Caroline F.

Caroline, an educator with a degree from Brigham Young University, brings a unique blend of enthusiasm and expertise to her tutoring sessions. To Caroline, learning is an exciting challenge, and she strives to cultivate that attitude in her students by making each session engaging and enjoyable for her students. She believes that her students have just as much to teach her as she does to teach them, fostering an environment of mutual respect and curiosity. She is deeply committed to helping children not only excel academically but also develop essential life skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Caroline’s goal is to inspire her students to see learning as an adventure, empowering them to approach each new challenge with confidence and a sense of fun. In her spare time, Caroline enjoys channeling her inner grandma by completing puzzles and reading dusty history books.

Colleen S.

Colleen Simmons realized as a child she wanted to become a teacher. She loved learning how to read and do basic math from her mother, Donna, who she says was still her best teacher ever! Growing up in Illinois, she started helping her peers and younger children with reading and math homework when she was in 6th grade. Like the acting bug that some folks get, teaching became her passion. Graduating in 1981 from Millikin University with a B.S. in Biology, she pursued further training and completed a teacher certification program at the U of I Springfield soon after. She began teaching and continued to add certifications and degrees to her resume. She obtained a middle school concept endorsement on her standard certificate, a second B.S. in Special Education from EIU, and two M.S. degrees in Educational Administration from EIU and Teacher Leadership from U of I Springfield, respectively. Throughout her career, she has not only worked in the classroom, but she also has privately tutored students after school. Her reputation as a caring and supportive teacher is something she cherishes. In 2019, Colleen and her husband retired to Texas. Retirement didn’t last long, since she found herself missing the enjoyment she got from working with students. In 2021, she began working once again as support staff, tutor, and ultimately, teacher in a science classroom. This year, she is working on a new challenge. She, along with a couple of friends, began developing a home-school pod service to help families who want another option for educating their children. Along with tutoring, Colleen enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and learning something new, like painting a watercolor, playing a new strategy game, or reading a mystery novel.

Steven O.

Steven O. brings over 25 years of dedicated teaching experience to his role as a tutor, with a proven track record of helping students succeed in subjects including Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry, Social Studies, U.S. History, and World History. His journey into education began unexpectedly but meaningfully, leading to a rewarding career that culminated in his retirement from San Antonio College—where he spent decades inspiring and guiding students.

Steven is known for his engaging personality, which helps build strong connections with learners and creates an encouraging and supportive learning environment. His unwavering commitment to student success and deep-rooted passion for education are the cornerstones of his teaching philosophy. Whether breaking down complex math concepts or bringing history to life, Steven is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential.

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.

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.

Garrett R.

With 15 years experience in New York City public schools, Garrett Ramirez has a long track record of tutoring students in a wide range of subjects. His listening and communication skills have been honed through numerous one-to-one assignments across varied grade levels, supporting students in reading, writing, vocabulary, math skills and, his specialty, social studies. In his free time, he loves the outdoors and volunteering in his community.

Kelinda Y.

Kelinda, a master tutor, has nineteen years of experience dedicated to supporting and educating students with disabilities. Kelinda holds a Grade 6-8 Social Studies State of New Jersey Standard Teaching Certificate, acquired through successful completion of the Praxis exam and incorporating course from her Business Administration degree. Additionally, she holds the following standard instructional certificates issued by the state of New Jersey: Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Teacher of English as a Second Language, and Elementary Education Grades K-6. Kelinda is an experienced instructor of Strategic Reading and Multi-Sensory Phonics programs. With experience spanning from Pre-K to 12th grade, she currently serves as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant at a middle school within an Essex County School District.

Kelinda’s passion for teaching and learning drive her to tutor, seeing it as a reciprocal learning process as she guides her students towards growth. Although her current role is as a member of her school’s child study team, Kelinda provides direct instruction as in-class support for students with cognitive impairments and as a teacher during extended school year sessions. Kelinda is committed to encouraging her students to embrace challenges without fear, emphasizing that mistakes made while facing challenges promote self-growth and confidence. Her joy in her profession stems from providing a safe and nurturing environment for her students to think and strive.

Kelinda enjoys maintaining an active by going to the gym, particularly favoring Zumba and Aqua classes. She is also an avid traveler who relishes exploring new places and dining at exceptional restaurants.

Maria Z.

With over 29 years of dedicated experience as a classroom teacher, Maria has cultivated a strong foundation in teaching and leadership in private schools in San Antonio, Texas. As a versatile educator for grades 3-8, Maria led various extracurricular activities, including chess and math clubs, while serving as a mentor for new staff and a coordinator for multiple programs. Being a tutor allows Maria to teach with differentiated learning techniques which is invaluable for addressing the diverse needs of students at varying levels of ability and learning styles. By tailoring instruction to meet individual strengths and challenges, she creates a more inclusive and engaging learning environment which not only accommodates different learning preferences but also fosters a sense of ownership over the student’s education. Being nominated for Teacher of the Year twice in her career, exemplifies the respect Maria has from her peers not only as an educator, but also as a person of character.
Holding a B.A. in International Relations from St. Mary’s University and a K-8 Texas Teacher Certificate from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Maria is passionate about leveraging her initiative and strong work ethic to make a meaningful impact in education. Coming from a military family with roots in New York, her wanderlust to travel America comes naturally. She brings concepts from her travels into her teaching to give her students a wider depth of knowledge and connections to material.

Martha B.

Martha has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration and focus on Reading and Literacy. With a background in education, Martha has experience developing and enhancing reading curricula to empower students academically throughout their academic studies. She also has experience preparing students for academic rigor by assessing social-emotional attitudes and overall well-being regarding reading and literacy. Student engagement is critical to academic success. Martha strives to educate students comprehensively and holistically.

Going by “Marsha” as her nickname, Marsha attended Louisiana State University for an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, while minoring in English, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Educating to empower all those within her reach has always been her passion, as she believes that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding can eliminate barriers to prosperity, and provide a safety net that will impact generations. Knowledge is a powerful tool. Reading critically and analytically is a fundamental tool that paves the way to excel in all other subjects.

Marsha’s passion, commitment, resilience, and tenacity in serving students and families are interwoven into the fabric of her Being. She considers it an honor and privilege to provide families with high-quality tutoring. Marsha provides students with comprehensive tutoring which entails tailored academic support to assist students in thriving beyond their expectations.