Jose P.
Jose. “Alex” P. is a linguistics student, tutor, and educator with a passion for language, the humanities, and helping students become more confident and engaged learners. Alex is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics in Global and Local Communities at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), with particular interest in the educational applications of linguistics and bilingual and ESL instruction.
Alex has gained experience working with students in several different educational settings, including private tutoring, in-class academic support, and K–12 substitute teaching. As a freelance tutor, Alex works directly with students and families to improve grades, strengthen content retention, assist with homework, and provide additional learning resources students can use outside of tutoring sessions.
Alex also worked as an in-class tutor with Woodlawn Academy in San Antonio ISD, supporting students both individually and in small groups while collaborating with classroom teachers and providing instruction aligned with Texas educational standards. Previous experience as a K–12 substitute teacher provided additional exposure to students across a wide range of ages, subjects, abilities, and classroom environments.
Language and communication are particular strengths for Alex. Their study of linguistics provides a valuable foundation for understanding how language works and how students acquire reading, writing, and second-language skills. Alex communicates comfortably with both Spanish- and French-speaking individuals and provides tutoring in conversational Spanish, middle and high school Spanish, and middle and high school French, as well as English and ESL.
Alex particularly enjoys the humanities and works with students in English, English Language Arts, reading, writing, social studies, U.S. History, World History, and AP World History. Their interest in language, culture, and history allows Alex to help students make connections between subjects rather than treating each course as an isolated collection of facts.
Alex also offers broad academic support for elementary students across core subjects and works with middle and high school students in Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Biology, and Environmental Science. This versatility can make Alex an especially good fit for families looking for one tutor who can help a student manage assignments and strengthen skills across several subjects.
In addition to subject-specific instruction, Alex supports students with ADHD-related academic skills, handwriting, study and organizational strategies, and STAAR preparation. Their approach emphasizes building a comfortable tutoring relationship where students feel free to ask questions, work through mistakes, and develop greater ownership of their learning.
Alex believes that effective tutoring should do more than help a student finish tonight’s homework. By using creative activities, targeted practice, and individualized explanations, they strive to improve both immediate academic performance and long-term understanding. Their goal is to help students recognize that challenging material becomes much more manageable when it is presented in a way that connects with how they learn.
Outside of academics, Alex has a strong interest in theater and currently participates in UTSA Student Theater, following earlier involvement with the International Thespian Society. This background complements their interests in language and communication and brings creativity and an engaging personality to their work with students.
Above all, Alex strives to champion a genuine love of learning while giving students the individualized academic support they need to become more confident, capable, and independent learners.
Giani C.
Giani is a highly experienced literacy specialist, Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), Educational Diagnostician, and educator with more than 20 years of teaching, coaching, and tutoring experience. Throughout her career, Giani has been guided by one fundamental belief: every student learns differently, and effective instruction begins with understanding how an individual child thinks, processes information, and connects with learning.
Giani earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington. She continued her advanced training through Midwestern State University to become an Educational Diagnostician, developing specialized expertise in evaluating how students learn and understanding how learning differences can affect academic performance.
Her credentials in literacy instruction are particularly extensive. Giani is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and holds Texas certifications as a Reading Specialist, Master Reading Teacher, Educational Diagnostician, and Elementary Generalist, along with additional endorsements in English as a Second Language and Gifted and Talented education. She has also received specialized training in structured literacy programs including Reading by Design, Basic Language Skills, and JET, as well as Orton-Gillingham-based instruction.
This combination of classroom experience, diagnostic expertise, and specialized literacy training makes Giani particularly effective with students who struggle with dyslexia, decoding, phonics, spelling, fluency, reading comprehension, and written language. Rather than simply helping students compensate for areas of difficulty, Giani works systematically to strengthen the underlying skills necessary to become more capable and confident readers and writers.
At the same time, Giani’s expertise extends far beyond reading intervention. She works with students across the academic spectrum, from elementary learners developing foundational literacy skills to middle and high school students tackling sophisticated reading and writing assignments. Her tutoring areas include elementary academics, middle school Language Arts, AP English, writing, spelling, college essay writing, and English preparation for the SAT and ACT, as well as comprehensive STAAR preparation.
One of Giani’s greatest strengths is her ability to understand why a student may be struggling. Her background as an Educational Diagnostician gives her a valuable perspective when working with students who have learning differences or complicated academic histories. She can identify patterns in how students approach reading and writing and then adapt instruction to address individual needs while building on existing strengths.
