Benjamin N.

Benjamin N. is a highly experienced educator, healthcare professional, and retired United States Army veteran with more than 30 years of experience teaching health sciences and medical technology. His career has combined military service, higher education leadership, clinical laboratory science, and student mentorship, giving him a unique ability to connect academic concepts to real-world applications in healthcare and science.

Benjamin began his teaching career while serving in the United States Army, where he was selected as an instructor for an Advanced Medical Laboratory Program. He served in that role for six years before continuing his career in both healthcare and higher education leadership following his military retirement. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply passionate about teaching, mentoring, and helping students build confidence in challenging subjects.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, a Master of Arts in Health Services Management, and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. In addition to his teaching background, Benjamin has served in numerous leadership roles within higher education and healthcare, including Department Chair for Allied Health programs at San Jacinto College, where he oversaw multiple healthcare training programs and helped significantly improve student success, enrollment, and certification pass rates.

Benjamin specializes in science and health-related subjects including Anatomy, Biology, Genetics, Pathophysiology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Geography, and Health. He also supports students in middle school mathematics, STAAR math preparation, elementary education, and academic writing. His broad educational and professional background allows him to adapt his instruction to students with a variety of learning styles and academic goals.

Known for his structured, supportive teaching style, Benjamin focuses on helping students truly understand concepts rather than simply memorize information. Families appreciate his patience, professionalism, and ability to encourage students to believe in their abilities while developing stronger study habits and academic confidence.

Benjamin is excited to continue sharing his knowledge and experience with students and helping them achieve long-term academic success.

SAANYA M.

Saanya is a psychology graduate with experience providing one-on-one academic and behavioural support to children and adolescents with diverse learning needs, including individuals on the autism spectrum. She uses evidence-informed, ABA-aligned strategies such as positive reinforcement, structured routines, and individualized support to promote skill development, emotional regulation, and confidence.

Saanya has training in behaviour support and de-escalation techniques and is comfortable working under supervision while following individualized support plans. She plans to pursue graduate studies in Counselling Psychology and is committed to providing ethical, compassionate, and consistent care that supports each child’s long-term growth and well-being.

Raven E.

Raven is a graduate student at Southern Methodist University (2026), pursuing a Master’s in Education with a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concentration. She is also a proud graduate of the University of Richmond (2023), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication Studies with a minor in Business Administration and Dance. While completing her masters program, she received her teaching certification and committed to becoming a SAISD educator for 2 years. In this short timeframe, she was moved by her students’ stories, their passions and interests, and found purpose in helping younger minds flourish. She prioritizes tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs and incorporates practices that inspire curiosity and empower thinkers.  In her spare time, Raven enjoys exercising, creating art, baking, and reading. She loves the San Antonio Spurs, and has fond memories of her youth as their #1 fan. She listens to music of all genres, but 80s alternative, dark wave, and electronic are her favorites (a sucker for synths, obviously).

Meghan P.

Meghan has an MA in History and a BA (double major) in Classics and International Development from McGill University. She is in the final stages of completing her PhD in History and Classics at Yale University. Meghan has published a number of articles in academic publications and presented her research at conferences around the world. She speaks three languages fluently (English, French, and Romanian) and works in several others (Italian, German, Latin, and Ancient Greek).

Meghan is a passionate teacher who believes that every student is capable of excellence. Her approach is characterized by empathy, patience, and kindness. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Meghan is sympathetic to the pressures modern students face: difficulties in focus, wavering confidence, and the temptation of unethical AI use among others. Meghan has had particular success in motivating students who were especially shy, withdrawn, or otherwise on the margins of the classroom. Strategies for how to bring such a student back into the fold differ on an individual basis but are always couched in mutual respect and understanding. Frequently, students who may have been struggling the most at the beginning of the term—be it with meeting deadlines, quality of work, or something else—became some of Meghan’s strongest and most self-motivated students by the end of the academic year.

Areas of Expertise: Reading, Writing, and Critical Analysis (all levels); History (all levels); Latin; Ancient Greek; Biology (K-12); Homework Help (English: K-12; French: K-6).

Dr. Katina W.

Dr. Katina Walton views her enthusiasm for teaching as a calling and a responsibility that is driven by her commitment to student growth, equity, and excellence. Her desire to be a better teacher is fueled by the her personal experience of how effective instruction transforms lives and unlocks the potential in every learner.

She holds a Ph.D. in Literacy, Reading, Assessment, and Evaluation from Walden University, and has taught in a variety of classrooms from elementary schools to universities since 2001.

Outside of teaching, Dr. Walton finds joy in her faith, family, and community. She also enjoys encouraging others and engaging in activities that renew her spirit and strengthen her passion for education.

