Yasmin L.

Yasmin Llevada is an experienced educator, academic tutor, College Board speaker, and AP exam reader with a multidisciplinary background in psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, educational leadership, and physical therapy. She has taught Anatomy and Physiology, AP Psychology, AP Research, English Language Arts, social studies, Latin, Comprehensive Science and college-level writing.

Yasmin specializes in helping students strengthen their critical-thinking, reading, writing, research, and test-taking skills. Her teaching approach is structured, supportive, and individualized. She identifies each student’s specific challenges and explains complex concepts in clear, accessible ways. She is especially skilled at working with students who need greater confidence, organization, or an approach tailored to how they learn.

With extensive experience in classroom instruction, standardized-test preparation, and one-on-one tutoring, Yasmin helps students understand the material instead of relying solely on memorization. Her goal is to provide students with practical strategies that improve immediate academic performance while building long-term confidence and independence as learners.

Sana T.

Sana grew up in Illinois and received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in biological sciences and a double minor in mathematics and psychology. Her zeal for learning is what drove her to study mathematics and psychology alongside biology. She has a fervor to learn about science and math, stay up to date with advancements in the fields, and teach that knowledge to others.

She started off her journey as a tutor while she was just in middle school! She was a private academic tutor for 15+ years and tutored on a variety of subjects, including math, science, English, and reading at the elementary, middle, high school, and undergraduate levels. She started off her teaching experience as a mathematics instructor for K-12 math subjects and moved on to the role of a test prep instructor specializing in helping adolescents prepare for all subjects covered by the SAT and ACT. She gained most of her specialized teaching skills while being a STEM teacher and mentor at Fusion Academy, a school that specializes in giving personalized instruction to students that caters to their individual learning styles and patterns. While here, she was really able to hone in on identifying students’ individual needs and preferences and allow for them to reach their maximum learning potential. Sana values the student-teacher relationship and believes that true learning can only happen in an environment of acceptance, trust, and comfort. She puts importance on developing rhetoric, engaging with her students, and allowing them to feel at ease and ask any questions that facilitate and spark their learning. Teaching and connecting with students is truly a passion for Sana!

In her free time, Sana loves spending time playing with her toddler and nieces and nephews, engaging them in wonderful discoveries of the magnificent world around them! She admires nature and enjoys taking walks outdoors and sightseeing. She also has a passion for the arts, whether that’s in the form of movies, books, painting, drawing, and more!

Sana can’t wait to meet you and help you on your journey of growth and development to reach your full potential! 🙂

Trupti P.

Trupti’s background is unique, and it reflects in her teaching approach. She completed the math program at Kumon Learning Center by the 8th grade, after which she immediately began working as an Assistant Grader. Since then, Trupti has been teaching a diverse range of students, from elementary level to higher education. Her teaching philosophy is understanding students and creating a safe space to meet each other halfway. She finds joy in motivating students and being a stepping stone in their academic journey.

Trupti holds an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Illinois Chicago and in Biology from the University of West Florida. She received her B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Spanish at Benedictine University. She has studied abroad in Spain and the Bahamas.

Currently, Trupti is a new adjunct instructor teaching Introduction to Biology at Harold Washington College. Outside the classroom, Trupti is an artist at heart. She loves dancing, yoga, music, and venturing to museums and plays. In her free time, she volunteers at the Blind Services Association, reading to the visually impaired.

In all, Trupti is a dedicated, empathetic, and passionate educator. She applauds students who show up, even when it seems impossible. Everyone is welcome in this classroom!

Sally D.

Sally began teaching and tutoring in 1983. In addition to supporting clients and their families, she homeschooled her own daughters resulting in an Honors College degree from Whittier College and a cum laude degree from Viterbi at USC.

Ellis S.

