PHIOLA M.

Phiola M. taught both middle and high school mathematics for 19 years in the New York City Public and Charter School systems. Most of her experience in the past ten years has been in NYS Regents Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 classrooms and she has taught all grade levels from 8th grade to 12th. Phiola also taught coding for 5 years and developed a curriculum for incoming 9th graders. Phiola tutors after school and brings all of her knowledge about Regents preparation, conceptual undersatnding and calculator use to her sessions. Her motto is “Math is my Gift, Teaching is my Passion! Helping society to cultivate inquisitive math students is my vocation.”

Lynda E.

Lynda is a Math and Physics teacher with 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, private tutoring, and Gifted and Talented programs. She has a Master’s in Physics with a concentration in Education from University of Virginia, certificate in Leaders of Learning from Harvard University, and holds teaching certificates in Math, Physics, Elementary Education, Students with Disabilities, and Middle School Science.

Lynda specializes in demystifying challenging math and physics concepts by (1) explaining concepts as clearly as possible, (2) performing examples in order to model the problem-solving process, and (3) providing several practice problems to work up to mastery. While she is a professional, Lynda enjoys conversing in a casual tone (think more Penny, less Sheldon), as math and science are often culprits for producing anxiety in students. Whether you are aiming for that 800 on the Math SAT, or simply trying to make it through your physics course unscathed, please think of Lynda as someone who can help you attain your goal!

Ian G.

After receiving Bachelor’s degrees in History and French in his home state of Arkansas, Ian moved to the Northeast to begin his professional career as an educator. While serving as a literacy coach in a public school in Washington, DC, Ian helped to integrate new strategies and hybridized learning amid the COVID lockdown. In the fall of 2021 Ian led a class of 5th graders in their transition back to in-person instruction after the shutdown. He served as a lead history and humanities teacher for two years before segueing into out-of-school time education. Ian helped to implement an afterschool program for students in Harlem, developing curriculum, and leading homework help and enrichment activities for participants. In total, Ian has over a decade of tutoring and education experience. Ian loves to inspire wonder in all of his students, and prioritizes an individualized approach to ensure all students get the education they deserve.

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.

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!

DENICE H.

With a passion for mathematics and a commitment to student success, Denice has taught a variety of courses including AP Statistics, AP Calculus AB & BC, AP Precalculus, Geometry, Algebra, Finance, and Economics, over her distinguished 24 years as a high school Mathematics Instructor on Long Island. Her teaching philosophy centers on utilizing multisensory techniques to enhance understanding and engagement, catering to diverse learning styles. She creates a supportive and interactive environment where students feel empowered to explore mathematical concepts and develop critical thinking skills.
Over the years, Denice has consistently achieved outstanding results in AP exams and NYS Mathematics Regents Exams, helping students not only excel academically, but also develop a deep appreciation for the subject. She is exceptionally qualified to help students excel in NYS Regents exams due to the fact that she works as an Educational Specialist for the NYS Board of Education, helping to create Math Regents Exams.
She also enjoys exploring real-world applications of mathematics and integrating technology to make learning more dynamic. Mrs. Halpern is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of mathematicians and problem solvers!

Thad F.

With a bachelor’s degree from the Air Force Academy and a master’s from theUniversity of Dayton, Thad’s credentials and experience run broad and deep. For over 30 years he has taught math, science, and English at the university level–all the way down through first grade. Thad’s passion and joy is helping students and their families overcome academic challenges and grow to thrive at the highest levels of their potential.

In his free time, Thad enjoys his six children and three grandchildren, tennis, hiking, photography, swing dancing, and food with his wife, Beth. He almost never meets a student with whom he does not enjoy working, and he hopes to continue teaching as long as his health allows–at least 50 more years!

“My son has had such a positive experience with his tutor from San Antonio Prep Academy! His SAT scores increased just after a few sessions. His tutor is diligent in working on exactly what my son needs, and it’s super convenient that he comes to our house! We love it!”

– Parent

Maggie B.

Mrs. Maggie B. has been a teacher and school administrator for 19 years and she loves to watch students succeed and grow. She has a bachelor’s degree in Literature from The University of North Florida and a Masters degree from The University of Texas San Antonio in Educational leadership and Curriculum & Instruction. She spent much of her own school days in Europe where she formed a love for traveling and other cultures. That love translated into her classroom when she traveled with her students to numerous countries and showed them the world! In the classroom, she taught high school English, writing, drama and acting. She has been a middle and high school administrator and, one of her favorite things, a coach for teachers as they improve their craft. She is very excited and looks forward to working with your student!

Jeffrey E. L.

Lauren H.

Lauren is a native New Yorker who spent her life steeped in all the art and culture the city has to offer. She is a born educator, lifelong learner, and giant nerd who is obsessed with music, literature, history, technology, and social justice. Lauren spent her formative years dedicated to writing and visual and performing arts, and still had time to get a perfect score on the SAT. She also worked as the Vocal Director and Science Lab Instructor at a camp for gifted and talented children. While studying studio production and composition at the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase she began tutoring students to prepare them for various standardized tests and subjects. Rather than attend law school, Lauren became a full-time tutor, and has been one for over 15 years. Lauren truly loves what she does, and aims for every student to become confident, intellectually curious, and passionate about learning. She believes education is holistic, enthusiasm infectious, and this is what keeps students engaged and excited to pursue their goals as they become better critical thinkers, readers, and problem solvers who are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible. In addition to tutoring and advising, she also teaches a robotics class in which elementary school children build and program their own Lego robots. Lauren’s passions include eating her way across every continent, collecting records, and curling. She has been playing the game, known as chess on ice, for 6 years, is a certified USA Curling instructor, and is also Co-Director of Education at Brooklyn Lakeside Curling Club.