Rachel M.

Rachel has a master’s degree in Cognitive Science from Teachers College, Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from University of Michigan. Her understanding in executive functioning and emotional processing in the developing brain (and how to train it in others) has enabled students to set themselves up for success. She also has experience training students in “academic confidence” in inpatient and outpatient programs for young struggling students. Her research includes habit development and building resilience in educational settings.
With a caring, practical, and deeply personalized approach, Rachel enjoys working with students to unlock their full potential and achieve their academic and personal goals.

Colleen C-Q.

I am a college professor of Mathematics at SUNY Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY. I am also a NYS permanently certified 7-12 secondary Mathematics teacher (since 2000), with a Bachelors and Masters degrees in Mathematics Secondary Education and a PhD in Mathematics and Curriculum.  I’ve taught all levels of mathematics in high school and higher education, as well as run a successful tutoring business that focuses on success on the NYS regents’ math exams.

Jonah W.

Jonah Weingart graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Middle Eastern Studies, and International Studies, earning High Honors and High Distinction. During his time at U of M, he was awarded multiple Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships by the U.S. Department of Education for advanced language and area studies. In addition to his academic achievements, Jonah dedicated his extracurricular time to tutoring and mentoring local students in the Ann Arbor area and engaging in language and cultural exchanges with international students at the Michigan Language Center. With many years of language tutoring experience, Jonah has taught in both 1:1 and classroom settings and has extensive experience working with adult ESL learners.

Jonah has always been passionate about languages and speaks Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, and Portuguese. He has applied his language skills professionally, working with refugees and asylum seekers newly arrived in the United States. Jonah believes that language learning should be both fun and empowering, and through his work, he has witnessed the transformative impact it can have on individuals’ lives. In his free time, Jonah enjoys cooking, listening to music, and spending quality time with friends.

Kelly D.

Dr. Kelly D. brings over 16 years of educational experience, specializing in literacy development and student achievement. With a Ph.D. in Literacy and Curriculum Development from St. John’s University, he has a strong foundation in helping students enhance their reading and writing skills, improving literacy scores by up to 80% through targeted, evidence-based strategies. As a former ELA teacher and literacy coach, Dr. Downing is skilled in creating individualized learning plans that address each student’s unique needs, ensuring academic growth and confidence. His leadership as Executive Director of a college and career readiness institute further highlights his commitment to preparing students for long-term success, both academically and professionally. Dr. Downing is passionate about inspiring students to reach their highest potential.

Ian G.

After receiving Bachelor’s degrees in History and French in his home state of Arkansas, Ian moved to the Northeast to begin his professional career as an educator. While serving as a literacy coach in a public school in Washington, DC, Ian helped to integrate new strategies and hybridized learning amid the COVID lockdown. In the fall of 2021 Ian led a class of 5th graders in their transition back to in-person instruction after the shutdown. He served as a lead history and humanities teacher for two years before segueing into out-of-school time education. Ian helped to implement an afterschool program for students in Harlem, developing curriculum, and leading homework help and enrichment activities for participants. In total, Ian has over a decade of tutoring and education experience. Ian loves to inspire wonder in all of his students, and prioritizes an individualized approach to ensure all students get the education they deserve.

Michael N.

Michael is a patient and knowledgeable teacher, tutor for English, History, reading, writing, and test prep classes, with experience working with students of all levels of aptitude and academic interest. Born and raised in New York City, Michael is a product of its public schools system, and the later recipient of two Ivy League degrees, one from Cornell and the other from Columbia University. He’s worked for many years in both public and charter schools, teaching a diverse group of young learners, helping them to become stronger readers, writers, and critical thinkers. As a tutor, Michael has over ten years of experience working one-on-one with a vast array of clients, with ages ranging from pre-K to graduate school students and adult professionals. Michael likes to say that he works with “big kids, little kids and medium sized kids” and this has been the case throughout his extensive career.

Lisa V.

Lisa Valdner is a highly experienced Biology educator with a rich background in both academic and international settings. Lisa holds a BSc in Physiology and Pharmacology from UWE, followed by a Masters of Science from King’s College London University. Achieving qualified teacher status in 2006, she has worked in private and highly academic grammar schools in the UK. With a passion to travel Lisa attended an International school fair in London, securing a position at an International School in New York.
During her tenure in New York, Lisa not only excelled as a science teacher but also served as an examiner for the IB Biology program. As a head of year 9 and 10 she played a key role in developing and implementing the pastoral care program, emphasizing her dedication to students’ holistic well-being.
As a former national gymnast Lisa was educated with the support of a tutor, so knows first hand the incredible benefits this brings. Lisa embraces the personalized approach of tutoring, providing invaluable support to her students. Currently, she serves as a full-time international tutor, conducting classes both virtually and in person.
Committed to guiding each student through their academic journey, Lisa will help with planning and organization, always applying and instilling good study habits . She actively explores and embraces technological advances to make science concepts come to life, she is currently developing immersive science lessons with VR and AR technology.
Students appreciate how clear Lisa makes the scientific concepts so they can be easily understood. She is able to keep students engaged and with her years of experience can determine the specific needs of each individual.

Halle M.

Halle obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Music with a certificate in Statistics and Machine Learning from Princeton University, where she graduated with high honors. Halle was awarded multiple prizes for her senior thesis musical and a prize for outstanding work by underclassmen in musical theater. With her strong background in and passion for mathematics, she has had professional employment experience in the data analytics sector. Along with her years of tutoring experience in a variety of subjects, Halle has experience guiding and mentoring students as they approach the college application process. Halle believes strongly in the importance of developing a relationship founded on trust and respect with her students. As a high-achieving student from a rural community, Halle’s passion is providing students with the support and resources they need to succeed, just as her mentors did for her. A fun fact about Halle is that she completed a virtual internship entirely in Spanish for a non-profit organization based out of Argentina, and hopes to visit the country soon!

Sunny S.

Sunny is a prior math and ESL educator with a passion for supporting students to not only think, but create. With three years of experience teaching Algebra 1 using Peter Liljedahl’s Thinking Classrooms model, her priorities are building genuine, encouraging relationships with students, and using that foundation to develop their confidence as mathematicians and problem-solvers.

Sunny grew up in Sacramento, California before attending Brown University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Education. In her spare time, you will find her bouldering, learning guitar, and optimizing her Wordle score.

Lauren H.

Lauren is a native New Yorker who spent her life steeped in all the art and culture the city has to offer. She is a born educator, lifelong learner, and giant nerd who is obsessed with music, literature, history, technology, and social justice. Lauren spent her formative years dedicated to writing and visual and performing arts, and still had time to get a perfect score on the SAT. She also worked as the Vocal Director and Science Lab Instructor at a camp for gifted and talented children. While studying studio production and composition at the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase she began tutoring students to prepare them for various standardized tests and subjects. Rather than attend law school, Lauren became a full-time tutor, and has been one for over 15 years. Lauren truly loves what she does, and aims for every student to become confident, intellectually curious, and passionate about learning. She believes education is holistic, enthusiasm infectious, and this is what keeps students engaged and excited to pursue their goals as they become better critical thinkers, readers, and problem solvers who are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible. In addition to tutoring and advising, she also teaches a robotics class in which elementary school children build and program their own Lego robots. Lauren’s passions include eating her way across every continent, collecting records, and curling. She has been playing the game, known as chess on ice, for 6 years, is a certified USA Curling instructor, and is also Co-Director of Education at Brooklyn Lakeside Curling Club.