Shauna K.

Helping students succeed is Shauna K.’s true passion.

Shauna has been teaching, tutoring, and helping students achieve academic success for more than a decade.

A California native, Shauna has a graduate and undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from UCSD. She also has a TESOL certificate to teach English as a foreign language, and many years of in-person and online SAT and ACT coaching — which is her specialty.

Shauna is highly skilled in helping students excel in a wide range of subjects from science and math to language arts and Spanish.

She is an expert at helping all students learn (and master) executive functioning skills such as planning, time management, study habits, and effective study techniques (how to study). She believes that the confidence gained through these skills propel students forward and lay the groundwork for lifelong success.

When Shauna is not teaching or tutoring, you will find her hiking, biking, or camping the Rockies.

Marlee S.

Marlee S. has a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in English Literature and Creative Writing from Susquehanna University. Wanting to be an author, she has been writing from the time she was young. This passion caused her to pursue literature and writing both in higher education. During and after college, she has tutored both high school students and college students in essay-writing, even helping college applicants to write their admissions essay. Currently, she is substitute teaching in Manatee County while pursuing a career in teaching English. In her free time, Marlee likes to read, work on her novel, watch anime with her brother, and beat her parents at pickleball.

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.

Kristen B.

Kristen is a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) student in Psychology at Concordia University. She is fascinated by how people learn and think, and loves helping students tackle challenging concepts by finding strategies that make learning clear and manageable. Her studies in cognition, developmental psychology, and research methods enable her to make complex ideas accessible for students with diverse learning styles, allowing them to engage with the material more effectively.

Outside of school, Kristen has developed strong problem-solving skills through hands-on experience in the construction industry. This practical experience helps her break down challenging material into achievable steps, ensuring sessions stay focused and engaging. She has also mentored students, including foreign exchange learners, and guided groups in exploring historical and cultural topics. These experiences have strengthened her ability to connect with individuals, adapt her teaching to diverse needs, and foster a supportive learning environment where students feel confident to ask questions and explore new ideas.

Tutoring across the humanities and sciences, Kristen brings a patient, analytical, and encouraging approach to each session. She works with students to break down challenges, strengthen skills, and grow confidence, while nurturing curiosity, independent thinking, and a sense of autonomy in their learning. Kristen is passionate about creating a positive, inspiring learning environment that encourages students to grow both academically and personally.

Amanda D.

Amanda is a dedicated and compassionate tutor with a strong passion for helping students develop confidence and success in reading. She specializes in working with beginning and struggling readers, believing that strong early literacy skills are the foundation for lifelong learning.
A United States Marine Corps veteran, Amanda brings structure, adaptability, and perseverance to her teaching. She holds undergraduate degrees in History and Political Science and is currently working toward her teaching credential and Master of Education (M.Ed.). Her academic background allows her to support students with strong critical-thinking skills while maintaining clear, developmentally appropriate instruction.
Amanda creates a supportive and encouraging learning environment where students feel safe to take risks and grow. She focuses on key literacy skills including phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Amanda enjoys innovation and actively applies creative, research-based strategies to make learning engaging and effective. She is especially passionate about helping students who feel discouraged by reading rediscover confidence and believe in their ability to succeed.

Bryanna R.

Bryanna is an educator with a strong background in elementary and special education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Salve Regina University. After graduating, she worked as a K–3 special education teacher, where she supported young learners in developing foundational academic and learning skills.

Bryanna is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Emerson College, where she continues to specialize in working with elementary-aged students. Her combined training in education and speech-language development allows her to support students in areas such as reading, writing, language, and overall communication. She is passionate about helping children build confidence in their academic abilities while developing strong literacy skills.

Bryanna believes that building meaningful connections with students is essential for learning and progress. She strives to create a supportive, engaging environment where children feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and celebrating their successes.
Outside of teaching and tutoring, Bryanna enjoys spending time near the beach and staying active. Her newest obsession is OrangeTheory, where she enjoys challenging workouts and pretending she loves the treadmill.

Brook L.

Brook L. is a certified teacher with a Master’s degree in Teaching and Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Humanities. She is a certified TESOL instructor, and accredited by the American Tap Dance Society.

She has 15 years of experience teaching English Language Arts (ELA). Six of those years were spent teaching middle-school English. In addition, she has worked as a technology instructor, theater director, International Baccalaureate Primary and Diploma instructor, an academic advisor, and an ESL tutor.

Brook’s strengths include grammar and punctuation, language proficiency, SAT and ACT test prep, and helping students embrace new reading-comprehension strategies rooted in the Science of Reading.

She also created a Girl, Awake! Project: a mentorship program that advocates for girls’ education.

When Brook is not teaching, tutoring, or writing YA and dystopian fiction, you’ll find her crocheting, reading, or walking her Golden Retriever pup: Salvador Doggie

Monika S.

Monika is an experienced educator and former high school Spanish teacher with more than 15 years of experience helping students build confidence and achieve academic success. She has also served as a College Readiness Coach, guiding students as they develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

Spanish was Monika’s first language, a result of growing up in a military family and experiencing a wide range of cultures from an early age. This background gives her not only strong language fluency but also meaningful cultural insight that she brings to every lesson, helping students connect more deeply with the language and its real-world context.

Monika is passionate about helping students experience those powerful “aha” moments when a concept finally clicks. She tailors each tutoring session to the individual student’s strengths and learning style, creating a supportive, engaging environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and grow in confidence.

Outside of education, Monika enjoys traveling, gardening, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and spending time outdoors with her husband, friends, and her dog.

Sandra P.

Sandra has her Masters in Education, Single Subject History Teaching, Technology, AI, Orton Gillingham Trained. She has a passion for helping students create & activate learning plans that support positive outcomes.