Benjamin B.

Benjamin B. is a veteran educator with over 15 years of experience in both special education and general education, supporting students across diverse K–8 settings. Based in Cheshire, Connecticut, Benjamin holds multiple certifications, including Professional Teacher (K–6), Special Education (PreK–12), and School Administrator (092). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorders from the University of Saint Joseph, and an Initial Principal Certificate from the University of Bridgeport.

Benjamin is known for his ability to create learner-centered environments that foster academic growth, confidence, and inclusion. He is highly skilled in adapting curriculum, delivering differentiated instruction, and using progress monitoring to guide student achievement. He has taught in school districts throughout Connecticut—including Windsor, Ansonia, Hartford, Waterbury, and Bridgeport—and brings deep expertise in IEP development, behavioral interventions, and collaborative educational planning.

Outside the classroom, Benjamin is a dedicated father to two daughters, ages 8 and 10, and actively coaches their baseball team. He also enjoys hiking and weightlifting as part of his active lifestyle. Passionate about helping every child thrive, Benjamin looks forward to supporting students in reaching their full potential and achieving their academic goals.

Rebecca L.

Rebecca L. is a passionate and devoted Language Arts teacher, who prioritizes students’ personal growth and focuses on complex metacognition. She focuses on student engagement and confidence in taking chances and thinking for themselves (and outside of the box). By incorporating a plethora of reading and writing strategies, higher level thinking is not only achieved but mastered.

She received her BA from the University of Connecticut majoring in English Literature and then earned her MS in Remedial Reading from Southern Connecticut State University while teaching middle school full time. Rebecca is certified to teach K-12, however her expertise in in grades 6-12. She is in her 23rd year of teaching and has seen drastic educational changes throughout her career.

Versed in classroom management, SEL strategies, organization and detail, and district curriculum and differentiation, Rebecca is a well-rounded and experienced educator. Throughout her career, Rebecca has served as a team leader, guiding colleagues and contributing to a collaborative, student-centered learning environment.

Her purpose lies in helping students discover their voice through reading and writing, and she is especially committed to supporting struggling readers and fostering a lifelong love of literature. Rebecca’s broad experience across grade levels has equipped her with a flexible, responsive teaching style and a strong belief in the power of language to transform lives.

Finnegan F.

Finnegan is a dedicated tutor with a strong academic foundation in STEM. After completing British A-levels in chemistry, advanced math, and physics, he pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Ireland and earned a Master’s in England, developing a particular expertise in applied mathematics and its connections to biochemistry. Finnegan’s passion lies in the formulation and application of theory, and he aims to spark curiosity and deeper engagement in learning for every student he works with.

He is also a certified substitute teacher in New Jersey and brings a global educational perspective shaped by formative years in Montclair and academic experiences across Europe

Maria P.

Maria Peavy holds an undergraduate degree from Smith College and a Master’s in Education. Certified to teach Social Studies for grades 7-12, she has taught and tutored students from first through twelfth grade in reading, language arts, social studies, essay writing, SAT prep and AP history. Maria is dedicated to helping children succeed and gain confidence in their learning skills. She takes pride in developing a strong rapport with her students, enjoying the process of getting to know them and supporting their growth. Outside of teaching, Maria loves reading, traveling, hiking, and exploring local history. As a fun fact, Maria was a figure skating professional for over 25 years, teaching children as young as age three through adults, and brings that same patient, encouraging approach to her tutoring.

Sherry P.

Sherry is a dedicated teacher and reading intervention specialist with an extensive background, experience, and training in educational settings. Her expertise includes Wilson Language Training Fundations, developing and implementing literacy, based programs for early childhood, elementary, teens and adults.

Sherry is an experienced Connecticut state certified teacher and certified Child Life Specialist. She is a graduate of Wheelock (a teacher’s college) in Boston, MA. with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education. In addition, her dual majors include training in pediatric hospital settings where she worked as a teacher and play therapist. Sherry has worked with children from newborn-young adults in urban and suburban communities. For over 25 years she has taught numerous grades including pre-k., kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school students in public, private school classrooms and health care settings.

