JAMES F.
James is a math teacher of nearly ten years at Iona Prep who has taught courses ranging from Algebra 1 all the way to AP Statistics and has served as Mathematics Department Chair. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science from Tulane University and his Master’s of Science in Teaching from Iona University. He’s looking forward to helping you succeed in math this year!
In addition to teaching, James is an active volleyball coach, both at Iona Prep and at Northeast Volleyball Club in Connecticut. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and learning languages (he’s studied Spanish, Arabic, and Italian, but loves learning phrases in any language!).
LORI V.
As an essay coach who has trained with and earned certification from The College Essay Experience, Lori is skilled at helping students craft powerful, authentic essays. Lori offers guidance and support through every stage of the essay-writing process, resulting in essays that convey students’ unique personal characteristics.
Lori’s years of professional writing experience guides her approach to college essay coaching. She served as a federal judicial law clerk in the District of Connecticut, practiced litigation for seven years at the international law firm of Davis Polk, and worked for five years as an executive recruiter placing attorneys at law firms across the country.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wesleyan University, Lori earned her Juris Doctor degree, with distinction, from Emory University School of Law. While a law student, Lori earned several academic awards, was elected to the Order of the Coif, and was chosen to serve on the Emory Law Journal as Book Review Editor.
Lori lives in Larchmont, New York with her husband and her three sons.
KITTY M.
Kitty is an educator with a 31+ year career teaching high school English, predominantly to juniors and seniors. She holds an MA in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has taught 25 years in Jesuit education. She absolutely loves working with teenagers, and has extensive experience working with college essays, critical thinking skills, analysis, reading comprehension, and all levels of writing instruction.
EMILY L.
Emily grew up in Westchester and received her BA from NYU. She then moved to Italy and lived there for 30 years: she returned to the US late last year.
While there, she earned her PhD in History from the University of Bologna—the oldest university in the world and one of the most prestigious in Italy.
She has been working as an editor and translator for a publishing house for the past 26 years.
She is bilingual and has occasionally taught both American and British English to Italians while living in Bologna.
She adores her career in book publishing, but she also enjoys teaching, helping young people find their own path, and conveying her personal experiences to others.
DAVE H.
Coach Dave is a certified Executive Function Coach and licensed
Comprehensive Special Education Teacher with a speciality in literacy.
In his coaching role, Coach Dave provides support to help students improve
their working memory and overcome challenges like procrastination and
disorganization. By utilizing data-driven strategies, he reduces anxiety
and equips students with essential skills in time management,
prioritization, and effective study techniques that they can use in their
lives.
With his experience as a former Learning Support Teacher and Head of
Department at the Frankfurt International School, a teacher in New York and
Connecticut, Coach Dave has a proven track record in improving executive
functioning and literacy skills in students with all kinds of minds. He has
inspired educators at conferences across Europe and the USA, sharing
innovative co-teaching principles that foster inclusive classrooms.
regional theater and coached Varsity Softball and Middle School Basketball,
which highlights his commitment to a well-rounded education.
ERIN S.
Erin S. is a strategic and compassionate educator with more than 30 years of teaching and consulting experience across independent schools, summer programs, and private practice. She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and Art History from Manhattanville College and holds both a Connecticut Initial Educator Certificate (Elementary 1–6) and a New Jersey Standard Certificate (Elementary N–8).
Erin has taught a wide range of grade levels, from early childhood through high school and college, with extensive experience in literacy, numeracy, and executive functioning. She began her career teaching at Palmer-Trinity School in Miami before moving on to King & Low-Heywood Thomas School, The Pingry School, and public school settings. She has also served as an English teacher at Westhill High School and as a Sixth Grade Math/ELA teacher at the Horizons Summer Program.
In addition to her classroom roles, Erin has worked as a private educator and educational consultant, designing individualized learning plans, supporting students with ADHD and anxiety, creating curricula, and advocating for accommodations in partnership with schools. She also served as Associate Director of Admissions at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, where she led preschool, kindergarten and Elementary enrollment initiatives.
Known for her joyful, engaging approach, Erin specializes in early literacy, executive functioning coaching, Math, test taking strategies, social-emotional learning, and enrichment for advanced learners. She is dedicated to meeting each student’s unique needs and fostering both academic growth and confidence.
PHIOLA M.
Phiola M. taught both middle and high school mathematics for 19 years in the New York City Public and Charter School systems. Most of her experience in the past ten years has been in NYS Regents Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 classrooms and she has taught all grade levels from 8th grade to 12th. Phiola also taught coding for 5 years and developed a curriculum for incoming 9th graders. Phiola tutors after school and brings all of her knowledge about Regents preparation, conceptual undersatnding and calculator use to her sessions. Her motto is “Math is my Gift, Teaching is my Passion! Helping society to cultivate inquisitive math students is my vocation.”
AMANDA V.
Amanda V. was a head second grade teacher for 38 years at Riverdale Country School and is an accomplished teacher. She has an MA in Curriculum and Teaching Elementary Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and holds a NY State Permanent Certification: Nursery, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-6. For the past four years, Amanda has been tutoring K-6 students, individually and in small groups. Amanda can differentiate instruction in reading, writing, and math to suit her students’ strengths, needs, and interests. She loves working one on one with children to help them to flourish and enjoy learning.
ANALISA S.
Analisa is a science teacher at Fordham Preparatory School. She currently teaches honors biology and AP Environmental Science. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Fordham University Rose Hill, and has also received a Master’s degree in the Science of Teaching from Fordham University Lincoln Center. Analisa has a background in science, but also enjoys music and dancing – she is an assistant to the director of the Fordham Preparatory Dramatics Society. Analisa tries to embody the Jesuit phrase of Cura Personalis by “meeting students where they’re at.” She truly enjoys seeing her students excel both inside and outside the classroom!
CHRISTINA R.
With 25 years of experience teaching grades 8–12, Christina R. is a dedicated and accomplished educator specializing in history and social studies. She holds a BA in History and an MS in Social Studies Secondary Education. Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of courses, including AP World History, Global History 9 and 10, 8th Grade American History, and Cambridge Capstone Research Seminars. A recognized leader in curriculum development and instructional practice, she has presented on research methodology and instruction at the National Council for the Social Studies, the New York State Council for the Social Studies, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). She also introduced and developed the National History Day program at The Bronxville School, enriching student engagement in historical research. Outside the classroom, she is the proud mother of three children.