RICHARD C.

Richard has taught high school English for 13 years at three different independent schools. After graduating from Davidson College, with a BA in English (and a minor in economics), Richard taught at Worcester Academy (MA) for two years. He then earned his MA in Teaching of English from Teachers College at Columbia University. For the next four years, Richard worked at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., where he earned the Hall-Hoffman Award, given to the faculty member “who taught us in the classroom and on the athletic field that, through maximum effort, we can excel with honor in all that we do.” He most recently spent seven years at St. Sebastian’s School, outside Boston. Richard is also a dedicated and accomplished coach. He has coached soccer, hockey, and baseball at the varsity level, while also leading teams at several sub-varsity levels. Richard believes that teaching and coaching are the same, and that a sound mind in a sound body is a solid foundation for success.

Richard is pursuing a graduate certificate in Sport Management from the University of New Haven, and he spent the summer of 2020 coaching the 17u Connecticut Bombers baseball team. When not teaching or coaching, Richard enjoys running around with his two kids, riding the Peloton bike, golfing, and reading.

MONICA G.

A recent retiree, Monica Gerken spent the last twenty-five years teaching second and then first grade at the Horace Mann School in Riverdale, Bronx, New York. Prior to that, she taught pre-K for several years. A firm believer in continual growth and professional development, she has had complete training in the Fountas and Pinnell Reading System, Teachers’ College Writing Workshop, Handwriting Without Tears, Singapore Math, the Yale Institute for Emotional Intelligence RULER initiative, and Zoom for online teaching. While at Horace Mann, Monica was chairperson of the Language Arts Department and the Yearbook, and was a mentor for new teachers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mercy College and has done graduate work at The College of New Rochelle and Manhattanville College. A recipient of the Bellett Award for Teaching Excellence at Horace Mann, Monica’s work ethic and warm, nurturing, and creative approach to teaching was recognized. The mother of four and the grandmother of twelve, she counts time with her family as her most precious gift. In addition, in her spare time, she enjoys reading, theater, and days on the beach. Monica resides with her husband in the Bronxville area.

RICHARD DM.

A fun and energetic tutor, Richard loves learning and sharing knowledge with others. He earned a BA in History at SUNY New Paltz. Richard went on to receive an MS in Elementary Education for grades 1-6. After finishing his studies, Richard began his career teaching in the special education program in the Lakeland Central School district  and tutored both privately and for a learning center. Richard spent some time teaching 7th and 8th grade math and science at a private school in Westchester, and is currently teaching 3rd and 4th grade math and science. Richard has tutored math and phonics to elementary school children as well as SAT test prep for high school students looking to increase their overall score for college. “I focus on getting to know my students and creating a fun and safe learning environment. Many times students lack the confidence in themselves and I strive to help them believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.” Richard has always excelled in math and believes “mistakes allow thinking to happen.” He has loved sports, movies and animals since he was a child. Richard is the owner of two kittens, Millie and Mittens.

MAUREEN D.

Maureen Darcy was raised in Southern California and moved to New York to attend New York University. As an undergraduate, she majored in French and Linguistics with a minor in Arabic. She then went on to receive her Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Teachers College, Columbia University. Maureen currently teaches French and Spanish at the Professional Children’s School where she is also a Middle School Advisor and a Yearbook advisor. She enjoys sharing her passion for world languages and cultures in her classes while also supporting students in their academic and personal growth. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York with her cat Pistachio.