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.

EN: Kristen is a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) student in Psychology at Concordia University with a strong interest in learning, cognition, and student success. Drawing on her studies in developmental psychology and research methods, she helps students understand challenging concepts by adapting her approach to different learning styles and breaking complex material into manageable steps.
In addition to her academic background, Kristen has developed strong problem-solving and communication skills through experience in the construction industry, student mentoring, and working with foreign exchange learners. These experiences have strengthened her ability to connect with students, adapt to individual needs, and create a supportive learning environment.
Tutoring across both the humanities and sciences, Kristen brings a patient, analytical, and encouraging approach to every session. She is passionate about helping students build skills, confidence, and independence while fostering curiosity and a positive attitude toward learning.

FR: Kristen is a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) student in Psychology at Concordia University with a strong interest in learning, cognition, and student success. Drawing on her studies in developmental psychology and research methods, she helps students understand challenging concepts by adapting her approach to different learning styles and breaking complex material into manageable steps.
In addition to her academic background, Kristen has developed strong problem-solving and communication skills through experience in the construction industry, student mentoring, and working with foreign exchange learners. These experiences have strengthened her ability to connect with students, adapt to individual needs, and create a supportive learning environment.
Tutoring across both the humanities and sciences, Kristen brings a patient, analytical, and encouraging approach to every session. She is passionate about helping students build skills, confidence, and independence while fostering curiosity and a positive attitude toward learning.

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.

 

 

 

“We love working with Monika! She is incredibly patient, knowledgeable and has a remarkable ability to keep my child engaged throughout each session. She explains concepts in a way that is easy to understand and creates a positive, encouraging learning environment that builds both confidence and skills.”

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.

 

Richard F.

Richard F. is a STEM educator and, since 2023, a one-to-one learning specialist at Fusion Academy, a premier 1-to-1 private school in Malvern, PA. There, he delivers highly personalized instruction in math, science, and executive-function skills. He has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent learners, including those with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

Richard holds a biotechnology degree from Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ), where he won multiple scholarships and earned Deans List honors. He served as a teaching assistant for Ethics in Science under Julie Fagan and as a research assistant in social psychology under Stephen Kilianski and in biochemistry under William Belden. Before entering education, Richard worked as a scientist and engineer in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sector for companies including Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Sanofi, and Penn Medicine. Richard served as the Environmental Monitoring Program Lead for UPenn’s CRISPR immunotherapy laboratories under Carl June and Bruce Levine and supported the COVID-19 vaccine emergency release at Johnson & Johnson. He also completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training with Lockheed Martin and served as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Northern New Jersey Chapter of APICS.

Outside of the classroom, Richard is an award-winning competitive powerlifter and poker player. He has competed against some of the world’s top professional poker players on internationally viewed live-stream broadcasts, including Doug Polk’s The Lodge (2022), applying performance psychology, probability-based thinking, and disciplined decision-making to his teaching approach. He also plays piano and sings, having performed internationally and at Carnegie Hall on multiple occasions with the Nutley High School music program. Richard has appeared in several amateur high school and college stage productions including The Wiz, Pirates of Penzance, and Made in the Philippines. He has also appeared as a guest musician featured on Hong Kong’s Regal Airport social media channels.

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.