Barbara was absolutely fantastic with Lila, and we were very happy with her. Lila got accepted to her first choice, and we appreciated the help not only with her essay but also with general college questions Barbara was able to help her with.
Teena M.
McEdwin was a fantastic tutor. He and our son, a college freshman, worked well together, and his grades, as a result, have dramatically improved.
F. F.
Jacob tutored our son throughout his fifth and sixth grades. For our son, this was a time of increased academic demands and heightened anxiety, which exacerbated his language processing challenges. Jacob approached our son with sensitivity, compassion, and patience, which were greatly needed during this time. In addition to reinforcing essential academic content, Jacob provided flexible and effective study skill strategies—strategies that our son internalized and has continued to use independently! Jacob is an intelligent and knowledgeable educator who knows how to individualize his approach to his students to suit their specific needs and learning styles. He willingly communicates with school personnel and teachers to ensure continuity between his tutoring and students' classroom experiences. My son greatly benefited from this regular communication between professionals. I'd highly recommend Jacob to any child who needs individual and extra academic support!
Dana G.
My child worked with Gillian D. virtually for math enrichment. She is an excellent teacher. She took time to understand my child’s specific learning style and provided tools that would be engaging. She was kind and empathetic; she really made it her goal to connect with my child and build trust and rapport. My child started the school year with confidence and without the typical “brain drain” that occurs over the summer, thanks to Gillian.
Nicole May
I was referred to Themba Tutors to help my daughter strengthen her executive functioning skills. Craig was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He provided us with a few different tutors to meet in order to find the right fit. We’ve been working with McEdwin "Mackie," and he’s been wonderful. My daughter has worked with several tutors over the past 5 years, and Mackie is the first tutor she happily meets with. This is a huge win!
Kristin S.
This company is great at finding awesome learning specialists who work with kids of all ages and use multisensory techniques to help break down abstract concepts. My child needs help with math, and they were able to supply him with a top-notch math tutor who was able to really help my son improve. Not only is it hard to find qualified math learning specialists who work well with school-aged children, but they come to your home, which is a real godsend.
Mr. K. Kim
Themba Tutors provided a learning specialist that perfectly fits my daughter. I told them what we were looking for, and they delivered. Our tutor is responsive and flexible, and she makes it easy for my daughter to reach out to her on her own, which gives her an added sense of responsibility for her learning. As a therapist myself, I now regularly recommend Themba to my patients. A much-needed and well-provided service to the community!!
Fara Jones
I own a tutoring and educational consulting company myself. I called to ask for help with my daughter, who has sensory and ADHD-related issues. The woman on the phone was very honest with me and really guided me in the right direction. Most of the other companies I had called didn't seem to understand what a "multisensory" learning style means, which is fine, but I'm assuming they wouldn't understand my daughter's learning needs. I wound up getting better services through my daughter's school, but I'd recommend Themba to any parent with a child with special education needs.
Michelle, Park Slope Tutoring
Having been through the SAT/ACT tutoring process before with my older daughter, I knew we'd need something less conventional and more tailor-made for my son—someone who could adjust and meet the needs of his specific learning needs. My son has ADHD and easily becomes overwhelmed and anxious with regard to test-taking. After his first tutoring session with Dr. Brooke, we knew it was a "good fit." She was able to quickly develop a great working rapport with my son. She understood that he needed to be "gently" challenged, praised, and continually encouraged to keep him from becoming overly frustrated. His original PSAT score was 26. Dr. Brooke helped him bring his ACT score up to 31. We can't thank her enough!
Hilary V.
My son has been working with Jeffrey for math tutoring with brilliant results. Jeffrey helped reinforce the lessons from class, helping him build confidence and perseverance. Jeffrey worked diligently to prepare for each session by making sure he was aware of what material my son was covering each week. Jeffrey would arrive for sessions with problem sheets they could work from to strengthen his skills. He was always very patient, reassuring, and encouraging. At the same time, he pushed Oliver toward mastery of the material. In six months, my son began to see himself as a capable, successful math student.
Sara Baysinger
I thought Paul was terrific, and our son did too! Paul was particularly helpful in the math section of the ACT and math in general. Paul had an amazing rapport with our son, and that made the twice-weekly commitment for tutoring fine for our son, which is really important. We highly recommend Paul!
Martha P.
We were very impressed with Anthony's calmness and resilience in the face of a daunting task—helping our daughter with math! He engaged her in creative and engaging ways to try and get across the challenging concepts of her homework and test prep. He really cared and made a lot of effort to work with our 11-year-old.
Emily R.
My daughter, a freshman in a public high school, was struggling in math. I got in touch with Blythe at Themba, and she managed to have a wonderful math tutor come to my home the following day. She stayed much longer than the required time to make sure that my daughter understood all the concepts. She also followed up with us and asked if we had any other questions that she could help with. As a parent, it is a relief to know that you can secure a tutor very quickly who comes straight to your home. A great experience!
Tiphaine M.
I have currently secured two excellent Themba Tutors for my son, a junior in an NYC high school. My son really enjoys working with these tutors, Matt and Anthony. He finds their methods clear and inspiring. Matt works with my son on college entrance test preparation (ACT and SAT), and Anthony works with my son on written expression, executive functioning, and attention skills.
Kristina K.
Matt tutored my son for the SAT and ACT this fall. We liked his positive approach to helping us learn the necessary testing skills. He is friendly and thoughtful and points out strengths while emphasizing areas that need extra work. Thank you for sending him to us!
Colleen Donohue
Our son started in a new high school, 100% remote, and was really struggling with Latin and Physics. I found Themba Tudors online and had an initial call with Craig, who was very knowledgeable and responsive and found two amazing tutors for us. Both the Latin and the physics tutors were fantastic; they connected with my son really well and helped him go from a ‘failing’ grade to an "honors" grade! I will for sure continue using (and recommending!) Themba Tutors. Thank you, C, K, and W!
Carolina L.
Themba Tutors was recommended to us by a therapist I used to evaluate my daughter, a 7th grader in a public school in Manhattan, for possible learning disabilities related to math. She needed help with strategies for completing homework and keeping skills up to date, as well as some remedial work to get her where she should be. especially with the challenging Common Core curriculum. My daughter had used a few tutors in the past, but none of them were as effective as Matt's. Matt has a very kind way about him, and his genuine concern for my daughter's progress was apparent. He was able to focus her attention for the full sessions without her feeling stressed or overwhelmed. He adjusted the agenda to accommodate problem areas that arose and to address extra last-minute material that needed to be reviewed for upcoming tests. Her final report card reflected a 90 for the school year. We couldn't have been more thrilled! Matt has a real gift for teaching that significantly contributed to her getting on track. Thank you for recommending Matt!
Mary Rose
Students of all ages receive one-on-one tutoring in all instructional materials, test preparation, and executive function coaching as required. At Themba Tutors, we take the time to help students/clients understand their strengths and progress in areas where they need to improve. We offer personalized tools for each of our clients to help them become more aware of their individual needs as they work towards short-term goals. Improving these skills will benefit our students’/clients’ long-term plans.
Jordan, M.S. Ed., is a doctoral candidate in Human and Organizational Psychology at Touro University. He received his B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Indiana State University and his M.S. in Special Education from Touro College. Jordan’s professional endeavors include curriculum development and educational reform, with a focus on intercultural education and informal learning. He has extensive experience in teaching and providing academic and personal advising in multicultural environments.
Jordan has worked with students who struggle with math or have been diagnosed with dyscalculia, ranging in age from elementary to adulthood. He has been involved in multiple research experiments in education and psychology at Indiana State University, The New School, Columbia University, and New York University. He has taught special education at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, gaining experience in instructing content-based subjects such as English, History and Social Studies, Math, and science across all levels.
He has provided one-on-one multisensory tutoring in every content-based subject to both special education and general education students between the ages of 5 and 21. Classroom teaching and individual tutoring have acquainted Jordan with a range of student profiles, including those with autism, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, emotional disturbance, learning differences, and executive functioning disorders. In addition, he possesses proficiency in teaching test-taking and study skills strategies, particularly to students preparing for the Algebra, Living Environment, English, U.S. History and World History Regents examinations, the SAT, ACT, and ISEE. Familiar with the New York State Common Core Learning Standards, he excels in imparting reading comprehension, reading strategies, and writing skills. Jordan places significant emphasis on nurturing students’ independent academic abilities to facilitate their smooth transition to college and the workforce.
Cailin is currently earning her Doctor of Education at the University of Arkansas Online. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English at Marymount Manhattan College, and her Master of Arts in Special Education with a focus on Intellectual Disability and Autism from Teachers College Columbia University. Cailin began her teaching career at a private high school for students with special needs and has been working as a special education teacher for the Department of Education for the past few years. Cailin has taught a variety of subjects at the high school level. She is passionate about helping students transition to adulthood, workforce education, and college readiness. In her teaching career, Cailin has worked with students on the Autism Spectrum, with intellectual or learning disabilities, speech and language processing disorders, emotional disturbances, ADD/ADHD as well as students with self-regulation and executive functioning challenges. Cailin is also passionate about literacy. She enjoys reading and has experience teaching reading comprehension skills to students at a variety of cognitive levels. Cailin has worked with high school students transitioning into college and the workforce for the majority of her career. She places emphasis on helping students overcome the challenges that inhibit them from achieving independence and success.
Brittany is a New York State licensed special education teacher for grades 7-12. For the past six years, she has worked in a Brooklyn public high school, primarily teaching in Chemistry and Physics ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching) classrooms for 9-12 graders and a self-designed Architectural Drafting elective course. She also has experience teaching English Language Arts, Living Environment, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Trigonometry, as well as tutoring ages 11-18 in various subjects and skills, including organization, executive functioning skills, and mindfulness.
