Martha T.

Meet Martha — a former teacher, mom of four, and proud grandma who’s survived enough homework assignments to earn an honorary Ph.D. in patience. She’s taught elementary school, religious education, and even homeschooled her daughter for most of a year — and yes, everyone still speaks to each other!
When she wasn’t teaching, she was coaching her daughter’s softball team and cheering from the sidelines. After raising her family and building a successful career in the corporate world, Martha is excited to return to her first love: helping children learn and grow. With her mix of experience, humor, and heart — plus a few fun travel stories from Europe and Mexico — she makes learning both effective and enjoyable.

Faraz K.

Faraz holds a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University, double majoring in Biology and Chemistry, and has completed graduate studies in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. He brings over five years of teaching experience, covering everything from elementary math and science to advanced undergraduate mathematics and standardized test prep. As a former teaching assistant at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Faraz has led classrooms, worked with small groups, delivered lectures, and graded exams.
A Chicagoland native, Faraz discovered his passion for teaching in college while introducing gifted children to LEGO robotics and computer programming. Outside the classroom, he is a dedicated runner—once a cross-country athlete, now a regular jogger—and a grilling enthusiast who insists barbecuing is equal parts science and art. Faraz’s teaching philosophy revolves around creating independent learners. He believes the best classroom isn’t the one where you are taught, but the one where you learn to teach yourself—though his students don’t have to grade their own homework… yet.

Kyle H.

Kyle is a primary English educator and aspiring film professor with more than six years of teaching and tutoring experience across multiple classrooms, workshops, online platforms, and subjects. While he has been pursuing his masters degree in education at National Louis University, he has also been supporting grades 9–12 as a permanent substitute teacher at Hinsdale South High School. Kyle also has led screenwriting, creative writing, and public speaking sessions for Cardinal Filmworks, a student owned and ran film collective at Ball State University (his alma mater). Finally, after his undergrad, he also tutored poetry, Spanish, photography, and videography for learners of all ages with Varsity Tutors as one of their Creative Writing Experts. His style tends to center on building up confidence and problem solving skills through lessons that connect his students’ work to their interests. Creativity is a core tenet of his and because of that he loves to design personalized, engaging sessions that balance creative freedom with structured feedback so that each student grows as both thinker and creator. Because of this more creativity-focused approach, crafting relationships with my students is paramount to me. Learning about their lives and helping them succeed is just as important to me as their academics. Kyle is a lifelong reader, film buff, devoted sci‑fi and fantasy fan, bass guitar player, and avid Chicago & New York sports fan (Cubs/Sox Mets/Jets).

Maricel A.

Maricel is a Certified Teacher with PEL ( Professional Educators License ). She has two endorsements, one in Early Childhood Education and Elementary. She grew up in the Philippines. Therefore, she speaks two languages which are Tagalog and English with two dialects ( Pampango and Ilocano ). Maricel has completed her Undergraduate Degree at the College of the Holy Spirit of Tarlac, Philippines with Bachelors in Elementary Education. She was hired by the same institution ( Private Catholic School For Girls ) even before she has graduated. She taught Pre-K and Kindergarten for a decade and has been a Department Head Coordinator for three years. She also taught First Grade on her eleventh year before she came in the US of A. Maricel was also a consistent officer in the school where she worked for more than a decade.
In Spring 2005, Maricel moved in Elgin, IL. She was petitioned by a Daycare as a Kindergarten/ After School teacher and a Director at the same time. The owner of the Daycare was happy as soon as Maricel came to work at the Daycare that she has entrusted her with everything. Maricel then ran the Daycare and was loved by her employer, staffs and as well as the parents. She finds these experiences enjoyable and extremely rewarding. In 2022, Maricel moved in the Public School and taught Pre-K ( Bilingual and English Class ). She really has a passion for teaching and working with children.
Alongside having years of tutoring experience, Maricel also tutors students where she fosters an engaging personalized one -on-one interactive lessons. She truly believes that engaging students using their curiosity and interests is crucial in helping them gain the confidence they require to succeed. In her spare time, Maricel enjoys walking, playing pickle ball, and zumba, as well as spending time with family, friends and church mates.

A. Garza

Howdy! My name is Ms. Garza and I have been working in education for close to 6 years now. This is my 5th year teaching and I have experience in working with all grade levels, from pre-k to 11th grade. I am currently an AP English Language/English 1 teacher and taught middle school Social Studies for 4 years. One of my favorite things about teaching is helping students achieve that “a-ha!” moment and getting them to reach that next level in their learning. I enjoy building connections and learning more about my students, as I firmly believe that kids want to learn from people they enjoy being with. I’m looking forward to this next chapter of helping students one-on-one and to possibly working with yours!

Lea A.

