Dr. Andrea D.

Dr. Andrea D. graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Psychology and Biology, and earned her PhD from Boston University. She is a Biological Anthropologist who studies wild orangutans, baboons, and other primates. When not studying primates, she teaches Writing and Anthropology at an Ivy League University. Her teaching experience includes Harvard, Princeton, and Boston University, and she served as the Resident Scientist for 8th graders in a Massachusetts public school. Having struggled with a reading disability herself, and now helping two stepsons with ADHD and other neurodivergences, Dr. D. knows how tough it can be to learn in the traditional classroom environment. As a tutor and professor, she uses multimedia, scaffolding, and other pedagogy to help every learner excel. If you or your child is struggling with executive functioning (study skills, planning, time management, etc.), she can help with strategies that she has practiced herself. Her previous experience in marketing and current experiences teaching Writing and writing her own research grants makes her an excellent choice to help with college entrance exams and essays. Dr. D. loves teaching, and helping students make connections and form an understanding of the materials. She always strives to make each learning experience a skill- and confidence-building moment so that the student leaves with more than a right answer.

Deanna P.

With over 16 years of dedicated experience in education, Deanna has had the privilege of shaping young minds as an elementary classroom teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, professional development specialist, and private tutor.

Her journey in education began with a profound appreciation for the impact that targeted instruction can have on a child’s learning and self-esteem. This inspired her to pursue master’s degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy, where she discovered the transformative power of literacy in unlocking a student’s potential.

Throughout her career, she has witnessed firsthand the joy and instant gratification that comes from helping students thrive through explicit and systematic instruction in areas of need aligned to assessment data. Her style of teaching is meeting students where they are and taking them to where they need to be, while instilling the power of “yet” and a growth mindset. Instead of “I can’t do this,” it becomes “I can’t do this yet.”

Deanna’s passion for literacy and commitment to student success extend beyond the classroom walls, as she strives to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for every child. She looks forward to partnering with you to ensure your child receives the personalized support they need to reach their full potential.

Dr. Howard C.

Dr. Howard C. received his BS with Cum Laude, MS, and PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle. While he was attending UW, he worked as a teaching and research assistant at the University of Washington Graduate School. He spent a better part of his career as a research engineer in fingerprinting audio, image and video streams. He has received a total of three U.S. patents. After his retirement from industry, Dr. C. started tutoring students in all levels of math, physics, and statistics. It is his pleasure to help students to appreciate the mechanics behind learning these subjects. His students come from many prominent schools and school districts. To Dr. C., math is a passion. He always encourages students “to see” instead of “to memorize”. A picture is worth more than 1,000 words.

Robin S.

Robin holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Special Education, with over 10 years of experience. She is passionate about personalizing instruction to meet learners where they are, boosting confidence and academic skills in tandem. Robin incorporates multisensory techniques and her students’ unique interests to make learning engaging, impactful, and fun. With a collaborative spirit and excellent communication skills, Robin is dedicated to supporting her students’ progress both at home and at school. She is well versed in the Science of Reading, and enjoys breaking academic topics down into their simplest parts to deepen her students’ understanding and connect the dots in their learning to create lightbulb moments. In addition to her experience as a classroom teacher, Robin also has expertise in educational technology and children’s media, and has spent several years working in this space. In her free time, Robin enjoys playing guitar, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family.

Rachel A.

Rachel’s goal when working with students is showing them that math is for anyone who is willing to engage with it––and it can even be fun! She has taught high school math for several years. She has her Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland and her Master’s in Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education. She enjoys dance and loves to crochet in her free time.

Dr. Lynda M.

Dr. Lynda’s professional journey, from a long-term substitute in a public school to earning a doctoral degree in Education, is a testament to her dedication and persistence. She has worked with a comprehensive array of demographics regarding students, ranging from early intervention with the youngest students to working with adults striving to earn a GED. She has tutored undergraduate students and non-traditional learners. Each new experience builds a knowledge base and broadens understanding of students’ diverse academic encounters.

Currently, Dr. Lynda provides learning support to young students with developmental disabilities, notably those with intellectual challenges, autism, sensory challenges, and behavioral issues, as well as typical learners. She connects well with people across age cohorts and with students’ families. Her down-to-earth nature is immediately apparent. Her commitment has led her to delve into delivering early learning opportunities, such as language development, phonemes, literacy, phonics, numeracy, and social-emotional development. She uses fun, interactive, collaborative brain breaks, sensitivity, and the learners’ strengths to help them meet their needs.

Dr. Lynda is eager to participate in problem resolution with her students, using her calming therapist skills as needed. She encourages open discussion about academic difficulties in a compassionate, nonjudgmental manner, always remaining a steadfast safety net.

Alvaro D.

Alvaro Drake-Cortes is a certified facilitator, trainer, teacher and mentor who has worked with children, adolescents and adults in academic and professional settings in government and private sectors.

Alvaro has over 20 years of experience empowering clients to meet their goals and potential across a wide range of disciplines, using tailored and personalized instruction and guidance. With Prep Academy Tutors, he offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish language through lessons and workshops.

Alvaro has a Master of Education from Temple University and acquired his teaching certification in the state of Pennsylvania.

Simone T.

Ms. Timbers joins Prep Academy Tutors with 10 years of teaching experience and has taught Preschool through Fourth grade in two different states. Ms. Timbers graduated From West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at St. Joseph’s University. She won the “Most Valuable Teacher Award” for elevating her student’s math scores tremendously during her time as a third-grade teacher in Arizona.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Timbers is a new mom and an only child. Her personal goal is to write a cookbook and she collects healing crystals.

John R.

John Rogers began his teaching journey as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa in the 1990s. He then embarked on a 25-year career as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, while also teaching chemistry at Temple and Villanova. Now, he teaches in Temple University’s engineering department, and he has taught physics, biology and math at the high school level. Driven by his passion for inspiring young minds, John left the pharmaceutical field to start a company focused on science and robotics training for youth. In his spare time, John likes playing guitar and cooking exotic foods (a handy springboard for discussing thermodynamics). He is dedicated to helping students discover the wonders of the world through science.

Dr. Ashley M.

Ashley is an accomplished educator with a passion for teaching. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and experience as a professor, Ashley brings a deep understanding of complex scientific concepts to her tutoring sessions. Over the years, she has honed her ability to break down challenging subjects, making them accessible and engaging to students of all levels.

Ashley’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning should be enjoyable and enriching! She specializes in math and science subjects, providing support that extends through college-level courses. Her highly personalized approach fosters a supportive and confidence-building learning environment that encourages students to excel and embrace the joys of discovery.

Beyond the classroom, Ashley is an avid reader. She also cherishes spending quality time with her dog. Ashley is dedicated to nurturing growth, understanding, and a lifelong love for learning in all her students, whether inside or outside the classroom.