Fanwei (Mary) Z.

Fanwei (Mary) is a dedicated Mandarin tutor and former university professor with over 20 years of teaching and academic leadership experience. Before moving to the US, she served as a Professor and Director of the Engineering Management Department at Shandong Technology and Business University in China, where she taught courses in both Mandarin and English and led major academic research programs. For the past five years, Fanwei has been teaching Mandarin in the U.S., working with students of all ages—from kindergarten through college, as well as adults. She specializes in teaching Mandarin for beginners to advanced learners, helping students develop confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Chinese. Her teaching style is interactive, engaging, and highly adaptable to each learner’s goals. Fanwei integrates authentic materials and multimedia tools—including videos, audio clips, PowerPoint, and textbooks such as Easy Steps to Chinese, HSK, and YCT—to make lessons dynamic and effective. She focuses on three key strategies to help students succeed. 1. Connecting learning to daily life. 2. Starting with interesting and relatable topics 3. Using multimedia to deepen understanding and retention. She also supports students preparing for AP Chinese, HSK, and YCT exams. As a bilingual educator fluent in Mandarin and English, Fanwei ensures her students feel comfortable and supported as they navigate the language and culture. Her background as a lead author of a nationally recognized textbook and provincial-level research award recipient reflects her dedication to excellence in education. Fanwei brings warmth, structure, and enthusiasm to every session—helping each student discover the joy of learning Mandarin and the beauty of Chinese culture.

Nicholas B.

Nicholas is a passionate and highly experienced math instructor with a Master’s Degree in Education from Sacred Heart University. Over the past several years, he has worked with students across all grade levels—from elementary through high school—helping them build confidence and mastery in mathematics.

Nicholas teaches remotely in the mornings through a one-on-one independent school in Connecticut and works in the afternoons at two learning centers in Florida. He works with students on all high school math subjects, including Algebra I & II, Geometry, Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, and AP Statistics. No matter the level, Nicholas focuses on helping students strengthen their understanding and build confidence in their math skills.

With extensive experience in both classroom and tutoring settings, Nicholas has successfully guided students through rigorous math curricula and standardized test preparation for the SAT and ACT math sections, often leading to significant improvements in performance and self-assurance.

Known for his patient, structured, and encouraging approach, Nicholas tailors every session to meet each student’s unique learning style. His strong mathematical foundation—highlighted by a perfect 800 on the SAT Math section—and his commitment to student growth make him a trusted and effective mentor for learners at every stage of their academic journey.

Bruce M.

Bruce is an experienced educator with over 30 years of teaching and tutoring across academic subjects including math, science, writing, history, and geography. He’s helped students at all levels improve understanding, raise grades, and boost scores on standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GED, AP exams, Regents, ASVAB, and Civil Service tests. He’s served as an Adjunct Professor for over 30 years at several colleges, and also taught with The Princeton Review and Kaplan, bringing proven test-prep strategies to his students. In addition to 20 years of private tutoring, he spent 5 years with Science Adventures, running after-school science programs and summer camps plus 6 years at Treasure Island Day Camp in charge of all Nature programs.
His professional background includes more than two decades at Brookhaven National Lab, as well as technical and management roles at Grumman Aerospace, Robotic Vision Systems, Megadata, and American Science, working in scientific research, engineering, software development, management, and consulting. He’s also developed training programs and educational curricula for both academic and professional settings.
Beyond teaching and tech, he is a published writer with thousands of pages in print, as well as a journal editor. Students appreciate his ability to explain complex concepts clearly, build confidence, and adapt to their unique learning style.

Michael E.

Michael is a certified mathematics teacher in the state of Florida and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Florida Gulf Coast University. His strong academic foundation is enhanced by comprehensive teacher training, including extensive coursework in education and teaching placement.

With experience working with students from 4th grade through high school, as well as at the college level, Michael brings both deep content knowledge and a flexible, student-centered approach to instruction. His teaching is grounded in rigorous mathematical understanding and evidence-based strategies that help students deepen their understanding in math concepts, strengthen critical thinking, and prepare for future academic success.
Michael is a firm believer in the value of individualized instruction. He finds one-on-one tutoring is especially effective in math, as it allows him to tailor lessons to each student’s individual needs and build their confidence. Michael hopes to share his love for math with his students. His goal is not only to improve students’ performance in math but also to foster a lasting appreciation for the subject.

Cynthia G. M.

Cynthia holds bachelor’s degrees in Physics, Honors Mathematics, and Geology from the University of South Florida, graduating cum laude. She completed a Master’s in Astronomy at the University of Florida and pursued advanced doctoral research (ABD) in Astronomy, specializing in low-mass star formation. Her career as an educator began early when she was appointed the youngest teaching assistant in her department while still an undergraduate, later securing a full-time faculty position at the University of the Virgin Islands before completing her PhD.

With over 20 years of teaching experience at institutions like the University of Florida, the University of South Florida, Miami Country Day School, and the Community School of Naples, Cynthia has taught a diverse range of students, including those with learning differences, in subjects such as physics, math, astronomy, and Spanish. She is committed to making complex material approachable and employs a structured approach to problem-solving. Cynthia guides students through a 5-step process that helps them tackle any problem with confidence, from understanding the concept to evaluating the solution. This method not only enhances problem-solving skills but also empowers students to become independent, lifelong learners.

