SOPHIE M.

Sophie M. is pursuing her Bachelor of Education and holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. She brings a strong background in mathematics and science to her work in education. She is fluent in English and French. She supports students in their academic and personal growth, as a Learning Assistant at Foundations for the Future Charter Academy (FFCA). She previously served as a Teacher Assistant at La Mosaïque School, where she gained valuable experience supporting diverse learners in a French environment.

Sophie is passionate about helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills. She values inclusion, collaboration, and emotional support, and strives to create a positive learning atmosphere where every student feels respected and motivated to succeed.

With her combination of analytical skills, teaching experience, and genuine care for student well-being, Sophie is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and lifelong learning through her role as an academic tutor.

Brian V.

Brian holds a Ph.D. in Physics from UC San Diego, where he spent over five years as a graduate teaching assistant. With the long-term goal of becoming a professor, he is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring others to “give back” his knowledge. In 2023, he received the Distinguished Senior Graduate Teaching Award from the department in recognition of his dedication in this area.

Having both studied and taught math and physics for many years, Brian understands the challenges that often come when learning these subjects. His approach is to guide students through example problems by breaking them down into clear, manageable steps. He believes that, with the right guidance, every student can develop the skills and confidence to solve problems independently.

In his free time, Brian enjoys sailing with the Maritime Museum of San Diego—a hobby that, much like teaching, requires patience and a good sense of direction!

Jason L.

Jason is currently a Finance major at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin and will be joining Bank of America this upcoming summer. Jason previously served as a STEM tutor for a non-profit organization, where his lessons in robotics and related fields reached more than 500 students.

He has extensive experience working with peers and younger students in mathematics, reading, and business fundamentals, including his involvement with DECA competitions. Jason brings patience, structure, and creativity to each session, helping students build both confidence and mastery in their coursework.

As a high school math tutor, Jason specializes in helping students strengthen their understanding of algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus while developing the critical thinking skills needed for long-term success. He believes that every student learns best when lessons are personalized and connected to their individual interests.

Outside of academics, Jason enjoys exploring new restaurants, hiking, and playing pickleball.

Anthony (AJ) L.B.

Anthony (“AJ”) La Barca is a Ph.D. student in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. He holds a B.S. in Physics & Astronomy with minors in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Music from the University of Rochester. AJ has extensive experience tutoring and teaching at the middle-school, high-school, and collegiate levels, serving as a teaching assistant in both physics and aerospace engineering courses. Proficient across math, physics, computer science, and engineering topics, he strives to make complex concepts accessible and engaging for students of all levels. Outside of academia, AJ is an avid rock climber, skier, and photographer, often combining his love for science and the outdoors through astrophotography.

Madison R.

Madison is a 3rd year Ph.D. student studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research is on fixed-wing drones that provide aerial information gathering. Throughout undergrad and graduate school, Madison has been a Teaching Assistant in the aerospace department for various aerodynamics and aircraft dynamics classes.

She has spent the last 5 years tutoring middle and high school math and science, as well as SAT/ACT prep. During her time as an undergraduate student, she has worked for Disability Services at CU Boulder, where she was a peer mentor for students in applied math. Needless to say, she has an immense passion for education and mentorship!

Outside of school, Madison can be found with her two horses, Penelope and Daisy, who she trains and competes in three-day eventing and show jumping — or coaching young equestrians!

Atousa P.

Hello, my name is Dr. Atousa P., and I’m passionate about helping students succeed in math, science, chemistry, and physics. I earned my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from York University, where I taught and supported a wide range of courses— from physics and chemistry labs to advanced engineering design and sustainability courses. I’ve also worked closely with high school students through STEM outreach programs, guiding them in hands-on projects that make learning both practical and fun.

I believe every student learns differently, and my goal is to create a supportive, confidence-building environment where they can thrive. Families often describe me as patient, approachable, and encouraging. I take complex topics and break them down step by step, making them easier to understand and apply. Whether a student is struggling to keep up or aiming to excel, I tailor lessons to their pace and strengths.

I offer both in-person and online tutoring, always ensuring sessions are structured, engaging, and connected to real-world applications. My aim is not only to help students improve their grades but also to spark curiosity and build lifelong learning skills.

I’m excited to partner with families to help students grow in confidence and discover the joy in learning math and science!

FRANCIS S.

Francis has a Master’s degree in Applied Math from York University. He is a former instructor for Calculus (MATH 265) at the University of Calgary. Francis has worked with a wide range of students to help them improve their math skills. From learning about fractions in middle school to taking the definite integral in a university calculus course. He views math tutoring as both a profession and a hobby of his.
Francis has a growth mindset and believes that every student can reach their full potential given the right support.

Michael E.

Michael is a certified mathematics teacher in the state of Florida and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Florida Gulf Coast University. His strong academic foundation is enhanced by comprehensive teacher training, including extensive coursework in education and teaching placement.

With experience working with students from 4th grade through high school, as well as at the college level, Michael brings both deep content knowledge and a flexible, student-centered approach to instruction. His teaching is grounded in rigorous mathematical understanding and evidence-based strategies that help students deepen their understanding in math concepts, strengthen critical thinking, and prepare for future academic success.
Michael is a firm believer in the value of individualized instruction. He finds one-on-one tutoring is especially effective in math, as it allows him to tailor lessons to each student’s individual needs and build their confidence. Michael hopes to share his love for math with his students. His goal is not only to improve students’ performance in math but also to foster a lasting appreciation for the subject.

Danish J.

Danish is a recent graduate of the University of Western Ontario, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a major in Finance and a minor in Data Science. He was awarded the Outstanding International Student Scholarship and participated in programs such as the Scotiabank Career Accelerator and RBC Thinking Virtual Workshop. Danish has applied his academic knowledge through internships in finance, consulting, and research, gaining experience in data analysis, financial modeling, and strategic problem-solving.

At the university level, Danish is available to tutor:

Economics: Principles of Microeconomics (1021A), Principles of Macroeconomics (1022B), Intermediate Macroeconomics I & II (2220A, 2221B), Intermediate Microeconomics I & II (2260A, 2261B), Econometrics I & II (2222A, 2223B), Financial Markets (3346B)

Mathematics: Methods of Calculus (1225B), Methods of Matrix Algebra (1229A)

Business & Finance: Accounting and Business Analysis (2257), Finance (MOS 2310A)

Alongside his professional background, Danish has extensive experience mentoring peers and leading student organizations. He believes effective learning happens when students feel confident and engaged, and his personalized, supportive approach focuses on developing strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Beyond academics, Danish is passionate about sports, having competed in soccer, tennis, rowing, and other athletics, and he also enjoys music and chess. He brings this well-rounded background to tutoring, creating an encouraging and dynamic environment where students can thrive.

Janine S.

Janine is projected to graduate Western University in May 2026 with a Major in Chemistry and a Minor in Writing Studies. Alongside years of teaching experience in the arts, she tutors students in science and math at primary, junior, intermediate, and senior levels. In 2025, Janine completed an internship with Environment and Climate Change Canada, where she worked as a laboratory technician with the National Laboratory for Environmental Testing. She plans to pursue a Masters in Science in Physical and Analytical Chemistry at Western University upon graduation. Janine believes that the most effective teaching strategies involve building relationships with her students by ensuring she is attentive to their needs and fostering a safe learning environment. Janine is able to tutor students from grades K-12.