Dr. Ariel Z.

Daniella F.

Daniella grew up in Pennsylvania and obtained her Psychology Degree at Boston College focusing on Child Cognitive research. She later gained her medical degree at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in NYC and is now a dedicated neurology resident continuing her passion for understanding the brain. Her research experience at the Boston College Infant and Child Cognition Lab, allowed her to investigate how children develop their understanding of math through gesture and eye-tracking studies. She also contributed to the creation of “Parkopolis,” a life-size STEM board game designed to promote STEM learning and parent-child engagement in underserved communities, developed at Temple University’s Infant and Child Lab. Daniella’s work reflects her deep commitment to fostering curiosity and confidence in young learners, and she is driven by a genuine love for helping children grow, develop, and become the next generation of thinkers and innovators.

Madison J.

Madison J. is a certified teacher in Life Sciences and ELL. She has been teaching for 10 years. While studying Neuroscience at Vassar College, she discovered a love of teaching as a chemistry teaching assistant. After graduating, she went on to earn a Master’s in teaching through a fellowship with the Institute for Citizens and Scholars. She has taught Biology, Zoology, and Environmental Science at the high school level, as well as science and math at the middle school level. Her true passion is in helping all students not only succeed, but to discover a love of learning and the joy that comes from exploring the world. Outside of the classroom, she is mom to an energetic son and a grumpy tortoise. She loves to knit, sew, and hike.

Grace F.

Grace F. is earning her degree in Elementary Education at North Central College, where she has maintained a high GPA and earned a spot on the Dean’s List for six consecutive semesters. Originally from Elmhurst, she discovered her love of teaching while helping classmates with writing, research, and public speaking. What started as casual tutoring turned into a true passion for supporting students.

Grace has worked with learners from early childhood through middle school, developing creative, student-centered lessons through daycare and summer programs. She believes every child learns differently and thrives on adapting instruction to meet individual needs.

Through her college placements, Grace has taught in 1st through 4th grade classrooms and supported 5th grade accelerated math, gaining experience in literacy, math, and science. She also helps students strengthen executive functioning skills like organization, planning, and time management—because sometimes, learning how to learn is the biggest lesson of all.

Outside the classroom, Grace enjoys birdwatching and exploring the outdoors. Her love of animals and education came together through the Greater Chicago Cage Bird Society, where she taught scout groups about bird care and behavior. She’s been helping students—and birds—take flight ever since.

Josianne G.

Josianne is a passionate tutor specializing in mathematics and science. She has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, with majors in biology and mathematics, and is currently working on her master’s degree. For the past 5 years, she has been teaching at a high school in Whitehorse, Yukon. She also has experience tutoring students of a variety of levels. Josianne is bilingual, speaking both English and French.
Ensuring good communication, having clear expectations, preparing engaging lessons, and helping students achieve their goals are at the core of her philosophy as a teacher. She always makes sure to adapt the lessons to each student’s needs and create an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions. The Yukon uses British Columbia’s curriculum, so she is very familiar with the learning objectives and the big ideas that are taught in schools. In her free time, Josianne enjoys running, hiking, camping, paddling, sewing, and reading. Whether you think you could use some help in math, science, French (or even sewing), Josianne would be happy to work with you and help you achieve your full potential!

Cherisse L.

Cherisse is a warm, friendly and adaptable educator who believes in meeting students exactly where they are. She understands that every child learns and sees the world in their own unique way, and she is committed to creating a space where students feel supported, heard, and encouraged to grow. Cherisse sees teaching as a two-way experience — one where she learns just as much from her students as they do from her. She graduated from the University of Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and has since developed a deep passion for working with young learners. Her journey into education began in Canada, where she discovered her love for teaching while working as a ski instructor at Silver Star Mountain. Cherisse is passionate about helping students grow in confidence by connecting learning to their natural curiosity and personal interests. In her spare time, Cherisse enjoys hiking, reading, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.

Lenny A.

