Jenifer L.

Jenifer is a 25 year veteran of the CT public school system. A former speech and language pathologist, she acquired a Masters of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Southern Connecticut State University. From there, she dove into a rewarding career in the support of students with disabilities and their families, working tirelessly to achieve improved learning outcomes both in academics and speech and language. Working closely with special education teams, classroom teachers (often in a collaborative and coteaching format) and families, she supported student’s acquisition of reading, comprehension, phonological and phonemic awareness, vocabulary and concept knowledge, written language, math skills and social skills. During the last 10 years of her career in public school, she also worked with students with more complex diagnoses, helping to acquire daily living skills, improve behavior, and acquire core communication skills, often through the use of augmentative and assistive communication tools. Additionally, Jenifer is experienced in supporting students with college essay writing and identifying and implementing strategies for improved executive functioning. She values the collaborative effort between families, schools, and herself. She prides herself on implementing lessons in a student centered and fun atmosphere that is engaging, that increases focus and attention, and activates learning. Dedicated to families and students with learning challenges, she continues her work by supporting their needs through tutoring, coaching families and advocating for educational resources and plans that will lead to improved learning and stronger academic achievements.

Lauren W-R.

Lauren is a certified teacher in three languages (French, Spanish and Latin) and also teaches Italian. She studied these languages throughout high school and college, earning a Bachelor of Arts in French Language & Culture with a minor in the Classics, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education (Vassar College, SUNY Purchase and Mercy College). She spent two semesters living abroad in France. She taught for 20 years in a New York State public high school, taking students on trips out of the country (to France, Italy and Canada) when possible to experience the language and culture authentically.

Lauren enjoys getting to know each student she teaches. She uses various tools to diagnose where the student stands along their continuum of language learning, so that she can address their needs and provide a customized teaching plan that will ensure their progress in learning the language. Lauren makes language learning fun by using an interactive approach that will have the student speaking and understanding the language in a short period of time.

Gamal M.

With over 30 years of classroom experience and a deep passion for student success, Gamal M. brings a wealth of mathematical expertise to our tutoring team. Gamal holds a B.S. in Mathematics and is a State-Certified Educator for grades 7 through 12.

His career spans from teaching honors-level programs internationally to providing dedicated homebound and after-school support right here in the Waterbury community. Whether a student is navigating the foundations of Algebra and Geometry or tackling advanced Calculus and Trigonometry, Gamal excels at breaking down complex concepts into manageable, “lightbulb” moments. His patient, student-centered approach ensures that every learner—from middle schoolers to high school seniors—gains the confidence and skills needed to excel in the classroom and beyond.

Jonah B.

Jonah B. PhD is an educator, technologist and author who grew up in New York City. He currently works as a Software Consultant and has recently become a suburban dad. He lives with his partner and their young son in New Haven, CT.

Jonah studied Communications at Columbia University and in 2016 defended his doctoral dissertation, Dangerous Gifts: Towards a New Wave of Psychiatric Resistance, which examines significant shifts in the politics of psychiatric resistance and mental health activism. He has been organizing around mental health issues for over a decade, and cares deeply about the environment, social justice and privacy.

He has over 20+ years of experience as a professional software architect, designer, and developer. He is an active free/open source contributor whose technical interests include ethical AI, algorithmic fairness, Linux, Python, Content/Learning Management, and Annotations. He loves to bike ride, travel, scuba dive, and play the bass. He earned a masters in Communication and Education at Teachers College (’07) and graduated from Princeton University (’97) with a BA Cum Laude in Philosophy, and certificates in Computer Science and Cognitive Studies.

Harini B.

Harini B. (Lily) is a dedicated science tutor with a strong academic background in microbiology, biotechnology, and public health. She holds double master’s degrees—a Master of Science in Biotechnology and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology. Currently a data analyst at Yale University, she also trains graduate fellows in managing and analyzing healthcare data using tools like SAS and SQL. Harini has helped students at all levels gain confidence across a range of science subjects—from life sciences to data-driven research methods—by breaking down complex concepts and making them more approachable. She adapts to each student’s learning style and brings real-world experience into her teaching. Fun fact: Harini played national-level tennis in high school, an experience that taught her how to balance focus and flexibility—skills she now uses to help students succeed in both science and study habits.

Benjamin B.