For advanced students, Giani applies that same analytical approach to higher-level literacy skills. Whether a student is learning to evaluate an author’s argument, develop a thesis, analyze rhetoric, organize an essay, or refine a college application essay, she helps students break complex language tasks into understandable components and then put those pieces together effectively.
Families appreciate Giani’s ability to combine deep professional expertise with patient, individualized instruction. She understands that students who have struggled academically may arrive at tutoring already believing they are “bad at reading” or “not good at English.” Giani works to change that experience by providing instruction at the appropriate level, recognizing progress, and giving students concrete strategies that allow them to experience success for themselves.
Above all, Giani is passionate about helping students discover the power—and ideally even the enjoyment—of reading. Whether she is teaching phonics to a beginning reader, providing structured literacy intervention for a student with dyslexia, strengthening a middle schooler’s writing, or helping an advanced high school student master rhetorical analysis, her goal is to build a strong and lasting foundation for how students read, write, communicate, and think.
Outside of education, Giani is an enthusiastic reader herself, with a particular fondness for urban fantasy novels. She enjoys sharing her love of books with students—while fully recognizing that convincing every student to share her enthusiasm for urban fantasy may be one teaching challenge even she can’t solve.
Lena H.
Lena is a certified Texas educator with a creative, student-centered approach to helping learners build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and discover how they learn best. She holds a Texas EC–12 teaching certification and brings several years of classroom experience working with students from early elementary through middle school, along with experience supporting learners with a wide variety of academic abilities, learning styles, and individual needs.
Lena graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts in Art, earning a 3.81 GPA. Her university studies also reflected her broad interest in the humanities and social sciences, with coursework exploring literature, culture, history, and the ways art and storytelling reflect society. This interdisciplinary background has helped shape her ability to make subjects such as English, writing, history, geography, and social studies more engaging and relatable for students.
As a classroom educator, Lena has taught hundreds of students across elementary and middle school settings and has designed more than 75 standards-aligned lessons. Her experience includes developing curriculum, differentiating instruction, incorporating educational technology, assessing student progress, and finding creative ways to present information so students can better understand and retain it.
Lena is particularly passionate about working with students who benefit from a more individualized approach to learning. She has managed and implemented IEP accommodations for special education students and has completed additional professional training in dyslexia awareness, mental-health response, and Capturing Kids’ Hearts. She has developed a strong connection with neurodivergent students, including learners with ADHD and autism, and strives to create an environment where students feel understood, supported, and comfortable asking for help.
Lena specializes in English, English Language Arts, reading, writing, spelling, and middle school Language Arts, along with a broad range of humanities and social sciences, including U.S. History, World History, Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy. She also supports students in AP English, AP Human Geography, AP World History, college essay writing, and introductory college-level English and Psychology.
In addition, Lena works with students on executive functioning, test-taking skills, and standardized test preparation, including English preparation for the SAT and ACT, as well as STAAR Reading and Social Studies. Her experience with organization, differentiated instruction, and individual accommodations makes her especially well suited for students who understand the material but struggle with planning, organization, task completion, or demonstrating what they know on assignments and tests.
One of Lena’s greatest strengths is her ability to approach academic material creatively. Her background in art and visual storytelling allows her to incorporate visual explanations, step-by-step modeling, and alternative ways of presenting information when traditional instruction isn’t connecting with a student. Rather than expecting every learner to process information in the same way, Lena works to discover what makes a concept “click” for each individual student.
Families appreciate Lena’s patience, creativity, and ability to build genuine connections with students. She believes students are more willing to challenge themselves when they feel safe making mistakes and know their teacher genuinely understands them. Her goal is to help students recognize their own strengths while developing the academic skills, strategies, and independence necessary for continued success.
Outside of teaching, Lena is an artist and storyteller who has had a lifelong love of comics and animation. She enjoys creating her own stories and artwork exploring underrepresented communities and themes of justice and representation. She brings that same curiosity, creativity, and appreciation for different perspectives into her work with students.
Todd M.
Todd is an experienced science educator, biological scientist, and outdoor educator with more than 15 years of experience helping students understand and appreciate the natural world. With expertise spanning biology, chemistry, environmental science, anatomy, and the earth sciences, Todd is passionate about showing students that science is much more than memorizing vocabulary and formulas—it is a way of understanding how the world around them works.
Todd earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Louisiana and pursued graduate study in Environmental Health Science at the University of Georgia. His scientific background extends well beyond the classroom and includes professional experience in ecological research, environmental science, wildlife biology, and federal environmental programs.
