François-Michel L.

François-Michel L. discovered his love of teaching and tutoring when he taught a computer class while still in high school and has resided in the Washington DC area since 1991. He graduated with High Honors from Princeton University with an AB in Classics and wrote his senior thesis on ancient Greek epic poems (it wasn’t all Greek to him ). He then obtained an MSE degree in Computer and Information Science from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a sought-after tutor in both French and Computer Science. After graduating, he worked for ten years as an IT director at Fannie Mae before becoming a Scientific Systems Developer at the National Institutes of Health. At every job he has worked, he has had the great privilege of teaching technical and/or business classes to junior staff and providing one-on-one coaching as a corporate mentor. He is known as a dynamic and entertaining presenter and public speaker, holds both French and American citizenship, and is qualified to teach and tutor English, French, Latin, Math, and Linux. François is also allergic to cats, so please let him know if you have furry feline friends so he can take his allergy eyedrops ahead of time!

M. Galal

Mr. Galal is not your average educator—he’s a dynamic force in the classroom, blending the discipline and focus of a black belt martial artist with the passion and dedication of an experienced educator. With a distinguished background in teaching English as a second language (ESOL), standardized test preparation such as SAT, GMAT & GRE, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams, Mr. Galal holds a Master’s of Arts degree with honors in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and is certified as a PREK-12/ESOL teacher in both Washington, D.C. and the State of Maryland.

With over two decades of experience in education, Mr. Galal has taught and trained students across a wide array of settings—from K-12 schools to community colleges and universities. He is currently a full-time multilingual educator who teaches English as a second language, AP US History, and SAT preparation at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C. and he is a test preparation instructor at the American University. In addition, he serves as an AP test reader for ETS (Educational Testing Service) while managing a couple of test preparation centers he founded in Cairo, Egypt. He has also been recognized with multiple honors, including the United Nations Honor Medals for his service during peacekeeping missions. Besides his witty personality, Mr. Galal has also been known as “the teacher you don’t want to mess with!” since he once was a black belt, internationally ranked Karate player!

Caleb W.

Caleb is from Billings, Montana and was the first Native American Valedictorian at West High School. He has mentored and tutored high school students for nearly a decade to help them prepare for and apply to college. A few of the elite universities his students have been accepted to are: Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, and Amherst College. Caleb has a M.A in Native Food Systems from Montana State University and a B.A in Environmental Studies from Amherst College. His relevant professional career experience has ranged from being a college prep coach to working as a graduate research and teaching assistant. Having recently graduated, he is young enough to relate to your child while being old enough to have the lived experience to share. Caleb believes that academic success comes from a holistic understanding of one’s personal goals and playing off of one’s strengths. Outside of work he enjoys camping, trivia, and getting friends together to play board games.

Matthew R.

Matthew’s journey into education was an unexpected yet deeply rewarding path. After earning a BA in Television, Film, and New Media, he initially pursued a career in the film industry. However, in 2013, while teaching a film course at the Digital Media Academy summer tech camp, he discovered a passion for guiding young scholars toward academic, creative, and professional success. This experience inspired him to pursue a single-subject teaching credential, leading him to a fulfilling career in education.

Since 2018, Matthew has been an educator at The Preuss School, UC San Diego, where he has honed his teaching philosophy and instructional methods. Initially stepping in to fill a vacancy in the Drama department, he transformed the curriculum into a film-based program that integrates Art, English, and History. His courses reinforce grade-level ELA comprehension and writing skills through in-depth units on story structure, plot development, character analysis, and thematic content. Students apply these skills to writing their own screenplays, while Film I students explore film theory and cinema history. In his advanced Film II/Honors Film course, students engage in collaborative, hands-on projects that guide them through all stages of video production, from pre-production to post-production.

Matthew’s adaptability and innovation were especially evident during the pandemic when The Preuss School transitioned to remote learning for two years. While many educators faced challenges, he embraced the format, finding new ways to engage students and enhance learning through strategic virtual instruction. He firmly believes that, when thoughtfully designed, virtual learning can be just as impactful—if not more—than in-person instruction.