Brittany earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from High Point University. She completed coursework toward her Master of Architecture degree at the University of Colorado-Denver before changing careers to education. She participated in the Teaching Fellows program and received her Master of Science in Special Education for Urban Adolescents. Brittany has experience teaching students with varied learning and emotional needs, including ADHD, executive function disorder, limited English proficiency, speech-language disorders, dyslexia, oppositional defiance disorder, dysgraphia, autism, and varied psychological disorders.
She was the Science Department chair for the past three years and led a daily advisory group with academic and post-secondary planning. Outside of the classroom, Brittany has participated in several week-long camping trips with ninth graders in upstate New York and has led multiple service-learning trips for high schoolers to the Caribbean and South America. Brittany strongly believes in the power of experiential learning to build students’ confidence that can then be transferred to the classroom.
Sofia is a school psychologist who received her bachelor s degree from Binghamton University and her master s in School Psychology from St. John s University. She has experience working with children and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning differences, dyslexia, speech and language delays, ADHD, and executive functioning disorders. She has tutored students in reading, writing, and math as well as for standardized tests. Currently, Sofia conducts psychological and adaptive evaluations as the psychologist and behavior specialist at a private clinic. Previously, she worked in both public and private schools developing individualized education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. She is passionate about the field of school psychology and learning. She believes that everyone has the ability to learn and be successful if they are taught in a way that is appropriate to their specific needs. In addition, Sofia advocates a whole-team approach and values input from other professionals as well as parents to create programs that are optimal for students.
Jeffrey has a master’s degree in mathematics education (5–9) from Brooklyn College. He also holds a bachelor of arts degree in computer information systems from the New York City College of Technology. Certified in teaching math, he has worked for the Department of Education for the past eleven years, interacting with many students from diverse academic backgrounds. He has taught grades 6–8, including general education, integrated co-teaching (ICT), collaborative team teaching (CTT), and the gifted and talented classes.
Jeffrey has prepared students for the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) for the past six years. As a private tutor, Jeffrey is skilled at working with grades 1–8. Alongside his expertise in mathematics, he offers executive function and ADHD coaching, assisting students in enhancing their time management, organizational strategies, and overall academic skills. While building a relationship with his students, he supports their learning styles using various techniques customized to their needs. Jeffrey is also proficient in teaching students with various behavioral and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as educating students who are hearing impaired.
Throughout his 17-year career, Jeffrey has gained valuable experience working closely with elementary and middle school students, offering after-school support in both small-group settings and one-on-one interactions. His comprehensive approach encompasses executive function coaching to equip students with the necessary skills for academic success.
Jeffrey is a lifelong learner who loves helping students overcome their math fears and struggles. He firmly believes that every student can learn math with the right support system and approach. By meeting students where they are, providing multiple entry points to problem-solving, and utilizing a spiraling technique that incorporates previous and future grade-level concepts, Jeffrey ensures his students develop a robust understanding of mathematics. Outside of his professional endeavors, Jeffrey is passionate about traveling and experiencing diverse cultures, as well as enjoying baseball, basketball, and football.
Karina is a New York State educator for grades 7–12 in mathematics. She earned her bachelor’s degree in pure mathematics from CUNY Hunter College and her master’s degree in adolescent math education (7–12) from Hunter College’s School of Education. She was a recipient of the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, which is a highly selective program that seeks to encourage talented mathematics, science, technology, and engineering majors and professionals to become K–12 mathematics and science teachers. She has experience teaching high school students in a variety of math disciplines, including calculus, Algebra II/trigonometry, Algebra II Common Core, Algebra I Common Core, geometry, finance, and AP Statistics. Karina also tutors Exeter math. Her instructional approach proved highly effective, as both students achieved notable success in their math coursework.
She has experience with the IB Math high school curriculum and exams. Karina was also chosen to teach a finance pilot course (Fi-Cycle) that was launched in only four public schools across New York City. Through this one-of-a-kind course, she was able to apply mathematics to basic financial concepts, to which the students were very receptive.
Karina taught at the Brooklyn High School of the Arts for three years and is currently teaching at Midwood High School in Brooklyn. Aside from her work teaching in school, she also provides one-on-one and group tutoring services, teaching varying levels of junior high school to college mathematics. She also prepares students for various examinations, including New York Statewide exams, Regents exams, the SHSAT, and the SAT. Karina’s approach to education revolves around classroom management, the application of real-world examples to make math relevant and fun, and collaboration with colleagues as well as parents to help her students achieve their goals.
Alissa has a Master’s degree in Adolescent Special Education from Pace University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in English Language Arts from St. Francis College. She is currently teaching for the NYC Department of Education, supporting students who have to learn differences in their academic studies and preparation for the TASC exam, previously known as the GED/high school equivalency exam. For over 12 years, Alissa has been working with special needs students in both inclusion and co-teaching settings. She has experience with students who have ADHD/ADD and executive functioning, reading disorders, dyslexia, dysgraphia, math disorders, dyscalculia, autism, and other learning disabilities.
Additionally, Alissa assists adults with similar needs, drawing upon her expertise and experience to provide tailored support for individuals of all ages.
Alissa has experience as a curriculum writer for the science department, revising both the Living Environment and Earth Science courses to fit the needs of the district’s student population. In addition to her expertise in biology, chemistry, and earth science, she excels in physics. She also facilitated math and English Language Arts (ELA) professional development workshops for special education teachers. Alissa teaches and tutors middle and high school students in all levels of math, the sciences, social studies, and ELA. She teaches test-taking strategies and prepares students for NYS exams at the middle and high school levels.
Alissa is knowledgeable in global history and US history. Statistics and economics (both micro and macroeconomics) are also among her teaching expertise, covering essential topics with hands-on activities. These topics include building personal finance, entrepreneurship, economic finance and wealth, supply and demand projects, real estate “games” for buying and selling properties across the US, stock market online games, opportunity cost, the US dollar in different countries, and more. She is also knowledgeable about current news dealing with inflation, a looming recession, the loss of Amazon jobs, and the closure of warehouses despite the rise of consumer demand and real estate investment.
Alissa enjoys bridging the classroom to the real world and encouraging lifelong learning and confidence in her students.
Caitlin is a New York State licensed special education teacher (grades 1-6) currently serving as a Math Learning Specialist for middle school students at the NYC Department of Education. She instructs in an Integrated Co-teaching (ICT) classroom for grades 6-8 and a Self-Contained (12:1:1) classroom for grades 6 & 7. Alongside her specialization in mathematics, Caitlin has expertise in teaching 6th-grade science. She recently completed the Algebra for All training, ensuring students are prepared for the Algebra regents in 8th grade. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Arizona and an M.S. in Education with a specialization in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Queens College.
With a comprehensive background in addressing diverse learning needs, Caitlin has been instrumental as a math learning specialist, supporting students with challenges such as ADD/ADHD, Autism, Emotional Disturbance, Dyslexia, Speech-Language disorders, and limited English proficiency. As a committed tutor and educator, she focuses on strengthening math skills for elementary and middle school students while also guiding 8th and 9th graders through Algebra. Caitlin’s preparation techniques ensure students are equipped for NYS math exams, solidifying their foundational knowledge and skills.
Through her use of differentiated teaching methods drawn from various curricula, Caitlin is dedicated to ensuring positive learning outcomes for all her students. She firmly believes in recognizing the unique capabilities of each learner and is committed to guiding them toward achieving their academic goals.
Maria, M.S. Ed., Ed. M. is currently a Learning Specialist at a New York City independent school. She received her B.A. in Sociology from Mount Holyoke College. After college, she received a New York City Teaching Fellowship, which allowed her to become a certified teacher while simultaneously earning her Master’s degree in Bilingual, Childhood, and Special Education. Maria earned a Master’s degree in Language and Literacy from Harvard, after realizing she needed the skills to give her students the gift of literacy. She has been working in the field of education in the past decade – as a researcher, learning specialist, private tutor, and educational consultant. In her career, Maria has been involved in a variety of research projects and presented at conferences on topics having to do with trauma-informed teaching, bilingualism, and dyslexia. Maria is a practitioner of structured literacy who provides multisensory tutoring across different subject areas. She tutors academic subjects to middle and high school students including ELA (3-Adult); Science (3-12); Math (3-9); History (3-Adult); Spanish (K-Adult); and French (K-12) She also has vast experience and a track record of success in preparing students for the 3rd to 8th grade state tests and ISEE, SSAT, and SHSAT exams. As a learning specialist, Maria s primary goal is always to find out what students strengths and weaknesses are, in order to develop a plan that makes the most sense for each individual student. Maria enjoys working with students of all ages and specializes in test preparation for all students, with a keen focus on test preparation skills for diverse learners.
After receiving her MBA in Human Resources, Carly knew she had to follow her passion for teaching students. She completed her Masters Degree at New York University in Childhood Education and has since taught at PS9 on The Upper West Side. She has had the privilege of working in general education, integrated co-teaching (ICT), and gifted and talented classrooms, collaborating with co-teachers, special education teachers, parents, the assessment team, and paraprofessionals to provide a diverse group of students with access to and success with the curriculum. She teaches English Language Learners and students with a variety of needs including: Speech and Language Impairments, Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. While at PS 9, she has also become certified in the Orton Gillingham Multisensory Approach of reading and writing instruction.
