Christopher G.

Growing up in Southern California, Christopher G. had a curiosity of his natural surroundings that led him to pursue an Associate of Science degree in Geology thus fostering his passion for the sciences and paving the way for him to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science at California State University, Fullerton. While attending college Christopher began professionally tutoring other students, and as a result initiated his journey in educating. Since graduating Christopher continues tutoring K-12 students where he actively contributes to improving scientific and mathematical literacy along with reading and writing skills. As a mentor, Christopher believes that by building a strong connection with his students he can better meet their individual needs and expand their learning capacity. He finds the experience he’s garnered to be enjoyable and extremely fulfilling. When he’s not attending to academic endeavors you can find him traveling and supporting his favorite teams alongside his family.

 

Shanaka R.

Dr. Shanaka R. has 19 plus years of research and supervision experience and over 10 years of teaching experience of students and other professionals with diverse backgrounds and ages. He has a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, a Master’s degree in human pathology, Ph.D. in human pathology and post-doctoral training in molecular virology and cell biology/microbiology. He believes in students and their future, and to encourage less enthusiastic students more enthusiastic and make them hard-working, to prepare them for nothing but to “ace” in examinations. He does not believe in cramming but learning by heart. He has a broad understanding of scientific principles and techniques that is required to prepare the students in facing their examinations and for them to be eligible for various career paths. His main objective would be to instill their “enthusiasm and passion” through his life-long passion, love, discoveries and commitment toward science and medicine. During the teaching process, he would also enlighten interest of his students with the cutting-edge discoveries of science mainly to elevate their interest and increase the retention power of their subject matter. He will incorporate these concepts in a fun, more interesting and in a concise manner and teach them the proper strategies of studying hard to understand concepts, visualize better, be more practical and aid in study-note preparation. He will also teach new studying methods. He can educate students in the following subject areas and/or any related: biology, zoology, plant science, earth science, cell biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biological chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, immunology, laboratory science methods, thesis writing, scientific seminar preparation, basics of pharmacology and drug science, pathology and human disease, physiology. Also, specialized sub-areas such as, basic forensics, computer software (MS office, Photoshop, basic bioinformatics relating to science) recombinant DNA/RNA/protein technology, biotechnology, plant/animal/microbial taxonomy. He can also teach arts, painting and craft work. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, other art and crafts, cooking, US and world travel, going on cruises, music, concerts, pets, gardening, hiking, nature, family time and engage in outreach activities.

 

 

 

JOLENE S.

Jolene S. is entering her 6th year as a science educator in the New York City Department of Education, and is a resident of Harrison, NY. Jolene graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree and also obtained an Emergency Medical Technician – Basic Certification. Following graduation, she joined the New York City Teaching Fellows, where she was trained to teach Biology, Grades 7-12. She received her Masters of Arts in Teaching and a concentration in Adolescent Online Learning from the Relay Graduate School of Education. For the first five years of her teaching career, Jolene worked at the High School of Language and Innovation in Pelham Parkway, Bronx, where she taught Living Environment, Astronomy, Health, Introduction to Psychology and Senior Thesis. Jolene also collaborated with students to create an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Club, where students learned basic first aid skills and received certifications in CPR/AED training. In her 6th year, she is now working in Harlem at Central Park East High School, where she is teaching Biology and Astronomy. As a teacher, Jolene’s goals are to empower every student, show how learning science can be fun and immersive, and to bring out the inquisitive and curious scientist in each individual! When she is not teaching, Jolene enjoys writing short stories, stargazing, bike riding and hiking.

Kayla H.

Meet Kayla Hicks, a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student. Kayla grew up in Oklahoma City where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Oklahoma State University. There she taught high school students from Phnom Penh, Cambodia formal grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation of spoken and written English. She also tutored college students in English, Essay writing, and Psychology. Kayla then moved to Illinois to work toward her Graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Midwestern University where she is expected to graduate in May of 2023. Kayla has gained professional experience as a Speech Pathology graduate student who has facilitated evaluation and intervention in neurodegenerative disorders of communication (TBI/ABI, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Cognition, Aphasia, etc.) and children with unique communication needs (Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder, AAC, Autism, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Articulation, Language, Social learning, etc.) Through speech and language intervention, she has been able to foster her love of teaching and support students and adults with unique needs across multiple subjects to meet their educational goals. She has been able to make her students feel more confident in the classroom and their personal life by supporting improvement in writing, reading, vocabulary, language, speech, and math.

Kayla’s experience has allowed her to be flexible and adaptable with all students. She offers a calm, yet welcoming demeanor, infectious joy, candor, and positivity. In her spare time, Kayla loves going on walks, playing games, laser tag, and dancing. Kayla also spends her time helping out at a local dance studio, where she gets to share her love of dance. You can catch Kayla with a big smile on her face, helping someone become their best self.

JOSEPH C.

Joseph’s passion for education stems from his time working as a research scientist at Princeton University and Rowan University. Through mentoring students in higher education, he discovered his interest in tutoring. Tutoring, like science, is a dynamic field where great tutors always observe, assess, design, research, and take new approaches to engage their students. Currently, as a high-school teacher, Joseph uses these skills to identify the strengths of each student and incorporates them into addressing their specific needs. He focuses on a relationship-based approach in education, in which he relates the topic to the everyday lives of his students. He has a proven record of success in AP Biology and Regents-level sciences, such as Living Environment and Chemistry.