Laurie F.

Laurie Font is an experienced science educator with over 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and middle school science. She holds a B.S. in Applied Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University and an M.S. in Natural Science from Louisiana State University, graduating with honors from both programs. She is ESL certified and completed the Teach BR Alternative Certification Program.

Laurie currently teaches AP Environmental Science and has served as an AP Environmental Science Exam Reader and Table Leader for the College Board for over a decade. In addition to classroom teaching, she has worked as a science summer camp instructor, curriculum writer, environmental education consultant, and volunteer coordinator for a local animal welfare organization.

She has been recognized as Magnet School Teacher of the Year (Region 5) and a Green Ribbon School educator, and she has presented at regional and national science education conferences. Laurie is passionate about helping students build confidence, improve study skills, and master challenging science concepts through personalized instruction.

Olivia B.

Olivia B. is a Certified Teacher who has been working in Jefferson Parish School District for the last four years. Olivia grew up in Harvey, Louisiana. She graduated from Mount Carmel Academy in 2009 and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Louisiana State University. Prior to teaching, Olivia was a stay-at-home mother to her two daughters. Her youngest daughter’s “terrible twos” led her to apply for a middle school teaching position. Since then, she has not looked back! Olivia was selected in 2023 to complete her Alternative Education Certification through Jefferson Parish’s Embark Program. Olivia grew up in a large family whose parents were both educators. Olivia has always been a natural-born mentor, leader, and role model. Understanding students’ needs and how they learn best is what drives Olivia in the classroom each and every day. Olivia evaluates students on an individual basis and plans lessons accordingly. No one student learns the same. The success of each student is truly important to her. Olivia loves building relationships with her students because it helps build a positive community in the classroom. Teamwork is key to the positive environment Olivia strives for in the classroom. Working together to solve problems and investigate questions leads to growth not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom.

Olivia L.

Olivia is a medical student at Queen’s University School of Medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo, majoring in Biomedical Sciences, before earning her Master of Science at the University of Toronto.

Olivia brings extensive teaching experience across multiple levels, including elementary, high school, and undergraduate education. Olivia has worked as a private tutor and as a graduate teaching assistant, supporting diverse learners in achieving their academic goals.

Olivia is committed to fostering inclusive and respectful learning environments where students feel safe and supported. She emphasizes individualized learning plans tailored to each student’s unique needs. As an academic coach, she specializes in helping high school and undergraduate students develop effective study strategies, manage their time, set meaningful goals, and build academic confidence. She also provides guidance throughout the post-secondary application process.

Outside of academics, Olivia enjoys reading, painting, travelling, and staying active. She is also passionate about fostering cats and kittens.

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.

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.