Before focusing primarily on education, Todd worked as a Physical Scientist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where his work involved environmental policy, air quality, offshore exploration, and federal environmental regulations. He also served as a research associate studying carbon sequestration in southeastern U.S. swamps and wetlands and worked as a biological science technician conducting field surveys of wildlife populations, endangered plant studies, and conservation programs.
Todd brings this extensive real-world scientific experience directly into his teaching. As a science instructor, he has taught Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science while developing curricula that incorporate hands-on experiments, interactive activities, and outdoor educational experiences. His greatest area of expertise is the biological sciences, and he especially enjoys helping students connect concepts from biology and ecology to things they can observe and investigate in everyday life.
His tutoring expertise includes Biology, AP Biology, Cell Biology, , Anatomy, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geology, and Space Science, as well as middle school math. Todd also supports students preparing for 8th-grade Science STAAR, the ACT, and the TEAS exam, along with helping students develop stronger study habits and test-taking strategies.
One of Todd’s greatest strengths is his ability to make science tangible. Rather than relying solely on textbooks, he enjoys using experiments, demonstrations, outdoor exploration, and real-world examples to help students understand why scientific concepts work. His background as both a scientist and outdoor educator allows him to answer the question students so often ask: “When am I ever going to use this?”
Throughout his teaching career, Todd has worked with students representing a wide range of abilities, learning styles, and confidence levels. He believes students learn best when they feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, testing ideas, and discovering answers for themselves. His tutoring style is patient, encouraging, and highly interactive, with an emphasis on building genuine understanding rather than short-term memorization.
As both an educator and the father of three teenage boys, Todd also understands that no two students learn exactly the same way. Sometimes a student simply needs to hear a concept explained differently or see it demonstrated in a new context before everything begins to click. His goal is to identify that connection for each learner and use it to build greater confidence, curiosity, and independence.
Outside of education, Todd enjoys hiking, camping, geocaching, and exploring the natural world with his family. He is also a former drummer—a background that may explain both his appreciation for creativity and his comfort managing the occasional controlled chaos that comes with helping young people learn.
Ultimately, Todd wants students to leave tutoring with more than improved grades. He strives to help them become stronger problem-solvers, more confident learners, and perhaps even discover that science can actually be fun.
Holly H.
Holly is a certified Texas educator with more than 15 years of experience in education and 10 years as a classroom teacher, helping elementary students build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with high honors from the University of Texas at El Paso and holds an EC–6 Texas teaching certification. Throughout her career, Holly has been passionate about helping every student discover what helps them learn best while creating a positive, encouraging environment where they can thrive. Holly has taught students across grades 3–5 in both Northside ISD and Comal ISD, including self-contained, departmentalized, co-teaching, and inclusive classroom settings. She has extensive experience supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those receiving special education services, students with ADHD, multilingual learners, and gifted students. Prior to becoming a classroom teacher, Holly also served as an instructional assistant in special education, behavior intervention, and elementary math intervention programs, giving her a deep understanding of how to meet students where they are academically and emotionally. She specializes in elementary education (K–5 all subjects), reading, English Language Arts, writing, social studies, STAAR preparation, and elementary math. Holly has also completed the Texas Teacher Reading Academy, receiving specialized training in the Science of Reading, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension strategies. This evidence-based training allows her to effectively support struggling readers while helping all students become stronger, more confident learners. One of Holly’s greatest strengths is making learning engaging and meaningful. She enjoys breaking complex concepts into manageable steps and incorporating games, hands-on activities, projects, and real-world connections that help students truly understand the material. She believes that every child learns differently and thrives when they feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and celebrate their progress along the way. Families appreciate Holly’s warm personality, clear communication, and genuine investment in each student’s success. Her collaborative approach, combined with years of classroom experience, helps students not only improve academically but also develop the confidence and independence needed for long-term success. Outside of tutoring, Holly enjoys spending time with her family, exploring and photographing the Texas Hill Country, and creating educational resources that help both teachers and students succeed.
Vilma C.
