Debi H.
After retiring from a career in computer science, Debi decided to pursue her dream of teaching math. She went back to school and became certified to teach all mathematics subjects for students from grade 5 through high school. Debi believes that all students can excel in math and she wants to help them do so. She loves math and logic and wants to inspire that love in learners. Debi believes that if her students do not understand a concept, it is because she has not found the right way to explain it yet. Debi has taught middle and high school Algebra, Geometry and Statistics for the last 8 years. It is a joy because she is learning every day as well as teaching. She is constantly amazed at the questions students ask that make her learn the material more deeply or the way they approach problems that she would never consider. That is the beauty of math! Debi looks forward to working with your children
Shelley H.
Shelley is an experienced mathematics tutor with more than 25 years of intermittent tutoring expertise, supporting students from kindergarten through grade 12 as well as those preparing for the SAT, ACT, and advanced math courses including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Statistics. She holds four academic degrees—Mathematics, Physics, Information Technology, and Opticianry—and spent over a decade as a computer programmer and systems analyst before becoming a Licensed Optician in Florida. Shelley’s lifelong passion for analytical thinking has shaped every chapter of her life, from excelling academically and earning induction into the National Honor Society to her success as a competitive athlete. A decorated golfer, she has won numerous championships, including titles at Pinehurst Country Club, and has achieved an impressive eight hole-in-ones.
Shelley’s background is equally defined by her dedication to children and learning. As a mother of five, she gained deep insight into supporting students with learning differences, including her own children who faced unique educational challenges. Her
experiences fueled her desire to help other families navigate academic struggles with empathy, structure, and high expectations. Over the years, Shelley has tutored with
several agencies and independently, helping many students achieve remarkable progress—including four students who earned perfect standardized-test scores under her guidance. She brings to her work a blend of humor, warmth, and discipline, drawing
from a lifetime of teaching skills developed through athletics, equestrian training, parenting, and her STEM-driven career.
In her tutoring practice, Shelley emphasizes the logic and clarity that make mathematics both approachable and empowering. She believes that math is only complicated when the steps are unclear—and she excels at breaking those steps into understandable and
repeatable processes. She expects students to arrive prepared, focused, and ready to work, encouraging habits that mirror the discipline required for college, careers, and personal achievement. Shelley is excited to bring her passion for teaching, her analytical expertise, and her unwavering commitment to student success to Prep Academy Tutors, where she strives to help every learner build confidence, master essential skills, and realize their full potential.
Viacheslav L.
Viacheslav is an education professional with nine years of college-level tutoring experience. His background and knowledge base is broad, spanning legal studies, ESL, Science, Algebra, Physics, Computer Science, Biology, and Astronomy. He focuses on clear explanations, structured practice, and real-world examples to build confidence and results. He is also fluent in Russian.
EDUCATION:
MS, Computer Science, Russia
PhD, Social Studies, Russia
JD, Russia
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Russia
Nate T.
Nathan (goes by Nate) knows math and loves math, inside and out. He spent 15 years earning his doctorate and pursuing primary mathematics research, teaching and tutoring at the high school and college level all along the way. He’s currently serving as Adjunct Faculty at the College of DuPage and Waubonsee Community College tutoring high school students in math. However, he has taught and tutored students in places as far-flung as the University of Michigan, Duke University, UMass Amherst and the University of Miami.
With Nate, you won’t just get a tutor that knows the material in a few high school courses. You’ll get someone who …
… tutors from a place of understanding and with a growth mindset: where mistakes are a normal, and even essential, part of learning something new,
… is familiar with the whole high school curriculum: not just your student’s class, but the classes preceding it, and so can diagnose knowledge gaps and fill them with mini-lessons on the fly,
… can prep for college entrance exams including the SAT and ACT,
… knows the undergraduate mathematics curriculum and can tutor for students enrolled in dual credit or enrichment courses, and welcomes tutoring college students as well.
In his spare time, Nate likes to play table top role playing games, and is an amateur bodybuilder, although he still thinks about research questions in math from time to time too.
With Nate, your student’s math education is in the best hands!
Nicholas B.