Carly provides tutoring and support for students in grades k to 8 in reading, writing, English Language Arts, and Math. She specializes in literacy support for struggling readers. She uses multiple systems including Orton Gillingham, Fountas and Pinnell, Words their Way, and a Teacher s College approach to learning. After strengthening a child s ability to decode words, she focuses on deeper comprehension of texts. She teaches both reading and writing skills through a combination of multi-sensory games, repetition, and sequential learning.
Carly takes a hands-on approach to teaching math, making sure the student remains engaged while learning the foundations. She incorporates EngageNY, Everyday Mathematics, TERC Investigations, number talks, and cognitively guided instruction (CGI) to develop an enriched math curriculum that provides entry points and extensions to all students. Along with test-prep strategies, she also serves as an intervention specialist, breaking down difficult concepts to make them easier for students to grasp. Carly tutors both pre-Algebra and Algebra.
Carly provides students K to 8 with strategies and skills for studying, test taking, active listening, note-taking, and memorization. She coaches students who need help with executive functioning skills including planning, organizing, time management across academics. Carly is also experienced in preparing students for the NYS ELA and math exams.
For all her students, Carly does an initial assessment and then develops a comprehensive, personalized and effective plan.
Ethan, is a Harvard PhD student studying systems and synthetic biology as well as an elite private tutor. Ethan graduated (summa cum laude) from The College of William & Mary with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Biology and has helped countless students improve their grades and standardized test scores.
Ethan works with middle school, high school and undergraduate students in a number of areas including standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, GRE, AP tests) and high school and college level STEM subjects (Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc).
In addition to helping countless students improve their test scores and grades, Ethan is also an accomplished research scientist with multiple peer reviewed publications in the fields of synthetic biology and bioengineering.
Currently Ethan is a Ph.D. student in the Systems, Synthetic and Quantitative Biology program at Harvard University whose research focuses on methods development and synthetic biology tool design. He scored 165V/167Q on the GRE and was accepted to Ph.D. programs at Princeton, Stanford and others. During his undergraduate, Ethan led William & Mary’s International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) team to numerous awards and a world 2nd place finish. His unique scientific skills and background makes him the perfect fit for students struggling in their STEM subjects, undergraduates applying to graduate programs, students looking for custom enrichment courses and prospective scientists looking for help with a science fair project or finding a lab. Outside of his scientific career Ethan has worked as a consultant in the private credit markets. In his spare time Ethan enjoys running, aquascaping and watching the Eagles on Sundays.
Samara, also known as Sam, is licensed and tenured to teach grades 7-12 in Mathematics and Science, and she specializes in middle and high school math and science. Samara holds a Master’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Adolescent Special Education. With over a decade of experience in both the New York City Department of Education and private instruction, Samara has taught advanced placement, honors, ICT, and general education classes. Her teaching experiences include working with students with ASD, ADD/ADHD, executive functioning difficulties, learning disabilities, Culturally Diverse Learners, students with delayed processing, selective mutism, and English Language Learners. She targets executive functioning/organizational skills, test-taking strategies, and time management to facilitate learning. Since going remote due to the pandemic, Samara has been able to teach remote tips and techniques to help students navigate the world of online learning. She uses different platforms to engage students with virtual learning. She has also been part of a team of curriculum writers for the science department, the National Honor Society Coordinator, and the testing coordinator at her high school. With this comes in-depth knowledge about testing requirements and procedures for middle school and high school students. Samara regularly delivers the highest quality instruction in all academic subject areas by incorporating information retention techniques, drills, mental math capabilities, executive functioning skills, and making connections to real-world experiences. Many of her students have made significant gains due to her comprehensive approach.
Her teaching background includes, but is not limited to, NYS ELA and Math tests grades 3-8, SHSAT, ISEE, TACHS, Hunter School Exam, Scholarship Tests, NYS Regents (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra2/Trigonometry, Living Environment, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Global, US History, and ELA), SAT, ACT, College Readiness Exams, College Placement Exams, AP Exams, TASC Exam, and some college-level math and science courses. She also has experience with the IB Math high school curriculum and exams.
When not teaching, Samara enjoys the outdoors. She has three dogs and a toddler that enjoy walking, hiking, bike riding, digging in the dirt, and jumping in puddles. She enjoys time with her family and traveling to explore different states, cities, and countries.
Jordan is in his tenth year teaching High School Mathematics in public schools. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as well as a Master’s in Teaching from Eastern Mennonite University with a specialization in At-Risk Children.
He teaches primarily upper-level Math courses (Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus) but has experience teaching all math courses offered at the High School (grades 9-12) level. Jordan also offers test prep for SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement Math courses.
When approaching a new subject with his students, Jordan prefers to take a foundational approach. Starting with background knowledge and structuring lessons to build on that knowledge is extremely important in showing the relevancy and practicality of the topic. Jordan understands that every student learns differently and he differentiates his approach based on what would best serve each student individually.
When he’s not teaching, some of Jordan’s favorite things include working in his garden, playing soccer, and traveling to new places.
Tatiana is a certified teacher with over 7 years of experience in NYC schools. She graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame and is a Teach for America alumna. During her time as a TFA corps member, she completed a Masters in Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education and holds a Professional Certificate in Childhood Education (grades 1-6).
Tatiana specializes in inquiry-based learning and constructivist teaching methods. She implements Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, and Tactile (VAKT) strategies in her lesson plans. She uses a Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) approach to teaching math that is rigorous and individualized to each student. Tatiana will incorporate various multi-sensory techniques, including the use of manipulatives, to develop conceptual understanding. She firmly believes that successful math instruction happens when teachers build on students innate number sense and curiosity, making math fun and accessible to all learners.
She currently works as an educational consultant for an ed-tech company specializing in virtual assessment and instruction. She coaches teachers and leaders on using data to drive instruction and best practices for effective differentiation, both in school and remotely. Prior to this, she taught 3rd-5th grade on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, then in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
Tatiana has extensive experience with test prep material and is deeply familiar with New York State Standards, having had 100% of her students pass the NY State Math Test for four consecutive years, exceeding the statewide average by over 60%.
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Stephen holds a New York State Social Studies teaching license for grades 1–12 as well as a New York City Department of Education Common Branch license for grades 7–12. He earned a BA in English and History from Marquette University, an MA in Teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University, and an MA in Liberal Studies from the City University of New York Graduate Center.
Since 2003, Stephen has taught middle and high school social studies and film electives at the Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies (BCS). Another core role for Stephen is as an advisory teacher for a “crew” of high school students, serving as a mentor and guide through their 4-year journey for social-emotional learning and scholarly development, as well as college counseling and active application engagement in junior and senior years. At BCS, Stephen has run “reading buddy” programs pairing middle school and Brooklyn New School elementary school students.
Stephen has years of classroom experience working with students of varying abilities, including those with IEPs, in general education classes and as a co-teacher in Collaborative Team Teaching (CTT) classes. Stephen also works with the NYC Department of Education on the after-school Home Instruction Corps, providing in-person and virtual learning for individual students who have been granted home instruction due to physical and/or social-emotional injuries and conditions. During the unusual 2020–21 school year, Stephen taught student participants of Camp Power’s virtual tutoring program. For many years, from 1996 to 2012, Stephen worked as a supervisor, enrichment teacher, and counselor for Project Reach Youth’s after-school and summer academic and recreational programs. He is also a certified Red Cross first responder for physical and emotional trauma.
Stephen is trained in the Wilson literacy method, Running Records, the Reading and Writing Project of Teachers College at Columbia University, Restorative Justice in the Schools, and the Expeditionary Learning Teachers’ Toolkit. He teaches ELA, Social Studies, and handwriting for all ages and grades. For math, he tutors through grade 6.
Stephen has been advising high school juniors and seniors on their college journey every day from October through May since 2008. His expertise covers a wide range of aspects, including admissions, FAFSA, and everything in between. He also supports students in shelters, those with autism and other learning challenges, and those uncertain about their college decisions. A notable aspect of Stephen’s bio is his commitment to helping students navigate critical questions, such as where to go to college and what to study.
Helping students with their executive function challenges requires a multi-sensory approach that respects the creative thinking of each student Stephen works with. His approach is to know each student well and to bring joy and fluency to those he serves. With reading, repetitive strategies that bring out the meaning of the words—a story, an article, a poem—are best; with math, being a “secretary to thyself” or notetaking as problems arise. Brainstorming, mind-mapping, and visual cues are essential organizational tools for ELA-based activities. Stephen helps his students transform images into words, like an outline or point list, and eventually into a paragraph structure. To build acuity in reading comprehension, deep reading is an essential piece of mind-building; it literally builds a library of ideas from books in your brain. From that library come other habits of mind, like knowing the pace of writing and reading. Rushing through a homework barrier is a big monster to defeat. Stephen is here to help students file their work, organize their backpacks, and set up routines to increase efficiency at home.
As a teacher and tutor, Stephen’s bedrock strategy has been, to begin with, the idea that every student is someone’s child, possessing special gifts worthy of care, great kindness, humor, and level-headed expectations to help them learn, grow, and make progress as students and fellow citizens. Stephen strives to know his learners well and engage or heighten their language level through instruction, discussion, and always praise. He spends his free time doing charity work and enjoying the city with his wife.
Stephen has been running his school’s SAT academy for over a dozen years! Additionally, he provides expert GED tutoring support for students aiming to attain their diploma.
