Ryan C.
With 16 years of classroom experience, Ryan has taught math at nearly every level from 6th grade through AP Calculus BC. Holding both a Bachelor’s in Math and a Master’s in Education, he specializes in spotting where students get stuck and helping them build real confidence ahead of major tests and AP exams. Known for being a supportive “smart friend” in sessions, Ryan uses visual tools like Desmos to help make abstract topics make sense without all the stress, and uses humor to make difficult situations more approachable. Outside of teaching, Ryan stays active outdoors playing pickleball, going on runs, and enjoying puzzles.
Zoe K.
Zoe is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned her B.S. in Global Health. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Medical Physiology at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Originally from Los Angeles, Zoe moved to Madison for undergrad, spent a semester living in Madrid, and now lives in Chicago while completing her master’s and preparing for medical school.
Zoe has experience with both group and one-on-one tutoring, and loves working with students of all ages. Helping students feel more confident and capable is what she finds most rewarding as a tutor. She especially enjoys making learning feel approachable and helping students find study strategies that work for them. Zoe has also worked as a caregiver, an EMT, and has volunteered with Make-A-Wish.
Outside of school and work, Zoe loves baking, hiking, staying active, and spending time with her family.
Petros A.
Petros is a Magna Cum Laude Computer Science graduate from Concordia University Texas with a passion for helping students build confidence in math, science, computer science, and technology. A lifelong learner himself, Petros credits several outstanding teachers with sparking his early interest in STEM—and he now enjoys creating those same “lightbulb moments” for his own students.
With a strong academic foundation spanning algebra, geometry, calculus, numerical analysis, biology, computer science, and advanced technology coursework, Petros brings both subject knowledge and a patient, step-by-step approach to tutoring. He is especially skilled at breaking complex concepts into manageable pieces, helping students understand not just how to solve a problem, but why the solution works.
Petros also has extensive experience with computer programming and software development, including Python, Java, JavaScript, SQL, HTML/CSS, React, TypeScript, Next.js, Express.js, and MongoDB. His background allows him to support students ranging from those exploring coding for the first time to students tackling more advanced computer science concepts.
Above all, Petros wants students to develop confidence, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for learning. Whether he is explaining an algebra equation, working through calculus, or helping a student understand a piece of code, he meets students where they are and guides them through the process one step at a time.
Outside of academics, Petros enjoys gaming, running Dungeons & Dragons campaigns for friends, experimenting in the kitchen, and embracing all things nerdy. Whether he’s baking pie or teaching students how to find pi, Petros believes learning should be engaging, approachable, and even fun.
Ellis S.
Dr. Ellis S. brings a unique combination of advanced mathematical training, engineering expertise, university teaching, and more than 25 years of experience teaching and tutoring mathematics.
Ellis began his professional career as an engineer and ultimately served as a Senior Principal Engineer at Raytheon Systems Company, where he specialized in the design and analysis of airborne radar systems. During his engineering career, he also developed and conducted technical training programs for engineers at Raytheon, various University Extension courses, and at Air Force and Navy bases throughout the continental United States, including training for a group from the Israeli Air Force. He holds a PhD in Engineering from UCLA.
Following his retirement from engineering, Ellis pursued his longstanding passion for mathematics education. He earned an MS in Applied Mathematics from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and went on to teach and tutor mathematics extensively. His teaching experience encompasses mathematics through Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Statistics. His most recent university teaching position was at California State University, Northridge.
Ellis particularly enjoys helping students who initially find mathematics challenging. His engineering and teaching backgrounds have taught him to approach difficult mathematical ideas from multiple perspectives and to explain them in clear, understandable terms. He emphasizes genuine understanding and problem-solving skills rather than simply memorizing formulas and procedures.
Now retired from full-time teaching, Ellis finds tutoring especially rewarding. He takes great satisfaction in seeing students gain confidence, overcome obstacles, and discover that mathematical concepts they once found intimidating can become understandable and manageable.
His combination of extensive mathematical knowledge, real-world engineering experience, university-level teaching, and a genuine passion for helping students makes Ellis a dedicated and an effective Mathematics tutor.
Alexis M.
Alexis is a passionate and dedicated tutor pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering at Louisiana State University. With two years of tutoring experience, she has developed a genuine passion for helping students understand challenging material and become more confident in their academic abilities. Studying engineering has strengthened her problem-solving and critical thinking skills while teaching her the importance of patience, persistence, and looking at problems from different perspectives—skills she brings into every tutoring session.
Alexis enjoys breaking down challenging concepts into simple, manageable steps and finding different ways to explain material until it clicks for a student. She believes that every student learns differently and that struggling with a subject does not mean they are incapable of succeeding. Her goal is to create a comfortable and encouraging environment where students feel confident asking questions, making mistakes, and learning along the way.
