Katy S.

Katy S. has been sharing her love of science and nature for 30 years with students of all ages. She recently moved to Calvert County from Vancouver, Washington where she taught at Ridgefield High School. Mrs. S has expertise in teaching and tutoring students in all areas of science and math all across the country. She has held highly qualified teaching licenses in Iowa, Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, Washington and now, Maryland! Mrs. S is committed to accompanying her husband on his many job moves working for the United States Department of Agriculture. Although most of her teaching positions have been at the secondary level, she has experience teaching environmental education to preschool and elementary students early in her career as a naturalist. Mrs. S wants to provide researched-based instructional techniques that help students succeed in all content areas. Mrs. S has a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University and a Masters of Arts Teaching degree in Science Education from the University of Iowa. Her education and training to become a science teacher preceded the addition of children to her family. She and her husband have raised two successful and educated young women. Both Madelyn (23) and Isabelle (18) are pursuing science careers. Madelyn is a graduate of Western Washington University and a pathology assistant at a lab in Bellingham, Washington. Isabelle is in her first year at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis planning to major in Physics. Upon reflection of the most effective parenting skills to help her daughters be high achievers; Mrs. S identified top recommendations: reading books together EVERYDAY from infancy through middle school years, and always asking what her daughters learned from mistakes.

Ani S. B.

Dr. Ani S. B. is a certified educator with 17 years experience teaching and tutoring. He specializes in secondary English grades 7-12 and College Essay Writing. Dr. B earned a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland College Park and two masters degrees, one it teaching and the other in Instructional Technology. He has a doctorate in Educational Technology and he specializes in virtual leaning. Dr. B believes that all children can learn and he creates an individual learning plan for each student to fit their learning style. He lives in Southern Maryland with his wife and four children. They enjoy traveling and beach vacations.

Shanaka R.

Dr. Shanaka R. has 19 plus years of research and supervision experience and over 10 years of teaching experience of students and other professionals with diverse backgrounds and ages. He has a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, a Master’s degree in human pathology, Ph.D. in human pathology and post-doctoral training in molecular virology and cell biology/microbiology. He believes in students and their future, and to encourage less enthusiastic students more enthusiastic and make them hard-working, to prepare them for nothing but to “ace” in examinations. He does not believe in cramming but learning by heart. He has a broad understanding of scientific principles and techniques that is required to prepare the students in facing their examinations and for them to be eligible for various career paths. His main objective would be to instill their “enthusiasm and passion” through his life-long passion, love, discoveries and commitment toward science and medicine. During the teaching process, he would also enlighten interest of his students with the cutting-edge discoveries of science mainly to elevate their interest and increase the retention power of their subject matter. He will incorporate these concepts in a fun, more interesting and in a concise manner and teach them the proper strategies of studying hard to understand concepts, visualize better, be more practical and aid in study-note preparation. He will also teach new studying methods. He can educate students in the following subject areas and/or any related: biology, zoology, plant science, earth science, cell biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biological chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, immunology, laboratory science methods, thesis writing, scientific seminar preparation, basics of pharmacology and drug science, pathology and human disease, physiology. Also, specialized sub-areas such as, basic forensics, computer software (MS office, Photoshop, basic bioinformatics relating to science) recombinant DNA/RNA/protein technology, biotechnology, plant/animal/microbial taxonomy. He can also teach arts, painting and craft work. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, other art and crafts, cooking, US and world travel, going on cruises, music, concerts, pets, gardening, hiking, nature, family time and engage in outreach activities.

Kyle G.

Kyle G. has a dual degree in Math and Physics, but his love and passion for the STEM fields started long before college. During elementary school, he developed a deep curiosity for math – not just for successfully solving problems, but for learning the intricacies of how and why math works. In his spare time, Kyle pursued his other main passions: community and teaching. He was a leader within his Boy Scout troop, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 2005. In college, Kyle focused his studies on Math and Physics with some added Education courses. Since graduating, Kyle has worked in the field of lasers and optics for more than 15 years although he never gave up on teaching. Even while occupied with his professional career Kyle still managed to serve as an adjunct professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and as an instructor for LiDARs.
These days, Kyle is fulfilling his passion for teaching by bringing his excitement for STEM to students who need a little (or a lot of) extra help to feel confident or to guide students who are ready to ramp up their learning trajectory. Kyle’s philosophy is that no two students are the same, so he focuses on adapting to how each student learns. He also loves fractals and doing proofs.

Dominic E.

Dominic E. received his BA degree from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) in Jazz Studies. He is an accomplished musician who has won multiple awards for his playing and musicianship and has performed many different genres of music in several states. Dominic is a multitalented and skilled person whose love for music is only matched by his passion for math. Dominic’s love for math began when he was very young. He has been in advanced math classes, won multiple awards for his math abilities and academic performance, and uses his free time to discover new ways to understand and approach math. He believes that math is vital to many things which we do and he loves seeing students understand and come to appreciate it, as well as see its application to everyday life. In addition, Dominic recognizes that people learn differently and he has developed many ways to help students understand math, science, and music. Dominic firmly believes that math and music are intertwined and he, therefore, combines them in his teaching and tutoring when it is appropriate. Dominic is a unique individual who does not always learn in the traditional way that some schools teach. He has a strong desire to understand things on a deeper level so that they make sense to him and he seeks to help his students understand information and not just give back what was provided. He prides himself in meeting students where they are and helping them find ways to understand that work for them. One of the things that makes Dominic enjoy his work so much is when he is able to help students understand and go from struggling to success. Dominic has tutored many students in levels of math from elementary through advanced college, worked as a substitute teacher, taught small groups of students, worked as a high school teacher in math, technology and science, and tutored students in music from beginning to very advanced levels in theory, composition, performance skills, transcription, and song writing in most genres of music. Dominic combines his keen sense of humor and deep knowledge base to challenge students to understand material while building their confidence to try things which they previously thought were difficult or impossible – often times by tapping into their creativity.

Anesha H.

Denonte M.

Denonte McKinney graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Southern Connecticut State University. Initially, he taught English Language Arts for Achievement First Public Schools as a Teacher in Residence. As a result, he was promoted to lead STEM-based learning for various charter school giants in Connecticut, New York City, and Washington, DC, including DC Prep, Democracy Prep Public Schools, and Digital Pioneers Academy. Denonte was thrilled about this opportunity since he loves traveling, learning new material and cultures, and most importantly, teaching children! Denonte is deeply passionate about guiding young children and helping them reach their full potential through these experiences in literature, mathematics, and computer programming. In addition to his years of teaching experience, Denonte also tutors students, fostering one-on-one interaction through engaging, personalized lessons. Denonte also holds an AQ (additional qualification) in marketing and has experience teaching adults and college students. For Denonte, engaging all students regardless of age or skill is crucial in helping them gain the confidence they need to succeed. Among Denonte’s hobbies are mountain hiking, traveling, and social media marketing.