Ann S.
Ann Stec grew up teaching. As the oldest of four children, and the only girl, she would often create a “classroom” for her younger brother, taking them through practice with letters and numbers. Her mom would buy used workbooks at thrift stores for her to use with her “pupils” each week. Ann loved it–her brothers were decidedly on the fence!
When it was time to officially choose a career, Ann went to Illinois State and graduated with a B.S. in Education with concentrations in Language Arts and Reading. Her plan was to teach junior high school students to love reading and learning. But a few years into teaching, Ann was recruited to teach teachers at the elementary level how to teach reading in their classrooms. It was a leap–big kids to little–but it turned out to be a game changer!
While working at the elementary level, Ann found that some students continued to struggle to acquire literacy skills, despite receiving intervention. She realized she needed to learn more about how to help these students and decided to pursue her Wilson Level 1 certification. She credits that decision as the single best decision of her professional career and she has spent the last nineteen years of her career helping kids who learn differently master how to read.
Ann believes that the best instruction–at any level–empowers students to be reflective learners and goal setters. She believes that teacher, parent and student comprise the learning team and is an advocate of working with parents and students together in order to help all kids reach their academic potential.
Ann is in her 29th year of teaching and currently works as a Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach in Naperville 203. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching, is ELL certified and is a certified Wilson Level 1 Instructor. In her free time, she volunteers with animal welfare agencies (she has nine pets!), READS, thrifts, travels, and hangs out with her favorite people as much as possible.
Lauren D.
Lauren D. is a certified elementary educator with a passion for teaching and helping students thrive! Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Psychology from North Central College in 2020, with minors in Leadership and Conflict Resolution. After beginning her teaching career at Lincoln Elementary in Wheaton, IL as a 1st-grade teacher, Lauren discovered a deep interest in math instruction and curriculum development.In 2024, she furthered her expertise by earning a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Aurora University, with endorsements in English as a Second Language (ELL) and Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1).
Now in her fifth year at Lincoln Elementary, Lauren continues to teach 1st grade, where she finds great fulfillment in fostering growth and confidence in her students! Lauren’s experience extends beyond the classroom. Lauren has extensive expertise in teaching religious education for grades 4-6, serving as a before-school counselor with the YMCA, and working as a daycare teacher at Lighthouse Academy. Lauren has also tutored students in both reading and math. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys tennis, traveling with friends, and spending summer days at Wrigley Field cheering for the Chicago Cubs!
Colleen S.
Colleen Simmons realized as a child she wanted to become a teacher. She loved learning how to read and do basic math from her mother, Donna, who she says was still her best teacher ever! Growing up in Illinois, she started helping her peers and younger children with reading and math homework when she was in 6th grade. Like the acting bug that some folks get, teaching became her passion. Graduating in 1981 from Millikin University with a B.S. in Biology, she pursued further training and completed a teacher certification program at the U of I Springfield soon after. She began teaching and continued to add certifications and degrees to her resume. She obtained a middle school concept endorsement on her standard certificate, a second B.S. in Special Education from EIU, and two M.S. degrees in Educational Administration from EIU and Teacher Leadership from U of I Springfield, respectively. Throughout her career, she has not only worked in the classroom, but she also has privately tutored students after school. Her reputation as a caring and supportive teacher is something she cherishes. In 2019, Colleen and her husband retired to Texas. Retirement didn’t last long, since she found herself missing the enjoyment she got from working with students. In 2021, she began working once again as support staff, tutor, and ultimately, teacher in a science classroom. This year, she is working on a new challenge. She, along with a couple of friends, began developing a home-school pod service to help families who want another option for educating their children. Along with tutoring, Colleen enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and learning something new, like painting a watercolor, playing a new strategy game, or reading a mystery novel.
Ian G.
After receiving Bachelor’s degrees in History and French in his home state of Arkansas, Ian moved to the Northeast to begin his professional career as an educator. While serving as a literacy coach in a public school in Washington, DC, Ian helped to integrate new strategies and hybridized learning amid the COVID lockdown. In the fall of 2021 Ian led a class of 5th graders in their transition back to in-person instruction after the shutdown. He served as a lead history and humanities teacher for two years before segueing into out-of-school time education. Ian helped to implement an afterschool program for students in Harlem, developing curriculum, and leading homework help and enrichment activities for participants. In total, Ian has over a decade of tutoring and education experience. Ian loves to inspire wonder in all of his students, and prioritizes an individualized approach to ensure all students get the education they deserve.
Michael N.
