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!

Emily B.

Emily B. is a passionate and dedicated tutor currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana State University. She combines her analytical skills with a deep commitment to helping students succeed. Growing up as a student-athlete, she learned the value of discipline, time management, and perseverance, qualities she now instills in her students.

As a proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha, she has developed strong leadership and teamwork skills, which she brings into her tutoring sessions. She believes that every student has the potential to excel with the right guidance and encouragement. Her tutoring approach focuses on creating an engaging and supportive learning environment, tailoring lessons to fit each student’s unique needs.

With experience mentoring peers and younger students, she specializes in breaking down complex subjects into easy-to-understand concepts. Whether working with students on academic challenges or helping them build confidence in their abilities, she is committed to fostering a love of learning.

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.

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.

Courtney P.

Courtney P. holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy at the same institution, having successfully completed three out of four years of the program. During a recent break from her doctoral studies, she taught mathematics and science to 4th and 5th grade students at Prairie Lea ISD, where she also provided after-school tutoring for students in grades K–12 across a variety of STAAR-tested subjects.

Courtney has extensive experience delivering small-group and one-on-one interventions for students needing remedial support, as well as for bilingual emergent learners and those with special education needs. While her formal classroom experience is still growing, she brings a wealth of tutoring experience that began during her freshman year of high school. Over the years, she has supported students in mastering challenging Advanced Placement courses, including Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, U.S. History, and World History.

Outside of education, Courtney leads an active and dynamic lifestyle. She manages the 35-acre farm where she lives, enjoys kickboxing, and spends time with her two dogs. A talented cook and avid baker, she also enjoys sketching and has developed a strong knowledge of war and military collectibles, antique firearms, sports card trading, and coin collecting—interests she shares with her fiancée through their family business.

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.

Cameron W.

Cameron is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio, garnering a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. At the beginning of his undergraduate education in Psychology, Cameron rose to the roles of Research Assistant and Lab Manager in the Team on Acculturation, Risk, and the Development of Identity and Self (TARDIS) Lab. These roles involved not only data collection and management of local administrative operations but also the social awareness necessary to engage with topics such as identity-based marginalization and foster interdependent relationships with team members at all levels. As Lab Manager, he worked to centralize information and redesign organizational systems that improved collective understanding within the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Department of Psychology. Cameron continued these roles throughout their bachelor’s degree, adding positions as a Tutor and Student Administrative Assistant in UTSA’s Department of Biology, Health, and the Environment. In these roles, they utilized their in-depth knowledge of biological sciences and artistic skills to help peers achieve academic success. Throughout his undergraduate education, Cameron received awards and recognition from UTSA’s School of Art, contributing to efforts and exhibitions featured in the main gallery. As an aspiring educator, Cameron establishes the foundations of his teaching framework and practices upon his values of creativity, compassion, and communication. In serving his peers and community as a teaching assistant, tutor, research lab manager, and community worker, Cameron has exemplified the power within each of these values.

Kelly D.

Dr. Kelly D. brings over 16 years of educational experience, specializing in literacy development and student achievement. With a Ph.D. in Literacy and Curriculum Development from St. John’s University, he has a strong foundation in helping students enhance their reading and writing skills, improving literacy scores by up to 80% through targeted, evidence-based strategies. As a former ELA teacher and literacy coach, Dr. Downing is skilled in creating individualized learning plans that address each student’s unique needs, ensuring academic growth and confidence. His leadership as Executive Director of a college and career readiness institute further highlights his commitment to preparing students for long-term success, both academically and professionally. Dr. Downing is passionate about inspiring students to reach their highest potential.

Ian G.

After receiving Bachelor’s degrees in History and French in his home state of Arkansas, Ian moved to the Northeast to begin his professional career as an educator. While serving as a literacy coach in a public school in Washington, DC, Ian helped to integrate new strategies and hybridized learning amid the COVID lockdown. In the fall of 2021 Ian led a class of 5th graders in their transition back to in-person instruction after the shutdown. He served as a lead history and humanities teacher for two years before segueing into out-of-school time education. Ian helped to implement an afterschool program for students in Harlem, developing curriculum, and leading homework help and enrichment activities for participants. In total, Ian has over a decade of tutoring and education experience. Ian loves to inspire wonder in all of his students, and prioritizes an individualized approach to ensure all students get the education they deserve.

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.