Travis McG.

Travis McGinnis has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Regis University, with endorsements in both Gifted and Talented Education and Social Studies. With 15 years of classroom experience in the Adams 12 and Jeffco School Districts, Travis is an expert at guiding students through Reading, Writing, and Math using goal-setting and arts-integrated methods.

In 2017, Travis was awarded the Talented Teacher Award by the Jeffco School District, and recognized for “100% student achievement,” as all his students met or exceeded their goals in Reading, Writing, and Math. In 2016, he also contributed to Devinney Elementary School winning the National Blue Ribbon Award.

Outside the classroom, Travis enjoys playing soccer, boardgames, baking sourdough bread, and writing fantasy and science fiction novels. When he’s not writing, gaming, or baking masterpieces in the kitchen, he enjoys quality time with his wife, four children, and their mini-goldendoodle puppy.

Travis’s experience as an educator, his enthusiasm for learning, and zest for life make him an ideal “smart friend” for elementary and middle-school students who could use a little inspiration to overcome challenges and master the learning process.

Violet O.

Violet is a special education teacher with over 10 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. She is also a Structured Literacy tutor trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach. Throughout her career, she has worked with students with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, helping them build confidence and succeed academically.

Violet believes that children learn best through exploration and hands-on experiences. Her lessons are interactive, multi-sensory, and carefully designed to keep students engaged by using movement, tactile materials, and meaningful practice to strengthen learning.

She earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies from Azusa Pacific University and her M.A. in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University. Violet is deeply committed to continued professional growth and regularly takes literacy courses to improve her practice and better serve her students. She is always researching new strategies, connecting with other educators, and staying current through professional communities and podcasts.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family at the San Diego Zoo or exploring new coffee shops.

Zach L.

Zachery Lundgren received his Ph.D. in Rhetoric, Writing, and Composition from East Carolina University. He also has an MFA from the University of South Florida, and a BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Zach has taught at the college level for seven years, and has tutored students from middle school to graduate school in a variety of subjects. His primary areas of expertise are English, Essay Writing, and Science.

When he isn’t teaching or tutoring, Zach loves hiking, camping, and backpacking in the Colorado backcountry. He is also an avid reader and has published a book of poetry: Turkey Vulture, published by Meadowlark Press.

Jacob C.

EN: Jacob is a current student in McGill University’s Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (English Language) program. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism and brings nearly 10 years of experience in traditional media and corporate communications, where clear, effective language was central to his work.
Jacob specializes in reading, writing, and communication skills. He has a particular strength in helping students build confidence in their abilities. His background allows him to break down complex ideas across multiple subjects into clear, accessible concepts while adapting his approach to each student’s learning style.
Positive and encouraging, Jacob aims to create a personalized learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and progressing at their own pace.

FR: Jacob est actuellement étudiant dans le programme de maîtrise arts en enseignement et apprentissage (langue anglaise) de l’Université McGill. Détenant un baccalauréat en journalisme, il possède près de 10 ans d’expérience dans les médias traditionnels et les communications d’entreprise, où l’utilisation de langage clair et efficace était au cœur de son travail.

Jacob est spécialisé dans la lecture, l’écriture et la communication. Il excelle particulièrement dans l’aide apportée aux élèves pour qu’ils prennent confiance en leurs capacités. Son expérience lui permet de simplifier des idées complexes dans plusieurs sujets en concepts clairs et accessibles, tout en adaptant son approche au style d’apprentissage de chaque élève.

Positif et encourageant, Jacob vise à créer un environnement d’apprentissage personnalisé où les élèves se sentent à l’aise pour poser des questions, faire des erreurs et progresser à leur propre rythme.

Reagan R.

Reagan R. is a recent and proud graduate of Houston’s Rice University. It is here that she earned her Bachelors of Arts in both English Literature and Psychology. With this background, Reagan utilizes a personalized approach to tutoring that recognizes that teaching is not a one-size-fits-all job. Rather, Reagan tutors with adaptability, patience, and individualized lesson plans tailored to each student’s needs. With a calm and encouraging approach, she teaches with the belief that every student learns best when they feel capable and understood. Reagan tutored extensively for her neighborhood and friends of neighbors in her hometown of Dripping Springs, Texas. Now, she is seeking to tutor closer to her new home in New Braunfels, Texas. In her free time, Reagan enjoys staying active with at-home Pilates and taking her dog Travis to the park. No, she is not related to Ryan Reynolds, but she is flattered that you asked. She can’t wait to get acquainted with new faces and promises a genuine investment in each student’s success.