Nicholas is a passionate and highly experienced math instructor with a Master’s Degree in Education from Sacred Heart University. Over the past several years, he has worked with students across all grade levels—from elementary through high school—helping them build confidence and mastery in mathematics.
Nicholas teaches remotely in the mornings through a one-on-one independent school in Connecticut and works in the afternoons at two learning centers in Florida. He works with students on all high school math subjects, including Algebra I & II, Geometry, Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, and AP Statistics. No matter the level, Nicholas focuses on helping students strengthen their understanding and build confidence in their math skills.
With extensive experience in both classroom and tutoring settings, Nicholas has successfully guided students through rigorous math curricula and standardized test preparation for the SAT and ACT math sections, often leading to significant improvements in performance and self-assurance.
Known for his patient, structured, and encouraging approach, Nicholas tailors every session to meet each student’s unique learning style. His strong mathematical foundation—highlighted by a perfect 800 on the SAT Math section—and his commitment to student growth make him a trusted and effective mentor for learners at every stage of their academic journey.
Gilbert H.
Howdy! Gilbert H. is a former high school math teacher with nine years of experience. Before becoming a teacher, he was in the Marine Corps as an artillery officer for over 10 years. He currently works as a data analyst for the Air Force. One of the greatest joys he’s experienced is helping young adults discover they can overcome any obstacle with the proper mindset. As a math teacher, it was not just understanding the numbers and processes, but why it works and how to simplify a problem by having a strategy. Being a leader of Marines, Gilbert learned that individuals are motivated and learn based on their experiences and personality. He has helped many individuals overcome adversity, gain confidence, and mature as professionals and individuals.
Christopher H.
Christopher is a native Austinite with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and certification to teach grades 7–12 in Composite Sciences through the UTeach program. He has taught Chemistry, Physics, and Math in both Temple ISD and Austin ISD, and currently serves as a substitute teacher for KIPP and IDEA public schools, working with students in grades 3–12.
With years of classroom experience, Christopher skillfully integrates multiple teaching methodologies such as blended and flipped learning, standards-based grading, and lab-based instruction to meet students where they are and help them excel. He has extensive experience supporting learners with 504, ELL, and Special Education accommodations, ensuring that each student receives personalized, effective support.
Christopher takes a personal interest in helping students develop confidence and critical thinking skills in math and science, encouraging them to explain their reasoning and connect concepts to real-world applications. Outside of academics, he enjoys exploring his passion for culinary arts and nutrition, along with hobbies such as running, community service, drawing, and bouldering.
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.
Darlene A.
Darlene grew up in Beaconsfield, Quebec and completed a B.Sc in Engineering Chemistry at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Then she moved to Vancouver, BC where she did a PhD in Chemistry. A number of years later she finished a B.Ed at UBC, specializing in Chemistry and Junior Science, Secondary School Education.
As a BC Certified teacher Darlene has taught in public and private secondary schools, including York House in Vancouver and Henan Public School in Zhengzhou, China. She also taught Chemistry 11 and Math 11 at summer school for the Vancouver School Board. Most of her education work has been tutoring. She has tutored for the last 16 years. During the pandemic she started to tutor online using a specialized tutoring software program.
Outside of this life, Darlene has been a ski instructor for Whistler Blackcomb for over 25 years, teaching adults the fine art of skiing. She gets great enjoyment out of helping people achieve their goals; be it to pass a course, get high grades to go the university of their choice – or to slide down a ski slope on skis.
Wajd A.
Wajd is passionate about helping students succeed and currently serves as a teaching assistant at Western University in advanced Medical Science courses. Her teaching journey began in high school, where she volunteered as a kindergarten teacher assistant and a library assistant for Westmount Public School, and then proceeded to one-on-one tutor her high school peers in math and science subjects as requested by teachers. Through these experiences, Wajd has proven to many students that no goal is impossible to achieve, as long as they have the right guidance and resources. Beyond academia, Wajd thrives in leadership and community roles, as highlighted by her three-year experience as a Western International Ambassador, Peer Guide, and a librarian at Weldon. She supports multiple projects yearly, including international orientation planning. As described by many, Wajd is a social butterfly who cherishes opportunities to connect with others and can often be found in taekwondo and belly dancing classes, where she continues to build friendships and explore new passions.