Caleb W.

Caleb is from Billings, Montana and was the first Native American Valedictorian at West High School. He has mentored and tutored high school students for nearly a decade to help them prepare for and apply to college. A few of the elite universities his students have been accepted to are: Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, and Amherst College. Caleb has a M.A in Native Food Systems from Montana State University and a B.A in Environmental Studies from Amherst College. His relevant professional career experience has ranged from being a college prep coach to working as a graduate research and teaching assistant. Having recently graduated, he is young enough to relate to your child while being old enough to have the lived experience to share. Caleb believes that academic success comes from a holistic understanding of one’s personal goals and playing off of one’s strengths. Outside of work he enjoys camping, trivia, and getting friends together to play board games.

Diana H.

Diana has taught learners of all levels from gifted kindergarten in the public schools to freshmen at California Baptist University. It gives her great joy to light understanding in her students not only to boost scores but to reveal the order and beauty of language. She has served varying roles as a public school teacher, head of the Gifted and Talented Program, homeschooler, and professor of composition. Also a book editor and writer, Diana has led writing workshops for teachers at conferences along with seminars on great college application essays in Fulton, Gwinnett, and Forsyth school districts. Her narratives, commentary, articles, and poetry feature in magazines and anthologies, digital and print. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in linguistics before earning her M.Ed. at Temple. Certified to teach all grades in Georgia, Diana tutors students in SAT Reading & Writing, ACT English & Reading, SSAT, MAP, IOWA, and college essays. She scrubs commas and rescues dangling modifiers from The New York Times in her spare time.

Matthew R.

Matthew’s journey into education was an unexpected yet deeply rewarding path. After earning a BA in Television, Film, and New Media, he initially pursued a career in the film industry. However, in 2013, while teaching a film course at the Digital Media Academy summer tech camp, he discovered a passion for guiding young scholars toward academic, creative, and professional success. This experience inspired him to pursue a single-subject teaching credential, leading him to a fulfilling career in education.

Since 2018, Matthew has been an educator at The Preuss School, UC San Diego, where he has honed his teaching philosophy and instructional methods. Initially stepping in to fill a vacancy in the Drama department, he transformed the curriculum into a film-based program that integrates Art, English, and History. His courses reinforce grade-level ELA comprehension and writing skills through in-depth units on story structure, plot development, character analysis, and thematic content. Students apply these skills to writing their own screenplays, while Film I students explore film theory and cinema history. In his advanced Film II/Honors Film course, students engage in collaborative, hands-on projects that guide them through all stages of video production, from pre-production to post-production.

Matthew’s adaptability and innovation were especially evident during the pandemic when The Preuss School transitioned to remote learning for two years. While many educators faced challenges, he embraced the format, finding new ways to engage students and enhance learning through strategic virtual instruction. He firmly believes that, when thoughtfully designed, virtual learning can be just as impactful—if not more—than in-person instruction.

His passion lies in inviting students into the vibrant world of poetry, literature, and history and watching them engage with enthusiasm. Through teaching, he hopes to foster a deep sense of global awareness, empathy, and compassion in his students, empowering them to express themselves through both written and visual storytelling.

Matthew is eager to begin the tutoring process for students in need of support in English, reading, writing, history, social studies, college essay writing, and test prep. Additionally, with his background in Film, he is thrilled to assist students seeking help with video production, editing, or acting. His expertise also extends to Public Speaking and Debate courses, providing students with valuable skills to enhance their speaking abilities.

Matthew is excited to bring his expertise and passion for education to Prep Academy Tutors, where he continues to support students in their academic journeys.

Lynda E.

Lynda is a Math and Physics teacher with 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, private tutoring, and Gifted and Talented programs. She has a Master’s in Physics with a concentration in Education from University of Virginia, certificate in Leaders of Learning from Harvard University, and holds teaching certificates in Math, Physics, Elementary Education, Students with Disabilities, and Middle School Science.

