Kelly D.

Dr. Kelly D. brings over 16 years of educational experience, specializing in literacy development and student achievement. With a Ph.D. in Literacy and Curriculum Development from St. John’s University, he has a strong foundation in helping students enhance their reading and writing skills, improving literacy scores by up to 80% through targeted, evidence-based strategies. As a former ELA teacher and literacy coach, Dr. Downing is skilled in creating individualized learning plans that address each student’s unique needs, ensuring academic growth and confidence. His leadership as Executive Director of a college and career readiness institute further highlights his commitment to preparing students for long-term success, both academically and professionally. Dr. Downing is passionate about inspiring students to reach their highest potential.

Michael N.

Michael is a patient and knowledgeable teacher, tutor for English, History, reading, writing, and test prep classes, with experience working with students of all levels of aptitude and academic interest. Born and raised in New York City, Michael is a product of its public schools system, and the later recipient of two Ivy League degrees, one from Cornell and the other from Columbia University. He’s worked for many years in both public and charter schools, teaching a diverse group of young learners, helping them to become stronger readers, writers, and critical thinkers. As a tutor, Michael has over ten years of experience working one-on-one with a vast array of clients, with ages ranging from pre-K to graduate school students and adult professionals. Michael likes to say that he works with “big kids, little kids and medium sized kids” and this has been the case throughout his extensive career.

Juan F.

Juan F. is a highly experienced tutor with over seven years of expertise in guiding students through Mathematics, English, and Reading. With a M.S. in Data Science and a B.S. in Operations Research, he helps students develop strategic problem-solving skills, ensuring they approach the Test/Exam with confidence and efficiency.

His proficiency in mathematics, data analysis, and reading comprehension allows him to craft tailored lesson plans that emphasize critical thinking, time management, and test-taking strategies. Juan understands the challenges students face and focuses on ensuring students maximize their scores by understanding question patterns rather than just memorizing formulas. Juan also makes learning engaging, whether through interactive problem-solving or real-world applications of test concepts. His ability to connect with students and his expertise makes him a dedicated and highly effective tutor who helps students unlock their full potential.

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.

Brendan G.

Brendan Gorman is committed to empowering students to advance achievement. With over 16 years of experience in education, specializing in grades 6th to 12th English Language Arts, Brendan has extensive experience working with gifted and talented populations. He partners with families to create engaging and effective instructional experiences. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Francis College and a Master of Arts in School Building Leadership from St. John’s University.

In his spare time, Brendan works with a nonprofit that teaches public speaking skills to students around the country. Brendan has specific experience teaching writing in both AP courses and college credit courses. He has run review classes for college entrance exams and AP exams. He has also worked with students to craft college essays and supplements. He believes in the revolutionary impact of education and equipping students with the tools necessary to create a lasting impact in their academic careers. He also believes that bios can only tell you so much. Schedule a session to see if he is the right fit for your family!

Rachel P.

Rachel graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa cum Laude from Reed College before going on to earn her Masters and become a Doctoral Candidate in Classics at UC Berkeley–she can also train a wild horse, work concrete, and process game. With more than ten years’ teaching experience at the high school level, and even more at the collegiate level, you’re in good hands with Rachel, across subjects from Anatomy to Zoology. Rachel is a voracious learner and credits this authentic curiosity to her success in connecting with young people during her career. She is a neurospicy Boise native who loves animals and playing with her amazing kiddo. Rachel believes that being human is too hard to do alone, and that powerful things are possible through connection. For her, the purpose of tutoring is to meet students where they are and support them in developing transferable strategies and tools that foster independence, confidence, and achievement as they progress along their educational journeys.

Ken L.

Ken earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Purdue University. He went to a well-known university in Shanghai when he was 15 years old. Ken has more than 30 years of college math teaching experience. He has great patience tutoring any type of student, and he always tries to find ways to relate math to real world situations. He is knowledgeable in a wide range of subjects. Recently, he began tutoring a college student in economics. His personal life experience shows that he is a fighter and a very kind person. He places great importance on the people he connects with. Once a shy boy during college, now he can talk to anyone. Ken wants to make a very positive impact on anyone he tutors.

Lance F.

I’m a mechanical engineer working in the musculoskeletal biomechanics section at Southwest Research Institute. I’ve always enjoyed teaching and tutoring and have been doing it for nearly a decade. I cover all things STEM and bring a unique working experience to tutoring.

Deanna P.

With over 16 years of dedicated experience in education, Deanna has had the privilege of shaping young minds as an elementary classroom teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, professional development specialist, and private tutor.

Her journey in education began with a profound appreciation for the impact that targeted instruction can have on a child’s learning and self-esteem. This inspired her to pursue master’s degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy, where she discovered the transformative power of literacy in unlocking a student’s potential.

Throughout her career, she has witnessed firsthand the joy and instant gratification that comes from helping students thrive through explicit and systematic instruction in areas of need aligned to assessment data. Her style of teaching is meeting students where they are and taking them to where they need to be, while instilling the power of “yet” and a growth mindset. Instead of “I can’t do this,” it becomes “I can’t do this yet.”

Deanna’s passion for literacy and commitment to student success extend beyond the classroom walls, as she strives to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for every child. She looks forward to partnering with you to ensure your child receives the personalized support they need to reach their full potential.

Dr. Howard C.

Dr. Howard C. received his BS with Cum Laude, MS, and PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle. While he was attending UW, he worked as a teaching and research assistant at the University of Washington Graduate School. He spent a better part of his career as a research engineer in fingerprinting audio, image and video streams. He has received a total of three U.S. patents. After his retirement from industry, Dr. C. started tutoring students in all levels of math, physics, and statistics. It is his pleasure to help students to appreciate the mechanics behind learning these subjects. His students come from many prominent schools and school districts. To Dr. C., math is a passion. He always encourages students “to see” instead of “to memorize”. A picture is worth more than 1,000 words.