Dr. Ellis S. brings a unique combination of advanced mathematical training, engineering expertise, university teaching, and more than 25 years of experience teaching and tutoring mathematics.
Ellis began his professional career as an engineer and ultimately served as a Senior Principal Engineer at Raytheon Systems Company, where he specialized in the design and analysis of airborne radar systems. During his engineering career, he also developed and conducted technical training programs for engineers at Raytheon, various University Extension courses, and at Air Force and Navy bases throughout the continental United States, including training for a group from the Israeli Air Force. He holds a PhD in Engineering from UCLA.
Following his retirement from engineering, Ellis pursued his longstanding passion for mathematics education. He earned an MS in Applied Mathematics from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and went on to teach and tutor mathematics extensively. His teaching experience encompasses mathematics through Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Statistics. His most recent university teaching position was at California State University, Northridge.
Ellis particularly enjoys helping students who initially find mathematics challenging. His engineering and teaching backgrounds have taught him to approach difficult mathematical ideas from multiple perspectives and to explain them in clear, understandable terms. He emphasizes genuine understanding and problem-solving skills rather than simply memorizing formulas and procedures.
Now retired from full-time teaching, Ellis finds tutoring especially rewarding. He takes great satisfaction in seeing students gain confidence, overcome obstacles, and discover that mathematical concepts they once found intimidating can become understandable and manageable.
His combination of extensive mathematical knowledge, real-world engineering experience, university-level teaching, and a genuine passion for helping students makes Ellis a dedicated and an effective Mathematics tutor.

Danielle D.

Danielle is a Los Angeles native with a BA in Spanish and a MA in TESOL, as well as the CertTESOL Level 5 Certificate (the highest certificate for teaching English to speakers of other languages). English literature has been a source of fascination for Danielle ever since childhood, when she read hundreds of books, both scholastically and extracurricularly. In her travels to over 25 countries, Danielle has gained wisdom about the world, and studied abroad in both Chile and Greece for a total of 4.5 years. She has worked as a tutor since 2009, providing guidance to her pupils in ESL, English, Spanish, History, essay writing, grammar, reading comprehension, test preparation & more. Working with young learners and learners with difficulties are Danielle’s areas of expertise. She worked as a full-time K-12 teacher and tutor for over 16 years as well as a developmental speech therapist. Through creativity, gamification, the lexical approach, project-based learning and more, Danielle is always dreaming up novel ways to engage her learners. She is currently in the process of authoring her own original course books, and continues to enjoy her work as a tutor.

Maggie B.

Maggie is an accomplished educator and school leader with more than 19 years of experience helping students and teachers achieve academic success. Her career has included roles as a high school English and Drama teacher, instructional coach, English Department Coordinator, Academic Dean, Assistant Principal, and Principal. This extensive experience gives Maggie a unique understanding of not only how students learn, but also how to identify academic challenges, develop effective strategies, and help students become more confident and independent learners.

Maggie earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Florida and her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She holds Texas credentials in English Language Arts and Reading for grades 8–12 as well as school leadership and instructional evaluation.

Maggie spent many years teaching high school English, including Pre-AP, AP, and College Board curriculum, and has extensive experience preparing students for challenging coursework and standardized assessments. She has developed STAAR preparation strategies for high school English, supported AP students, led English curriculum development, and coached other teachers in research-based instructional practices. Later in her career, as an Academic Dean, she also served as a campus testing coordinator overseeing EOC, SAT, and AP assessments.

Maggie specializes in English, reading and writing, college essay development, and standardized test preparation, including the English and verbal components of the SAT and ACT, as well as PSAT and Regents preparation. Her background in English, literature, drama, and curriculum development makes her particularly effective at helping students strengthen reading comprehension, analytical thinking, essay organization, grammar, and written communication.

Her expertise also extends beyond English and writing. Maggie supports students in Biology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, and World History, making her a versatile option for students who need assistance across multiple academic areas.

One of Maggie’s greatest strengths is her ability to recognize what is preventing an individual student from succeeding and adjust instruction accordingly. Having spent years coaching both students and teachers, she knows there is rarely a single approach that works for everyone. She breaks difficult material into manageable steps, provides clear and constructive feedback, and helps students develop strategies they can eventually use independently.