Outside of school and tutoring, Alexis enjoys traveling, drawing, painting, and spending time with her friends and family. She loves finding creative ways to express herself and believes learning is just as much about curiosity and creativity as it is about getting the right answer. After all, engineering may be about solving problems, but there is always room for a little creativity along the way. Alexis looks forward to using her experience, perspective, and passion for learning to help students discover that learning can be challenging, rewarding, and maybe even a little fun.
Brenna S.
Brenna S. decided to become a teacher in high school. During this time, she tutored friends who were at-risk of dropping out.
Armed with this powerful experience, Brenna began college at the University of Montana – Western, where she started writing curriculums that combined collaboration and communication techniques with project-based learning to help students better understand the content.
Benna continued her education at the University of Montana, where she became the campus coordinator for America Reads – America Counts, which included tutoring K-12 students every week.
Brenna completed a Bachelors of Mathematics Education at the University of Montana, with a minor in Theatre. During her time in Missoula, she worked for a summer school program, as a substitute teacher in a private school that focused on hands-on learning, and occasionally taught at one of the local public high schools.
Brenna loves guiding students in mathematics and language arts and focuses on how the concepts covered in each are relevant to daily life. She believes any student can achieve academic success, and that practice and perseverance are crucial to success in the classroom and beyond.
When she’s not teaching or tutoring, Brenna enjoys writing. She is currently completing a high-school Geometry curriculum guide and a novella. In addition to writing, Brenna also enjoys biking, hiking, swimming, and kayaking.
Carly K.
Carly graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BA in Political Science and Educational Studies and Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s in Education. She holds credentials in foundational mathematics in California and Washington DC, where she began her teaching career before moving to San Diego. She also holds a DC credential in Special Education, and has experience providing special education services in inclusion, co-taught, and intervention/support classes.
Carly loves working with students to improve their confidence in math, strengthen their foundational skills, and connect math to real world situations that interest them. Her approach to teaching math uses what students DO know and understand to bridge the gaps in content they are struggling with. In her free time, she can be found baking sourdough, practicing yoga, or at the beach or farmer’s market.
Deborah K.
With 26 years of experience teaching middle and high school mathematics, Debbie is passionate about helping students build confidence and become stronger problem solvers. She has taught nearly every secondary math course and currently works as a math coach in Sarasota County, supporting both teachers and students in developing meaningful math understanding.
Debbie earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Education as well as her Master’s degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Education. She specializes in breaking down challenging concepts into manageable steps and creating engaging, hands-on lessons that help students make connections and feel more confident in math.
In addition to classroom instruction, Debbie has extensive experience preparing students for the ACT, SAT, CLT, and Florida EOCs for Algebra 1 and Geometry. She believes every student can succeed in math with the right guidance, encouragement, and strategies. Her favorite part of tutoring is helping students reach those “aha” moments that build both understanding and confidence.
Outside of education, Debbie loves exploring hiking trails with her family and curling up with a great book while her dog, Maui, keeps her company.
Davina R.
This is Davina, an Exercise Physiologist with a passion not only for helping people move better, but also for teaching and mentoring. She discovered this passion while serving as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Connecticut during her Master’s program. In that role, she supported the course instructor through grading, facilitating labs, holding office hours, and fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. Through this experience, she quickly realized that supporting students’ learning was one of her true callings.
Her academic journey began at Hampton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2021. After taking a gap year to gain hands-on experience in the field, she returned to pursue her Master’s in Exercise Science at the University of Connecticut, graduating in 2024.
Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in the sciences and mathematics, making her confident in tutoring students in these subjects. Her approach to tutoring is centered on meeting students where they are and helping them discover the most effective ways to understand and retain information.
Throughout her education, she remained committed to serving her community. As an undergraduate, she was actively involved in an organization called G.I.R.L., where she served as the Community Service Chair, working with students from elementary through high school to promote confidence, identity development, and positivity. During her graduate studies, she volunteered with her church’s youth ministry and continues to mentor and support students in their personal and spiritual growth. In her spare time, she enjoys rollerskating, baking, and spending time with her loved ones.
Gamal M.
With over 30 years of classroom experience and a deep passion for student success, Gamal M. brings a wealth of mathematical expertise to our tutoring team. Gamal holds a B.S. in Mathematics and is a State-Certified Educator for grades 7 through 12.
His career spans from teaching honors-level programs internationally to providing dedicated homebound and after-school support right here in the Waterbury community. Whether a student is navigating the foundations of Algebra and Geometry or tackling advanced Calculus and Trigonometry, Gamal excels at breaking down complex concepts into manageable, “lightbulb” moments. His patient, student-centered approach ensures that every learner—from middle schoolers to high school seniors—gains the confidence and skills needed to excel in the classroom and beyond.