DARREN M.

Darren has been an educator for over 25 years, including 15 years spent teaching high school physics. He graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and has master’s degrees in Secondary Science Education and Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University and Manhattan University, respectively. In addition to his role at Prep Academy Tutors, Darren advises students applying to college as an independent educational consultant and teaches skiing at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, VT. Darren enjoys working with students to build their self-confidence and getting to know them as people.

JOHN C.

John is a NYS Certified Social Studies teacher for grades 7–12. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History from SUNY Oneonta and a Master’s in Teaching Social Studies from Stony Brook University. John has six years of classroom teaching experience, including five years teaching AP United States History at both a high-achieving private school and a Title I public high school. He also has experience teaching 8th Grade U.S. History, World History, Economics, U.S. Government, and Constitutional Law. In addition, John has regularly tutored students in SAT and ACT English for over a year.

Beyond the classroom, John has led his school’s Model UN and Mock Trial teams and has worked with students through a Peer Tutoring Center. His approach to teaching centers on building strong relationships with students and meeting them where they are in their learning. He emphasizes developing transferable skills and applying content knowledge, with the goal of making challenging material clear, approachable, and meaningful. John believes that with the right support, strategies, and motivation, every student has the ability to succeed in their classes & beyond.

TAMMIE S.

Tammie earned a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and an M.E. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Virginia and was a National Merit Scholar. She has been teaching and tutoring in various settings since she was in high school and has more than 10 years of professional tutoring experience. She works with students in math and test preparation, including the SAT, ACT, PSAT, ISEE, SSAT, and TACHS.

Tammie’s approach is thorough and methodical, but also fun and encouraging. She enjoys figuring out where a student is having difficulty and finding the explanation or approach that helps things click. In test prep, she works on content, strategies, timing, and familiarity with the particular test. She helps students move beyond memorization and approach the test with logical thinking and effective strategies.

Tammie believes that getting to know her students and building a good relationship with them is an important part of tutoring. She has homeschooled her four children and has experience working with a wide range of ages, abilities, and learning styles. Outside of tutoring, Tammie enjoys reading, hiking, challenging puzzle games, and period dramas.

TIFFANY V.

Tiffany V. is a dedicated and experienced Learning Specialist with more than 25 years of experience providing individualized academic instruction and support to students. She holds a Masters Degree in Literacy and CT Professional Teaching Certification in Elementary Education for grades K–6. She has certifications in Orton-Gillingham, PAF, and Wilson. Throughout her career, Tiffany has worked with students in a variety of educational settings, including Eagle Hill School, Greenwich Country Day School, Sasco River Center, Stanwich School, and Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. Her expertise includes individualized reading and writing instruction, comprehension, vocabulary, multisensory learning, and the development of organizational and study skills. Tiffany is passionate about helping students build confidence and develop the skills they need to become successful, independent learners. She works closely with students, families, teachers, and other professionals to create individualized goals and meaningful academic support tailored to each student’s strengths and needs.

SAYEEDA A.

Sayeeda is an experienced middle school math teacher who has been teaching since 2017. She currently teaches 6th grade mathematics and has also taught 8th grade mathematics and Algebra I. She holds a New York State Professional Certification in Mathematics for Grades 5–9. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fordham University and a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Lehman College.

Throughout her career, Sayeeda has focused on creating engaging and accessible math instruction that strengthens students’ problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and confidence. She is committed to meeting the individual needs of her students and creating a supportive learning environment where students can develop their skills and confidence in mathematics.

CHRIS P.

Chris has been teaching and tutoring physics for 18 years, including all 18 years teaching AP Physics. He has served as an official AP Physics exam grader. He is a certified teacher in New York, works at a high school in Westchester County, and is the Science Department Leader at his school.
Chris holds bachelor’s degrees in both Physics and Human Development from Binghamton University, and he has a master’s degree in Science Education: Physics from Boston University.
Throughout his career, he’s taught a wide range of physics courses, including AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics 1, Honors Physics, Physics, and Conceptual Physics.
Chris approaches tutoring with a friendly, caring, and patient demeanor. He has worked with students at many different levels, from those who need help building foundational skills to those aiming for top scores on AP exams. He has a strong passion for teaching physics and loves helping students reach their goals.

CHRISSY C.

Christine has been teaching middle school English for twenty-five years in Westchester County, NY. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary English Education from Villanova University and a Master of Science degree in Literacy Education K-12 from the College of New Rochelle. Christine is also a Level One Google Certified Instructor and a NewsELA certified instructor. She believes in the potential of every one of her students, and feels that building meaningful connections with them is one of the keys to her success as an educator.

ELO O.

Elo graduated from St. John’s University with a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Mathematics. She has over 12 years of experience teaching and tutoring students in grades 5–12, including middle school mathematics, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Trigonometry, in both classroom and virtual settings. Through engaging, personalized instruction, she has helped students build confidence, strengthen their mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, achieve their academic goals, and prepare for state assessments and Regents exams.
Elo believes every student can succeed with the right support. She tailors each lesson to her students’ individual learning needs, helping them close learning gaps, master new concepts, and gain the confidence to solve challenging math problems independently. Her goal is to create a positive and encouraging learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Outside of teaching, Elo enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, learning new languages, and exploring new foods and cultures.

STEPHANIE D.

Stephanie is an experienced elementary educator with over 15 years of teaching experience in public, private, and international schools. She holds a Master of Science in Teaching from Fordham University and completed professional development through the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project Summer Institutes at Columbia University. During her time teaching first grade in New York City, she received the UFT Award for Academic Excellence and School Service.

Stephanie has taught students from Pre-K through eighth grade and believes that every child can thrive when they feel supported, encouraged, and challenged at the right level. She is passionate about helping students build strong reading, writing, and math skills while developing the confidence to become independent learners.

Known for her warm, patient, and engaging teaching style, Stephanie creates lessons tailored to each student’s unique learning needs and interests. She values curiosity, fosters a growth mindset, and believes that strong reading skills are the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Her goal is not only to help students achieve academic success but also to inspire a genuine love of learning that lasts well beyond the classroom.

 

JEANETTE C.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Long Island University and working as a computer programmer, Jeanette earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She began her career in education teaching computers and science and has since accumulated years of experience teaching those subjects, as well as computer applications, computer science and mathematics.

Jeanette’s desire to support the social and emotional development of adolescents led her to earn a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from The College of New Rochelle. After teaching middle school advisory and guidance classes, Jeanette now works as a high school counselor.