Aidin M.

Aidin is a former college mathematics professor with a passion for making the subject
accessible, comprehensible, and enjoyable for all. A Harlem native, he attended the High
School for Math, Science, and Engineering where his passion for mathematics was awakened.
After high school, Aidin completed a BA and MA in pure math at Hunter College, additionally
completing a BA in German during his time there. Aidin believes mathematics is a subject that is
truly meaningful and is driven forward by his desire to see a love of math ignited in others.
Forming bonds with students in a judgement-free environment, meeting them at their own level,
and working to find methods that resonate with each individual are always Aidin’s priorities in
teaching. In addition to his work as a mathematician and educator, Aidin is also a voice actor
and puppeteer, constantly searching for new avenues to bring joy into the lives of others.

Brooke P.

Brooke is an educator and academic tutor who believes that meaningful learning begins with understanding the individual child—how they think, communicate, process information, and experience the classroom. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, where she double majored in Global Studies with a focus on European and Russian societies and cultures and
Slavic languages and literature. She is currently completing her master’s degree in special education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Brooke has worked with children for 20 years and has extensive experience providing academic and individualized support to students ages 4–14. Her skill set includes early literacy and phonics, individualized kindergarten readiness and admissions preparation for children applying to selective New York City independent schools, English language arts, research and essay writing, study skills, and supporting children with diverse learning and developmental needs. Her special education experience includes working with children with ADHD, ASD-related needs, physical and motor challenges, and emotional dysregulation, and teaching coping and self-regulation strategies to children who struggle with attention, frustration, and impulse control. Her interdisciplinary studies at UC Berkeley also give Brooke particular strengths in the humanities, encompassing history, literature, culture, and international relations. This training provided a strong
foundation in critical reading, analytical writing, research, source evaluation, and synthesizing complex ideas across disciplines—skills she brings to her work with students in English language arts, history, research, and essay writing. At the heart of Brooke’s teaching is a genuine love of helping children recognize their own capabilities. She considers it her responsibility to understand what each child needs to succeed and to provide individualized support that helps them build confidence, independence, and the skills to tackle new challenges on their own.

Gabriella H.

A passionate writer and mentor, Gabriella Hirshfield completed her Bachelor’s degrees in English &
Creative Writing and Jewish Studies at Muhlenberg College. She then went on to receive her Master’s
Degree in Hebrew & Judaic Studies from New York University. While excelling in her course work, the
most meaningful aspect of Gabriella’s academic career was her work as a tutor at both schools’ writing
centers where she taught academic writing to hundreds of students across disciplines. As a result of four
years of experience, her tutoring strategy prioritizes writers, not just writing; she loves collaborating with
students to empower their individual interests and unique voices, thinking beyond individual assignments
towards larger academic goals. Gabriella specializes in English Language Arts subjects, college essays,
and writing assignments, focusing on close reading, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. When
she’s not tutoring students in writing – her favorite activity! – Gabriella spends her free time painting,
doing yoga, and, like most former English majors, reading as many books as she can!

Pranay R.

Pranay Reddy Baireddy is a Software Development Engineer who recently earned his Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence from Stevens Institute of Technology, where he graduated with a 3.8 GPA and worked as a Graduate Research Assistant building machine-learning systems. He holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and came to the U.S. to deepen his work in AI. Pranay tutors middle and high school students in computer science and coding, mathematics (from pre-algebra through calculus), and foundational high school physics and chemistry. Teaching has been part of his life for years: he organized more than 50 educational workshops reaching over 500 students, led a 15-member volunteer teaching board, and regularly helps peers and family members untangle tough concepts. He believes the best learning happens when a student stops fearing a subject and starts feeling curious about it, so he focuses on breaking big problems into small, winnable steps and building genuine confidence along the way. Outside of tutoring, Pranay loves building small apps that make everyday life easier, and he unwinds with cricket, kayaking, and the occasional bowling night proof that problem-solving and fun aren’t mutually exclusive.

Physics, Chemistry, Algebra, AI Learning

Candace T.

Candace is a Certified Teacher in NYS as a Middle Childhood Generalist in grades 5-9. She grew up in the Bronx, NY and continued her own Undergraduate and Graduate education in New York. She obtained her Undergraduate degree from CUNY City College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Minor in English, and earned her Graduate degree from Relay Graduate School of Education where she earned her Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Mathematics. Candace first began her love of education and working with students in afterschool and summer programs. There she was helping students in ELA and Math in both Elementary and Middle School aged students through homework help and a curriculum based instruction. From there Candace’s love for teaching grew and led her to pursue her higher education in teaching.

Candace is now entering her 10th year in education in an NYC Charter school where she has focused on teaching middle school Math and Science. She believes in meeting students where they are, creating a learning environment where she and students are able to build and foster positive relationships. Providing multiple modalities of access to learning and instruction. Giving space to students to ask questions, make mistakes, push their thinking, and build their confidence in learning.

