Jaden A.

Jaden graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in French. During her studies, she had the opportunity to work on research in a chemistry lab during a five-month study abroad in Strasbourg, France. Jaden has worked in teaching roles for children all her life, and she’s spent the last year teaching middle school science (6th-8th grade) at a K-12 school. She helped further develop the curricula and increased the emphasis on laboratory experiments each class, convicted to teach through hands-on experience. Whether she is teaching horseback riding or forces and work, Jaden believes that allowing students to forge their own way to understanding Nature’s laws helps them develop confidence and fires their curiosity.

Emily P.

Emily is a certified teacher in Texas with a minor in teaching English as a Second Language. She also has experience as a behavioral therapist for children with autism. Passionate about personalized learning, she finds tutoring to be the perfect opportunity to support students at their individual levels.

As a tutor, Emily has primarily focused on reading, writing, math, and social studies, helping students achieve significant growth both in and out of the classroom. She strives to build confidence in her students, fostering a love for learning in a fun and engaging environment.

A mother of two young children, Emily is beginning her homeschooling journey with her oldest son this year. With plans to homeschool long-term, she deeply values meaningful, impactful lessons tailored to each child’s unique learning needs.

Christy C.

Christy graduated with honors from Texas State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in middle school education. As a certified teacher for grades 4-8, she taught writing and mathematics in public school classrooms. After marrying her active-duty military husband, Christy continued to educate through private tutoring and substitute teaching at various duty stations nationwide. She has worked with ages Pre-K – 8th grade with extensive experience in improving students ability to understand and solve multistep and mathematical word problems.

For the past eight years, she has focused on raising her two children, with whom she loves to go on adventures. Christy enjoys exploring new playgrounds, restaurants, and theme parks with her family, as well as practicing yoga and Pilates for personal relaxation.

Michael B.

Michael graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Masters of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, and a Bachelors of Science in Physics. He is currently finishing up a Masters in Philosophy.

Before joining Prep Academy Tutors, Michael had 4 years of experience as a Teaching Assistant and Tutor in both Mathematics and Philosophy. He also has served as a guest lecturer in philosophy courses. Michael’s commitment to his students is strong, and he cares deeply about teaching and helping people learn.

Shelley R.

Shelley R. is a certified English and German Teacher, grades 8-12. She grew up in Casper, Wyoming and completed an Undergraduate Degree in Secondary Education at University of Wyoming in 1994. She grew up with a deep love of travel and took the opportunity to be an exchange student in Germany in 1992-3. After returning and graduating, Shelley then wanted to use her passion for teaching and working with children. Starting in 1997, she taught English Language Arts in many states being a former military wife. She also taught German for 1 year in Kansas. As well, she completed a Postgraduate Degree in Secondary Education: Classroom Technology in 2003 at Kansas State University.
She has supported and invested in improving students’ academic skills using her passion for writing and reading. She believes that by building a solid relationship with her students, she can better meet their needs and grow their learning. As a former teacher of 18 years and a tutor, she continues to develop strategies for working with children. She finds working with children to be rewarding and fulfilling.

John R.

John D. R., M.Sc. is a Research Scientist for LuJo BioScience Laboratory (LuJo). He received a B.Sc. from Texas A&M International University, Laredo (2001), and a M.Sc. from the University of Texas at San Antonio (2006). Starting in 2011, he worked as a Senior Research Scientist for Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics (LHNVD) as Research and Development scientist specializing in infectious diseases. in 2007, he was a Staff Scientist with Conceptual Mindworks, Inc. developing anti-terrorism research using non-thermal atmospheric plasma and robotics for all branches of the military at Brooks Air Force Base.

Mr. Rodriguez possesses extensive experience with respiratory pathogens, molecular epidemiology and the development of pathogen diagnostics. He has trained several UTSA, LuJo, and LHNVD personnel (since 2000), has co-authored and published over 18 peer reviewed scientific articles on molecular diagnostics and microbiology, has presented scientific abstracts, posters, and lectures.

Mr. Rodriguez was also a certified former high school science and medical magnet school instructor for the Carrizo Springs CISD for two years (2009-2011). He is also a former UIL Science and Current Events coach who has taken teams of students to the regional competitions for 3A classification schools. His field of expertise are grades 9-12: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Microbiology, Health Careers and Technology, with associated hands-on teaching labs. He is held in high regard by his former hometown teachers and colleagues while teaching at Carrizo Springs High School.

Gregory S.

Gregory S. is a dedicated and accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in coaching, mentorship, leadership development, and educational instruction. His expertise lies in fostering student success, implementing individualized learning strategies, and developing programs that enhance academic performance.

Currently, Gregory serves as a teacher at Reagan High School in San Antonio, TX, where he delivers engaging and effective instruction tailored to diverse learning needs. He is committed to helping students build confidence, master subject material, and achieve academic success through innovative teaching methods. Alongside his classroom responsibilities, he supports students in credit recovery programs and provides mentorship to ensure their long-term success. Gregory also provides Math SAT tutoring for students at Reagan.

Previously, Gregory worked as an Instructional Facilitator at KIPP University Prep, where he managed a caseload of students with disabilities, developed individualized education plans (IEPs), and created inclusive learning environments. His ability to track student progress, coordinate with families, and implement strategic interventions has played a crucial role in improving student outcomes.

Gregory’s career spans various educational institutions, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt curriculum, integrate technology into instruction, and mentor students in academic and personal development. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, as he has played a key role in onboarding educators, developing online training programs, and facilitating student transition plans for post-graduation success.

A graduate of Gratz College with a Master of Arts in Education and Bryant University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Gregory has also been recognized for his contributions to education. He has presented at national conferences on differentiated instruction, developed student support initiatives, and received accolades such as the Core Value Award from KIPP Texas Public Schools. Additionally, his leadership extends to athletics, having served as a high school and college football captain and a varsity football coach.

Gregory Solomon is passionate about empowering students, implementing strategic learning solutions, and fostering academic growth. His extensive experience and dedication make him a transformative educator and mentor, committed to shaping future generations.

Nicole D.

Nicole graduated from New Mexico Highlands University with two Bachelor’s degrees, one in History and one in Elementary Education, with a minor in Bilingual Education. Nicole taught for eleven years, over the course of which she excelled at math and reading instruction. In addition to math and reading intervention, Nicole was a bilingual educator (Spanish) and a dyslexia interventionist. However, her real passion lies in Robotics and Computer Science.

Nicole has written Robotics/Computer Science curriculum for two districts. She has also taken several teams to competition with VEX and FIRST(tm) who have successfully won awards over the years.

In her spare time, Nicole enjoys visiting her daughter, who attends LSU, and spending time with her two dogs.

Courtney P.

Courtney P. holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy at the same institution, having successfully completed three out of four years of the program. During a recent break from her doctoral studies, she taught mathematics and science to 4th and 5th grade students at Prairie Lea ISD, where she also provided after-school tutoring for students in grades K–12 across a variety of STAAR-tested subjects.

Courtney has extensive experience delivering small-group and one-on-one interventions for students needing remedial support, as well as for bilingual emergent learners and those with special education needs. While her formal classroom experience is still growing, she brings a wealth of tutoring experience that began during her freshman year of high school. Over the years, she has supported students in mastering challenging Advanced Placement courses, including Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, U.S. History, and World History.

Outside of education, Courtney leads an active and dynamic lifestyle. She manages the 35-acre farm where she lives, enjoys kickboxing, and spends time with her two dogs. A talented cook and avid baker, she also enjoys sketching and has developed a strong knowledge of war and military collectibles, antique firearms, sports card trading, and coin collecting—interests she shares with her fiancée through their family business.

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.