Lenny A. is a passionate and experienced tutor with a unique blend of academic excellence, artistic talent, and a deep love for science. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in the History of Art and Religion (cum laude), she is currently pursuing an Associate of Science in Geology at Austin Community College. Her educational journey includes intensive coursework in Biology, Human Evolution, and Geology, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary learning and scientific exploration.

With over four years of tutoring and teaching experience, Lenny has worked with high school students across a range of subjects, with a particular focus on Biology. Her patient, encouraging, and adaptable teaching style helps students not only grasp complex scientific concepts but also build confidence and curiosity.

Lenny currently volunteers as a Gallery Guide at the Texas Science and Natural History Museum, where she educates children and families about Texas’s prehistoric life—making science fun, accessible, and exciting for learners of all ages. She brings that same enthusiasm to every tutoring session, using stories, visuals, and interactive methods to connect with each student’s unique learning style.

Beyond academics, Lenny is a creative artist whose original artworks have been featured in multiple exhibitions, including those promoted by TEDxUTAustin and the UT College of Fine Arts. Her creativity extends to the classroom, where she integrates visual tools and analogies that make science memorable and engaging.

When she’s not tutoring, you’ll find Lenny reading, researching prehistoric animals, writing, or singing in choral and solo performances. She is CPR-certified and trained in youth protection, further underscoring her dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for every student.

With Lenny, students not only receive expert academic support—they gain a mentor who inspires a lifelong love for learning.

Harini B.

Harini B. (Lily) is a dedicated science tutor with a strong academic background in microbiology, biotechnology, and public health. She holds double master’s degrees—a Master of Science in Biotechnology and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology. Currently a data analyst at Yale University, she also trains graduate fellows in managing and analyzing healthcare data using tools like SAS and SQL. Harini has helped students at all levels gain confidence across a range of science subjects—from life sciences to data-driven research methods—by breaking down complex concepts and making them more approachable. She adapts to each student’s learning style and brings real-world experience into her teaching. Fun fact: Harini played national-level tennis in high school, an experience that taught her how to balance focus and flexibility—skills she now uses to help students succeed in both science and study habits.

Sherry P.

Sherry is a dedicated teacher and reading intervention specialist with an extensive background, experience, and training in educational settings. Her expertise includes Wilson Language Training Fundations, developing and implementing literacy, based programs for early childhood, elementary, teens and adults.

Sherry is an experienced Connecticut state certified teacher and certified Child Life Specialist. She is a graduate of Wheelock (a teacher’s college) in Boston, MA. with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education. In addition, her dual majors include training in pediatric hospital settings where she worked as a teacher and play therapist. Sherry has worked with children from newborn-young adults in urban and suburban communities. For over 25 years she has taught numerous grades including pre-k., kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school students in public, private school classrooms and health care settings.

Sherry is conversant in Spanish and has been a mentor to others. In her caring, patient, organized, dedicated manner, her ability to apply practical, best-practice solutions with available resources will ensure each student has the skills necessary to succeed. She believes that every child is capable of learning. Sherry goes the extra mile to support them in a positive manner to help them reach their full potential and develop self-confidence as learners. Her experience with students includes: the general education population, autism, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, ADD, ADHD, medically homebound, social emotional behavior difficulties, physically challenged, executive functioning skills and English language learners.

In her spare time Sherry can be found baking banana bread, singing Soprano in her choir, and playing with her rescue cats, Louie and Sugar.

Lawrence T.

Larry Topazio has taught in both public and private schools for the past thirty-five years. During this time, he has utilized his elementary and secondary teaching skills effectively, always striving for increased student achievement. He also fostered vocational and work experiences through curriculum development at the high school level.. Having a son with a disability himself is the basis for his unrelenting pursuit of excellent educational assessments and instruction. He gets things accomplished by his adamant desire to see that all students can learn. Larry graduated from Western Ct State University and from Southern Ct State University.. This has given him a broad knowledge of students in both general and special education . In his spare time, Larry enjoys walking, hiking and creating poetry. Larry has one poetry book that he has written and creates poems for weddings, parties, and family events. Larry likes to incorporate poetry in both literature
and language arts instruction.