Originally from Southern California, Tracy graduated in 2010 from New York University with dual degrees in Political Science and Journalism. While initially inclined toward law school, she pivoted and pursued a Master’s in Secondary Inclusive Education from Columbia after attending a teaching program at Teachers College. Since 2012, Tracy has been an invaluable asset at Brooklyn Collaborative, where her expertise as a certified Special Education teacher shines. In the classroom, she adeptly assists middle school students, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving, especially in grades 6-8 math, grades 6-7 Social Studies, and grade 8 ELA.
Outside the traditional classroom setting, Tracy’s commitment to education extends to comprehensive tutoring services. She offers specialized guidance in ISEE Math and ELA across multiple levels, including SSAT and MAP Growth assessments, as well as expertise with SHSAT preparation. Her subject proficiency encompasses Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Geometry, catering to students from elementary through high school. Additionally, Tracy provides executive functioning and ADHD coaching, ensuring students with diverse needs such as ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and dyscalculia receive tailored support.
Within Brooklyn Collaborative, Tracy assumes leadership as the 8th-grade crew team leader. Her professional development is evident through certifications in Restorative Practices, Peer Mediation, Life Space Crisis Intervention, Implicit Bias, and Critical Race Training. Her expertise further encompasses specialized approaches like STARI and a unique skill set in alleviating math anxieties.
Tracy’s dedication to inclusive education is evident in her proficiency in Mandarin and conversational Spanish, enhancing her ability to connect with a broader student demographic. Beyond her professional accolades, Tracy embraces an active lifestyle, exemplified by her recent foray into Muay Thai training.
Aaron received his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurial Studies and Small Business Management from George Washington University and worked in the music business for five years at The Blue Note Jazz Club, BB King Blues Club, and 21st Century Artists Management before becoming a teacher. Aaron brought all of this knowledge and experience to his teaching career through the New York City Teaching Fellows and completed his Master’s Degree in Math Education at Brooklyn College.
Aaron has been a middle school mathematics teacher for 15 years at Middle School 88 in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY. Aaron is now the longest-tenured math teacher at MS88 and currently leads the team of 6th-grade math teachers.
Aaron is a Model Teacher in the New York City Department of Education, a Math for America Master Teaching Fellow, a BetterLesson Blended Master Teaching Fellow, and a Fund for Teachers Fellow, having spent a summer in Tokyo studying pedagogy from Tetsuya Miyamoto, the creator of KenKen Puzzles. Over the last ten years, Aaron has led two separate teams of teachers to create the Teach to One: Math blended learning program and the Summit integrated learning program at MS88, both built around the idea that students should be in charge of their learning and learn at their own pace.
Aaron believes passionately in positive 1:1 student-teacher relationships and has always loved being a tutor. He is down to earth and brings his many passions to mathematics, including travel and wilderness backpacking in his beloved Sierra Nevada mountains in California.
Lilly received her master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics at Teachers College, Columbia University, and her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics at Iona College. Lilly has been teaching for seven years and has taught Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, and Applied Mathematics. In her current position, Lilly teaches Algebra I, Geometry Applications, and an Algebra I inclusion class in cooperation with a special education teacher. Lilly also has experience teaching a summer school Algebra course in collaboration with an ENL teacher. Lilly’s inborn patience and motivational nature help students reach their full potential and gain confidence in their abilities. She knows students learn best when they are in a positive learning environment with a teacher who cares, which is why she makes knowing her students’ strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles a priority. Lilly is known for her excellent student rapport and ability to inspire students. Lilly’s interests include shopping, thrifting, fashion, watching vlogs, playing with her husky, and spending time with her friends and family.
Francesca is an experienced tutor who received a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Duke University and a Ph.D. in statistics from Princeton University. During her five years as a Ph.D. student, she taught undergraduate students in statistics and applied math and also worked at a test prep center tutoring middle and high school students for the SAT, PSAT, and ACT, with a focus on the math sections. She continues to teach and work in academia, where teaching and pedagogy are at the center of her day-to-day activities and has mentored a lot of high school students in their summer projects and college applications. In terms of students, she has worked with a large range of ages, including middle school students, high school students, and undergraduate students. Francesca makes sure to tailor her approach depending on the student and uses innovative strategies to ensure the student is well-equipped for success, both in the classroom and outside. She is bilingual in English and Chinese and is also fluent in French. She can work with students who have language constraints.
While at Duke, she was an Admissions Ambassador and was on the executive board of Duke Tour Guides, speaking with prospective high school students and their families on a regular basis. She was also a fellow at Princeton, where her responsibility was to design and lead workshops to help students flourish during their undergraduate years and beyond. Outside of her academic activities, she is also an avid reader and a huge football (soccer) fan.
She is extremely passionate about helping students love mathematics. Through her own experience, she strongly believes that there is no such thing as a “math person”, It’s all about learning it in a way that works for you and where you feel supported. It’s important to improve test scores, but more importantly, realize that math doesn’t always have to be so terrible and can even be fun!
Esther is a certified teacher with a Childhood Education/Special Education dual certification. She has a Masters in STEM studies and has her School Building/District Leadership certification. She has been teaching math at the middle school level in the NYC public school systems since 2014 where she has been teaching a multitude of populations including Special Education, English Language Learners, and enriched students. Her goal is to meet and support all students to help them reach their highest potential as a student and individual. Esther utilizes data to drive instruction for her students to identify areas of needs and growth.
Esther has experience in giving one-to-one support through tutoring for various goals such as study skills and testing taking strategies for standardized exams.
Outside of school, Esther loves to give back to her community in Toy Drives and Thanksgiving Drives. She also enjoys being active. She has run the NYC and Boston Marathon.
Joshua (Josh) received a bachelor’s degree in history from SUNY Oneonta and his master’s in secondary and special education from Molloy College.
Josh has been a New York City public school teacher for 14 years, teaching in various classroom settings. He loves his job, the school community, and, most importantly, the students he works with. Josh has been in charge of multiple student clubs and has been involved as a member of several teacher committees in his school. Josh has worked on one as a tutor or in small groups for many years. He has helped his students succeed in all levels of reading, writing, math, social studies, science, and PSAT/SAT/ACT prep.
Josh has tutored children as young as 4th grade up to adulthood in preparation for college admission exams. Josh has experience working with students with learning difficulties such as ADHD, dysgraphia, Emotionally Disturbed, and Autism. Also, Josh is a husband, a father, and a camp supervisor of a day camp.
Kownine is a New York State-certified mathematics educator with over a decade of experience in the NYC public school system. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the City College of New York (CUNY). Throughout his tenure, Kownine has made a profound impact on countless students, employing his innate ability to elucidate intricate mathematical concepts with clarity and precision.
His pedagogical approach centers around creating dynamic and engaging learning environments where even the most challenging topics become accessible to all his students. Kownine’s expertise extends beyond traditional teaching methods; he incorporates innovative tools such as graphing calculators and Desmos to enrich student learning and deepen conceptual understanding. His extensive knowledge of Regents-based math courses, acquired through years of teaching and scoring the Regents, ensures that students are well-prepared for standardized assessments.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Kownine actively engages with his students beyond the classroom, fostering connections through activities like chess and video games after school. He is particularly adept at tutoring various subjects, including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus. Kownine’s proficiency also spans test preparation for exams such as the GRE Math, ISEE, SSAT, and New York State Regents Examinations, covering a broad spectrum of grade levels and mathematical competencies.
Moreover, Kownine is fluent in Bangla and equipped to support students with learning differences like ADHD/ADD and Dyscalculia. His dedication to student success and his commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to Themba Tutors. Kownine is enthusiastic about collaborating with students and families to achieve academic milestones and foster a love for mathematics.
Susan earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology with minors in Mathematics and Gender Studies from Loyola University, Maryland. Her Masters degree from New York University is in Math Education. She has permanent state certification in New York in 7th–12th grade math and in New Jersey in K–12th grade math. Having taught math to middle schoolers for over 25 years, Susan got her start at a New York City DOE school. Then, she moved on to the suburbs and taught at Sleepy Hollow Middle School in Westchester in mainstream, honors/accelerated, remedial, special education, and ELL classrooms for 11 years. A move to Princeton, NJ, brought Susan to the private school world, where she spent five years at an all-girls independent Sacred Heart school teaching 5th–10th graders mainstream and honors math. Susan now teaches at a 2e school and is honing her skills at working with students who are gifted and neurodiverse.
She has a bag of tricks that work on students who are afraid of math, those who do not feel challenged by typical math, and those whose needs have nothing to do with math but more to do with EF (executive functioning), anxiety, ADD/ADHD, ASD, PDA (pathological demand avoidance), etc. Susan’s first and foremost strategy for working with kids is to build trust and rapport. Once trust is established, students feel free to make mistakes, problem-solve, and use their own instincts to figure out unfamiliar topics. Students become more confident and take responsibility for their own learning. Susan also has experience with undergrad and graduate level statistics for research methods class (social sciences) and can help an adult prep for the GRE math section, college math prereqs (Algebra), college algebra, trigonometry, precalculus, and statistics for non-math majors.
Most importantly, Susan has two kids of her own, between the ages of 10 and 14, who challenge her every day. Being a parent makes her a better teacher, and being a teacher makes her a better parent. She brings kindness and compassion to both. In her free time, Susan likes to travel, read novels, complete the NY Times Crossword, and play tabletop games like Catan, Set, and others.
Dr. David is a certified New York City mathematics educator for grades 7-12. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Statistics from CUNY Hunter College, his Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from New York University, his Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education from the CUNY Graduate Center, and his Master of Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. David has 22 years of experience as an instructor at Midwood High School in Brooklyn, teaching Financial Literacy, Common Core Algebra I, Common Core Geometry, Common Core Algebra II, Precalculus, Calculus, and AP Calculus. He provides one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction for New York State Mathematics Tests (grades 3-8), all math regents exams, SSAT, SHSAT, PSAT/SAT, and IB Math. Dr. David has experience working with children and adults with ADHD and fostering growth in executive function, self-regulation, and cognitive skills.
