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.

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.

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.

SOPHIE W.

Hi! My name is Sophie and I am currently in the first year of the BEd at York. I have over five years of experience in personalized, high-quality tutoring. My primary focus is on math, and I am very passionate about helping students develop their mathematical intuition, thinking, proficiency, and (importantly!) confidence. I also tutor other subjects, especially writing-based courses, and I find it very meaningful to work with students on the crucial skills of on argumentation, articulation, and research. In my free time I love to paint for relaxation and creativity, even though I have never had any formal training/great skill. I mention this because I feel strongly that everyone should feel comfortable and confident to pursue their interests even if they don’t feel like they have the “natural skill”, and I bring that philosophy to my teaching.

Sai N.

Sai is a motivated graduate student at the University of Texas at San Antonio where he is pursuing a Master’s degree in biomedical engineering with the ultimate goal of applying to medical school and becoming a physician. He is hoping to work at the intersection of patient care and cutting edge medical technology. Sai graduated high school with 37 transferable AP credits; this in conjunction with his Biology undergraduate background and Engineering graduate background makes Sai a strong candidate for STEM subjects with a solid understanding of Math up to Calculus 2/BC, Chemistry from high school to Organic Chemistry 2 at the collegiate level, AP Physics, and PSAT/SAT and ACT Prep.
Alongside his academic pursuits, Sai has copious experience volunteering and working with special needs children over multiple summers between academic seasons as well volunteering experience at multiple free clinics in San Antonio that provide medical care to those in need completely free of charge to the patient. Through these activities, Sai has developed a deep affinity for working with people of all kinds of people and sharing a love for learning through companionship. In his free time, Sai enjoys training in boxing/muay thai and singing.

“Working with one of these tutors has been a game changer for my son. Professional and always listening to understand my son is learning not only how to master the content, but tips and tools to study in the ways which work best for him. I highly recommend working with one of these talented tutors!”

– Parent Testimonial

Brendan G.

Brendan Gorman is committed to empowering students to advance achievement. With over 16 years of experience in education, specializing in grades 6th to 12th English Language Arts, Brendan has extensive experience working with gifted and talented populations. He partners with families to create engaging and effective instructional experiences. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Francis College and a Master of Arts in School Building Leadership from St. John’s University.

In his spare time, Brendan works with a nonprofit that teaches public speaking skills to students around the country. Brendan has specific experience teaching writing in both AP courses and college credit courses. He has run review classes for college entrance exams and AP exams. He has also worked with students to craft college essays and supplements. He believes in the revolutionary impact of education and equipping students with the tools necessary to create a lasting impact in their academic careers. He also believes that bios can only tell you so much. Schedule a session to see if he is the right fit for your family!

Rachel P.

Rachel graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa cum Laude from Reed College before going on to earn her Masters and become a Doctoral Candidate in Classics at UC Berkeley–she can also train a wild horse, work concrete, and process game. With more than ten years’ teaching experience at the high school level, and even more at the collegiate level, you’re in good hands with Rachel, across subjects from Anatomy to Zoology. Rachel is a voracious learner and credits this authentic curiosity to her success in connecting with young people during her career. She is a neurospicy Boise native who loves animals and playing with her amazing kiddo. Rachel believes that being human is too hard to do alone, and that powerful things are possible through connection. For her, the purpose of tutoring is to meet students where they are and support them in developing transferable strategies and tools that foster independence, confidence, and achievement as they progress along their educational journeys.

Nicholas D.

Nick D. is an experienced mathematics educator with years of experience in tutoring, lecturing, and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. He has taught at both New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the University of New Hampshire, where he designed lesson plans, led interactive discussions, and provided individualized support to students. In 2024, he received his Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences from NJIT for his research on magnetic materials. In his spare time, he plays piano in impromptu ensembles with his friends.

SASHA P.

Sasha is a student at St Mary’s University, pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree. She finds her purpose in educating others and helping others succeed. She wants to eventually teach mathematics at a Junior High or Senior High School Level. She wants to bring joy and purpose into education and finds it very rewarding to see big improvements in her students achievements. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, running, playing piano, cooking and learning.

Ken L.

Ken earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Purdue University. He went to a well-known university in Shanghai when he was 15 years old. Ken has more than 30 years of college math teaching experience. He has great patience tutoring any type of student, and he always tries to find ways to relate math to real world situations. He is knowledgeable in a wide range of subjects. Recently, he began tutoring a college student in economics. His personal life experience shows that he is a fighter and a very kind person. He places great importance on the people he connects with. Once a shy boy during college, now he can talk to anyone. Ken wants to make a very positive impact on anyone he tutors.