By working individually with students, Cynthia is able to quickly identify gaps in their understanding and tailor her lessons to address those specific areas. Her teaching methodology encourages critical thinking, fosters active participation, and builds both academic skills and self-confidence.

Beyond the classroom, Cynthia has been a passionate advocate for outreach, working with students of all ages (from elementary school through adult learners) especially in minority and underrepresented communities. She has also worked closely with students who have special needs, guiding them to success in challenging coursework. As a mother of two middle schoolers, Cynthia understands the personal challenges students face, which strengthens her approach to tutoring.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Cynthia also offers Spanish tutoring and enjoys incorporating cultural perspectives into her teaching. A former professional dance instructor, she believes that creativity and movement can be powerful tools in the learning process, and she integrates these elements into her dynamic teaching style to connect with students in meaningful ways.

Ryan E.

A Collier County native, Ryan holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Sociology from the University of Florida, along with minors in Disabilities in Society and Education Studies. His passion for education was sparked by the inspiring teachers in his own life, and he’s now dedicated to creating that same positive impact for his students. Ryan brings a patient, empathetic, and student-centered approach to every session. He believes in building mutual respect and making learning engaging, so that each student feels confident, supported, and excited to learn. At Prep Academy Tutors, Ryan is further developing his teaching skills with plans to transition into a full-time teaching role. In his free time, he enjoys reading, going to the beach, playing video games, and staying active through sports.

David R.

“Salud, pesetas, amor, y tiempo para gozarlos” — Health, wealth, love, and time to enjoy them. This motto guides David’s approach to both life and education.

David is a certified educator with a strong academic foundation in history, political science, economics, and Spanish. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History, with a minor in Spanish, from Susquehanna University. His additional studies include comparative politics at Rutgers University and coursework in macroeconomics, political science, and geography at Union County College. This broad academic background enables him to support students in U.S. History, World History, Government, Civics, Economics, Geography, and related subjects.

After relocating to Florida, David worked in both public and charter schools and earned his professional certification through the Teacher Immersion Program at Florida Gulf Coast University. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated adaptability and leadership, serving as both a guest and long-term teacher in elementary, middle and high school settings across multiple subject areas.

David tutors K–12 students in reading, writing, study skills, foundational math, and core academic subjects. He is committed to building confident, thoughtful learners who think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

He lives in Naples with his fiancée and two children, and enjoys science fiction, classic literature, anime, and playing guitar.

Jennifer R.

Jennifer has been engaging students in grades kindergarten through eight for the past 25 years, retiring this past school year. Although only in retirement for two days, she already missed the students and the love of teaching and learning.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, while minoring in English and Social Science. She holds Elementary Education Grades K-6 & English Grades 5-9 certifications in Florida. She achieved her Master of Arts degree in Teaching & Learning, as well as in Curriculum and Instruction, and is certified in professional development. She also holds endorsements in English As a Second Language as well as in the area of Gifted and Talented education.

As all of this education is essential to understanding the techniques and strategies that help to connect and teach students in the most successful way, the experience and relationship building she prides herself on, is really what makes this educator most qualified. Jennifer has worked with all levels of learners, ie: those with ADHD, LD, as well as those on the gifted or high achiever end of their learning. In her last position, she was the head of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) committee, enabling her to continually keep up with the latest changes and trends with our youth and in our world. She strives to entertain, while stimulating students’ learning.  She shows enthusiasm, is flexible, and expressive. Students with whom she works, feel inspired, welcome, challenged, and engaged. Jennifer is a teacher who believes in educating the whole child, seeking out his or her strengths and interests, not just the areas needing improvement. She connects with children and makes them feel heard and important. She would be an asset in any learning environment.

Michele T.

Michele Taylor holds a BS in Psychology and a MSEd with a focus in Elementary Education. She is a Certified Teacher, ESE (Exceptional Student Education) Specialist, and a Certified Behavior Analyst. Michele’s experience spans many successful years as a classroom teacher, an Adjunct Instructor at a local college, leading a special education department, and working as a Mental Health Therapist. With this strong background, Michele brings both expertise and empathy to her work, creating individualized learning plans that meet students where they are and guide them toward success.

Michele believes that every child can thrive with the right support, and she is passionate about building confidence as much as academic skills. Parents appreciate her patient, encouraging approach and her ability to make learning engaging while addressing each student’s unique needs. Her experience working with diverse learners helps families feel confident that their child will be understood, supported, and challenged in the right ways.

Outside of tutoring, Michele loves watching her son play lacrosse, catching beach sunsets, and spending quality time with her fur babies.

Kristin V.

Kristin is a certified English educator with 20 years of experience teaching high school and helping students master content and pass state-standardized exams. She holds a B.A. in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and has endorsements in both Reading and English Language Learners, along with certifications in Drama and Business. Known for making complex texts and writing tasks approachable and for teaching students practical, accessible skills needed to pass national and state-standardized exams, Kristin has helped thousands of students build the literacy skills and confidence they need to succeed—in the classroom and beyond. She specializes in personalized, one-on-one instruction that meets students where they are and helps them grow as critical thinkers, effective writers, and clear communicators. A published journalist and former yearbook advisor, Kristin brings creativity, warmth, and real-world relevance to every session. When she’s not teaching or writing, she instructs yoga classes and explores new ways to bring joy into learning.