, and worked alongside medical researchers and scientific professionals on challenging real-world problems.
Despite her highly technical background, Allison’s approach to teaching is refreshingly approachable. She believes that science and mathematics should inspire curiosity rather than intimidation and that students learn best when they are actively engaged in discovering how things work.
When the pandemic prompted Allison to begin homeschooling her own children, she discovered a new passion for creating meaningful, hands-on educational experiences. That experience eventually inspired her to establish San Antonio Techie Tots, a STEM enrichment business serving local homeschool families. Through interactive classes, camps, and educational activities, Allison has developed original STEM curricula that incorporate experiments, dissections, creative projects, field trips, early coding concepts, and collaborative learning.
Her experience working with younger students has reinforced her belief that learning can take many forms. Sometimes the best way to understand a scientific concept is through a hands-on experiment, a game, a model, or a project that allows students to explore and discover the answer for themselves. Allison strives to make even challenging material approachable by connecting academic concepts to experiences students can understand and enjoy.
Allison offers tutoring across a broad range of mathematics and science subjects, including Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Biology, AP Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Physics, Physical Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geology, Animal Science, and Space Science.
Her greatest academic strengths are in the biological and biomedical sciences, where her doctoral education and professional research experience provide an exceptionally deep foundation. She is particularly well suited for students studying Biology, AP Biology, Genetics, Anatomy, and other advanced life sciences, while also offering strong support in foundational mathematics and general science.
One of Allison’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect advanced scientific knowledge with age-appropriate instruction. Having taught university-level learners and developed STEM enrichment programs for children as young as four, she understands the importance of adapting explanations, activities, and expectations to the student’s developmental level and individual learning needs.
Allison also emphasizes the importance of building meaningful relationships with her students. She believes that children are more willing to ask questions, try unfamiliar approaches, and challenge themselves when they feel comfortable and supported. Her tutoring style is interactive, encouraging, and designed to build confidence alongside academic understanding.
Families appreciate Allison’s enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to bring science to life. Whether she is helping a younger student discover the excitement of scientific exploration, guiding a middle school student through foundational math and science, or supporting a high school student in advanced Biology, Allison’s goal is to help students develop genuine understanding, curiosity, and independence.
Outside of her professional work, Allison enjoys spending time with her family and continuing to explore new ways to make STEM education engaging. She is also the kind of person who took Calculus III in college simply because she thought it would be fun—a reflection of the curiosity and enthusiasm for learning that she hopes to share with every student.
Ultimately, Dr. Ali wants students to recognize that science and math don’t have to be a chore or a bore. With the right guidance, encouragement, and a little creativity, even challenging subjects can become exciting opportunities for discovery.
Nick D.
Nick is an experienced Ontario Certified Teacher who has been teaching with the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) since 2018. A graduate of the Laurier/Nipissing Concurrent Education program, he also holds a Master of Education specializing in Post-Secondary Studies from Memorial University. His teaching qualifications span all ages, from Kindergarten through to Adult Education, and includes History, Law, Social Sciences, Business, Guidance and Career Education, Cooperative Education, and Religion. While his classroom experience is broad, he primarily teaches Law, Business, and History.
As an educator and tutor, Nick believes that meaningful learning is about more than simply achieving the highest possible grade. He focuses on building strong connections with students, helping them discover their own interests within course material, and developing the critical thinking, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills that lead to success both inside and outside the classroom. His approach is supportive, engaging, and personalized to the individual learner, with an emphasis on building confidence and helping students better understand both what they are learning and why it matters.
Outside the classroom, Nick is a long-suffering Calgary Flames fan, an avid golfer, recreational volleyball player, and frequent movie watcher. While a professional contract in either golf or volleyball is becoming increasingly unlikely, he remains very committed to both.
DARREN M.
Darren has been an educator for over 25 years, including 15 years spent teaching high school physics. He graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and has master’s degrees in Secondary Science Education and Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University and Manhattan University, respectively. In addition to his role at Prep Academy Tutors, Darren advises students applying to college as an independent educational consultant and teaches skiing at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, VT. Darren enjoys working with students to build their self-confidence and getting to know them as people.
JOHN C.
John is a NYS Certified Social Studies teacher for grades 7–12. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History from SUNY Oneonta and a Master’s in Teaching Social Studies from Stony Brook University. John has six years of classroom teaching experience, including five years teaching AP United States History at both a high-achieving private school and a Title I public high school. He also has experience teaching 8th Grade U.S. History, World History, Economics, U.S. Government, and Constitutional Law. In addition, John has regularly tutored students in SAT and ACT English for over a year.
