Matthew R.

Matthew’s journey into education was an unexpected yet deeply rewarding path. After earning a BA in Television, Film, and New Media, he initially pursued a career in the film industry. However, in 2013, while teaching a film course at the Digital Media Academy summer tech camp, he discovered a passion for guiding young scholars toward academic, creative, and professional success. This experience inspired him to pursue a single-subject teaching credential, leading him to a fulfilling career in education.

Since 2018, Matthew has been an educator at The Preuss School, UC San Diego, where he has honed his teaching philosophy and instructional methods. Initially stepping in to fill a vacancy in the Drama department, he transformed the curriculum into a film-based program that integrates Art, English, and History. His courses reinforce grade-level ELA comprehension and writing skills through in-depth units on story structure, plot development, character analysis, and thematic content. Students apply these skills to writing their own screenplays, while Film I students explore film theory and cinema history. In his advanced Film II/Honors Film course, students engage in collaborative, hands-on projects that guide them through all stages of video production, from pre-production to post-production.

Matthew’s adaptability and innovation were especially evident during the pandemic when The Preuss School transitioned to remote learning for two years. While many educators faced challenges, he embraced the format, finding new ways to engage students and enhance learning through strategic virtual instruction. He firmly believes that, when thoughtfully designed, virtual learning can be just as impactful—if not more—than in-person instruction.

His passion lies in inviting students into the vibrant world of poetry, literature, and history and watching them engage with enthusiasm. Through teaching, he hopes to foster a deep sense of global awareness, empathy, and compassion in his students, empowering them to express themselves through both written and visual storytelling.

Matthew is eager to begin the tutoring process for students in need of support in English, reading, writing, history, social studies, college essay writing, and test prep. Additionally, with his background in Film, he is thrilled to assist students seeking help with video production, editing, or acting. His expertise also extends to Public Speaking and Debate courses, providing students with valuable skills to enhance their speaking abilities.

Matthew is excited to bring his expertise and passion for education to Prep Academy Tutors, where he continues to support students in their academic journeys.

Richard M.

Richard Maloon has a proven track record in education. He earned his Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Elementary Education and later his Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.) with a focus in Curriculum & Instruction. He has taught all grades 1 through 9, spending most of his time with grades 4 through 8. He taught for 14 years and served as a private school principal for 23 years. Mr. Maloon also had a career as a national certified consultant for MicroSociety, Inc., a successful, real-world school reform model. He was the consultant for many public schools in the southeast United States. He is very adept at teaching math, social studies, science, and English, and has been recognized for his creative approaches to teaching concepts and skills. He is considered by many to be a master teacher. He also was a school-wide program coordinator for implementing MicroSociety; his school was featured in many periodicals and on prime-time television. He has had an article published for a professional journal and has been a presenter at teacher conventions as well. Besides this, after school he has coached soccer, sponsored a chess club, and started a robotics tech club in many of his schools, taking teams to the finals in Lego Robotics. Mr. Maloon also enjoys traveling, being in nature, and learning more about neuroscience.

Lynda E.

Lynda is a Math and Physics teacher with 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, private tutoring, and Gifted and Talented programs. She has a Master’s in Physics with a concentration in Education from University of Virginia, certificate in Leaders of Learning from Harvard University, and holds teaching certificates in Math, Physics, Elementary Education, Students with Disabilities, and Middle School Science.

Lynda specializes in demystifying challenging math and physics concepts by (1) explaining concepts as clearly as possible, (2) performing examples in order to model the problem-solving process, and (3) providing several practice problems to work up to mastery. While she is a professional, Lynda enjoys conversing in a casual tone (think more Penny, less Sheldon), as math and science are often culprits for producing anxiety in students. Whether you are aiming for that 800 on the Math SAT, or simply trying to make it through your physics course unscathed, please think of Lynda as someone who can help you attain your goal!

Emily B.

Emily B. is a passionate and dedicated tutor currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana State University. She combines her analytical skills with a deep commitment to helping students succeed. Growing up as a student-athlete, she learned the value of discipline, time management, and perseverance, qualities she now instills in her students.

As a proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha, she has developed strong leadership and teamwork skills, which she brings into her tutoring sessions. She believes that every student has the potential to excel with the right guidance and encouragement. Her tutoring approach focuses on creating an engaging and supportive learning environment, tailoring lessons to fit each student’s unique needs.

With experience mentoring peers and younger students, she specializes in breaking down complex subjects into easy-to-understand concepts. Whether working with students on academic challenges or helping them build confidence in their abilities, she is committed to fostering a love of learning.