Families appreciate Maggie’s combination of warmth, professionalism, high expectations, and extensive educational experience. Whether she is helping a student strengthen an essay, prepare for the SAT or ACT, tackle an advanced English course, or regain confidence after struggling academically, Maggie’s goal is to help students recognize their capabilities and develop the skills necessary for lasting success.

Having spent much of her own school years living in Europe, Maggie developed an early appreciation for travel, history, and different cultures. She later shared that passion with her students by leading educational travel experiences to destinations around the world. Outside of education, she continues to enjoy traveling, learning about other cultures, and spending time with her family.

Rhonda B.

Rhonda Baird is a certified teacher and Baton Rouge native who helps students build confidence in math and science, especially chemistry. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and an MBA from Louisiana Tech University before spending 25 years in the corporate world. After retiring, she discovered a renewed passion for teaching when neighborhood students began asking her for help with math and science. That experience led her to become a long-term chemistry teacher, and her students encouraged her to pursue teaching full time. Inspired by them, she entered the Louisiana Resource Center for Educators alternative certification program. Mrs. Baird has now taught in Baton Rouge for eight years and tutors students during lunch, after school, in one-on-one sessions, and in small groups. Before midterms and final exams, she also leads larger “Chemistry Bootcamp” review sessions.

Mrs. Baird affectionately refers to her students as “SMARTICLE Particles,” and many students describe her as a translator or interpreter of chemistry. Her memorable sayings and creative teaching methods were inspired by the chemistry teacher she had more than 35 years ago, whose lessons she still remembers today. She enjoys helping students succeed, watching their curiosity grow, and seeing them connect classroom concepts to hands-on labs. Her motto is: When science makes sense, learning becomes engaging, fun, and logical—and critical thinkers are created. She believes that if teachers do not make science and math engaging, students may never discover the excitement that leads them toward future careers in science. Former students have even shared that they now tutor classmates in college chemistry and physics.

Families can expect Mrs. Baird to bring patience, clear explanations, and encouragement to each tutoring session. Her goal is to help students understand the material, gain confidence, and leave each session better prepared for class, labs, quizzes, and exams.
If your child needs support in chemistry, science, or math, Mrs. Baird would be honored to help them strengthen their understanding, build confidence, and approach class with a more positive mindset.

Karen P.

Karen Perez is a Certified Teacher. She grew up in Melrose Park, moving to Chicago to complete an Undergraduate Degree in Secondary English Education. Karen grew up with a deep love of reading and writing. When she decided to pursue teaching as a career, Karen completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Through teaching, Karen has been able to foster her love of reading and writing. During the summer months, she teaches High School Connection, a program designated to prepare incoming 9th graders for 9th grade ELA. Karen has also taught various ACT and SAT Prep courses for 11th grade students. She has supported improving their reading, writing, vocabulary and test-taking skills. Karen believes that by building a solid relationship with her students, she can better meet their needs and grow their learning. In her spare time, Karen enjoys strength-training, jogging, and the occasional donut or two because she believes that life is all about balance.

Jayne H.

Jayne is a National Board Certified math teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Her teaching philosophy is simple: meet students where they are, help them understand the material, and encourage them to reach their full potential. Jayne genuinely loves math and enjoys helping students with homework, tackling challenging problems together, and creating lessons that give students a head start in their next math class. She knows that not every student likes math, but all students can be good at math. One of her greatest joys is solving a challenging math problem and discovering she got it right, and she hopes to help her students experience that same sense of accomplishment and confidence.
When she’s not teaching or thinking about math, Jayne enjoys taking road trips and traveling to the beach. She grew up in a small beach town on the Jersey Shore alongside her twin sister, who also became a math teacher. Inspired by the outstanding math teachers they had growing up, both sisters developed a passion for helping students learn and succeed. Jayne brings that same enthusiasm, patience, and encouragement to every student she works with.