Beyond the classroom, John has led his school’s Model UN and Mock Trial teams and has worked with students through a Peer Tutoring Center. His approach to teaching centers on building strong relationships with students and meeting them where they are in their learning. He emphasizes developing transferable skills and applying content knowledge, with the goal of making challenging material clear, approachable, and meaningful. John believes that with the right support, strategies, and motivation, every student has the ability to succeed in their classes & beyond.
Jennifer W.
Jennifer earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Physics and Philosophy from the University of Toronto before completing her Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh. Since then, she’s done postdoctoral research at Duke University and the University of Vienna, and presented her work at academic conferences around the world, and published her work in internationally-recognized academic journals. She has designed and taught courses at the undergraduate level in everything from scientific methodology to the philosophy of space and time. She took particular pride in her ‘repeat customers’ — students who initially signed up to her courses to satisfy breadth requirements, but enjoyed them enough to come back for more next term.
Jennifer’s academic passion, as both an instructor and researcher, is for where the sciences and humanities meet. She favours a playful and inquisitive approach to science and philosophy education, focused on Socratic questions and answers and following lines of inquiry wherever they may lead, often incorporating aspects of the history and philosophy of science into the story of science itself. She believes that all knowledge starts in wonder, and that the best way to understand the ‘what’ of science is to understand the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ as well.
Outside of the classroom, Jennifer enjoys trivia, comedy, growing rare tropical plants, and designing and making her own clothes.
Dan V.
Dan V. has taught various Social Studies subjects for 37 years. Mr. Vallette has a BA from The Ohio State University in Secondary Social Studies and a Master’s Degree from Marygrove College. As well as his Certification in Secondary Social Studies he is also Nationally Board Certified, the highest certification a teacher can earn and is classified as a Highly Qualified Teacher. Dan currently works with high risk students at the Rockbridge Academy in a one on one setting helping those who have struggled in a traditional classroom environment.
Sandra M.
Sandra has over four years of tutoring experience working with students of various ages and academic levels. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Nova Southeastern University. She specializes in math, science, and SAT/ACT preparation. Her teaching approach is patient and personalized, focusing on helping students understand concepts, build confidence, and develop independent learning skills. Her goal is to help every student reach their full academic potential.
Ryan C.
With 16 years of classroom experience, Ryan has taught math at nearly every level from 6th grade through AP Calculus BC. Holding both a Bachelor’s in Math and a Master’s in Education, he specializes in spotting where students get stuck and helping them build real confidence ahead of major tests and AP exams. Known for being a supportive “smart friend” in sessions, Ryan uses visual tools like Desmos to help make abstract topics make sense without all the stress, and uses humor to make difficult situations more approachable. Outside of teaching, Ryan stays active outdoors playing pickleball, going on runs, and enjoying puzzles.
Diane S.
With a double major in English and American Studies at UC Irvine, Diane Sippl went on from her BA to earn her PhD in Comparative Culture at UCI with a major in Expressive Forms and a minor in Social Inquiry. While researching her doctoral dissertation, she spent nearly a year living and traveling in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, India, Iran, Egypt, and Russia. Once she began teaching at UCLA and Occidental College, she made several research trips to Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Germany and finally accepted positions as a programmer for numerous international film festivals in Mannheim (Germany); Locarno, Solothurn, and Geneva (Switzerland); Houston; and Los Angeles after sitting on juries and panels at these festivals. As an arts-and-culture critic and editor for numerous scholarly journals and popular magazines, she is a widely published author; yet she has both taught and tutored non-stop—before, during, and after this academic work—for students of all ages and across the curriculum.
At UCI she taught Dramatic Literature and The American Novel; at UCLA she taught 62 courses in every level of Composition in the Writing Programs, from English A for college entry to Critical Reading and Writing for advanced students. She created and pioneered courses in both Literature and Cinema for the UCLA Honors Collegium, the Council on Educational Development, the Dept. of Slavic Languages and Literature, and the School of Theatre Arts. Meanwhile she tutored students young and old preparing for tests, from the ISEE, to the SAT and ACT, to the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT. She has coached students in writing unforgettable essays for college applications, and they really do succeed! Yet it all starts at the very young ages, and Dr. Sippl thoroughly enjoys tutoring children from elementary through high school, wherever they can learn to master the use of words and language arts for every subject and need.