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.
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.
Carolyn S.
Carolyn discovered her love of one-on-one learning when she started tutoring her fellow students at the University of Northern Colorado, where she earned a B.S. in Applied Mathematics.
Today, Carolyn has more than 10 years of in-person and online tutoring experience. She especially enjoys helping students build confidence by developing a deeper understanding of their newfound skills.
Carolyn specializes in helping elementary and middle-school students overcome challenges with reading, writing, phonics, decoding, spelling, and fluency.
She particularly enjoys helping students who feel frustrated and discouraged about reading become confident, capable readers.
Carolyn recently completed 70 hours of Orton-Gillingham training and is currently completing her supervised practicum toward certification.
She uses a structured, step-by-step approach to strengthen foundational reading skills, while making sure each student feels encouraged, engaged, and supported.
Carolyn’s goal is to help her students become independent thinkers and learners by helping them overcome obstacles while building their confidence and self-esteem through a growing sense of accomplishment.
When she’s not tutoring, Carolyn enjoys hiking Mount Sanitas in Boulder, traveling overseas to Australia and New Zealand, and spending time with her cats, Willow and Strawberry.
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.
Robert R.
Robert is a teacher, tutor and writer committed to fostering creative expression and educational access. He has designed and taught college courses across writing and performance disciplines and mentors elementary, middle-school and high-school students through individualized tutoring, and community‑based learning. His work centers on supporting the emerging voices of students so they can thrive academically. When he’s not teaching, Robert creates large scale art projects that have been feature across the country, including at the L.A. County Fair.
Sabahat K.
Sabahat is a dedicated and enthusiastic English tutor who is passionate about helping students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and reach their full academic potential. She holds a Master of Teaching in Intermediate and Senior History and Social Sciences from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. Through her tutoring sessions, Sabahat provides personalized support tailored to each student’s individual learning needs, helping them develop essential skills, improve their understanding of course material, and address areas for growth. She strives to create a positive and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and challenging themselves. Sabahat believes that building confidence is just as important as developing academic skills, and she works hard to ensure that students leave each session feeling more capable and motivated. With a genuine belief in every student’s potential, she is committed to helping learners overcome challenges, develop effective learning strategies, and achieve their academic goals. Sabahat takes pride in supporting each student’s unique learning journey and helping them develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Silvia H.
Silvia is a published writer and poet who holds a master’s degree in international Affairs from Columbia University. She has seven years of experience teaching Spanish in New York, including at Lehman College, The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, and The Rudolf Steiner School in Manhattan. A multilingual educator, she also holds a certificate in teaching French as a second language. The BAEF (Brevet d’aptitude pour l’ensegnement du français issued by l’Alliance Française de Paris)
Drawing on her expertise in Latin American literature, culture, and politics, she brings a rich cultural dimension to her language instruction. As a writer and poet, she integrates literature and creative expression into her teaching, encouraging students to engage critically and imaginatively with texts. Her experience working with English-speaking students allows her to anticipate common language-learning challenges and provide thoughtful, effective guidance.
She believes that literature and current events is a powerful tool for developing empathy, imagination, and cultural awareness. Through language and storytelling, she invites students to discover the richness of the Spanish-speaking world and explore its diverse perspectives and voices.
Kelli G.
Kelli is a London-based, Certified Teacher. She has earned a B.A. in French and History, a B.Ed., and a Master of Education degree. Kelli taught grades 5-8 with the Thames Valley District School Board. She has specialist Teaching Certificates in Reading and Special Education. She specialized in working with Gifted children. Kelli was a school administrator for 13 years prior to her retirement.
Kelli’s favourite childhood game was school, where she was always the teacher! A lifetime animal lover, the most notable activity Kelli has pursued since retirement is dog training, helping new dog owners understand their fur babies. Don’t tell the dogs, but she actually prefers cats!