In his role as an executive functioning coach, David supports students in their development of essential skills for academic and social success. He emphasizes the importance of tailoring cognitive skills such as organization, time management, planning, and self-regulation to each student’s unique needs. His approach involves conducting assessments, including other relevant tests conducted within a year of the start date, to identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses in executive functioning skills. During the initial two sessions, he collaborates closely with the student to establish specific, measurable, and achievable goals.
Key elements of his coaching include addressing problem-solving and study skills, emotional regulation, empowerment, and advocacy to foster self-reliance and confidence in students. Throughout the coaching process, David diligently monitors and reports on student progress, maintaining ongoing collaboration with parents to ensure a comprehensive approach to support.
David served as an adjunct lecturer in Mathematics at Kingsborough Community College and as a student mentor. As a secondary school educator and college-level instructor, he has leveraged his experience to provide support in mathematics, college counseling, and mentorship. David facilitates learning by tailoring lessons and providing support to meet the needs of students. He fosters student development by helping them discover and grow their math identities and self-efficacies. He is passionate about his work with many national and local initiatives that provide young people with success in mathematics and the natural sciences. David is currently a Math Master Teacher in the Math for America Program and the NYCDOE District 22 liaison for the White House’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative with the Office of the Superintendent and participating school communities.
Additionally, David has coached Boys and Girls Varsity Lacrosse and Varsity Track at Midwood High School and Frederick Douglas Academy. His students have won 6 City Championships in Lacrosse and represented NYC in the Empire State Games. David ended his 10-year semi-pro lacrosse career as an attackman in 2016.
Arthur holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, a Master’s in Education from Lehman College, and an Advanced Certification in Special Education. Currently, he passionately serves as a Global and U.S. History Regents High School Teacher at the Greenburgh Graham School in Hastings on Hudson, specializing in students with disabilities.
With expertise extending to math subjects, Arthur provides adept tutoring in Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. Notably, he offers all levels of math tutoring before students learn pre-algebra. He also excels at preparing students for assessments, such as the SSAT: Elementary-Level ELA, New York State Regents Examinations, and the General Educational Development (GED) test, covering multiple subjects.
Having a decade of experience tutoring private school students in grades 4–12 in Manhattan and Westchester, Arthur is dedicated to fostering academic growth. He has also excelled as a middle school Literacy and ELA teacher, utilizing Columbia University’s Teachers College curriculum for reading and writing.
In his teaching approach, Arthur prioritizes scaffolding and bespoke instructional support, ensuring alignment with individual student needs. His instructional methodology underscores practical skills acquisition, encompassing test-taking acumen and essay composition prowess. Arthur possesses specialized skills as both an ADHD and Executive Functioning Coach, offering tailored guidance to students requiring support in these areas. By incorporating illustrative examples, he adeptly steers his students toward marked improvement and elevated examination outcomes. His tailored approach resonates profoundly with students encountering academic hurdles, showcasing his adeptness in curating essential tools for holistic student success.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Arthur’s zest for life extends to his passions. Having visited 30 countries and counting, he embraces the thrill of traveling. He also finds joy in attending sporting events, both locally and globally, and regularly immerses himself in the rich history showcased in New York’s museums. Additionally, Arthur cherishes spending quality time with friends.
In summary, Arthur’s multifaceted background, dedication to student success, and vibrant interests, including offering all levels of math tutoring before students learn pre-algebra, make him a dynamic and engaging educator.
Caitlin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Missouri Honors College. As a Fulbright-García Robles Scholar in Mexico City, Mexico, she serves as a university-level assistant English teacher. Caitlin is passionate about meeting students where they are and facilitating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
As an experienced instructor, Caitlin has mentored high school and college students in mathematics, sciences, writing, college preparation, and Spanish. She specializes in tutoring Exeter math, along with other mathematics subjects such as Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Statistics. Her dedication extends to assisting students with organizational, social, and study skills. During her college years, Caitlin mentored a diverse group of learners aged 6–20, showcasing her versatility. She also possesses experience working with students with learning and/or physical disabilities and chronic illnesses.
After completing her college journey in 2021, Caitlin committed her skills to tutoring students in physics, further contributing to her comprehensive background in mathematics and physics education.
In addition to her tutoring roles, Caitlin taught abroad in Seville, Spain, where she instructed middle school science, mathematics, and ESL. Her teaching experience encompasses High School Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. She also provides guidance in Chemistry and Biology at the college level. For Middle School sciences, Caitlin offers specialized instruction tailored to the needs of learners.
In the domain of English Language Arts (ELA), Caitlin offers comprehensive support in reading, writing, and comprehension skills. She also provides tutoring in Spanish at levels including Middle School, High School, College, and Adult. Her commitment to addressing various learning differences is evident, as she has expertise in supporting students with ADHD/ADD, Reading Disorders, Language Processing Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, and Dyslexia.
Looking ahead to fall 2024, Caitlin aspires to continue her academic pursuits through a Ph.D. in sociology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a professor. Beyond her teaching and mentoring commitments, Caitlin enjoys running, baking, and practicing ceramics. She remains enthusiastic about supporting students in their academic journeys toward success, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Evan has over 20 years of experience as a math educator for students of all ages. He received his Bachelor’s
degree in mathematics from Bucknell University and earned his Master of Science in Leadership in Math.
education from the Bank Street College of Education. Evan began his career at the Poly Prep School in
Brooklyn, where he taught Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus. He then became
Department Chair at Democracy Prep Charter High School, where over 98% of his students were
successful on the NYS Regents exams, and over 70% earned above a 3 on the AP Calculus exam. Evan
also has extensive experience preparing students for standardized entrance exams, including SHSAT,
ACT, and SAT. In 2013, Evan was selected for the Master Teacher Fellowship through the Math for
America organization. In 2014, he received the Gold Standard in Teaching Award from the Excellent
Schools Network. Currently, Evan is the Regional Math Director for the KIPP school district, where he
leads curriculum development and provides math education coaching and professional development to
teachers and school leaders. He is also an adjunct graduate professor of mathematics at Bank Street
College of Education.
Evan approaches math instruction through exploration. Students learn by doing, with purposeful
scaffolding, to become more confident problem solvers and make meaning of the math that they are
learning. He is a mathematical content expert and can deftly support someone in any math task by
unpacking what they know already and then helping to guide what they can try next. Evan is also a
skilled coach who works adaptively with other students and adults. One of his greatest strengths is
active listening and truly seeking to understand what someone else is expressing, then meeting them
where they are. He embodies a growth mindset in every endeavor and works to pull out strengths from
each individual person as their tutor.
When taking a break from education, Evan is an avid fan of New York sports teams (he especially loves
basketball, baseball, and football). He enjoys attending sporting events with his family and has been to
half of the major league baseball stadiums in the country so far; his goal is to attend a game at all 32!
With a strong academic background and over seven years of tutoring experience, Alexandra is a highly qualified educator dedicated to facilitating academic success. Alexandra graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and holds a master’s certification in coastal ecology from the University of Florida. Committed to ongoing professional development, Alexandra now works in private equity, combining practical expertise with a passion for education.
Specializing in diverse subjects, Alexandra offers comprehensive tutoring services in ELA, including SAT Verbal, English Language Arts (reading, writing, and comprehension), and Languages Other Than English. Alexandra excels in various test preparation methodologies, caters to different language proficiency exams, and is adept at tutoring math, International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, high school sciences, and college-level science courses, with a specific focus on college statistics and applied statistics.
With extensive experience working with students aged 7-18, Alexandra addresses diverse needs, from writing skills to editing and synthesizing academic literature. Teaching in both public and private sectors, Alexandra covers content and abilities from elementary school through college, including adult learners. Her expertise spans elementary, middle school, and high school levels, ensuring a tailored approach for each student. Alexandra is dedicated to inclusive education, specializing in executive functioning coaching, study skills, creative writing, history/social studies, and college application essay support.
Experienced in working with learners who have ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Executive Functioning Disorders, Alexandra employs a personalized pedagogical philosophy emphasizing strategies and diligence. Passionate about sustainability, Alexandra brings a holistic approach to education. Beyond tutoring, Alexandra enjoys reading and weightlifting.
Whether fostering foundational skills or guiding advanced coursework, Alexandra is committed to helping students achieve academic goals. With a proven track record of success and a comprehensive understanding of diverse learning differences, Alexandra provides individualized support to empower students at every educational stage.
Kayla is a licensed special education teacher with a Master of Science in Teaching and Learning for Adolescents with disabilities. Trained to work with and provide explicit instruction for students with a wide range of disabilities, including ADHD and sensory issues, Kayla brings 8 years of experience to her role. She specializes in supporting students with ADHD, assisting them in transitioning into post-secondary education while addressing high school scenarios annually.
In addition to her teaching expertise, Kayla offers executive function coaching and ADHD coaching to students with diverse learning needs. Her comprehensive approach ensures that each student receives tailored support to help them succeed academically and emotionally.
During her tenure as a special educator for New York City Public Schools, Kayla served as the Special Education Liaison for an entire school, overseeing the well-being and academic progress of over 80 students. Her responsibilities included reviewing student plans, administering tests, handling accommodation requests, devising behavior plans, supervising interns, and advocating for her students’ needs both within and beyond the school environment.
Kayla firmly believes that every student can thrive, given the appropriate support. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that students are emotionally prepared to engage and learn actively.
