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.

Dilene W-N.

Dilene has a love of Art and Art History, which led her to obtain an Associate of Arts in Studio Art. She has experience as a military wife and mom, as well as experience working with military families. While her husband was still on active duty, Dilene completed her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Special Education at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. She has worked with students at all levels and abilities during her 15 years in education. Dilene completed her Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership through Lamar University, Beaumont. She completed the Texas Reading Academy and Reading by Design, the state of Texas designed Dyslexia program, in 2022. Dilene taught students in grades K-7 in Dyslexia support services and Reading Intervention while teaching at Great Hearts Live Oak. Her most recent position was teaching 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in Reading Resource and 4th grade Math Resource. She has a passion for helping her students meet their personal learning goals. Dilene has also coached students in executive functioning skills such as organization and planning to help them learn to meet project deadlines. When not supporting her students, she enjoys a bit of anime, creating things by hand, and volunteering with the National Archives.
Available for in-person or online tutoring

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.

Barbara H.

Barbara H. is an experienced teacher who has worked with students from different backgrounds for over 35 years. She supports bilingual education and cultural inclusion and uses her teaching and curriculum development skills to create valuable learning experiences. Barbara studied at Montclair State University, earning a degree in Spanish and completing courses in Administrative Sciences. She is certified in Elementary Education, Bilingual Education (English/Spanish), and English as a Second Language (ESL). In 1994, she was named Teacher of the Year in her district.

Throughout her career, Barbara has used new methods in education, such as virtual learning and adult ESL programs. She has helped students prepare for tests, supported struggling students, and guided new teachers in New Jersey’s Alternate Route Program. Outside the classroom, she ran the INCCA Day Camp, helping 500 inner-city children grow academically and socially, and raised money from groups like the NFL to support educational projects. Barbara remains dedicated to teaching and inspiring others with her commitment to inclusivity and excellence.

Garrett R.

With 15 years experience in New York City public schools, Garrett Ramirez has a long track record of tutoring students in a wide range of subjects. His listening and communication skills have been honed through numerous one-to-one assignments across varied grade levels, supporting students in reading, writing, vocabulary, math skills and, his specialty, social studies. In his free time, he loves the outdoors and volunteering in his community.

Kelinda Y.

Kelinda, a master tutor, has nineteen years of experience dedicated to supporting and educating students with disabilities. Kelinda holds a Grade 6-8 Social Studies State of New Jersey Standard Teaching Certificate, acquired through successful completion of the Praxis exam and incorporating course from her Business Administration degree. Additionally, she holds the following standard instructional certificates issued by the state of New Jersey: Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Teacher of English as a Second Language, and Elementary Education Grades K-6. Kelinda is an experienced instructor of Strategic Reading and Multi-Sensory Phonics programs. With experience spanning from Pre-K to 12th grade, she currently serves as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant at a middle school within an Essex County School District.

Kelinda’s passion for teaching and learning drive her to tutor, seeing it as a reciprocal learning process as she guides her students towards growth. Although her current role is as a member of her school’s child study team, Kelinda provides direct instruction as in-class support for students with cognitive impairments and as a teacher during extended school year sessions. Kelinda is committed to encouraging her students to embrace challenges without fear, emphasizing that mistakes made while facing challenges promote self-growth and confidence. Her joy in her profession stems from providing a safe and nurturing environment for her students to think and strive.

Kelinda enjoys maintaining an active by going to the gym, particularly favoring Zumba and Aqua classes. She is also an avid traveler who relishes exploring new places and dining at exceptional restaurants.

Maria Z.