His passion lies in inviting students into the vibrant world of poetry, literature, and history and watching them engage with enthusiasm. Through teaching, he hopes to foster a deep sense of global awareness, empathy, and compassion in his students, empowering them to express themselves through both written and visual storytelling.

Matthew is eager to begin the tutoring process for students in need of support in English, reading, writing, history, social studies, college essay writing, and test prep. Additionally, with his background in Film, he is thrilled to assist students seeking help with video production, editing, or acting. His expertise also extends to Public Speaking and Debate courses, providing students with valuable skills to enhance their speaking abilities.

Matthew is excited to bring his expertise and passion for education to Prep Academy Tutors, where he continues to support students in their academic journeys.

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!

Hong-Mei L.

Hong-Mei holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the Wharton School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Dickinson College and completed PhD coursework in chemistry. With eight years of tutoring experience, she has worked as a teaching assistant and instructor in math and chemistry. Professionally, she has managed nanotechnology, biomedical studies, and engineering programs at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. In 2019, she represented global policy for the Major Group for Children and Youth at the United Nations and was a panelist at the Geneva Academy of Science conference 2020. A certified breathwork and meditation instructor for over 13 years, she teaches globally to help individuals reach their potential. Outside of yoga and meditation, she enjoys traveling, running, cooking, and hiking.

Vera V.

For the past 19 years, Vera has been teaching mathematics at the high school level, from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus, in some of New Jersey’s top private and public schools. She is the Central Jersey Math League director for Middlesex High School and creates curriculum on Rubicon Atlas Curriculum for Algebra 2 for the district of Middlesex.

Vera obtained an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Physics as well as a Master’s in Educational Administration from Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City.

While Vera believes that students are ultimately responsible for their own learning, she sees teaching as an opportunity to inspire and motivate them in the process. Her goal is to help each student reach their highest potential by fostering a love of learning. As a passionate learner herself, Vera strives to make that enthusiasm contagious.

A successful educator recognizes the uniqueness of each student and adapts instruction to accommodate different learning styles. Creating engaging, student-centered experiences is essential to fostering curiosity and encouraging independent learning. Vera believes in challenging students with meaningful, achievable tasks that build their confidence—success breeds success.

Beyond the classroom, Vera prioritizes being available to students, offering extra support after class and at the end of the school day. Learning is a collaborative effort, and when teachers and students work together, they create an environment where everyone can grow and succeed.

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!

Jennifer C.

Jen graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in secondary education mathematics, and completed a Masters Degree in Online Teaching and Learning from Concordia University. Jen taught almost every subject available in high school mathematics and for the past two years tutors students preparing to take the SAT. She taught math for about 20 years! She is passionate about helping people and making meaningful connections that promote the desire for life long learning.

Outside of class, Jen works in Real Estate and has many hobbies including running, biking, swimming, lifting weights, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Michelle S.

Michelle is an energetic tutor with a wide array of experience and a fervor for teaching and learning. She grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina and earned a double major in Philosophy and Medicine, Science, and the Humanities from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Currently, she is a first year medical student at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. With experience working as both an EMT and a tutor to many different kinds of students, she finds immense joy in helping others whether through the practice of medicine or by fostering a love for learning and personal growth. For Michelle, tutoring is not only about mastering material but about building confidence and a curiosity for the world around us; connecting with students is one of her favorite parts of tutoring, and she is always grateful for the opportunity to help a student find themselves and their interests. Michelle has experience working with age groups ranging from pre-k to university, and has enjoyed the unique aspects of working with every single age group. Throughout the years Michelle has taught math, English, and science, and she especially loves to teach chemistry and biology. Michelle loves to travel, especially countries in which she can practice languages she has studied in the past, such as Italian and French. In her free time, she works on her clinical research projects, plays volleyball, lifts weights, and experiments with cooking. She also loves spending time outdoors with Roxy, 2 year old puppy.