Chris H.
Chris is an experienced mathematics and science educator with more than 18 years of private tutoring experience and several years of classroom teaching experience. A graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Building Science, Chris combines a strong technical background with extensive teaching experience to help students master challenging concepts, improve academic performance, and become more confident problem-solvers.
Chris currently teaches middle school mathematics, working with students in grades 6–8 and developing instruction that makes difficult concepts understandable and engaging. In addition to his classroom responsibilities, he coordinates an after-school Math Club designed to challenge students beyond the standard curriculum. These experiences have strengthened his ability to work with students across a wide range of skill levels—from those who need help rebuilding foundational skills to advanced learners ready for greater academic challenges.
One-on-one instruction has been an important part of Chris’s career for nearly two decades. As a private tutor, he begins by identifying each student’s individual strengths, learning gaps, and academic goals and then adapts instruction accordingly. He believes that every student is capable of succeeding when given the right combination of explanation, encouragement, structure, and practice.
Chris offers an exceptionally broad range of mathematics instruction, including middle school math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus I–III, Statistics, Finite Math, Business Math, and AP-level mathematics, including AP Calculus, AP Pre-Calculus, and AP Statistics. His engineering background allows him to connect mathematical concepts to practical applications, helping students understand not only how to solve a problem, but why the mathematics works.
His expertise also extends into the sciences, including Physics, AP Physics, calculus-based Physics C, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Biology, AP Biology, and Physical Science. This combination of advanced mathematics and science makes Chris particularly well suited for high school and college-bound students taking rigorous STEM coursework.
Chris also provides extensive standardized test preparation, including the PSAT/SAT, ACT, GED, and STAAR, with particular strength in the mathematics sections of the SAT and ACT. His approach goes beyond practicing individual questions; he helps students identify recurring problem types, strengthen underlying content knowledge, improve test-taking strategies, and develop the confidence and efficiency necessary to perform under timed conditions.
Students and families appreciate Chris’s ability to explain difficult material in multiple ways until a concept finally clicks. His years of private tutoring have taught him that students rarely struggle for exactly the same reason, so he avoids a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, he develops an individualized plan that addresses each student’s specific needs while helping them improve study habits and become increasingly independent learners.
Whether Chris is helping a middle school student rebuild confidence in math, guiding a high school student through AP Calculus or Physics, preparing a college-bound student for the SAT or ACT, or supporting a college student in advanced mathematics, his goal remains the same: help students understand the material, recognize their own capabilities, and develop the skills necessary for lasting academic success.
Monika S.
Monika is an experienced educator and former high school Spanish teacher with more than 15 years of experience helping students build confidence and achieve academic success. She has also served as a College Readiness Coach, guiding students as they develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.
Spanish was Monika’s first language, a result of growing up in a military family and experiencing a wide range of cultures from an early age. This background gives her not only strong language fluency but also meaningful cultural insight that she brings to every lesson, helping students connect more deeply with the language and its real-world context.
Monika is passionate about helping students experience those powerful “aha” moments when a concept finally clicks. She tailors each tutoring session to the individual student’s strengths and learning style, creating a supportive, engaging environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and grow in confidence.
Outside of education, Monika enjoys traveling, gardening, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and spending time outdoors with her husband, friends, and her dog.
“We love working with Monika! She is incredibly patient, knowledgeable and has a remarkable ability to keep my child engaged throughout each session. She explains concepts in a way that is easy to understand and creates a positive, encouraging learning environment that builds both confidence and skills.”
Gilbert H.
Gilbert is an experienced mathematics educator, military leader, and data analyst with a unique ability to help students build both academic skills and confidence. He brings over nine years of classroom teaching experience, combined with more than a decade of leadership as a United States Marine Corps artillery officer.
Gilbert taught high school mathematics for nearly a decade, working with over 1,800 students across subjects including Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Quantitative Reasoning, Financial Math, and Precalculus. He is certified in Mathematics (Grades 7–12) and Computer Science and has a strong track record of improving student performance, including increasing class averages and engagement through structured, strategy-based instruction.
In addition to his teaching experience, Gilbert currently serves as a data analyst for the United States Air Force, where he applies advanced problem-solving, data analysis, and systems thinking—skills he brings directly into his tutoring approach. His background allows him to connect math concepts to real-world applications, helping students understand not just how to solve problems, but why the methods work.