With over 29 years of dedicated experience as a classroom teacher, Maria has cultivated a strong foundation in teaching and leadership in private schools in San Antonio, Texas. As a versatile educator for grades 3-8, Maria led various extracurricular activities, including chess and math clubs, while serving as a mentor for new staff and a coordinator for multiple programs. Being a tutor allows Maria to teach with differentiated learning techniques which is invaluable for addressing the diverse needs of students at varying levels of ability and learning styles. By tailoring instruction to meet individual strengths and challenges, she creates a more inclusive and engaging learning environment which not only accommodates different learning preferences but also fosters a sense of ownership over the student’s education. Being nominated for Teacher of the Year twice in her career, exemplifies the respect Maria has from her peers not only as an educator, but also as a person of character.
Holding a B.A. in International Relations from St. Mary’s University and a K-8 Texas Teacher Certificate from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Maria is passionate about leveraging her initiative and strong work ethic to make a meaningful impact in education. Coming from a military family with roots in New York, her wanderlust to travel America comes naturally. She brings concepts from her travels into her teaching to give her students a wider depth of knowledge and connections to material.

Martha B.

Martha has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration and focus on Reading and Literacy. With a background in education, Martha has experience developing and enhancing reading curricula to empower students academically throughout their academic studies. She also has experience preparing students for academic rigor by assessing social-emotional attitudes and overall well-being regarding reading and literacy. Student engagement is critical to academic success. Martha strives to educate students comprehensively and holistically.

Going by “Marsha” as her nickname, Marsha attended Louisiana State University for an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, while minoring in English, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Educating to empower all those within her reach has always been her passion, as she believes that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding can eliminate barriers to prosperity, and provide a safety net that will impact generations. Knowledge is a powerful tool. Reading critically and analytically is a fundamental tool that paves the way to excel in all other subjects.

Marsha’s passion, commitment, resilience, and tenacity in serving students and families are interwoven into the fabric of her Being. She considers it an honor and privilege to provide families with high-quality tutoring. Marsha provides students with comprehensive tutoring which entails tailored academic support to assist students in thriving beyond their expectations.

Chris L.

Growing up in Cardiff, Wales, Chris was drawn to the outdoors despite the city’s amenities. As a child, he joined outdoor clubs, cubs, scouts, and played various sports; fostering a love for new activities, challenges, and meeting people. This passion led him to the Sea to Sky region, where a temporary visa turned into a lifelong adventure. For Chris, the satisfaction of overcoming a challenging target, problem, skill, or puzzle has always been worth the effort, work, and occasional pain and frustration

While in university, Chris worked at a summer camp in North Carolina, where he helped campers grow physically, socially, and emotionally, sparking his interest in academic teaching. In 2013, he earned a BA in education from the University of the West of England, Bristol. Through this course, he was incredibly fortunate to have extensive placements in a range of settings, with a range of grades. Chris has worked in both traditional and non-traditional settings; in schools with everything imaginable and schools with almost nothing; and taught from the very youngest learners up to adults in their golden years.

Chris blends educational theory with his active outdoor background to create engaging, multidisciplinary learning experiences, emphasizing hands-on learning and understanding rather than doing. He strives to find creative ways to show that learning is real rather than a lesson in a room. Chris loves finding opportunities to get outside and do something, rather than learn about something. He encourages movement, noise and active participation. Critically and fundamentally, Chris believes in teaching a person at their own individual level and to their own individual needs, encouraging everyone to take ownership of their learning and to support them in overcoming challenges to aid understanding and ability.

Making mistakes and finding things hard is the first step to learning something. If it was easy, were we learning, or just completing tasks?

Kelly H.

Kelly is joining Prep Academy Tutors with a long-standing passion for supporting students and their families in the educational process. Her experience entails teaching children with autism, ADHD, OCD, and other similar diagnoses, as well as managing an inclusion program for children with special needs. With seven years of classroom experience, Kelly is thrilled to be able to work with students in a focused fashion, helping them reach their goals and feel more confident in their academic performance. She believes every child is capable of succeeding in the school environment, and enjoys helping students learn about themselves in order to do so. Kelly specializes in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, as well as English Language Arts.

In her free time, you can find Kelly outdoors, hiking, hanging out with her family and friends (usually around food, board games, or football–Go Bills!!), enjoying her energetic pup, or reading a fantasy book. She also has a penchant for ice cream (mint chocolate chip, any day of the year!). She looks forward to working with your family to support your students’ progress!