Fanwei (Mary) Z.
Mary is an experienced Mandarin educator and former university professor with more than 20 years of teaching and academic leadership experience. Before relocating to the United States, 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 while leading major academic research initiatives.
For the past five years, Mary has taught Mandarin in the United States, working with students ranging from kindergarten through college, as well as adult learners. She specializes in helping students of all experience levels—from beginners to advanced speakers—develop confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Mandarin Chinese.
Mary’s teaching style is interactive, engaging, and highly personalized to each student’s goals and learning style. She incorporates authentic materials and multimedia resources—including videos, audio clips, PowerPoint presentations, and widely respected curriculum programs such as Easy Steps to Chinese, HSK, and YCT—to create dynamic, effective lessons that keep students motivated and engaged.
She focuses on three core principles to support student success:
- Connecting language learning to real-life situations
- Beginning with interesting, relatable topics
- Using multimedia tools to strengthen understanding and retention
In addition to conversational and academic Mandarin instruction, Mary also supports students preparing for AP Chinese, HSK, and YCT examinations.
As a bilingual educator fluent in both Mandarin and English, Mary creates a supportive and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable building language skills while also gaining appreciation for Chinese culture. Her accomplishments as a lead textbook author and recipient of national-level research awards reflect her deep commitment to educational excellence and lifelong learning.
Families and students appreciate Mary’s warmth, structure, patience, and enthusiasm, as well as her ability to make Mandarin both approachable and enjoyable for learners of all ages.
Skill set: Online Mandarin
Jazzmin O.
Jazzmin is a dedicated educator and behavioral health professional with a strong background in psychology and a passion for supporting students both academically and emotionally. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her Master of Science in Applied Psychology from Angelo State University, with plans to pursue law school in the future.
Jazzmin brings a unique, well-rounded perspective to tutoring, combining her academic training with hands-on experience in education and behavioral support. She previously worked as an After-School Care Teacher, where she supported students ages 5–12 with homework, enrichment activities, and skill-building in a structured and engaging environment. In addition, her professional experience in mental health and case management has strengthened her ability to connect with students, support diverse learning needs, and foster resilience and confidence.
She specializes in elementary and middle school instruction (K–8), including math, reading, and writing, as well as English Language Arts, psychology, and test preparation such as STAAR and GED. Jazzmin is particularly skilled at working with students who need additional support with focus, organization, and confidence, including those with ADHD or other learning challenges.
As both a graduate-level professional and a parent, Jazzmin understands the importance of patience, encouragement, and creating a positive, supportive learning environment tailored to each child’s unique personality and needs. She focuses on building strong relationships with her students while helping them develop effective study habits, strengthen foundational skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
Families appreciate Jazzmin’s warm, approachable style and her ability to make learning both engaging and enjoyable. Outside of tutoring, Jazzmin enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, listening to music, and exploring the outdoors.
Delva P.
Delva is a highly experienced educator and certified school counselor with over 34 years of experience supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Her extensive background includes roles as an elementary teacher, middle school mathematics teacher, and school counselor, giving her a well-rounded understanding of how students learn and grow at every stage.
Delva holds a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Learning and Development. She is a certified Texas teacher (Grades 1–8), a certified school counselor, and a certified life coach. In addition to her work in schools, she currently serves as the Director of Education and Family Engagement at Positive Connection Counseling Center, where she develops programs focused on student success, personal growth, and family support.
She specializes in elementary education (K–5 all subjects), middle school mathematics, STAAR math preparation, logic, and supporting students with ADHD.
Delva is especially skilled at helping students build confidence in math while also developing strong organizational skills, focus, and problem-solving strategies.
Known for her warm, supportive approach, Delva prioritizes building strong relationships with both students and families. She creates a positive and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential. Her approach combines academic instruction with social-emotional support, helping students grow not only in their studies but also in their confidence and self-worth.
Families value Delva’s decades of experience, her compassionate teaching style, and her ability to connect with students on a deeper level to foster lasting success.
TheCarey L.
TheCarey is an experienced English educator and instructional leader with a proven track record of helping students strengthen their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. He currently teaches 9th Grade English at IDEA Public Schools in San Antonio, where he helps students build strong reading comprehension, literary analysis, and writing skills while preparing them for STAAR End-of-Course exams. Since stepping into his current classroom mid-year, his students have already shown strong academic growth, including impressive gains on interim STAAR assessments.
