Aaron M.
Aaron has spent 10 years teaching social studies. In those years, he taught United States History, Economics, Eastern Geographic Perspectives, and an introduction to anthropology. He loved teaching at the high school level, but it seldom allowed him to dive deep into the curriculum and intently work with students to see the light bulb illuminate. He believes every student can master what is taught. Being able to personalize lessons and help your student break through barriers builds confidence for your student’s continued success!
Aaron earned his B.A. in anthropology from Biola University a small Christian Liberal Arts University in Southern California. He then earned his M.Ed in Secondary Education in conjunction with his teaching credential in social studies from the University of Phoenix. And most recently, he earned his M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Concordia University Irvine.
When Aaron is not teaching, he is on the go with his family and kids with all the activities and sports they participate in. He is at the gym for gymnastics with his two daughters, hiking a trail, or on a bike ride enjoying all the natural beauty that is here in the Treasure Valley. He also teaches part-time at CWI (College of Western Idaho) a basic reading class for the Adult Education Program, to individuals seeking to further their education and careers.
He looks forward to getting to know you and your student and being a part of their educational journey!
Julene E.
Julene is a lifelong learner with bachelor’s degrees in History and Mathematics. She has tutored middle school through college students for over five years, both those trying to catch up and those excited to push themselves to new heights. Over her tutoring career, she has covered math, writing, and history most thoroughly, with scattered but meaningful experiences in many other subjects. In addition to her degree and private tutoring experience, Julene has been a teaching assistant in highschool readiness math classes, as well as college level writing and math courses. She is drawn to the opportunity to meet students where they’re at, no matter where that is, and bring them confidence and understanding from there. She prioritizes getting to know her students, understanding their personalities and learning styles, in order to collaborate with them on their learning. She emphasizes the connection between personal interests, real world applications, and the subjects at hand. Last but certainly not least, Julene is unabashedly nerdy, a fan of knowledge in all its forms, and constantly excited to bring some of that passion into a student’s life and conception of school subjects.
Beth P.
Alongside having years of tutoring experience, Beth tutors students where she fosters an engaging, personalized one-on-one interactive lesson. Beth has tutored students aged PreK to middle school, with a focus on reading. She also has led small tutoring groups of elementary-aged learners. Beth earned her BA in History with a Music minor from Elmhurst University. As a mentor, Beth continues to develop strategies for working with children of all ages and finds these experiences enjoying and extremely rewarding! In her spare time, Beth enjoys gardening, playing her flute, and spending time with family and friends.
David Z.
David earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Concordia University. His academic focus gravitated towards Rome and Greece, laying the foundation for his future studies. With a thirst for deeper historical insight, he pursued a Master’s degree in History at the University of Glasgow.
Throughout his postgraduate studies, David delved into the rich military traditions of the Roman Republic, focusing specifically on the evolution and structure of the Legionaries, the backbone of Rome’s military might. His work often explored how these disciplined soldiers shaped not just the expansion of Rome but also the complex socio-political fabric of the Republic. His research extended into the Greek world, offering comparative insights into the military tactics and governance between these ancient powers.
Beyond academia, David channels his love for history into creative writing. His first novel, a historical fiction, draws from his extensive knowledge of antiquity, blending rigorous historical detail with compelling narrative arcs and merging scholarship with storytelling in a way that invites readers to explore new worlds.
Karina R.
Karina is a retired teacher and administrator with over 38 years of experience teaching and leading communities of learners. She has a love for education and connecting with her students and families.
Karina believes that the key to successful learning is making it fun, engaging and appropriate for each child’s instructional needs. Her specialty is differentiating and individualizing according to each child’s interests, strengths and academic goals. She is also a lifelong learner and enjoys traveling, reading, surfing, birding and hiking. Karina is thrilled to be a Prep Academy Tutor, which allows her to help children develop confidence in their abilities and achieve their full potential.
Zeke T.
Zeke is a credentialed social science and special education teacher with over eight years of classroom experience. He holds a BA from UCLA and an MA from UCSD. Zeke is a patient, personable, and adaptable teacher who loves creating the spark that fosters lifelong curiosity and exploration.
In his free time, Zeke enjoys traveling, playing guitar, hiking, cycling, reading, and watching sports. His favorite teams include the San Diego Padres, UCLA Bruins, and anything Team USA.
Dr. Lynda M.
Dr. Lynda’s professional journey, from a long-term substitute in a public school to earning a doctoral degree in Education, is a testament to her dedication and persistence. She has worked with a comprehensive array of demographics regarding students, ranging from early intervention with the youngest students to working with adults striving to earn a GED. She has tutored undergraduate students and non-traditional learners. Each new experience builds a knowledge base and broadens understanding of students’ diverse academic encounters.
Currently, Dr. Lynda provides learning support to young students with developmental disabilities, notably those with intellectual challenges, autism, sensory challenges, and behavioral issues, as well as typical learners. She connects well with people across age cohorts and with students’ families. Her down-to-earth nature is immediately apparent. Her commitment has led her to delve into delivering early learning opportunities, such as language development, phonemes, literacy, phonics, numeracy, and social-emotional development. She uses fun, interactive, collaborative brain breaks, sensitivity, and the learners’ strengths to help them meet their needs.
Dr. Lynda is eager to participate in problem resolution with her students, using her calming therapist skills as needed. She encourages open discussion about academic difficulties in a compassionate, nonjudgmental manner, always remaining a steadfast safety net.
Meg H.
Meg Hardick is a certified middle grades science teacher. She holds a BS in Environmental Science, and a Masters in Elementary Education. She specializes in all areas of science, as well as elementary education, middle school French, and standardized test prep. She greatly enjoys helping students build the emotional and executive functioning skills necessary to excel in all subject areas. As a lover of literature and writing, she is especially excited to help students engage with the written word and expand their creative and expressive abilities. She has had great success supporting students through the stress and pressure of standardized testing season, taking a wholistic approach to test preparation and demystifying test structures.
When not supporting students, she enjoys spending time with her son, Hazel, wandering the Bella Vista streets, and hiking in the Poconos. She is a recent transplant from Austin, Texas, and is very appreciative of her new community.
Tim B.
Mr. Berg has been an educator for over 25 years. He earned both Bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science from Northern Illinois University, a Master’s degree in History from Northeastern Illinois University, and Master’s degree in Education from Lewis University. He is currently receiving his doctorate in Educational Leadership. He has previously taught in private elementary schools in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, as well as High School. He is a highly qualified tutor, having worked with elementary, middle and high school students. Mr. Berg enjoys spending time with his family. As a tutor, he loves seeing his student’s master a new concept and pushes them to success!
Stephen V.
Stephen is a professional historian with over five years of experience as a college instructor. Outside the classroom, Stephen’s historical research took him to libraries and archives in Scotland, England, and India. He has a PhD in History from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Stephen’s zeal for all things history has shaped his approach to teaching, which brings past events and characters to life through impassioned storytelling, rather than giving tedious lists of names and dates. Stephen believes that if he can convince his students that history and the humanities are as cool as he thinks they are, a spark will arise that drives them to excellence in reading comprehension, essay writing and beyond.
Apart from the subject matter, Stephen is a personable instructor who strives to get to know his students as best he can. In doing so, Stephen aims to create a safe space which allows for open dialogue and, consequently, top-level schoolwork.