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.

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.

Henry H.

Henry H. is a certified educator with a deep commitment to helping students thrive academically and personally. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Henry grew up participating in basketball, soccer, track, and cross country, and he remains an avid runner to this day. It was during his time at UTSA that he discovered his passion for teaching and mentoring young people, which led him to a rewarding career in education.

Henry began his career sharing his love for mathematics and sports, coaching a variety of indoor and outdoor sports at the middle school level and mentoring high school athletes in distance running. He has a particular interest in helping young athletes balance academics and sports to achieve their full potential.

In addition to coaching, Henry spent several summers working with the Pre-Freshmen Engineering Program (PREP), which introduces middle and high school students to STEM fields through hands-on experiences. This role further fueled his passion for teaching, and he has since dedicated time to tutoring and mentoring students one-on-one, primarily focusing on math, but also supporting broader academic growth.

Henry believes that building strong, trusting relationships with his students is key to fostering their success. He continues to refine his teaching and mentoring strategies, finding the process deeply rewarding as he helps students overcome challenges and reach their goals.

“I believe that every student has the potential to excel, and my role is to guide them toward realizing their own abilities. Education isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about building confidence and curiosity. By creating a supportive, engaging environment, I help students unlock their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.”

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.