Vilma is a dedicated educator with more than 30 years of classroom experience helping students build strong academic foundations and confidence in their abilities. After retiring from a distinguished career in public education in 2022, she has continued doing what she loves most—working directly with students as an English Language Arts tutor and mathematics interventionist, helping learners strengthen foundational skills and achieve lasting academic success. Vilma earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas Permian Basin with double majors in English and Spanish, along with a concentration in Secondary Education. She holds Texas teaching certifications in Secondary Spanish, English Language Arts (Grades 4–8), and Bilingual Education, providing her with the expertise to support students across multiple grade levels and learning needs. During her 30-year career, Vilma spent 16 years teaching at the high school level and 14 years in elementary education, working with students of every ability level—from those needing additional academic support to gifted learners seeking greater challenges. Her extensive classroom experience has equipped her with the instructional flexibility to meet students where they are and help each one reach their full potential. Vilma specializes in comprehensive elementary academic support, providing individualized instruction in reading, language arts, writing, mathematics, spelling, handwriting, and ESL for students in grades K–5. She also works with middle school students in Language Arts and Math while teaching Spanish at the middle school and high school levels, including conversational Spanish. In addition, she helps students prepare for STAAR Reading and Math assessments by strengthening the foundational skills, confidence, and test-taking strategies they need for success. Families appreciate Vilma’s patient, encouraging teaching style and her unwavering commitment to student success. She believes every child can learn when instruction is personalized, supportive, and engaging. Whether helping a beginning reader develop fluency, strengthening foundational math skills, preparing a student for STAAR testing, or building Spanish language proficiency, Vilma creates a positive learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn. Outside of tutoring, Vilma enjoys life in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, where she spends her time gardening, quilting, crocheting, cooking for her family, and enjoying the slower pace of retirement while continuing to do what she loves most—helping students succeed.
Ali S.
Ali is an accomplished medical student, neuroscience researcher, and educator who is passionate about helping students build confidence while mastering challenging academic subjects. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Medicine degree at UT Health San Antonio’s Long School of Medicine with plans to specialize in neurology. Her medical education has reinforced her belief that the ability to teach complex ideas clearly is one of the most valuable skills an educator—or physician—can possess.
Ali graduated with honors from Michigan State University, earning bachelor’s degrees in Neuroscience, Genomics & Molecular Genetics, and Spanish, while also completing the university’s Honors College program. Before beginning medical school, she spent two years as a full-time research fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) studying neurodegenerative diseases. Her research experience also includes work at Stanford University, Michigan State University, and UT Health San Antonio, where she continues to contribute to neuroscience and stroke research. She has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications and has presented her research at national scientific conferences.
Throughout college, her research career, and medical school, Ali has consistently served as a mentor and educator for fellow students. She enjoys breaking difficult concepts into manageable pieces and believes every student can succeed when material is presented in a way that matches their learning style. Her patient, encouraging approach creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, working through mistakes, and developing lasting confidence.
Ali provides tutoring across a wide range of subjects from elementary school through college, making her an excellent choice for families seeking support in multiple areas. Her specialties include:
- Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and AP Statistics
- Science: Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Pathophysiology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, and Health Sciences
- English & Humanities: Reading, English Language Arts, Writing, Technical Writing, College Essay Coaching, AP English, U.S. History, World History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Studies
- Test Preparation: ACT, PSAT/SAT, STAAR, GED, TEAS, MCAT, and advanced study and test-taking strategies
Ali is particularly passionate about helping students develop the critical thinking, study habits, and problem-solving skills that lead to long-term academic success. Whether she’s preparing a middle school student for STAAR exams, helping a high school student succeed in AP Biology, guiding a college applicant through personal statement revisions, or mentoring a future healthcare professional preparing for the MCAT, she tailors every lesson to the individual student’s goals and learning style.
Families especially appreciate Ali’s ability to connect ideas across disciplines. She can explain biology through chemistry, strengthen scientific writing while teaching critical thinking, or connect mathematics to real-world medical applications. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to help students build a deeper understanding rather than simply memorizing information.
Ali believes great tutoring should do more than improve grades—it should help students become confident, independent learners who enjoy tackling new challenges. Her goal is to equip every student with the knowledge, study strategies, and self-confidence they need to succeed well beyond the classroom.
Outside of academics, Ali enjoys reading, traveling, golfing, paddle boarding, spending time with her family and cats, and returning home to Wyoming whenever she has the opportunity.
Lindsay C.