Michael is a patient and knowledgeable teacher, tutor for English, History, reading, writing, and test prep classes, with experience working with students of all levels of aptitude and academic interest. Born and raised in New York City, Michael is a product of its public schools system, and the later recipient of two Ivy League degrees, one from Cornell and the other from Columbia University. He’s worked for many years in both public and charter schools, teaching a diverse group of young learners, helping them to become stronger readers, writers, and critical thinkers. As a tutor, Michael has over ten years of experience working one-on-one with a vast array of clients, with ages ranging from pre-K to graduate school students and adult professionals. Michael likes to say that he works with “big kids, little kids and medium sized kids” and this has been the case throughout his extensive career.
Dilene W-N.
Dilene has a love of Art and Art History, which led her to obtain an Associate of Arts in Studio Art. She has experience as a military wife and mom, as well as experience working with military families. While her husband was still on active duty, Dilene completed her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Special Education at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. She has worked with students at all levels and abilities during her 15 years in education. Dilene completed her Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership through Lamar University, Beaumont. She completed the Texas Reading Academy and Reading by Design, the state of Texas designed Dyslexia program, in 2022. Dilene taught students in grades K-7 in Dyslexia support services and Reading Intervention while teaching at Great Hearts Live Oak. Her most recent position was teaching 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in Reading Resource and 4th grade Math Resource. She has a passion for helping her students meet their personal learning goals. Dilene has also coached students in executive functioning skills such as organization and planning to help them learn to meet project deadlines. When not supporting her students, she enjoys a bit of anime, creating things by hand, and volunteering with the National Archives.
Available for in-person or online tutoring
Juan F.
Juan F. is a highly experienced tutor with over seven years of expertise in guiding students through Mathematics, English, and Reading. With a M.S. in Data Science and a B.S. in Operations Research, he helps students develop strategic problem-solving skills, ensuring they approach the Test/Exam with confidence and efficiency.
His proficiency in mathematics, data analysis, and reading comprehension allows him to craft tailored lesson plans that emphasize critical thinking, time management, and test-taking strategies. Juan understands the challenges students face and focuses on ensuring students maximize their scores by understanding question patterns rather than just memorizing formulas. Juan also makes learning engaging, whether through interactive problem-solving or real-world applications of test concepts. His ability to connect with students and his expertise makes him a dedicated and highly effective tutor who helps students unlock their full potential.
Oriane C-C
Oriane est une tutrice en français passionnée par l’accompagnement des étudiants dans leur parcours d’apprentissage. Sa personnalité positive et persévérante crée un environnement propice à l’épanouissement et à la réussite. Elle croit fermement que chaque étudiant possède un potentiel unique, et son approche consiste à les aider à dépasser leurs limites personnelles, tant sur le plan académique que psychologique. Grâce à des techniques de coaching et de soutien émotionnel, elle parvient à instaurer un climat de confiance, ce qui permet aux étudiants de se libérer de leurs blocages et de développer leur confiance en eux.
Oriane est également extrêmement attentive aux détails, un atout précieux pour personnaliser ses méthodes d’enseignement en fonction des besoins spécifiques de chacun. Elle s’assure que chaque aspect de l’apprentissage soit pris en compte, qu’il s’agisse de la compréhension des concepts ou de l’expression écrite et orale. Grâce à son approche méticuleuse et à sa capacité à détecter les petites erreurs souvent négligées, elle aide ses élèves à progresser rapidement et efficacement. Avec Oriane, l’apprentissage du français devient une aventure stimulante et enrichissante, portée par la persévérance et la volonté de réussir ensemble.
Cyreena W.
Cyreena is in her second year of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Louisiana State University. She transitioned from studying art to pursuing her passion for teaching. She has experience tutoring elementary math, vocabulary, and musical instruments within her family, and looks forward to expanding into professional tutoring to support students in their academic growth. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Cyreena grew up moving frequently due to her father’s military career, which exposed her to various educational curricula. Coming from a family of educators, she has always felt a deep calling to the teaching profession and views it as a vital role in shaping the future. In her spare time, Cyreena enjoys reading biographies, spending time with friends, and cooking. With a love for travel, she dreams of teaching English abroad, combining her passion for education and exploration.
Barbara H.
Barbara H. is an experienced teacher who has worked with students from different backgrounds for over 35 years. She supports bilingual education and cultural inclusion and uses her teaching and curriculum development skills to create valuable learning experiences. Barbara studied at Montclair State University, earning a degree in Spanish and completing courses in Administrative Sciences. She is certified in Elementary Education, Bilingual Education (English/Spanish), and English as a Second Language (ESL). In 1994, she was named Teacher of the Year in her district.
Throughout her career, Barbara has used new methods in education, such as virtual learning and adult ESL programs. She has helped students prepare for tests, supported struggling students, and guided new teachers in New Jersey’s Alternate Route Program. Outside the classroom, she ran the INCCA Day Camp, helping 500 inner-city children grow academically and socially, and raised money from groups like the NFL to support educational projects. Barbara remains dedicated to teaching and inspiring others with her commitment to inclusivity and excellence.