Tim G.

Tim G. has extensive experience in math and science, graduating with a PhD in Physics from the University of California, Riverside where he conducted research in galaxy evolution using the world’s premier ground and space-based telescopes. During his studies, Tim also discovered and nurtured his passion for teaching and mentoring while instructing numerous introductory physics and astronomy courses over a 5.5-year period as an award-winning Teaching Assistant (TA). Educating students with a wide range of skills, backgrounds, and interest in STEM, and majors ranging from liberal arts to engineering, Tim approached each student with engaging energy, adaptability to meet their needs, and patience, whether in class or one-on-one during office hours. Beyond simply teaching the material, Tim focused on building students’ critical-thinking skills and problem-solving abilities as well as on fostering an appreciation of the material by connecting it to real-world scenarios. Tim also sought to build positive relationships by being a mentor in addition to a teacher, leveraging his experiences to help students with questions regarding college and beyond. This personalized teaching style was well received by Tim’s students, a sentiment reflected in the 2 Outstanding Teaching Assistant awards Tim received from his department.

Now back in the suburbs of Chicago where Tim grew up, he continues to exercise his passion for teaching, tutoring math and science to local middle and high school students with the same care and energy as when he was a TA. In his free time, Tim is pursuing data science and picking up hobbies like gardening. He is an avid sports fan, loves watching movies and going to the theater, and enjoys hiking, camping, and road tripping with his family and dog, Ralph. He also especially enjoys having seasons again (even winter!) and partaking in seasonal activities.

Melissa D.

Melissa has more than 15 years of experience working for major media organizations as a journalist and in educational standardized testing and assessment. She has also worked with English Language Learners, gifted/twice-exceptional students, and served as a parent and academic coach. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, she enjoys mentoring students in research, writing, analysis, and visual storytelling.

She believes a successful writing partnership begins with the development of a shared visual calendar of goals that helps students break down tasks into manageable steps. She enjoys helping students develop a system of visual organization, color coding, and time management paired with technology to encourage accountability and help manage the writing process.

Technology today offers emerging tools for gathering information and feedback. Melissa believes it is essential that a student develop a unique voice along with research and executive function skills that build confidence across all means of communication, independent of technology. The positive habits that a student develops working with a writing coach pay off in high school, college, and professionally.

Outside of mentoring and serving as a writing coach, Melissa also helps students develop data analysis, presentation, and visual storytelling skills that yield impact beyond the classroom. Her goal is to foster a student’s love of communication and analysis.

Her most rewarding role has been guiding her sons through their academic journeys with diligence, transparency, and humor. She remains passionate about helping students of all backgrounds build confidence and succeed.

Corinne B.

Throughout her 25+ years of classroom teaching, Corinne B. relied upon several core principles to ensure successful student learning. First, students are participants in the learning process; they bring themselves and their experiences to it. They are not empty vessels for expert instructors to fill with information. Whether the student is 5 years of age, or 50, each holds a wealth of ideas, memories, skills and feelings – and these form the ground of all learning. Second, she values questions and answers equally; a student’s evolving intellectual confidence means demonstrating both ways of knowing. Finally, a student should be able to apply what they are studying to the everyday world; to make the abstract into something observable or measurable. Corinne’s instructional approach has been validated by the academic success of hundreds of her students, and by twice being granted the DePaul University Excellence in Teaching Award (2007 & 2024). Corinne holds a doctorate in sociology from the University of Chicago, and has designed multi-disciplinary teaching curricula and lessons for many years. Her work in single-student education is marked by an individualized approach emphasizing the interests and talents of the pupil. Learning goals and metrics for successful evaluation are shared with students and parents/guardians at the outset of the tutoring relationship, and updated as the pupil’s educational experience unfolds.

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.