Lindsay is an accomplished elementary educator with more than a decade of experience working with children in a variety of educational settings and five years as a certified public school teacher. After several successful years in the classroom, Lindsay chose to transition into private education so she could focus on providing personalized, one-on-one instruction that meets each student’s unique learning needs. She continues to serve North East ISD as a substitute teacher while dedicating her primary professional focus to tutoring students across the San Antonio area. Lindsay earned her degree in Education from Texas State University, graduating with honors while also completing double minors in Psychology and Music. During her time as a classroom teacher in North East ISD, she taught fourth and fifth grade and was recognized by the Texas Education Agency as being among the top 33% of teachers in the state for student academic growth and performance. Throughout her career, she has worked with students ranging from infants to college-age learners, giving her a broad understanding of child development, learning styles, and effective instructional strategies. She specializes in elementary education (K–5 all subjects), reading, writing, English Language Arts, social studies, STAAR preparation, handwriting, spelling, and test-taking strategies. Lindsay has extensive experience supporting English Language Learners, gifted and talented students, and students receiving special education services. She has also taught inclusion classrooms, monitored individualized education plans, and adapted instruction to meet a wide variety of learning needs. In addition to classroom teaching, Lindsay develops educational curriculum and instructional resources used by teachers across the country. Through her curriculum design work, she creates engaging lessons, digital resources, and classroom activities that help students learn in meaningful and interactive ways. Families appreciate Lindsay’s energetic, organized, and encouraging teaching style. She believes every child is capable of success when instruction is tailored to their individual strengths, and she enjoys helping students build confidence alongside strong academic skills. Whether working with a struggling reader, preparing for STAAR assessments, or challenging an advanced learner, Lindsay creates a supportive environment where students feel motivated to learn and grow. Outside of the classroom, Lindsay enjoys reading, taking long walks with her dogs, and continuing to create educational resources that make learning engaging and enjoyable.
Bryana T.
Bryana is a dedicated STEM educator, graduate researcher, and teaching assistant with a passion for helping students discover the excitement of science. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Texas at San Antonio through the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, where her research focuses on developing innovative bacteriophage therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Bryana earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a minor in Biochemistry from Baylor University. Her strong academic foundation, combined with extensive laboratory research experience, allows her to connect classroom concepts to real-world scientific discovery in ways that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding.
As a Teaching Assistant at UTSA, Bryana teaches introductory biology laboratory courses, leading her own classroom of college students while developing engaging lessons, evaluating student work, and helping students master foundational biological concepts. She has also worked as a STEM camp counselor, introducing younger students to geology and the natural sciences through hands-on activities that make learning both fun and memorable.
Bryana specializes in biology, chemistry, genetics, cell biology, and health sciences, while also tutoring elementary and middle school mathematics, English Language Arts, reading, writing, and social studies. She supports students preparing for AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP English, AP World History, STAAR exams, GED testing, and college-level biology and chemistry courses. Her broad academic background enables her to work effectively with students ranging from elementary school through college.
Students and families appreciate Bryana’s patient, encouraging teaching style and her ability to explain difficult STEM concepts in a clear, approachable way. She believes the best learning happens when students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and discovering how concepts apply to the world around them. Her goal is not only to improve grades and test scores, but also to help students become confident, independent learners.
Outside of academics, Bryana enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, creative writing, and exploring great films. Whether she’s researching new medical treatments or discovering a new story through literature or cinema, she is driven by a lifelong curiosity and a genuine love of learning that she enjoys sharing with her students.
Desiree H.
Desiree is a dedicated education professional with extensive experience supporting students across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. With a strong background in special education and individualized instruction, she is passionate about helping students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Desiree holds an Associate Degree in Education and recently completed her Bachelor’s Degree in EC–6 Education. She also holds her Paraprofessional Certification and is currently pursuing full teacher certification through the Texas Teachers of Tomorrow (TOPP) program. Her commitment to professional growth reflects her dedication to providing the highest level of support to students and families.
Throughout her career, Desiree has worked with students from early childhood through high school in a variety of educational settings. Her experience includes serving with City Year, where she provided academic intervention and student support in high-need schools, as well as several years working in both Heritage Academy and Founders Classical Academy. These roles have allowed her to develop expertise in classroom support, behavior management, individualized instruction, and helping students with diverse learning needs succeed academically and socially.
Desiree specializes in elementary education (K–5 all subjects), Algebra, Algebra II, and STAAR preparation for both math and reading. She is particularly skilled at helping students who benefit from additional structure, encouragement, and personalized attention. Her experience supporting students with special needs, autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and other learning challenges allows her to adapt instruction to meet each student’s unique strengths and goals.
Families appreciate Desiree’s patient, compassionate, and student-centered approach. She believes that every child can succeed when given the right support, consistency, and encouragement. By building strong relationships with students and creating a positive learning environment, she helps learners develop confidence, independence, and meaningful academic growth.
Outside of education, Desiree enjoys traveling, attending community events, spending time outdoors, and making lasting memories with family and friends. Her warm personality and positive energy carry over into her work with students, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to succeed.