Lynda specializes in demystifying challenging math and physics concepts by (1) explaining concepts as clearly as possible, (2) performing examples in order to model the problem-solving process, and (3) providing several practice problems to work up to mastery. While she is a professional, Lynda enjoys conversing in a casual tone (think more Penny, less Sheldon), as math and science are often culprits for producing anxiety in students. Whether you are aiming for that 800 on the Math SAT, or simply trying to make it through your physics course unscathed, please think of Lynda as someone who can help you attain your goal!

Vera V.

For the past 19 years, Vera has been teaching mathematics at the high school level, from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus, in some of New Jersey’s top private and public schools. She is the Central Jersey Math League director for Middlesex High School and creates curriculum on Rubicon Atlas Curriculum for Algebra 2 for the district of Middlesex.

Vera obtained an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Physics as well as a Master’s in Educational Administration from Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City.

While Vera believes that students are ultimately responsible for their own learning, she sees teaching as an opportunity to inspire and motivate them in the process. Her goal is to help each student reach their highest potential by fostering a love of learning. As a passionate learner herself, Vera strives to make that enthusiasm contagious.

A successful educator recognizes the uniqueness of each student and adapts instruction to accommodate different learning styles. Creating engaging, student-centered experiences is essential to fostering curiosity and encouraging independent learning. Vera believes in challenging students with meaningful, achievable tasks that build their confidence—success breeds success.

Beyond the classroom, Vera prioritizes being available to students, offering extra support after class and at the end of the school day. Learning is a collaborative effort, and when teachers and students work together, they create an environment where everyone can grow and succeed.

HELEN C.

Helen is a retired New York City Department of Education mathematics teacher with over 20 years of experience in middle and high school classrooms.  She is certified in mathematics as well as Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Helen completed her undergraduate degree at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  She earned her Master’s Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Lehman College, City University of New York.  Helen believes in developing mathematical thinking from a problem solving perspective and differentiates content so that all students can grow and learn from their individual starting points.  She does this by creating a kind and nurturing learning environment where differences are not only respected but appreciated and mistakes are simply opportunities to learn.

Michael B.

Michael graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Masters of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, and a Bachelors of Science in Physics. He is currently finishing up a Masters in Philosophy.

Before joining Prep Academy Tutors, Michael had 4 years of experience as a Teaching Assistant and Tutor in both Mathematics and Philosophy. He also has served as a guest lecturer in philosophy courses. Michael’s commitment to his students is strong, and he cares deeply about teaching and helping people learn.

Shelley R.

Shelley R. is a certified English and German Teacher, grades 8-12. She grew up in Casper, Wyoming and completed an Undergraduate Degree in Secondary Education at University of Wyoming in 1994. She grew up with a deep love of travel and took the opportunity to be an exchange student in Germany in 1992-3. After returning and graduating, Shelley then wanted to use her passion for teaching and working with children. Starting in 1997, she taught English Language Arts in many states being a former military wife. She also taught German for 1 year in Kansas. As well, she completed a Postgraduate Degree in Secondary Education: Classroom Technology in 2003 at Kansas State University.
She has supported and invested in improving students’ academic skills using her passion for writing and reading. She believes that by building a solid relationship with her students, she can better meet their needs and grow their learning. As a former teacher of 18 years and a tutor, she continues to develop strategies for working with children. She finds working with children to be rewarding and fulfilling.

Julie D.

Julie is a dedicated and experienced tutor with a strong academic background in mathematics, having completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies in the field. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she now resides in New Jersey. Julie combines her love for rigor and processes (so crucial in math and science) with a creative flair, indulging in arts and crafts, baking, and grilling. As a mother and wife, she brings a nurturing and patient approach to her tutoring, committed to helping students confidently achieve their academic goals.

Horzy G.

Horzy G. is an experienced educator and college counselor with a Master’s in Educational Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from New Jersey City University. Born and raised in New Jersey, Horzy always wants to give back to his community. He has guided hundreds of students through the college application process, achieving a 100% acceptance rate for graduating seniors. Horzy has also taught psychology at the high school level and has over ten years of experience in tutoring.

In addition, he has tutored multiple subjects, including philosophy, college-level writing, and high school math topics. With expertise in student counseling, leadership, and academic mentoring, he creates personalized, engaging learning experiences that foster confidence and success. Outside of education, he enjoys watching movies, reading books, and going hiking with his family.