Olivier B-L

ENG: Holding a PhD from Columbia University in addition to an MA and a BA from Université de Montréal, Olivier has spent the last 11 years studying the foundations of western civilization by specializing in Classics, the interdisciplinary study of Greek and Roman Antiquity.

Driven by a passion for teaching and explaining difficult concepts from a very young age, Olivier has been an instructor for 4 years at Columbia University and a private tutor for over 5 years. Olivier has instructed students from all ages and levels, ranging from elementary school to CEGEP and undergraduate students. Olivier feels especially at home teaching French and English, as well as philosophy, the humanities, history and literature. Olivier also has extensive experience writing essays and papers himself, and has experience mentoring students in developing the skills to become compelling and persuasive writers.

Throughout his academic years, Olivier has developed a studying ethic that has allowed him to develop the discipline and focus required to succeed in a PhD program at an Ivy League university. Olivier believes that the real key to academic success comes less from innate talent than from curating the proper mindset and developing the right studying habits. As such, Olivier believes that effective tutoring goes beyond the classroom and seeks to also coach and mentor the human being behind the student.

FR: Titulaire d’un doctorat de l’Université Columbia, ainsi que d’une maîtrise et d’un baccalauréat de l’Université de Montréal, Olivier a consacré les onze dernières années à l’étude des fondements de la civilisation occidentale en se spécialisant en études classiques, l’étude interdisciplinaire de l’Antiquité grecque et romaine.

Animé dès son plus jeune âge par une passion pour l’enseignement et la vulgarisation de concepts complexes, Olivier a été chargé de cours pendant quatre ans à l’Université Columbia et tuteur privé pendant plus de cinq ans. Il a enseigné à des élèves de tous âges et de tous niveaux, du primaire à l’université. Olivier se sent particulièrement à l’aise d’enseigner le français et l’anglais, ainsi que la philosophie, les humanités, l’histoire et la littérature. Il possède également une vaste expérience en rédaction d’essais et de travaux universitaires et a accompagné des étudiants dans le développement de leurs compétences rédactionnelles afin de les aider à devenir des auteurs convaincants et persuasifs.

Tout au long de son parcours universitaire, Olivier a développé une éthique d’étude qui lui a permis d’acquérir la discipline et la concentration nécessaires à la réussite d’un doctorat dans une université de l’Ivy League. Olivier est convaincu que la clé de la réussite scolaire réside moins dans le talent inné que dans le développement d’un état d’esprit adéquat et de bonnes habitudes d’étude. C’est pourquoi il estime qu’un tutorat efficace dépasse le cadre de la salle de classe et vise également à accompagner et à guider l’individu derrière l’élève.

Faraz K.

Faraz holds a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University, double majoring in Biology and Chemistry, and has completed graduate studies in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. He brings over five years of teaching experience, covering everything from elementary math and science to advanced undergraduate mathematics and standardized test prep. As a former teaching assistant at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Faraz has led classrooms, worked with small groups, delivered lectures, and graded exams.
A Chicagoland native, Faraz discovered his passion for teaching in college while introducing gifted children to LEGO robotics and computer programming. Outside the classroom, he is a dedicated runner—once a cross-country athlete, now a regular jogger—and a grilling enthusiast who insists barbecuing is equal parts science and art. Faraz’s teaching philosophy revolves around creating independent learners. He believes the best classroom isn’t the one where you are taught, but the one where you learn to teach yourself—though his students don’t have to grade their own homework… yet.

Dr. Rob R.

Dr. Rob R. brings 44 years of experience in education to his work with students and families at Prep Academy Tutors.

Having grown up in Yugoslavia, Austria, Lebanon, Turkey, and Germany, Rob learned early on how to adapt to new cultures, languages, and expectations. This experience shaped his ability to support students who may be facing transitions, language challenges, or unfamiliar learning environments.