Gilbert is passionate about helping students overcome challenges and develop a growth mindset. Drawing from his military leadership experience, he understands that every student learns differently and tailors his instruction to each individual’s strengths, personality, and learning style. He focuses on simplifying complex problems, building effective strategies, and developing the confidence students need to succeed both academically and personally.
Families appreciate Gilbert’s structured, encouraging approach and his ability to motivate students to push past obstacles and reach their full potential.
Outside of tutoring, Gilbert enjoys mentoring others, continuing his professional development, and spending time with his family.
“Have enjoyed working with multiple tutors. So appreciative for the help and consistency of this tutoring service.”
– Parent Review
“This tutoring service is responsive, organized and easy to use! Within 1 hour Taira had responded to my initial request and within a few hours we had two separate, amazing tutors lined up for our high schooler. I highly recommend this tutoring service!!”
-Parent Review
“Have enjoyed working with multiple tutors. So appreciative for the help and consistency of this tutoring service.”
-Parent Review
“We contacted Prep Academy to get our daughter some extra help with SAT preparation, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. Taira was extremely helpful and our tutor, Gilbert, was fantastic! He provided excellent academic support and also taught our daughter strategies to stay calm and focused during the test. We truly appreciate all the time, guidance, and encouragement he provided.”
-Parent
Muskaan T.
Hi, I’m Muskaan, a graduate student in Bioengineering at Rice University with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. With over five years of tutoring experience, I’ve had the opportunity to guide high school, undergraduate, and graduate students through subjects such as organic chemistry, biology, genetics, calculus, biostatistics etc. My teaching philosophy centers on turning complex topics into clear, engaging lessons that connect theory to real-world applications. Beyond tutoring, my professional experience spans both academic research and clinical practice from analyzing genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease as a Graduate Researcher at UTHealth Houston, to assisting with pain management and pediatric clinics. These experiences have strengthened my ability to bridge scientific knowledge with practical understanding, which I strive to bring into every session. I’m passionate about helping students not only master challenging material but also build lasting confidence, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for learning.
Anthony M.
Dr. Anthony J. Marchi is a highly regarded educator and healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience empowering learners in various environments. As a U.S. Army veteran and former flight paramedic, he has led critical care training programs, mentored thousands of students, and developed award-winning curricula focused on humanistic and reflective learning principles, as well as student-centered growth. Dr. Marchi holds advanced credentials in health science, talent development, and quality improvement, which contribute to his compassionate and structured tutoring approach that inspires confidence and builds lasting academic foundations. Whether he is helping students master complex subjects or refine their writing and reasoning skills, Dr. Marchi draws from a wealth of expertise, patience, and curiosity. Outside the classroom, he enjoys reading philosophy, volunteering as a child advocate, and writing about education and leadership from his favorite corner coffee shop. At the heart of his teaching is a simple belief: every student already carries within them the capacity to grow; education is the mirror that helps them see it.
“We started working with Anthony M. for SAT prep and have been very happy. Lessons are clear, concise and catered to an individual plan. Dr. M. has taken the time to understand our son’s gaps and I have seen big improvements and gained confidence in a short period.”
Aidan M.
Aidan M. is a passionate educator with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he focused on Data Analytics and Cloud Networking. He has over two years of experience tutoring math at a private institution and currently teaches all levels of math through Pre-Calculus, as well as computer science, physics, and English. Known for his clear and structured teaching style, Aidan emphasizes a foundational approach: identifying gaps in understanding and guiding students step by step until they feel confident tackling challenges independently. His greatest joy comes from watching students turn confusion into clarity and self-doubt into confidence. Outside the classroom, Aidan is a jazz enthusiast who plays saxophone and piano, enjoys programming to solve real-life problems, and is always learning something new, often while singing along to his favorite songs.
“Prep Academy Tutors of San Antonio, Texas has been wonderful at helping me find a tutor for my daughter. They listened to what I had to say when I was asked to describe what my daughter needs. Once we started services, my daughter noticed that her understanding of the subject was better and in return her grades improved as well. I highly recommend the tutoring services from Prep Academy.”
– Parent Review
“We’ve had a great experience with Prep Academy and specifically Aidan. He was very patient and knowledgeable with assisting my son with algebra. Prep Academy owner is very helpful and responsive as well!”
– Parent Review
“We have had multiple sessions with Prep Academy Tutors, especially with Aidan in ACT and SAT prep. Our son’s SAT score has gone up and we are hopeful the ACT testing will go well also. This was a good experience for our family and I highly recommend their service.”
– Parent Reivew
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.
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.