Outside of teaching, Candace has a love of the performing arts with acting, stepping, film and theatre. She has pursued all of these areas through teaching theatre and stepping to students in afterschool and summer programs. Working on a couple of episodes of Sesame Street to perform with her step team. She has performed in Off Broadway productions, and worked behind the scenes of a webseries through script writing, casting and directing. She loves to travel, maintain close relationships with family and friends, being in water for the pool and beach, and on weekends going to the movies.

Nelson R.

Nelson is a New York State-certified Spanish teacher with extensive
experience teaching and tutoring students from diverse linguistic and cultural
backgrounds. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages, a master’s degree in
Spanish Education from Brooklyn College, and a master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as
a Foreign Language from the University of Valladolid in Spain. He has also completed
specialized training in educational neuropsychology and inclusive, brain-based teaching
strategies.Nelson’s teaching experience spans the United States, Colombia, China, and Europe,
giving him a uniquely international perspective on language learning and education. A
native Spanish speaker who also speaks English, Japanese, and French, he understands
firsthand both the challenges and rewards of learning another language. His teaching
approach emphasizes communication, confidence, critical thinking, and lessons tailored
to each student’s interests, goals, and learning style. Nelson especially enjoys helping students move beyond memorization and use Spanish naturally and meaningfully. Outside the classroom, he enjoys literature, hiking, traveling, metalworking and jewelry making, and continuing to learn languages himself – interests
that often give him plenty of material for engaging conversations with his students.

Jayne C.

Permanently certified to teach English in New York State (grades 7-12), Jayne has considerable experience in both the classroom and private tutoring. Well versed in English grammar, she has taught writing and literature in a variety of settings. While upbeat and encouraging, she holds the bar high for her students.

Alisha S.

Alisha (AJ) is a New York State certified Social Studies educator (Grades 7–12) entering her eighth year in education. Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of learners in Global History, Advanced Placement U.S. History (APUSH), Regents U.S. History, and middle school American Studies. She has extensive experience supporting diverse learners, including English Language Learners and Students with Disabilities, through engaging, differentiated instruction.

Currently teaching in New York City, Alisha has developed and implemented original curricula, facilitated meaningful discussions and debates, and helped students strengthen the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for academic success. Her commitment to student achievement is reflected in her results, including a 98% pass rate on the U.S. History Regents Exam during the 2023–2024 school year.

As a tutor, Alisha believes that strong relationships are the foundation of learning. She works to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking academic risks, and building confidence in their abilities. Known by colleagues, families, and students as hardworking, approachable, and enthusiastic, she tailors instruction to each student’s unique strengths and goals. Having taught before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Alisha has developed the adaptability and creativity needed to help students succeed in a variety of learning environments. Outside the classroom, she enjoys creating art, painting, playing the violin, testing her knowledge through trivia, and skateboarding. She brings the same energy, curiosity, and passion for learning to her tutoring sessions, helping students build both academic skills and a lifelong love of learning.

Ramon Luciano C.

Ramón Luciano is an educator with experience in teaching Spanish language, literature, and culture at the secondary and college levels. He’s currently a certified Spanish teacher at the High School of American Studies at Lehman College, one of the New York City Public Schools specialized high schools where he teaches Spanish 1 & 2. He is a writer of the World Language Development Team in the NYCPS Office of Assessment and a curriculum reviewer for the NYPS Division of Curriculum and Instruction. Every June, he serves as a reader for the AP Spanish exam and as scorer for the Spanish Regents. When Ramon is not in the classroom, he spends time at Harris Field in the Bronx, coaching his school’s Girls Varsity Softball team and traveling the world during the summer and other school breaks.

Naomi F.

Naomi, Ph.D. is certified to teach Latin in grades 5–12 in 19 states, including permanent certification in New York State. She earned her B.A. in Classics from Barnard College and her Ph.D. in Classical Studies from Columbia University.

While completing her doctorate, Naomi taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Columbia and Latin at Fieldston before beginning a 22-year career in the New York State public school system.

With more than 30 years of teaching and tutoring experience, Naomi has helped thousands of students succeed in Latin, preparing them for the National Latin Exam, New York State Regents, and the AP Latin Exam. She also specializes in college essay coaching, guiding students to craft authentic, compelling personal statements. Students she has mentored have gone on to attend colleges and universities including Harvard, Yale, Brown, Amherst, and Columbia.

Known for her clear, individualized teaching style, Naomi breaks complex concepts into manageable steps that build both confidence and mastery. In addition to Latin, she occasionally tutors Attic Greek. She also holds a certificate in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), enabling her to support students academically while helping them manage the pressures of today’s competitive educational environment.

Outside the classroom, Naomi enjoys traveling, particularly to places connected to the ancient world. Her recent travels have included Greece, Italy, and the Galápagos Islands, with future trips planned to Morocco, Spain, and Croatia.