Grace H.

Grace graduated from Loras College in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. Grace was also an NCAA Division III athlete for the Loras College Women’s Softball Team. She found success on the field and in the classroom during her time there. Grace is pursuing her Master’s in Mathematics at Loyola University of Chicago. She was a teaching assistant for the mathematics program for 1.5 years, holding office hours to aid students in their studies, grading homework, quizzes, or exams, and helping during classes. Grace enjoys helping students build confidence in the classroom (and on the field).

Tamara A.

Meet Tamara, a current undergraduate student at North Central College! Tamara is studying German and Secondary Education and is set to graduate in 2027. Besides her main studies, she has a minor in teaching English Learners and has experience teaching in a Spanish-bilingual classroom. Outside of obtaining teaching experience in various schools, Tamara tutors North Central College students in public speaking. Through all of these teaching opportunities, her overall goal is to make learning fun and memorable.

During her personal time she loves to sing and teach little ones at her local church. As well as, taking cooking classes on YouTube and spending time with loved ones.

Rebecca T.

Rebecca is a licensed French teacher with over a decade of experience teaching in McHenry county. Growing up in Dupage county, she graduated from Wheaton North High School before pursuing a French degree from University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. During her studies she lived in the historic heart of Paris where she quickly fell (more) in love with French language, culture, and travel. Upon graduation she returned to school to pursue a Masters in Teaching from National Louis University.

Throughout her tenure as an educator in McHenry county, Rebecca built a thriving French program infusing music, film, and pop-culture into her lessons. She won the Star 105.5 teacher of the month in November of her second year teaching after being nominated by several of her students. She ran a robust French club hosting activities from movie nights to cheese tastings, field trips to French restaurants, and cooking demonstrations. She also organized, planned, and chaperoned overseas travel to France where her students could put their skills to the test in an authentic setting.

As a lifelong learner Rebecca takes pride in the learning process. She loves to watch the light-bulb moment when a new concept clicks for a student. Outside the classroom Rebecca likes to spend time with her family, travel, read, and cook. She looks forward to helping your student get excited about French and the Francophone world!

Brooke B.

Brooke B. is an experienced educator with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English, a teaching credential, and extensive tutoring experience. She has worked with students of all ages, specializing in English language arts, writing, and college application essays. Brooke is passionate about helping students develop strong writing skills and confidence in their abilities by tailoring lessons to their individual learning styles and interests.

In addition to tutoring, Brooke is currently furthering her expertise with certifications in addiction counseling and mental health first aid. She believes that a supportive and engaging learning environment is key to student success.

When she’s not helping students master the art of writing, Brooke can be found discussing Star Trek theories, collecting art she insists is “an investment,” or dramatically singing show tunes—sometimes all at once.

Nora W.

Nora is a third-year graduate student at the College of William & Mary, on track to become a certified school psychologist upon graduating in May 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marquette University and has several years of experience working with children in both clinical and educational settings. As a future school psychologist, Nora is well-versed in child development, learning differences, and evidence-based instructional strategies. She has extensive training in assessing cognitive and academic strengths, identifying learning barriers, and implementing tailored interventions to support student success. Her expertise allows her to adapt her tutoring methods to each student’s unique needs. She also incorporates interactive and multi-sensory activities to make learning engaging and effective. Nora is passionate about helping students build confidence and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, working out, and making crafts.

Ann S.

Ann Stec grew up teaching.  As the oldest of four children, and the only girl, she would often create a “classroom” for her younger brother, taking them through practice with letters and numbers.  Her mom would buy used workbooks at thrift stores for her to use with her “pupils” each week. Ann loved it–her brothers were decidedly on the fence! 

When it was time to officially choose a career, Ann went to Illinois State and graduated with a B.S. in Education with concentrations in Language Arts and Reading.  Her plan was to teach junior high school students to love reading and learning.  But a few years into teaching, Ann was recruited to teach teachers at the elementary level how to teach reading in their classrooms.  It was a leap–big kids to little–but it turned out to be a game changer!

While working at the elementary level, Ann found that some students continued to struggle to acquire literacy skills, despite receiving intervention.  She realized she needed to learn more about how to help these students and decided to pursue her Wilson Level 1 certification.  She credits that decision as the single best decision of her professional career and she has spent the last nineteen years of her career helping kids who learn differently master how to read.