Prior to returning to the classroom, TheCarey served in multiple school leadership roles, including Assistant Principal and Regional ELA Content Coach, where he supported teachers across multiple campuses, improved instructional systems, and helped raise student achievement. Earlier in his career, he taught in Harlem and the Bronx, where he built a reputation for making English Language Arts engaging, culturally relevant, and meaningful for students. His students have earned national recognition, including winning Best High School Podcast and Best East Coast Podcast through the StudySync curriculum.
TheCarey holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and has extensive experience supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those with ADHD, dyslexia, and students on the autism spectrum. He specializes in English Language Arts, writing, college essay support, ACT preparation, STAAR and Regents test prep, social studies, technical writing, and helping students develop stronger test-taking and study skills.
He also brings a unique creative perspective to tutoring through his dual bachelor’s degrees in Film & Video and Africana Studies, often helping students connect literature, writing, and history to real-world issues, media, and storytelling in ways that make learning more engaging.
Families appreciate TheCarey’s ability to challenge students academically while building their confidence and making learning feel relevant and enjoyable. His goal is to help students become stronger readers, writers, and thinkers both inside and outside the classroom.
Outside of education, TheCarey enjoys spending time with his wife and infant daughter, exploring San Antonio’s parks and restaurants, watching films, and cheering on his hometown Chicago sports teams.
Diana W.
Diana is a bilingual educator with over 10 years of experience teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students across a wide range of ages and learning needs. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she brings a unique combination of cultural insight, strong communication skills, and a warm, engaging teaching style to every session.
Diana earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the College of Charleston and a Master of Science in Management from Southern Wesleyan University. She has extensive experience teaching in both traditional classroom settings and one-on-one environments, including working with elementary students (K–5), English Language Arts, ESL learners, and Spanish language students at both the middle and high school levels. She has also supported students with dyslexia and served as a bilingual liaison, helping bridge communication between schools and families.
Her areas of expertise include reading, writing, college essay support, English Language Arts, ESL, Spanish (conversational through advanced), test-taking strategies, and GED preparation. Diana is especially skilled at building strong relationships with her students and tailoring instruction to meet each child’s individual learning style, helping them gain both academic skills and confidence.
In addition to her educational background, Diana brings over 20 years of professional experience in customer service, training, and curriculum development across multiple industries. She has developed Spanish curriculum and training materials, led workshops, and provided individualized instruction to both students and adults.
Diana is also a published co-author of two women’s empowerment books, reflecting her passion for personal growth and helping others reach their full potential. She believes that every student can succeed with the right encouragement, structure, and support, and she strives to create a positive, engaging learning environment where students feel confident and motivated.
Outside of tutoring, Diana enjoys spending time with her family, including her children and grandson, and continues to pursue her passion for teaching and connecting with others.
Ariel L.
Ariel is a highly accomplished STEM educator with an advanced academic background and a passion for helping students succeed in challenging subjects. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where her research focuses on cutting-edge topics in cancer immunology and cellular biology.
Ariel specializes in middle school, high school, and early college-level math and science, bringing both academic depth and real-world scientific experience to every session. Her areas of expertise include:
- Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Middle School Math, Trigonometry, Statistics, and foundational math skills
- Science: Biology (including AP Biology), Chemistry (including AP and Organic Chemistry), Anatomy, Cell Biology, Genetics, Pathophysiology, Physical Science, and Nutrition
- College-Level Coursework: BIOL 111, BIOL 112, BIOL 213, BICH 1, CHEM 119, CHEM 120, and OCHEM 1
- Academic Support & Skills: Study strategies, Regents and exam prep, data interpretation, and tools such as Excel, Google Docs/Slides, and Microsoft Office
Her background also includes clinical and laboratory experience as a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist and Medical Assistant, giving her a unique ability to connect academic concepts to real-world applications in medicine and research.
In addition to her research, Ariel has experience teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students through one-on-one instruction, classroom support, and STEM outreach programs. She is especially skilled at helping students who feel overwhelmed by math and science by breaking complex material into clear, manageable steps.
Ariel believes that every student can succeed with the right structure, encouragement, and approach. She creates a supportive, judgment-free learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, building problem-solving skills, and gaining confidence. Her focus is not only on improving grades and test performance, but also on developing lasting academic habits and independent learning skills.
Families value Ariel’s rare combination of PhD-level expertise, real research experience, and a patient, approachable teaching style that makes even the most difficult STEM concepts accessible and engaging.
Aaron O.
Aaron is an award-winning educator and instructional leader with nine years of experience teaching social studies at both the middle and high school levels. He currently teaches U.S. History and serves as the Social Studies Department Head, where he leads curriculum development, mentors fellow teachers, and helps drive academic success across his campus.
