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
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.
John S.
John S. is a fully licensed math teacher in California with five years of experience teaching middle school mathematics. A graduate of Marist College, John began his career on the southwest side of Oahu, Hawaii, where he also dedicated his time to coaching a variety of sports. Now a sixth-grade math teacher at Albert Einstein Academies in San Diego, he is excited to bring his passion for education and mentoring to students at Prep Academies. John believes in building strong relationships with his students and their families, and he applies his coaching philosophy to the classroom to help students succeed both inside and outside of their academic pursuits.
Anvitha E.
Anvitha Ellanki is a dedicated tutor from San Antonio, Texas, who blends academic excellence with a deep passion for mentoring and service. Graduated in the top 2% of her class at Health Careers High School and an AP Scholar, she has completed 15 AP courses and earned college credits in subjects like medical terminology, calculus, and English. Beyond the classroom, she’s led health fairs, coached debate students, and conducted research on everything from cactus moths to stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Whether she’s tutoring students, prepping students for UIL, or editing essays, Anvitha strives to create engaging, supportive, and personalized learning experiences. She’s fluent in English, Telugu, Tamil, and Spanish, trained in classical Indian dance, and believes that confidence and curiosity are the foundation of any student’s success. When she’s not tutoring, you’ll likely find her volunteering at a local hospital, performing Bharatanatyam on stage, or enthusiastically color-coding yet another planner.
Emily B.
Emily B. is a passionate and dedicated tutor currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana State University. She combines her analytical skills with a deep commitment to helping students succeed. Growing up as a student-athlete, she learned the value of discipline, time management, and perseverance, qualities she now instills in her students.
As a proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha, she has developed strong leadership and teamwork skills, which she brings into her tutoring sessions. She believes that every student has the potential to excel with the right guidance and encouragement. Her tutoring approach focuses on creating an engaging and supportive learning environment, tailoring lessons to fit each student’s unique needs.
With experience mentoring peers and younger students, she specializes in breaking down complex subjects into easy-to-understand concepts. Whether working with students on academic challenges or helping them build confidence in their abilities, she is committed to fostering a love of learning.
Sahil R.
Sahil is a full-time Math enthusiast and tutor. He enjoys helping middle school, high school, and college students learn Math and making each tutoring session enjoyable, interesting, and interactive!
Sahil tutors the following topics: Geometry, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and all SAT Math.
In his free time, Sahil enjoys exercising and spending time with friends and family.
He looks forward to working with you and skyrocketing your journey with Mathematics!
Alexandra H.
Alexandra (Alex) H. is an experienced tutor and teacher who has dedicated the last 12 years to helping kids (elementary through high school) achieve their highest potential. Alex has tutored and mentored children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds, including those with learning disabilities such as ADHD and moderate autism. She collaborates diligently with parents to ensure that their children not only improve their grades but also develop a love for learning by teaching them how to study and mentoring their success. Her specialty subjects are sciences, Spanish, and math. She taught at Cobb County school system Spanish 1, 2, 5, and AP.
Alex was born in Argentina. After high school, she relocated to the USA to further her studies. Alex obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in science majoring in chemistry with minors in physics and math at Georgia State University. Alex worked for fortune five hundred companies such as Amoco, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg’s for 27 years with several accomplishments in research & development, laboratory testing, employee training, management, and auditing. However, her dream was to become a professor or a teacher. She developed a passion for teaching and helping those who struggle with learning difficulties. Alex realized that many children and teenagers need additional help learning due to overcrowded classrooms, leading her to become a tutor.
Sai N.
Sai is a motivated graduate student at the University of Texas at San Antonio where he is pursuing a Master’s degree in biomedical engineering with the ultimate goal of applying to medical school and becoming a physician. He is hoping to work at the intersection of patient care and cutting edge medical technology. Sai graduated high school with 37 transferable AP credits; this in conjunction with his Biology undergraduate background and Engineering graduate background makes Sai a strong candidate for STEM subjects with a solid understanding of Math up to Calculus 2/BC, Chemistry from high school to Organic Chemistry 2 at the collegiate level, AP Physics, and PSAT/SAT and ACT Prep.
Alongside his academic pursuits, Sai has copious experience volunteering and working with special needs children over multiple summers between academic seasons as well volunteering experience at multiple free clinics in San Antonio that provide medical care to those in need completely free of charge to the patient. Through these activities, Sai has developed a deep affinity for working with people of all kinds of people and sharing a love for learning through companionship. In his free time, Sai enjoys training in boxing/muay thai and singing.
“Working with one of these tutors has been a game changer for my son. Professional and always listening to understand my son is learning not only how to master the content, but tips and tools to study in the ways which work best for him. I highly recommend working with one of these talented tutors!”
– Parent Testimonial