Estefania R-M.

Estefania is currently a Ph.D. student at UC San Diego, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. She completed both a B.S. in Chemistry/Biochemistry and a Thesis M.S. in Chemistry at UCSD. Her career thus far has focused on investigating chromosomal aberrations and their correlation to cancer. In addition to her research, she has served as a teaching assistant across multiple courses within the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at UCSD over the past four years.

These experiences have given Estefania a deep understanding of the skill sets necessary for success in higher education. As a current student, she is familiar with how to acquire these skills. She has personally encountered and overcome challenges in developing effective study techniques that enhance learning. This background has enabled her to help many other students create systems that work for them. Estefania is a strong believer in a “growth mindset” for learning, recognizing that anyone can learn anything with time and effort. She understands that this type of support and confidence is essential to a student’s success, and she strives to implement these values in her teaching sessions.

Kelsea S.

Kelsea Shea is a recent graduate from San Diego State University with both her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She is currently in the Master’s program at SDSU and a 2nd grade long term substitute in Poway while she completes school. She completed her student teaching in 4th grade and has subbed in all grades! Kelsea is originally from Los Angeles County but currently lives in Pacific Beach with her 4 best friends (and two cats)! She used to be both a camp counselor and programs assistant for Mission Bay Aquatic Center where she would teach water sports and marine science to 6-14 year olds.

As an educator, she believes that she has the responsibility to support and advocate for the young minds of our future generations. She also believes that it is her job to create a motivating, safe, and positive environment in which students can grow as both learners and peers. She aims to be a role model for her students that encourages a growth mindset by growing together. Throughout her student teaching and future classroom, Kelsea’s instruction is equity-driven and unique to the student where they can learn in many engaging and educational ways. Whether this be through access to visual, kinesthetic, collaborative, or auditory supports, the learning of the student is built around them and their characteristics. Kelsea grounds her teaching on the notion that every student is a valuable contribution to their classroom and the world around them, therefore the instruction and environment in which they learn in, must be rich in value as well.

Alya S.

Alya is a dedicated and compassionate elementary school teacher with over four years of teaching experience. She has her master’s degree in Childhood Education and is licensed to teach students in grades 1-6. She has experience teaching students in a variety of settings, including public, charter, and accelerated curriculum schools.
Alya has extensive experience implementing targeted instructional approaches that meet various students’ academic learning styles and needs, including students with IEPs.

While in graduate school, Alya tutored elementary and middle school students in Reading, Writing, and Math. She also created supplemental curriculum material that aligned with state standards in order to provide differentiated instruction for these students.

In her free time, Alya enjoys practicing yoga, going for walks on the beach, and hiking. Alya believes that in order to best meet the learning styles and academic needs of each student, frequent and open communication with parents/guardians, and differentiated instruction is imperative. She looks forward to the opportunity to work with you!

Bailey K.

Bailey has been teaching elementary education for four years, with experience in both first and fifth grade. She earned her Associate of Arts in Teaching in 2018, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a focus on Special Education in 2020, and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction in May 2024.

Bailey’s teaching philosophy revolves around creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where students feel safe and supported. She believes in tailoring her instruction to meet each student’s unique learning style, ensuring that every child can thrive academically and personally. In addition to her expertise in reading and math, she has a deep passion for helping students develop research skills, think critically, and engage creatively with subjects.

Bailey also values strong collaboration with parents to help students achieve their goals and build the skills they need for lifelong learning. Outside of teaching and tutoring, she enjoys competitive swimming, loves sports, and appreciates cozy movie nights in with her cats, George and Toby.

Ashley N.

Ashley is an engaging and dedicated elementary educator with six years of experience teaching in San Diego schools. She has a Master’s Degree from San Diego State University in Curriculum and Instruction, and has enjoyed working with children and families in a number of capacities in and out of the classroom for the past 15 years. She has been a classroom teacher for Kindergarten through 2nd grade, run an independent childcare business, and worked as a homeschool advisor and guest teacher. Ashley knows how a strong foundation in early literacy can pave the way for future academic success. She understands that taking the time to get to know the whole child is essential to providing engaging and strategic interventions to help them thrive, whether in a classroom or homeschool setting. As a tutor, Ashley’s goal is to help your child build both academic competence and self-confidence.

In addition to her passion for teaching, Ashley is an avid adventurer, and an expert snack-packer. She is kept on her toes by her four rambunctious children ages 8 to 13 who love rock scrambling, ocean sports, and backyard engineering. Most weekends you will find her camping, beaching, or tromping around in nature with her family.

Karina R.

Karina is a retired teacher and administrator with over 38 years of experience teaching and leading communities of learners. She has a love for education and connecting with her students and families.

Karina believes that the key to successful learning is making it fun, engaging and appropriate for each child’s instructional needs. Her specialty is differentiating and individualizing according to each child’s interests, strengths and academic goals. She is also a lifelong learner and enjoys traveling, reading, surfing, birding and hiking. Karina is thrilled to be a Prep Academy Tutor, which allows her to help children develop confidence in their abilities and achieve their full potential.

Zeke T.

Zeke is a credentialed social science and special education teacher with over eight years of classroom experience. He holds a BA from UCLA and an MA from UCSD. Zeke is a patient, personable, and adaptable teacher who loves creating the spark that fosters lifelong curiosity and exploration.

In his free time, Zeke enjoys traveling, playing guitar, hiking, cycling, reading, and watching sports. His favorite teams include the San Diego Padres, UCLA Bruins, and anything Team USA.

Ivan L.

With more than 20 years of experience as a teacher and tutor, Ivan has a rich background in education, spanning various countries and educational levels. As an engineer, he brings a unique approach to helping students succeed and boosting their self-confidence, particularly in quantitative subjects. Ivan is known for his patience and his ability to understand each student’s unique perspective. He emphasizes the importance of mastering the basics to foster deep understanding, avoiding mere memorization and promoting genuine learning.

Brandon L.

Brandon (BBA, M ED) is a passionate teacher and motivational speaker whose purpose is to use enthu­siasm and positivity to inspire others to become the best possible version of themselves and make the world a better place. Brandon is a world traveler to 80 Countries and 40 states, an unofficial World Record Holder for Fastest Marathon on Crutches at the NYC Marathon, and has previously worked for IBM, NASA, Ministry of Tourism of Bali, and research for the US Government regarding sustainable fundraising for NGO’s.

Due to life-threatening allergies to widespread foods and negativity, he came to understand the power of holistic health, community, and positive psychology. Brandon lives to share his achievable optimism with the world through his classroom With a story crafted within limitations both physically and emotionally, Brandon has taken what life has given him and has become the best possible version of himself seeking new challenges every day and creating epic experiences and memories with those he has met on his journey.

In his free time, Brandon loves traveling around the world, playing golf, working on business ideas to positively change the world, playing sports, raising money for charities, and hanging out with buddies!

Stephen V.

Stephen is a professional historian with over five years of experience as a college instructor. Outside the classroom, Stephen’s historical research took him to libraries and archives in Scotland, England, and India. He has a PhD in History from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Stephen’s zeal for all things history has shaped his approach to teaching, which brings past events and characters to life through impassioned storytelling, rather than giving tedious lists of names and dates. Stephen believes that if he can convince his students that history and the humanities are as cool as he thinks they are, a spark will arise that drives them to excellence in reading comprehension, essay writing and beyond.

Apart from the subject matter, Stephen is a personable instructor who strives to get to know his students as best he can. In doing so, Stephen aims to create a safe space which allows for open dialogue and, consequently, top-level schoolwork.