Annie D.
Annie is a current MD/PhD student at UT Health San Antonio. She holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech and an M.S. in Medical Science from UNT Health Science Center. She has tutored and taught math, science, and engineering courses since 2012. Annie enjoys one-on-one or small group interactions, preferring to personalize her tutoring to the student(s). She also enjoys getting to know students and providing help in tutoring-adjacent skills such as time management, prioritization, and organizational skills. In her spare time, Annie enjoys spending time with her partner and dog, doing barre and yoga, playing the piano, reading, figure skating, and discovering new board games.
Florina C.
Florina is a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago completing her undergraduate studies in biological sciences. She grew up with natural curiosity making sense of the world around her. Florina has always been eager to learn and explore new information around her. It was during her sophomore year of high school she discovered her passion for chemistry. Her chemistry teacher facilitated the learning of a difficult subject that inspired Florina to teach teenagers and young adults in the same manner.
Florina was a college tutor and TA in her local community college that helped her work closely with students to improve their grades. She knows how it is important for students to feel confident in their work and approach problems from different angles such as using technology to address issues. Florina enjoys figuring out what motivates her students and getting things done which helps her build relationships and achieve results. In addition to her years of experience, she has strong interpersonal and communication skills that allows her to adapt to any challenge and relish the opportunity to improve academic performance, problem-solving solving and love of learning for students of different ability levels. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, boxing, dancing, and going out with friend and family to summer festivals or 5k races.
Dr. Brandy P.
Dr. Brandy S. Pickens is a distinguished biochemist and dedicated educator with extensive experience in scientific research and environmental advocacy. Having earned a BA in Biochemistry from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. from Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Pickens is proficient in making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.
Dr. Pickens has dedicated over 15 years to biomedical research, specializing in biomedical research studies at institutions including the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This background equips her with a robust understanding of the STEM disciplines, which she brings to the classroom to inspire and educate future scientists and STEM professionals.
Currently, Dr. Pickens serves as a Toxicologist at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where she conducts technical analyses and reviews concerning the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Her role at the EPA underscores her commitment to public health and safety, themes she emphasizes in her educational outreach.
Passionate about fostering a love for science and environmental stewardship among young people, Dr. Pickens actively engages with community groups and schools. She organizes and leads educational programs and STEM initiatives, aiming to instill a sense of enthusiasm for STEM disciplines, particularly environmental science, and stewardship in the younger generation.
Dr. Pickens is not only a scientist and advocate but also a mentor who strives to encourage students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in STEM and public service. Her commitment to education, combined with her expertise in biomedical sciences and environmental sustainability, makes her a great match for organizations dedicated to cultivating knowledgeable, responsible, and motivated students.
Cole K.
Cole currently holds a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. In the fall of 2024, he will begin school to become a high school chemistry teacher. Cole is passionate about making learning come alive for students. He strives to help his students build confidence and learn in a way that relates and interests them.
Samantha S.
Samantha is an expert in the STEM areas/test prep and has been tutoring for over 10 years. She hopes to eventually be a professor. Her biggest strength is being able to making daunting or complex subjects into simple, understandable material, and show her students that STEM can be applied to any of your passions and isn’t all that scary! She likes to be able to apply her wit and sense of humor to help students feel comfortable as well. She has a BS in Chemistry/Physics from the University of Miami with minors in math and philosophy, and is starting her PhD at Drexel in the fall. In her free time, Samantha enjoys writing and eventually wants to write a book, cuddling her adorable dog, and exploring the city!
Kristina N.
Kristina has taught Science and AP Psychology at Brunswick School in CT for ten years. She is excited to start a new chapter at Bishop’s School as a Biology Teacher! She has a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Claremont McKenna College, a Master’s of Art in Teaching from Manhattanville College, and a Master’s of Science in Biology from NYU.
Biology and Chemistry can be some of the most challenging classes in high school, and she enjoys breaking the material down into smaller, digestible parts. Incorporating the latest research in Cognitive Science, she likes to focus on the context, or big picture, and then tackles the nuances of the material. She utilizes videos, diagrams, drawings, and lots of practice problems to instruct all types of learners.
In her free time, she loves taking her 75lb golden retriever, Zeus, for walks!
Lizzie K.
Lizzie graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Human Biology, Health and Society and is currently a medical student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College. She brings 6 years of tutoring and teaching experience in a variety of settings, including private tutoring, student-athlete academic support, and serving as teaching assistant for Cornell courses in biochemistry and educational psychology. Lizzie specializes in all math and science-based school support through college level. Her approach centers on providing an encouraging educational environment for students—ensuring they feel confident and supported as they master challenging concepts. When not thinking about medicine, you can find her at a park with her golden retriever puppy Henry.
JOHNSON W.
Johnson moved from China to Canada in 2019 and can communicate in Mandarin and English. His educational journey was unique: from middle school in China to high school in Canada, from a public school to a boarding community, he is now studying life sciences at McGill University. His passion for teaching sprung out of leading his physics class when the teacher was away. He enjoyed delivering knowledge and seeing the smiles on the students’ faces. Ever since that day, he can often be found in the library or common room helping people out with math and science questions.
Johnson has also worked in a summer camp, instructing canoeing and camping skills. During his previous tutoring experiences, he has worked extensively with students from grades 9-12, teaching high school math and science. He passionately believes in the value of confidence and encouragement, and he loves having casual conversations with his students outside of class. As a result, he often becomes close friends with students, although his age may be the main contributing factor. Johnson feels honoured to accompany his students on their learning and witness them shaping their own educational journeys.
Saumya M.
Saumya has a vast background in various subjects that she is qualified to tutor. She has a background in Arts & Culture through her high school’s SHSM program, focusing on Vocal Music and Musical Theatre. During this time, she taught music theory to grades 9-11 students.
Saumya completed her undergraduate education in Neuroscience, Biology, and Chemistry at the University of Toronto. She is currently finishing her Master of Science degree from the University of Toronto in Cell and Systems Biology. She plans to complete an MD/PhD degree and eventually teach undergraduate university courses as a professor.
Saumya has experience teaching undergraduate small-group tutorials as a Teaching Assistant at U of T Mississauga. Her subjects of expertise include general chemistry, biology, and psychology. She has also given guest lectures and created advanced case studies for human anatomy courses at UofT.
Saumya has won numerous academic and public service awards for her commitment to student success. She has mentored high school and university students academically since 2017. In her free time, Saumya enjoys musical theatre, indoor cycling, solving sudoku puzzles, and trivia games!
Thad F.
With a bachelor’s degree from the Air Force Academy and a master’s from theUniversity of Dayton, Thad’s credentials and experience run broad and deep. For over 30 years he has taught math, science, and English at the university level–all the way down through first grade. Thad’s passion and joy is helping students and their families overcome academic challenges and grow to thrive at the highest levels of their potential.
In his free time, Thad enjoys his six children and three grandchildren, tennis, hiking, photography, swing dancing, and food with his wife, Beth. He almost never meets a student with whom he does not enjoy working, and he hopes to continue teaching as long as his health allows–at least 50 more years!
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– Parent
“Prep Academy Tutors has been such a big help for our daughter this school year! Chemistry tutors are difficult to find in the area, but we were blessed to have found Thad at Prep Academy! He is so knowledgeable, patient, and calm when working with students. He truly loves his job. We love Thad and we know you will too!”
– Parent