Aaron earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas State University and holds a Texas teaching certification in History (7–12). He has been recognized for his excellence in education as the 2021–2022 Distinguished Educator of the Year for both Kirby Middle School and all secondary schools within Judson ISD—an honor that reflects his strong impact on student achievement, instructional leadership, and school community engagement.
Known for bringing history to life, Aaron uses storytelling and real-world connections to help students move beyond memorization and truly understand the significance of historical events. His students have consistently achieved high levels of success, including a 95% passing rate on the STAAR exam. He also specializes in Geography, World History, and Social Studies, and supports students with STAAR test preparation, study skills, and academic organization using tools such as Google Docs and Google Slides.
Aaron is deeply committed to creating meaningful learning experiences. He has organized student trips to Washington, D.C., allowing students to experience history firsthand, and has served in leadership roles including Student Council sponsor and athletic coach, further strengthening his ability to connect with and motivate students.
Families appreciate Aaron’s engaging teaching style, strong leadership background, and ability to make learning both enjoyable and impactful. His goal is to help students build confidence, think critically, and develop a lasting appreciation for history.
Outside of the classroom, Aaron enjoys traveling, exploring historic sites, spending time with his fiancé, and relaxing with their four dogs.
Carrie F.
Carrie is a highly experienced educator with more than 15 years of experience supporting students from diverse academic, cultural, and language backgrounds. She holds a Master of Arts in Multicultural Education from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from Bob Jones University. Carrie is also a certified Texas educator with certifications in EC–6 ESL, ELAR (4–8), and Speech (4–12).
Carrie’s teaching career has spanned multiple states, beginning after graduate school in California and continuing in Texas, where she has served in a variety of roles including ELAR classroom teacher, emergent bilingual tutor, adult ESL instructor, and private academic tutor. She has extensive experience working with elementary students (K–5), as well as supporting reading, writing, and language development at all levels. She also specializes in college essay writing and helping students clearly express their ideas with confidence.
Throughout her career, Carrie has demonstrated a strong ability to develop personalized learning plans, implement effective instructional strategies, and support students with a wide range of learning needs, including English language learners. She is known for her strong communication skills and her ability to build meaningful relationships with students and families, creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to grow and succeed.
Carrie believes that engaging students through their natural curiosity and individual interests is key to building both confidence and academic success. She is passionate about helping students strengthen their skills, develop effective study habits, and take ownership of their learning.
Outside of education, Carrie enjoys teaching yoga, thrifting, traveling, and spending time exploring new experiences.
Monika S.
Monika is an experienced educator and former high school Spanish teacher with more than 15 years of experience helping students build confidence and achieve academic success. She has also served as a College Readiness Coach, guiding students as they develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.
Spanish was Monika’s first language, a result of growing up in a military family and experiencing a wide range of cultures from an early age. This background gives her not only strong language fluency but also meaningful cultural insight that she brings to every lesson, helping students connect more deeply with the language and its real-world context.
Monika is passionate about helping students experience those powerful “aha” moments when a concept finally clicks. She tailors each tutoring session to the individual student’s strengths and learning style, creating a supportive, engaging environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and grow in confidence.
Outside of education, Monika enjoys traveling, gardening, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and spending time outdoors with her husband, friends, and her dog.
Marcus C.
Marcus is an experienced education professional with more than a decade of service in the public school system. Over the course of his career, he has held a variety of roles including After-School Care Site Manager, Instructional Assistant, Classroom Teacher, and currently serves as a Special Education Coordinator and Campus Testing Coordinator. Marcus has worked with students across all grade levels, from elementary through high school, giving him a well-rounded understanding of student development and diverse learning needs.
Marcus earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and his Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration as an Instructional Specialist from Texas A&M University–San Antonio. He currently holds Texas teaching certifications in Early Childhood through 12th Grade Special Education and 4th through 8th Grade Mathematics.
His passion for education began while working as an after-school program site manager and AVID tutor, where he regularly supported students in developing stronger math skills. Seeing students gain confidence after mastering a concept that once seemed difficult remains one of the most rewarding parts of his work and continues to inspire his dedication to teaching mathematics and supporting diverse learners.
Marcus firmly believes that every student has the potential to succeed when given the right support, encouragement, and instructional approach. He often reminds his students of a favorite line from the film Ratatouille: “Anyone can math.” This philosophy reflects his commitment to focusing on students’ strengths and helping them build the confidence needed to overcome academic challenges.
Outside of education, Marcus enjoys spending time with his family, making barbecue, and bowling.