In her tutoring journey, Kayla has honed her skills across a broad spectrum. She excels in Test Prep, specifically guiding students in SAT Math, English Language Arts (encompassing reading, writing, and comprehension), Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Growth assessments spanning various subjects, New York State Regents Examinations tailored to specific subjects, and the General Educational Development (GED) test covering multiple subjects. Her mathematical prowess extends to Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and Statistics. On the language front, Kayla offers tutoring in Spanish for Middle School, High School, College, and Adult learners. Moreover, she specializes in aiding students with Reading Disorders and Language Processing Disorders.
Christopher is an experienced tutor who received his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and his Master’s degree in Special Education and Literacy from The State University of New York at Albany. Christopher is a New York State-certified Special Education Teacher, General Education Teacher, and Literacy Specialist. He has taught in New York City Public Schools for the past twelve years in many capacities, including schoolwide Literacy Specialist, Special Education teacher, and movement Teacher. He has taught and tutored students of all ages. Within the field of Special Education, Christopher continues to develop and design specialized instruction and facilitate professional development seminars to support the professional growth of fellow New York City educators.
Christopher has over a decade of experience in preparing students for the New York State standardized English Language Arts exams in Grades 3–8 (of which he also has years of experience administering and grading), the New York State English Language Arts Regents exams, and the New York State Mathematics exam in Grades 3–8. He also has vast knowledge and experience with the New York State Alternative Assessment (NYSAA) and the Gifted and Talented exams. Christopher is well-versed in numerous highly acclaimed literacy programs, including the Wilson Reading System (WRS), Foundations, SMILE, and the current curriculum used throughout New York City.
Christopher has extensive experience teaching students with anxiety, executive functioning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s, ADHD, emotional disturbance, depression, processing disorders, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other learning challenges. He prides himself on making every learning experience exciting and meaningful. He believes in building and maintaining strong, trusting rapport with his students and their families and is committed to working closely together to obtain success.
According to Christopher, there is no one-size-fits-all learning method. Whether one learns best through visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or tactile-based supports, Christopher is prepared to meet every student’s individualized needs. Christopher employs an asset-based, social-emotional, and growth-mindset approach to learning that incorporates each student’s strengths and interests. He works diligently with his students to create purposeful goals with the tools and resources to obtain them. He models and promotes patience, self-regulation, confidence-building, and executive functioning skills such as time management and organization. With Christopher’s instructional support, students feel excited to take ownership of their learning, are willing to take positive academic risks, and build self-efficacy and self-esteem along the way! Christopher enjoys writing, playing music, and coaching for the Special Olympics in his spare time.
Nicole graduated from the University of Michigan in 2020 with a psychology major and a social work minor. Currently, Nicole is a second-year School Psychology Ph.D. student at Fordham University. With a strong foundation in psychology and social work, she brings a unique perspective to her work as a dedicated school psychology student.
Nicole has extensive experience working with individuals of all ages dealing with ADHD, employing effective executive functioning strategies. She has experience helping students with ADHD, social pragmatic communication disorder, dysgraphia, and anxiety. She excels at providing tailored executive functioning strategies, study skills, homework assistance, and implementing behavioral management strategies. Nicole has worked with children through Mount Sinai Hospital, assisting them in understanding and managing their ADHD diagnosis.
Her contributions extend to neuropsychological testing at Fordham University, where she performed assessments and offered valuable resources and strategies post-assessment. Passionate about writing and reading, Nicole leverages her skills to assist students at all levels, from kindergarten to college, with any writing assignment throughout the writing process. She has consulted with prospective undergraduate and graduate students, offering guidance on formulating and editing essays.
While Nicole does not specialize in a math-focused field, she is proficient in tutoring elementary to middle school math, including Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2. In English Language Arts (ELA), Nicole supports elementary, middle, and high school students. Beyond academics, Nicole’s multifaceted expertise includes test preparation, psychology, and executive functioning coaching. Her love for reading and comprehension skills extends to helping individuals of all ages enhance their literary abilities.
In her diverse tutoring capacities, Nicole has worked with multiple students, providing comprehensive support across various subjects. Her commitment to education is complemented by her interests, including reading, watching movies, and spending quality time with friends. Additionally, Nicole is a proud cat owner and enjoys snuggling with her feline companion.
She earned a BA in Communications at SUNY Albany and an MS in Adolescent Education from Mercy College, graduating with a 3.8. In addition, Stacey has completed a variety of trainings and certifications, including Emotional Intelligence from Cornell College, Learning and Development from Teachers College, Columbia University, Wilson, and Restorative Practices from the International Institute of Restorative Practices.
Stacey has been an educator for over 15 years, teaching and leading throughout NYC schools and surrounding areas. She has New York State teaching certifications for birth–2nd, 5–9, and 7–12. She specializes in executive functioning, diverse learning styles, and behavioral interventions. Stacey has extensive experience preparing students for various standardized tests, including the ELA and Math NY State Exams, the Regents Living Environment, Earth Science, ELA, US, and Global Studies.
Stacey has worked with all ages, including toddlers, preschoolers, and SETSS with elementary school students, providing reading intervention to students in grades 5-8, co-teaching all subjects through grade 8 and grades 10 and 11, and teaching English and Living Environment to 10th graders. She has worked with students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, language processing, cognitive delays, executive functioning difficulties, reading and math disabilities, ADHD, and autism, and with students with mental health and emotional issues. She works with each student to determine their individual areas of growth and creates an intervention plan that incorporates a variety of instructional strategies, techniques, tools, and resources.
A passionate and dedicated educator with a robust academic background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Psychology from Indiana University, a Master’s in Special Education, and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from Hunter College in New York City, Michelle brings 14 years of experience in the New York City public school system, specializing in high school-level education as a distinguished special educator. She has played a crucial role in the special education department, advocating for students, families, and teachers to ensure optimal instruction and services. As a model teacher, Michelle guides staff in developing individualized curriculum and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) instruction.
With over a decade of private tutoring experience, Michelle excels at providing tailored support for reading, math, executive functioning, and Regents exam preparation. Her approach is finely tuned to meet the unique needs of middle school and high school students, focusing on establishing strong foundations in reading and math.
Michelle’s expertise extends to effective organizational strategies, enhanced reading comprehension skills, proficiency in executive functioning, writing expansion, test-taking skills, and math support for middle school students. At the high school level, she demonstrates particular proficiency in Regents preparation, especially in Algebra 1 and ELA, along with comprehensive support in math, reading, and study skills.
In addition, Michelle offers proficiency in various test preparation areas, encompassing Regents exams (Algebra and ELA), ISEE, SSAT, English Language Arts (reading, writing, and comprehension), Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth Assessments, and New York State Regents Examinations (subject-specific tests).
Her mastery spans a range of math subjects, including algebra, pre-algebra, and elementary school Math. Michelle’s expertise in literature and language arts covers reading, middle school, high school English Language and Arts (ELA), and very basic Spanish. Additionally, Michelle provides support with executive functioning coaching and ADHD coaching for college students, helping them navigate academic challenges and develop effective strategies for success.
Beyond education, Michelle enjoys spending quality time with her family, experimenting with new recipes, indulging in music, exploring travel opportunities, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through yoga and Pilates.
Molly’s dedication to education spans over a decade, marked by a robust academic background. Graduating from SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Mathematics and a minor in Spanish, she furthered her expertise with a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Touro University. Recently, Molly completed a Bilingual Education Extension certificate from St. John’s University, enhancing her pedagogical toolkit.
NYS certified in Mathematics for grades 7-12, Molly has been a cornerstone of New York City’s public school system for nine years, focusing on middle school Math instruction. With a breadth of experience teaching 6th and 7th Grade Math, as well as Regent’s level Algebra 1, she extends her impact through tutoring, guiding students from 5th Grade Math up to Regent’s level Geometry and Algebra 2/Trig. Her extensive exposure to diverse grade levels equips her with profound insights into student progression and the requisites for academic success.
In addition to her core teaching responsibilities, Molly adeptly supports students with executive functioning skills, state test preparation, and high school applications. While not formally certified in special education, her inclusive approach shines through her work with neurodiverse students, including those with Autism, ADD/ADHD, OCD, emotional challenges, and speech and language impairments.
Molly’s teaching philosophy revolves around fostering connections between students’ interests and the curriculum, adapting her methods to cater to diverse learning needs. Her lessons are designed to be engaging, challenging, and hands-on, nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills while emphasizing the importance of organized work and vocabulary application.
Outside the classroom, Molly’s passions extend to athletics, where she coaches her school’s soccer, cross country, and swimming teams, drawing from her collegiate track experience. Committed to social justice, she recently completed a year-long program with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, enriching her students’ critical thinking and global awareness through art education. With expertise spanning test preparation, Math, Writing, Reading, and Foreign Languages, Molly offers comprehensive support to her students, ensuring holistic academic development and personal growth.
Omolade is a dynamic and committed educational leader with an extensive background in both instructional and leadership roles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Stony Brook, a Master of Science in Teaching from Pace University, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership from SUNY Stony Brook. She is certified in New York State as a Special Education and Generalist teacher, working with students in grades 5 – 9. Additionally, she is certified in High School Social Studies in New Jersey and holds a TEFL certification.
Omolade has worked in both public and private schools, teaching students of all ages and abilities. Specializing in Math, she served as a Learning Specialist Coordinator/Math Learning Specialist at KIPP NJ, where she pioneered math assessment accommodations in standardized test prep for students with disabilities. Her teaching experience also includes Biology at Maple Leaf Educational Systems in China and serving as an Assistant Principal of Special Education at Harlem Village Academies and Uncommon Schools in New York City.