Temitayo O.

My name is Temitayo, and I am a native of Lagos, Nigeria. I migrated to the United States in pursuit of higher education and a better standard of living. After relocating to the United States, I acquired my bachelor’s degree in communications with a concentration in Multimedia Journalism with my minor in Mathematics, from Dillard University in New Orleans. Additionally, I obtained a master’s degree in S.T.E.M. Education from Concordia University Nebraska in Seward. On a personal level, I believe that education is an indispensable aspect of human existence and, hence, a vital part of our infrastructure. Because of this principle that I have espoused, I have dedicated myself to the education of others, as a way of life.

Additionally, I enjoy sports, physical fitness exercises, fictional movies, cooking, learning new languages, reading books, as well as engaging in domestic chores. Furthermore, I have a proclivity for traveling to new places, as a means of territorial exploration. Indeed, education for me is more than an occupation; it is, in fact, my vocation. In conclusion, I intend to merge my Christian tenets with my educational practice, as I tutor my diverse clientele.

Jonas H.

Upon graduating from college, Jonas H. began teaching at the St. Ann’s School in Brooklyn, and has taught in the humanities for over 20 years. While he has taught middle schoolers and adults in a variety of settings, Mr. Hamilton has mostly worked in private secondary schools, offering classes in World History, U.S. History, and other subjects. He earned his B.A. at Harvard College, and later, two Masters Degrees (Arts, Philosophy) from Columbia University. Mr. Hamilton remains an enthusiastic student and teacher of history, a challenging, beautiful, and constantly evolving discipline. In his spare time, Mr. Hamilton cooks, reads novels, plays chess, and folds paper, especially the beautiful models of Hideo Komatsu.

Alexandra H.

Alexandra (Alex) H. is an experienced tutor and teacher who has dedicated the last 12 years to helping kids (elementary through high school) achieve their highest potential. Alex has tutored and mentored children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds, including those with learning disabilities such as ADHD and moderate autism. She collaborates diligently with parents to ensure that their children not only improve their grades but also develop a love for learning by teaching them how to study and mentoring their success. Her specialty subjects are sciences, Spanish, and math. She taught at Cobb County school system Spanish 1, 2, 5, and AP.
Alex was born in Argentina. After high school, she relocated to the USA to further her studies. Alex obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in science majoring in chemistry with minors in physics and math at Georgia State University. Alex worked for fortune five hundred companies such as Amoco, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg’s for 27 years with several accomplishments in research & development, laboratory testing, employee training, management, and auditing. However, her dream was to become a professor or a teacher. She developed a passion for teaching and helping those who struggle with learning difficulties. Alex realized that many children and teenagers need additional help learning due to overcrowded classrooms, leading her to become a tutor.

Sharon C.

Sharon is a certified teacher from San Antonio who studied at Abilene Christian University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in History and Social Studies (2004). She has taught students in the classroom as a World History, US History II, and Sociology Teacher and as a substitute teacher from PreK to 12th Grade. She was also a Librarian Assistant for a few years. She guided students through the research process by showing them how to find information in books and computers and create a final product in a written paper, a project with pictures on poster board, or a slide show presentation. She has also tutored students in Math, Science, and Reading. Since 2021, she has homeschooled her three children.
She cares for her family of one husband, three kids, and two dogs. She enjoys using her skills to craft things, singing soprano, occupying her mind through reading books, and stepping into a different mindset by playing TTORPGs with friends and family.

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.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Texas at Austin. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy at the same institution, having successfully completed three out of four years of the program. Last year, I took a break from my studies to teach mathematics and science to 4th and 5th graders at Prairie Lea ISD. In addition to my teaching role, I provided after-school tutoring for students ranging from Kindergarten to 12th grade in subjects tested by the STAAR exam.

I possess considerable experience in delivering small-group and individualized interventions for students in need of remedial support, as well as those who are bilingual emergent or have special educational needs. While my formal educational experience is less extensive, I have a rich and varied background in tutoring that dates back to my freshman year in high school. Over the years, I have assisted students in navigating challenging Advanced Placement courses, including Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, U.S. History, and World History.

In my leisure time, I enjoy managing the 35-acre farm where I reside, engaging in kickboxing, playing with my two dogs, and sketching. I consider myself a skilled cook and a passionate baker. Additionally, I have developed a strong knowledge base in war and military collectibles, antique firearms, sports card trading, and coin collecting, largely influenced by my fiancée’s business in these areas.