Rob holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) from Lehigh University, a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Vermont, and a B.A. from Middlebury College. For 20 years, he taught all subjects in grades 1 – 6 in Vermont public schools, also serving as a teaching-principal.

He then spent 23 years in international education, teaching and leading schools in Spain, Pakistan, Jordan, Switzerland, Japan, and Serbia. Working with students from more than 50 nationalities gave him a deep appreciation for how children learn across cultures and backgrounds. He understands that every student brings curiosity, potential, and a need for encouragement – and he excels at creating supportive, individualized learning experiences.

Since moving to Superior, Colorado, Rob taught as a substitute in the Boulder Valley School District and is excited to continue working 1:1 with students. Families who work with Rob benefit from his global perspective, decades of teaching expertise, and a compassionate approach that helps students build confidence, adapt to challenges, and discover joy in learning.

Michele T.

Michele Taylor holds a BS in Psychology and a MSEd with a focus in Elementary Education. She is a Certified Teacher, ESE (Exceptional Student Education) Specialist, and a Certified Behavior Analyst. Michele’s experience spans many successful years as a classroom teacher, an Adjunct Instructor at a local college, leading a special education department, and working as a Mental Health Therapist. With this strong background, Michele brings both expertise and empathy to her work, creating individualized learning plans that meet students where they are and guide them toward success.

Michele believes that every child can thrive with the right support, and she is passionate about building confidence as much as academic skills. Parents appreciate her patient, encouraging approach and her ability to make learning engaging while addressing each student’s unique needs. Her experience working with diverse learners helps families feel confident that their child will be understood, supported, and challenged in the right ways.

Outside of tutoring, Michele loves watching her son play lacrosse, catching beach sunsets, and spending quality time with her fur babies.

Grace F.

Grace F. is earning her degree in Elementary Education at North Central College, where she has maintained a high GPA and earned a spot on the Dean’s List for six consecutive semesters. Originally from Elmhurst, she discovered her love of teaching while helping classmates with writing, research, and public speaking. What started as casual tutoring turned into a true passion for supporting students.

Grace has worked with learners from early childhood through middle school, developing creative, student-centered lessons through daycare and summer programs. She believes every child learns differently and thrives on adapting instruction to meet individual needs.

Through her college placements, Grace has taught in 1st through 4th grade classrooms and supported 5th grade accelerated math, gaining experience in literacy, math, and science. She also helps students strengthen executive functioning skills like organization, planning, and time management—because sometimes, learning how to learn is the biggest lesson of all.

Outside the classroom, Grace enjoys birdwatching and exploring the outdoors. Her love of animals and education came together through the Greater Chicago Cage Bird Society, where she taught scout groups about bird care and behavior. She’s been helping students—and birds—take flight ever since.

Sarah J.

EN: From an early age, Sarah had a keen interest in law. The injustices she witnessed in her community and around the world motivated her to earn her high school diploma at College Saint-Louis, known for its global awareness and openness to world issues. Inspired by her volunteer work with Lachine’s Youth Council and Amnesty International, she went on to study Law, Society, and Justice at Dawson College. Her commitment to promoting fair treatment and equal opportunities led her to pursue further studies in law at the University of Montreal. In addition to her academic pursuits, Sarah developed a passion for volunteering. One of her volunteering experiences was tutoring French and math at her local library for several years. This allowed her to gain experience teaching children of all ages and adapting to their learning needs. She has tutored both elementary and high school French to her peers, as well as at the local library. She also helped her classmates and the kids at the library with their homework throughout her academic journey. Her tutoring experience taught her to be patient, tailor her approach to each student’s learning style, and build strong connections to support their success.