Omolade’s pedagogical philosophy is student-centered, and she believes in tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs of each learner. She is experienced in working with students who have a variety of learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, ADD, and executive functioning disorders.
With her comprehensive skill set, she offers specialized tutoring in various standardized tests, including SAT Math and Verbal, as well as the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), SSAT (Elementary-Level Math, Middle-Level Math, Upper-Level Math, Elementary-Level ELA, Middle-Level ELA, Upper-Level ELA), ACT (English, Math, Science, Reading, Writing), English Language Arts (includes reading, writing, and comprehension), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (formerly known as GED in some states), Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth assessments (covering various subjects), and New York State Regents Examinations (subject-specific tests).
In addition to her proficiency in Math and standardized test prep, Omolade is skilled in Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, High School Biology, Biology, and Earth Sciences. She also offers support in Study Skills, Creative Writing, History/Social Studies, College Application Essays, and Graduate School/Ph.D. Admission, Application, and Consultation.
Committed to creating a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes, Omolade enjoys developing innovative programming, mentoring and coaching teachers, and providing in-class support. Outside of teaching, she finds joy in traveling and writing poetry.
Lexie (she/her) received a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology from The University of Maryland, College Park. She is in her final year as a Ph.D. student in counseling psychology at The University of Texas at Austin. She is completing her clinical psychology internship at a hospital in Brooklyn and will graduate with her Ph.D. in counseling psychology in June 2024. Her research interests focus on measuring and improving the healthcare experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. As an instructor and mentor, Lexie is passionate about adapting the work to address each student’s learning style and tutoring needs. With over six years of working in various capacities with adolescents and young adults, Lexie excels in improving students’ academic performance and general functioning by tailoring interventions according to students’ cognitive capacities, social-emotional functioning, and psychological needs within their unique school and home environments.
Lexie has been a teaching assistant and lecturer for psychology courses throughout graduate school and is now an adjunct professor teaching psychology at the undergraduate level. Her work with Themba mostly focuses on improving students’ executive functioning and organizational, social, and study skills with learners ages 10 through adulthood. Lexie also has particular interest and experience in working with LGBTQ+ students, students with anxiety, and students on the autism spectrum.
Lexie has particular experience in working with individuals with Level 1 ASD in therapy, neuropsychological testing, and research contexts. She uses her knowledge of the neuropsychological profile of individuals with ASD, in particular, to adapt her mentoring to the needs of students with high-functioning ASD. Interventions for individuals with ASD typically involve a combination of strategies such as creating visual schedules, organizing structured activities, incorporating sensory accommodations, and providing predictability and reductions in anxiety through clear and explicit instruction. Additionally, interventions sometimes involve the development of social skills through structured activities, role-playing scenarios, and explicit teaching of social cues, enabling students to navigate peer interactions more effectively. Finally, Lexie collaborates closely with parents to ensure consistency across environments and reinforce skills learned during tutoring sessions. Through these targeted interventions, Lexie strives to empower students with high-functioning ASD to thrive academically and socially in the school setting.
Outside of work, Lexie enjoys being outside, exploring museums, spending time with friends and family, and trying new restaurants.
Martha is a seasoned educator with a wealth of experience spanning 16 years in successfully teaching both neurotypical and neurodiverse children. Her teaching philosophy centers around addressing individual needs, creating a positive learning environment, and empowering students to recognize their influence on the world around them.
With a passion for fostering holistic development, she has honed her expertise in supporting students’ executive function skills. Martha understands the critical role these skills play in academic success and personal growth, particularly during the formative years in upper elementary in preparation for middle school and high school. Through innovative teaching strategies and personalized interventions, she empowers her students to enhance their abilities in planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation. Martha’s commitment to nurturing these essential cognitive skills ensures that her students develop the resilience and adaptability necessary for lifelong learning.
Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Mathematics from Northeastern Illinois University, Martha has built a strong foundation for effective teaching. Committed to inclusive education, she pursued and achieved a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Michigan – Dearborn, along with a Certificate in Special Education from DePaul University. As a licensed teacher in Illinois, Martha continues to stay at the forefront of educational practices.
Martha has undergone specialized training in Orton Gillingham IMSE, covering both Comprehensive and Morphology modules. Her commitment to meeting diverse learning needs is further demonstrated by her training in Multisensory Math.
Currently, Martha is making a significant impact in the private sector, teaching 5th-grade math and social studies. She dedicates specific attention to honing the executive functioning skills of twice-exceptional students. Martha is deeply involved in supporting students across a spectrum of needs, including math, reading fluency and comprehension, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, writing, attention, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ASD, ADHD, ADD, EF, as well as behavioral and emotional disorders. Her approach is characterized by a comprehensive understanding of each student, fostering an environment where they can flourish academically and personally.
Brian, an M.S., is an N.Y. State licensed Special Education teacher who has been working at a variety of progressive public schools in Brooklyn and Manhattan since 2008. He has extensive experience supporting students with learning disabilities, executive functioning issues, emotional challenges, ADHD, speech or language impairments, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and undiagnosed challenges. He has taught a range of subjects, including Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, Phonics, Field Studies (all around NYC!), and Restorative Justice for grades 6-12 in various classroom settings (Self-Contained, Integrated Co-Teaching, and small group interventions). Brian earned a B.S. in Psychology from Boston University and an M.S. in Education from LIU Brooklyn.
As an educator and tutor, Brian is most drawn to students for whom classroom success has been elusive. His work is informed by his personal experiences with ADHD, executive functioning, and therapy. He believes that genuine learning happens when individuals make meaning of the world around them, dependent on emotional safety, positive relationships, curiosity, exploration, collaboration, reflection, joy, self-awareness, and self-confidence. Brian has a wide variety of passions and interests that currently include rock climbing, skateboarding, basketball, raising chickens, woodworking, vegetarian cooking, Minecraft, camping, reading (text and audiobooks!), and watching anime with his son.
Goutham is a highly skilled educator and data scientist specializing in computer science, data science, and innovative teaching methods. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, a Minor in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master’s degree in Data Science for Public Policy from Georgetown University.
Goutham offers tutoring in various subjects to help students excel in their academic pursuits. He covers a broad spectrum of mathematics, including Calculus, Geometry, Trigonometry, Linear Algebra, Algebra, Differential Calculus, Combinatorics, and Precalculus. For those venturing into the world of computer science, Goutham provides guidance in Intro to Python, Java, or C, along with Dynamic Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms. Additionally, he delves into the realm of Data Science, offering instruction in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data visualization, Data Analysis, and Predictive Modeling. Goutham also extends his tutoring services to encompass Creative Writing and aids students in standardized test preparation for exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. Goutham strives to empower learners across diverse subjects and academic levels with his expertise and dedication.
As the founder of a podcast, Goutham facilitates dynamic discussions with educational experts and policymakers, enriching his teaching philosophy and embracing innovative methodologies that resonate with students. Through his podcast and global educators’ book club, he continuously seeks cutting-edge strategies to enhance his tutoring approach, ensuring students receive relevant and effective instruction.
Goutham’s commitment to educational excellence extends worldwide, collaborating with schools and organizations to implement data-driven educational initiatives. He passionately empowers students to navigate the complexities of data science and computer science, guiding them in developing impactful projects that fuel intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Goutham shares insights and collaborates with thought leaders in education and technology, enriching his pedagogical approach with diverse perspectives and cutting-edge innovations. His dedication to fostering inclusive and empowering learning environments reflects his belief in inspiring students to reach their full potential.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Goutham engages deeply with his community through hosting book clubs, creating educational murals, and participating in recreational activities. His holistic approach to education and community engagement underscores his belief in the transformative power of learning and its profound impact on future generations.
Alana holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dartmouth College, completed a post-baccalaureate pre-med program at Columbia University, and earned a master’s in Social Work from Fordham University. As a licensed social worker, she has extensive experience working with adolescents in academic and therapeutic settings, particularly those from non-traditional academic backgrounds in community programs.
In classroom settings, she teaches critical life skills and writing to youth, emphasizing English Language Arts (ELA), including reading, writing, and comprehension. She focuses on executive function development and academic coaching, offering specialized math, writing, reading, literature, and handwriting support. Alana tailors educational plans to strengthen critical areas such as prioritization, time management, organizational skills, and goal setting. She emphasizes educational advocacy and empowerment with her students to foster their investment in learning. Additionally, she assists in pre-algebra, algebra 1, geometry, elementary and middle school subjects, study skills, and college application essay support.
Alana has extensive experience homeschooling preschool and elementary school-aged children, leading to their acceptance into top private school programs in Brooklyn. She firmly believes in honoring the unique needs of students and ensuring all children can excel with appropriate support.
She offers virtual and in-person sessions to accommodate student preferences, with regular check-ins to support academic goals.
CHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY, HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY & AP BIOLOGY
PHYSICS
EARTH SCIENCE
Samara, also known as Sam, is licensed and tenured to teach grades 7-12 in Mathematics and Science, and she specializes in middle and high school math and science. Samara holds a Master’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Adolescent Special Education. With over a decade of experience in both the New York City Department of Education and private instruction, Samara has taught advanced placement, honors, ICT, and general education classes. Her teaching experiences include working with students with ASD, ADD/ADHD, executive functioning difficulties, learning disabilities, Culturally Diverse Learners, students with delayed processing, selective mutism, and English Language Learners. She targets executive functioning/organizational skills, test-taking strategies, and time management to facilitate learning. Since going remote due to the pandemic, Samara has been able to teach remote tips and techniques to help students navigate the world of online learning. She uses different platforms to engage students with virtual learning. She has also been part of a team of curriculum writers for the science department, the National Honor Society Coordinator, and the testing coordinator at her high school. With this comes in-depth knowledge about testing requirements and procedures for middle school and high school students. Samara regularly delivers the highest quality instruction in all academic subject areas by incorporating information retention techniques, drills, mental math capabilities, executive functioning skills, and making connections to real-world experiences. Many of her students have made significant gains due to her comprehensive approach.