Sherry is conversant in Spanish and has been a mentor to others. In her caring, patient, organized, dedicated manner, her ability to apply practical, best-practice solutions with available resources will ensure each student has the skills necessary to succeed. She believes that every child is capable of learning. Sherry goes the extra mile to support them in a positive manner to help them reach their full potential and develop self-confidence as learners. Her experience with students includes: the general education population, autism, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, ADD, ADHD, medically homebound, social emotional behavior difficulties, physically challenged, executive functioning skills and English language learners.

In her spare time Sherry can be found baking banana bread, singing Soprano in her choir, and playing with her rescue cats, Louie and Sugar.

Lawrence T.

Larry Topazio has taught in both public and private schools for the past thirty-five years. During this time, he has utilized his elementary and secondary teaching skills effectively, always striving for increased student achievement. He also fostered vocational and work experiences through curriculum development at the high school level.. Having a son with a disability himself is the basis for his unrelenting pursuit of excellent educational assessments and instruction. He gets things accomplished by his adamant desire to see that all students can learn. Larry graduated from Western Ct State University and from Southern Ct State University.. This has given him a broad knowledge of students in both general and special education . In his spare time, Larry enjoys walking, hiking and creating poetry. Larry has one poetry book that he has written and creates poems for weddings, parties, and family events. Larry likes to incorporate poetry in both literature
and language arts instruction.

Anvitha E.

Anvitha Ellanki is a dedicated tutor from San Antonio, Texas, who blends academic excellence with a deep passion for mentoring and service. Graduated in the top 2% of her class at Health Careers High School and an AP Scholar, she has completed 15 AP courses and earned college credits in subjects like medical terminology, calculus, and English. Beyond the classroom, she’s led health fairs, coached debate students, and conducted research on everything from cactus moths to stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Whether she’s tutoring students, prepping students for UIL, or editing essays, Anvitha strives to create engaging, supportive, and personalized learning experiences. She’s fluent in English, Telugu, Tamil, and Spanish, trained in classical Indian dance, and believes that confidence and curiosity are the foundation of any student’s success. When she’s not tutoring, you’ll likely find her volunteering at a local hospital, performing Bharatanatyam on stage, or enthusiastically color-coding yet another planner.

Zachary M.

Zachary M. is presently in his last year of his study for his dual masters in math and physics at UTSA. Some may say that in doing so, he is trying to prolong his adolescence and avoid adulthood. But truth be told, Zach is very passionate about his studies. This was not always the case. Admittedly, Zach was mathematically challenged in middle school (his mom would help him with his algebra homework). But something clicked for him in high school. He took every AP math and science class that he could and went so far as to participate in academic UIL. After graduation from high school, Zach began studying math and physics at UTSA. He took up a job as a physics tutor on a whim but came to discover that he really enjoys helping people learn. Now as a graduate student, Zach teaches introductory physics labs. In doing so, he does his best to accommodate all of his students while simultaneously emphasizing the mathematical and theoretical underpinnings of physics.

Tammy G.

Tammy graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education, and completed a Masters Degree in Education from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Tammy has taught high school mathematics the past 25+ years in Appleton, Wisconsin, Fort Myers and Sarasota, Florida. She has tutored both middle and high school students for homework help, to pass ACT/SAT, PSAT, CLT, and the HESI Nursing Exam. She is very patient and nonjudgmental. It makes her happy when a student finally “gets it” understands a concept they couldn’t previously.

Outside of school, Tammy enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach and reading.

Isabel E.

Isabel is a dedicated and dynamic tutor with a strong academic foundation and a passion for helping students to thrive. She holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Queen’s University, where she completed an interdisciplinary and bilingual program based in both the sciences and the humanities. As such, Isabel was able to build wide-ranging knowledge across multiple subjects, fostering an inter-connected academic skillset. In addition to her academic success, Isabel has completed tutoring training and gained extensive experience through one-on-one instruction. Isabel has years of experience tutoring students of various ages and learning styles. She has worked with students navigating ADHD, dyslexia, and academic setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Isabel introduces a personalized teaching style unique to every student, allowed her to foster both academic growth and confidence in each learner. Her energetic and engaged teaching style helps students not only to improve their grades, but to become more independent and engaged in their education. Isabel also values clear communication with students, families, and teachers to help track progress and align on goals. She always prioritizes connection, curiosity, and strong study habits in her students. Isabel seeks to foster a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.