Benjamin B. is a veteran educator with over 15 years of experience in both special education and general education, supporting students across diverse K–8 settings. Based in Cheshire, Connecticut, Benjamin holds multiple certifications, including Professional Teacher (K–6), Special Education (PreK–12), and School Administrator (092). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorders from the University of Saint Joseph, and an Initial Principal Certificate from the University of Bridgeport.

Benjamin is known for his ability to create learner-centered environments that foster academic growth, confidence, and inclusion. He is highly skilled in adapting curriculum, delivering differentiated instruction, and using progress monitoring to guide student achievement. He has taught in school districts throughout Connecticut—including Windsor, Ansonia, Hartford, Waterbury, and Bridgeport—and brings deep expertise in IEP development, behavioral interventions, and collaborative educational planning.

Outside the classroom, Benjamin is a dedicated father to two daughters, ages 8 and 10, and actively coaches their baseball team. He also enjoys hiking and weightlifting as part of his active lifestyle. Passionate about helping every child thrive, Benjamin looks forward to supporting students in reaching their full potential and achieving their academic goals.

Sara L.

Sara has been a dedicated educator and tutor for over seventeen years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Eastern Connecticut State University, a Master’s in Education from Sacred Heart University, and is currently pursuing an EdD in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. With fifteen years of experience teaching elementary education, Sara currently teaches first grade and serves as a lead literacy teacher for her district, where she has also contributed to district-wide curriculum development. Sara specializes in tailoring individualized tutoring plans to meet each student’s unique needs. She has worked with learners ranging from preschoolers to high school seniors, covering foundational skills such as phonics and number recognition, as well as advanced concepts including test preparation and academic writing. Her mission is to foster confidence and ignite a lifelong love of learning in every student she supports. Outside the classroom, Sara enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her three children. Her warmth, experience, and ability to build lasting connections with students and families make her a trusted and passionate advocate for academic success.

Rebecca L.

Rebecca L. is a passionate and devoted Language Arts teacher, who prioritizes students’ personal growth and focuses on complex metacognition. She focuses on student engagement and confidence in taking chances and thinking for themselves (and outside of the box). By incorporating a plethora of reading and writing strategies, higher level thinking is not only achieved but mastered.

She received her BA from the University of Connecticut majoring in English Literature and then earned her MS in Remedial Reading from Southern Connecticut State University while teaching middle school full time. Rebecca is certified to teach K-12, however her expertise in in grades 6-12. She is in her 23rd year of teaching and has seen drastic educational changes throughout her career.

Versed in classroom management, SEL strategies, organization and detail, and district curriculum and differentiation, Rebecca is a well-rounded and experienced educator. Throughout her career, Rebecca has served as a team leader, guiding colleagues and contributing to a collaborative, student-centered learning environment.

Her purpose lies in helping students discover their voice through reading and writing, and she is especially committed to supporting struggling readers and fostering a lifelong love of literature. Rebecca’s broad experience across grade levels has equipped her with a flexible, responsive teaching style and a strong belief in the power of language to transform lives.

Emily M.

Emily M. is a dedicated Special Education teacher with experience in supporting diverse learners. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, giving her a strong foundation in both the science of reading and social-emotional learning. Through her studies, Emily developed a deep passion for fostering literacy growth. She is trained in both the Orton-Gillingham approach and the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program. During the school year, Emily case manages a Social-Emotional Learning program focused on building executive functioning skills and confidence in her students. Outside of the classroom, Emily extends her education on how to integrate art into learning. She actively seeks meaningful ways to incorporate creative expression into her lessons. Emily brings warmth, structure, and consistency to every session, using her deep understanding of behavior and literacy to build strong, supportive relationships with her students. She truly believes that every child deserves to feel successful in and out of the classroom.

Maria P.

Maria Peavy holds an undergraduate degree from Smith College and a Master’s in Education. Certified to teach Social Studies for grades 7-12, she has taught and tutored students from first through twelfth grade in reading, language arts, social studies, essay writing, SAT prep and AP history. Maria is dedicated to helping children succeed and gain confidence in their learning skills. She takes pride in developing a strong rapport with her students, enjoying the process of getting to know them and supporting their growth. Outside of teaching, Maria loves reading, traveling, hiking, and exploring local history. As a fun fact, Maria was a figure skating professional for over 25 years, teaching children as young as age three through adults, and brings that same patient, encouraging approach to her tutoring.