ENG: Lea Abdo is a student at McGill University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical, Biological and Life Sciences, majoring in Anatomy and Cell Biology. She is recognized for her academic achievements, graduating from Saint Joseph High School in Saskatoon, on Principal’s Honor Roll with distinction, and a Bilingual Diploma. Lea also achieved first place provincially in the Concours d’art oratoire (Advanced French category) for both grades 11 and 12.
In addition to her academic success, Lea brings extensive experience working with children through babysitting and volunteer roles at community organizations, churches, and multicultural events such as Folkfest Saskatoon.
Lea is also active in student leadership, serving as Vice President of Sponsorship & Fundraising for McGill Hemoglobal, and a Student Ambassador for the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.
Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, she brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication to every educational setting she is part of.

FR: Léa Abdo est une étudiante à l’Université McGill, inscrite au baccalauréat en sciences biomédicales, biologiques et de la vie, avec une majeure en anatomie et biologie cellulaire. Elle se distingue par ses accomplissements académiques, ayant obtenu un diplôme d’études secondaires à l’École secondaire Saint Joseph à Saskatoon avec une mention d’honneur du directeur et un diplôme bilingue. Elle est gagnante provinciale du Concours d’art oratoire (catégorie avancée) pour les niveaux 11 et 12.
En plus de ses études, Léa possède une solide expérience auprès des enfants grâce à son travail en babysitting et à ses activités bénévoles dans des organismes communautaires, des églises et des événements culturels comme le Folkfest de Saskatoon.
À l’Université McGill, elle s’implique activement en tant que vice-présidente du parrainage et du financement pour McGill Hemoglobal, et ambassadrice étudiante du département d’anatomie et de biologie cellulaire.
Parfaitement trilingue en anglais, français et arabe, Léa se distingue par son sens des responsabilités, sa créativité et sa passion pour l’éducation, qu’elle transmet avec enthousiasme et professionnalisme.

Katherine F.

Katherine is a passionate and dedicated educator who finds true joy in helping young learners grow in confidence and ability. From a young age, she was drawn to teaching — spending summers in her mother’s classroom and discovering the fulfillment that comes from inspiring children to learn. That early spark grew into a lifelong commitment to supporting students of all learning styles and needs.

Katherine holds a Master’s degree in Literacy (B–6) and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Mount Saint Mary College. She is a certified teacher in both Florida and New York, with professional experience across preschool, elementary, and special education settings. Her teaching background includes work with students in grades Pre-K through 5, where she creates engaging, hands-on lessons that connect to real-world experiences.

Katherine believes every child is capable of success when given the right tools, encouragement, and individualized support. She takes pride in creating learning environments that nurture curiosity, build confidence, and celebrate each student’s unique strengths. Whether helping a child strengthen foundational literacy and math skills or guiding students with special needs to achieve their goals, Katherine approaches every session with patience, creativity, and genuine care.
Katherine is well versed in Singapore Math, Literacy Essentials, and other literacy programs.

Abigail B.

Abigail has been working with children of all ages as a teacher’s assistant for the past 2 years. She has over 5 plus years of tutoring experience where she has been able to nurture her student’s skills. Abigail believes in meeting the students where they’re at and helping them learn and grow from there. As no struggle is too small or too big to conquer. As well as in using the students own interests and curiosity to convey an interest and understanding of the material being studied. As a published author Abigail believes in the importance of literacy and the understanding of it. However history is her true passion and what she is getting her degree in. Being able to help her students understand those subjects is very rewarding. In her free time, Abigail enjoys spending time with her family, friends and cats. As well researching/ studying history, and writing/ illustrating for her family’s small business.

Maria D.

Dr. Maria, Ph.D., LDT-C, OG-T, is a highly experienced educator, evaluator, and learning specialist with over 18 years of service in New Jersey’s public and private schools. She earned her Doctorate in Teaching, Learning, Leadership, and Curriculum from Montclair State University, where her research explored the connection between cognitive function and learning challenges. Maria also holds dual master’s degrees in Special Education and Reading Literacy and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education.

As a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDT-C) and independent contractor, Maria partners with multiple school districts to provide comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, consultations, and individualized learning plans. She is a certified Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Therapist and a Certified Clinician through the Center for Cognitive Enhancement (COGx), with advanced expertise in cognitive skills training, executive function development, and evidence-based literacy instruction.

Maria’s extensive background includes creating executive function curricula, coaching parents and teachers, and providing professional development workshops. Passionate and empathetic, she is committed to helping students reach their full potential through personalized, research-driven instruction.

Elias A.

Elias Allen graduated from the University of Oxford in 2017 with a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. He worked as an SAT prep teacher and tutor for AP US History, AP World History, and AP Literature in DC and Maryland from 2018 to 2019. Elias served as a Peace Corps TEFL Volunteer in Kosovo from 2019-2020 and from 2022-2023, teaching English to K-12 students. In 2020 and 2021 he worked as a tutor in Oregon for elementary and middle school students, tutoring English, reading comprehension, writing, math, and coding. In 2021 Elias taught English and critical thinking skills to students in Kosovo virtually in the Peace Corps Virtual Service Pilot Program. He graduated from Columbia University with an MA in 2025. In his free time Elias enjoys playing basketball, ping pong, and tennis.