Ann believes that the best instruction–at any level–empowers students to be reflective learners and goal setters.  She believes that teacher, parent and student comprise the learning team and is an advocate of working with parents and students together in order to help all kids reach their academic potential.

Ann is in her 29th year of teaching and  currently works as a Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach in Naperville 203.  She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching, is ELL certified and is a certified Wilson Level 1 Instructor. In her free time, she volunteers with animal welfare agencies (she has nine pets!), READS, thrifts, travels, and hangs out with her favorite people as much as possible.

Lauren D.

Lauren D. is a certified elementary educator with a passion for teaching and helping students thrive! Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Psychology from North Central College in 2020, with minors in Leadership and Conflict Resolution. After beginning her teaching career at Lincoln Elementary in Wheaton, IL as a 1st-grade teacher, Lauren discovered a deep interest in math instruction and curriculum development.In 2024, she furthered her expertise by earning a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Aurora University, with endorsements in English as a Second Language (ELL) and Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1).

Now in her fifth year at Lincoln Elementary, Lauren continues to teach 1st grade, where she finds great fulfillment in fostering growth and confidence in her students! Lauren’s experience extends beyond the classroom. Lauren has extensive expertise in teaching religious education for grades 4-6, serving as a before-school counselor with the YMCA, and working as a daycare teacher at Lighthouse Academy. Lauren has also tutored students in both reading and math. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys tennis, traveling with friends, and spending summer days at Wrigley Field cheering for the Chicago Cubs!

Michael Z.

Michael A. Zaucedo graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2021. He grew up in Chicago, IL and attended a boarding High school at Lake Forest Academy in 2011. Michael grew up with a deep love for Science and Mathematics and took a study abroad opportunity in Costa Rica in the summer of 2018 to study an indigenous plant called Jatoba. During the summer of 2019, he discovered his passion for teaching and working with children when completing his teaching internship at High Jump Chicago as a teaching assistant (TA) for Chemistry––through teaching, he fostered his love for Chemistry and Mathematics. In his spare time, Michael works one-on-one with students ranging from middle through High School. He encouraged and supported the improvement of their Chemistry, and Mathematics skills ranging from Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus. As a mentor, Michael continues to develop strategies for working with students and believes that building strong relationships will grow their learning and help guide them to reach their full potential toward being a well rounded student. Michael enjoys playing sports like baseball, basketball and football, watching suspense movies, as well as spending time with his family and friends.

Jean G.

Jean has 12 years of teaching experience, and is passionate about working with students in the early elementary grades. She began her career as a Kindergarten teacher and has experience teaching grades Kindergarten through 3rd, most recently acting as a 3rd grade teacher in Bonita Springs, Florida. Jean feels strongly that students learn best when the teacher develops an impactful student relationship, and the student is motivated by this relationship to learn. She loves to make learning fun in the younger years! When Jean moved to Chicago to be closer to family, she realized she missed connecting with students and loves the flexibility the tutoring position brings to her busy life. She also loves the ability to connect to students one-on-one, and see their academic growth. Jean received her Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Child Science from Florida State University, and since then obtained her reading endorsement (PreK-12) as well as a certification of completion in Orton-Gillingham reading instruction.

When not teaching and tutoring, Jean enjoys spending time with her husband and two young boys. She loves to explore local parks, trails and all things nature. She is still getting used to “Chicago winters” but is up for the challenge! Jean loves cooking and watching FSU sports. She is looking forward to meeting local students and families and helping students achieve academic success!

Manvit A.

Manvit recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he studied Neuroscience & Behavior and Global Affairs. During his time in college, he was heavily involved in research and service opportunities, which fostered his love for engaging with new communities and people. This passion is also reflected in his mentorship and tutoring work.

With a strong belief in the importance of education, Manvit focuses on helping students develop critical-thinking skills and confidence, alongside mastering content. He has several years of experience tutoring students in a wide variety of subjects, including chemistry, math, and standardized testing. With a keen awareness of each student’s unique needs, Manvit adapts to their individual learning styles and preferences to help them achieve their goals.

In his free time, he enjoys watching college football, visiting museums, traveling, trivia, and much more.