FR: Depuis son plus jeune âge, Sarah s’est vivement intéressée au droit. Les injustices qu’elle a observées dans sa communauté et dans le monde l’ont motivée à obtenir son diplôme d’études secondaires au Collège Saint-Louis, reconnu pour sa conscience globale et son ouverture aux enjeux mondiaux. Inspirée par son engagement bénévole au sein du Conseil jeunesse de Lachine et d’Amnistie internationale, elle a décidé de poursuivre ses études en Droit, Société et Justice au Collège Dawson. Son engagement envers la promotion de l’équité et de l’égalité des chances l’a ensuite encouragé à poursuivre des études de droit à l’Université de Montréal. En plus de ses objectifs académiques, Sarah a développé une passion pour le bénévolat. L’une de ses expériences a été de faire du tutorat en français et en mathématiques à la bibliothèque de son quartier pendant plusieurs années. Cette expérience lui a permis d’enseigner à des enfants de tous âges et d’adapter sa méthode à leurs besoins d’apprentissage. Elle a également donné des cours de français, tant au niveau primaire que secondaire, à ses pairs ainsi qu’à la bibliothèque. Tout au long de son parcours scolaire, elle a aidé ses camarades de classe et les enfants de la bibliothèque avec leurs devoirs. Son expérience en tutorat lui a appris à faire preuve de patience, à adapter son approche au style d’apprentissage de chaque élève et à créer des liens solides pour mieux les accompagner vers la réussite.

Lisa M.

Lisa is a certified teacher with 25 years of experience teaching 4th–8th grade across all subjects. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Leadership, and an additional 30 hours in Curriculum Development. Through her experience, she has expertise in differentiated instruction and building social-emotional skills in the classroom. Lisa believes that strong relationships, a focus on self-efficacy, and a love of learning are key to helping students reach their full potential. She meets each student where they are and creates a supportive environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth.

In her free time, Lisa enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and traveling with her husband, two daughters, and their two dogs.

Alexander C.

Alexander is a graduate of Phillips Academy, an elite boarding school in Massachusetts, and currently studies at McGill University. He specializes in admissions consulting for boarding schools and colleges. After successfully guiding applicants to gain acceptance at prestigious institutions such as Yale, Tulane, and UNC, he began developing proprietary testing materials, as well as specialized courses in essay writing, interview preparation, and extracurricular activities.

Sean H.

Sean is an experienced educator and mental performance coach with a passion for helping students build mental skills, develop effective learning strategies, and reach their academic goals. With over seven years of experience working with diverse learners—including students, athletes, business professionals, and service members—Sean specializes in fostering confidence, motivation, and resilience in the classroom.

Sean holds a M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology from Florida State University and a B.S. in Applied Psychology from East Stroudsburg University. His background in psychology and performance coaching allows him to teach students valuable study habits, test-taking strategies, and mindset techniques to improve academic performance. Whether guiding students through challenging coursework or helping them overcome test anxiety, his approach is centered on providing personalized support to enhance learning and long-term success.

Outside of tutoring and coaching, Sean enjoys sports, staying active, spending time with his wife and two dogs, and exploring new books, movies, and podcasts.

Elizabeth B.

Elizabeth is a highly experienced educator with over 30 years of expertise in special education, literacy, and early childhood development. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Elizabeth holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s Degree in Communicative Disorders from Johns Hopkins University, where she also earned certifications in Special Education and Reading for grades K-12.

Throughout her career, Elizabeth has worked in both public and private educational settings, teaching students with diverse needs, including cognitive disabilities and learning differences. She is deeply passionate about fostering student growth through a “learning by doing” approach, empowering children to explore, think critically, and achieve their goals in a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether working on reading comprehension, math skills, or self-regulation, Elizabeth’s innovative, multi-sensory techniques have consistently driven success for her students.

Elizabeth’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a community where every child feels understood and accepted. She believes in the transformative power of education, seeing it as an opportunity to inspire curiosity and nurture authentic self-expression. Her passion for teaching stems from the joy of learning from her students, whom she views as partners in an ever-evolving journey of discovery.

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys sharing her Baltimore roots, from cheering on the Ravens and Orioles to savoring Maryland’s famous steamed crabs. Her dedication to her craft and her students makes her a trusted and inspiring guide for learners of all ages.