Her teaching background includes, but is not limited to, NYS ELA and Math tests grades 3-8, SHSAT, ISEE, TACHS, Hunter School Exam, Scholarship Tests, NYS Regents (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra2/Trigonometry, Living Environment, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Global, US History, and ELA), SAT, ACT, College Readiness Exams, College Placement Exams, AP Exams, TASC Exam, and some college-level math and science courses. She also has experience with the IB Math high school curriculum and exams.
When not teaching, Samara enjoys the outdoors. She has three dogs and a toddler that enjoy walking, hiking, bike riding, digging in the dirt, and jumping in puddles. She enjoys time with her family and traveling to explore different states, cities, and countries.
Fotini has her Master’s degree in Secondary Education for English and a Bachelor’s degree in English with a Minor in Dance from the College of Staten Island. After earning her English general education certification, Fotini went further and earned a teaching certification for Special Education; she is dual-certified. She has worked for the NYC Department of Education for ten years. Fotini started teaching at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School and worked there for seven years. She taught English in self-contained, ICT, ESL, and resource classrooms. She has experience working with students with emotional disorders, speech and language disorders, ADHD, dyslexia, oppositional defiant disorder, and autism.
Fotini then wanted to gain more experience with different grade levels and continue growing as an educator, so she decided to switch. She is now teaching at I.S. 201, The Madeline Brennan School, General Education, ICT, self-contained ELA, Health, Biology, and Drama for grades 6-8 for two years. As an ELA teacher, she has helped students from grades 6-12 on all levels with decoding, spelling, reading fluency, reading comprehension, and writing skills. She has prepared students for the ELA regents for high school students and ELA state exams for Junior high school students.
Additionally, Fotini has been given the opportunity to learn how to become an educator since she was eighteen years old. She has taught Dance from ages three to adult at various studios until today. This has helped her learn how to differentiate in many ways based on level, age, personality, interest, and skills. She has an open and unique teaching philosophy in dance, English, and special education based on her years of experience. This has enabled her to be creative with her instruction by using visual, auditory, tactical, and kinesthetic learning styles to engage and reach all students. She always reaches out to be as diverse and creative as possible to engage students. She adapts and adjusts her instruction to individual learning styles. One of Fotini’s strong attributes is her rapport with her students. She is there for them for their education and their social-emotional support.
Fotini also excels in Test Prep, specifically guiding students in SAT Math, English Language Arts, Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Growth assessments spanning various subjects, New York State Regents Examinations tailored to specific subjects, and the General Educational Development (GED) test covering multiple subjects.
Sandra received a BA from Hunter College in Chemistry and MA in education from Queens College. She began her working career in St. Raymond HS for boys and continued her teaching experience in BAMS, a priority middle school in the Bronx. After her middle school experience, Sandra taught in Health and Science Charter HS, where she taught in the co-teaching system. The school Sandra currently teaches in is Mamaroneck High school. Sandra’s classes in her teaching career are Regents and applied chemistry, 7 and 8-grade science, test prep, Forensics, and Environmental science. All of the classes focused on inclusivity by incorporating different learning levels and styles to assist every student’s needs better.
Her other experience came from tutoring students at the Huntington learning center. In this setting, Sandra gained the opportunity to teach chemistry and biology and earth science, organic chemistry, and the mathematics portion of SAT and ACT prep to high school students. She gained additional experience working with younger students aged 5-10 from volunteering in a Croatian parish as a religion and language teacher.
Sandra’s eight-year-long teaching, volunteering, and tutoring experience have allowed her to develop her teaching style to look at every student as an individual with their own set of skills and ways to learn.
However rich her teaching expertise is, Sandra gained her most significant set of skills and experience of recognizing abilities and seeing individual strengths while raising her two children, who are currently a senior and a sophomore in high school.
Part of Sandra’s teaching philosophy is that as much as she can teach her students, so do her students. While assisting in the summer school at MHS, Sandra had an opportunity to work with a student failing physics class. It gave her an aspiration and future to look closer to learning physics and acquiring a teaching license in physics.
David has been a teacher in New York for 7 years. He now supports students in 7th grade as a special educator in Westchester as a learning specialist and executive function coach. David has worked in both an inclusive setting (5-1 resource room) and one-on-one with students with learning disabilities, including twice-exceptional ADHD, OCD, speech and language impairments, emotional disturbances, and autism.
David has taught students ranging from 2nd grade all the way to graduate school. He has taught at private and public schools with a focus on SEL and using the whole learner to gain confidence in the classroom.
David has also been asked to support teachers with their EdTPA after receiving a mastery score. He uses data to inform his instruction, allowing students to analyze their progress, evaluate their strategy, and advocate for themselves.
David holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and psychology from Stony Brook University and a master’s in teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Additionally, he is currently applying for and enrolling in an educational specialist program in advanced educational studies in special education. David has certifications in 5-9 generalist, 7-12 special education, special 7-12 math, and special 7-12 biology. David teaches biology up to introductory college AP. He is teaching chemistry in high school and psychology to college students.
David loves living off-grid with his wife, Sydney, on their camp weekends. He enjoys fishing and riding his motorcycle.
His personal mission is to show that everyone is scientifically, mathematically, and artistically capable. Stefan is an educator, communicator, scientist, and performer all equally. He believes the best way for any student to excel is to learn new topics in a comprehensive and real-world framework. Additionally, Stefan assists school-age and college students with their executive function (EF) skills, ensuring they achieve a deeper understanding and application of subjects. He works to give students an appreciation for subjects, an understanding of their applications, and how a topic fits into the bigger picture on their way to mastery.
Stefan earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Astrophysics and Theater from Swarthmore College, and his Master’s in Medical Physics from Columbia University. His Master’s research was conducted at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As a scientist, Stefan developed the fundamental math and science skills he uses to help students excel. As a performer, he gained exceptional communication skills, which he utilizes to connect with any audience. His combination of arts and science expertise makes him highly adaptable to any student’s needs.
Stefan’s awards and accolades include being a semi-finalist in The Discovery Channel’s countrywide science fair: “America’s Top Young Scientist,” being accepted into the Science National Honor Society, and winning World and National Championships in Ballroom Dance. He has also played lead roles in plays such as Chekov’s “Three Sisters”, Beckett’s “Endgame”, and Kane’s “Cleansed.”
Tutoring students from grades 5-12, Stefan specializes in middle and upper school mathematics, AP and college-level physics, and test-prep for the SHSAT, ISEE, HSPT, ACT, and SAT. He has experience with the IB Math high school curriculum and exam. Additionally, Stefan is qualified to teach performance theory and both Shakespearean and contemporary acting.
Erin is a New York State-licensed Earth and Space Science teacher for grades 7–12. She has worked for Robert F. Kennedy Community Middle School in Flushing, Queens, for the past 8 years. Erin has taught health, advisory, and general Science. She has taught in a variety of class settings, including general education, 12:1:1, E.S.L., and inclusion classes. Within those classes, students have had varied learning and emotional needs, including ADHD, speech-language disorders, oppositional defiance disorder, limited English proficiency, dyslexia, and autism. Erin is currently earning credits for her Living Environment Certification. She also served as the Respect for All Liaison and Advisory Programmer at Robert F. Kennedy. For several years, Erin was Dean of Students and Restorative Justice Coordinator. Erin believes in positive reinforcement strategies; every child can succeed, with no exceptions. She believes you must meet a child’s social and emotional needs, as well as their instructional needs, to help them excel.
Erin has been rated a highly effective teacher on the Danielson Rubric and adheres to best practices, including consistent feedback to students. This includes both formal and informal feedback, helping students edit their work and become informed learners. Erin helps students identify the purpose of tasks and what the tasks are looking for the student to do or show. These are great test-taking strategies and skills for becoming organized, independent learners.
Erin graduated from Stony Brook University with a B.A. in Earth and Space Science. Erin continued at Stony Brook, earning a Master’s in Science Education. Erin played and is currently coaching rugby at Stony Brook. Erin played varsity softball and field hockey. She is an avid dog person and owns three Bulldogs.
Goutham is a highly skilled educator and data scientist specializing in computer science, data science, and innovative teaching methods. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, a Minor in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master’s degree in Data Science for Public Policy from Georgetown University.
Goutham offers tutoring in various subjects to help students excel in their academic pursuits. He covers a broad spectrum of mathematics, including Calculus, Geometry, Trigonometry, Linear Algebra, Algebra, Differential Calculus, Combinatorics, and Precalculus. For those venturing into the world of computer science, Goutham provides guidance in Intro to Python, Java, or C, along with Dynamic Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms. Additionally, he delves into the realm of Data Science, offering instruction in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data visualization, Data Analysis, and Predictive Modeling. Goutham also extends his tutoring services to encompass Creative Writing and aids students in standardized test preparation for exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. Goutham strives to empower learners across diverse subjects and academic levels with his expertise and dedication.
As the founder of a podcast, Goutham facilitates dynamic discussions with educational experts and policymakers, enriching his teaching philosophy and embracing innovative methodologies that resonate with students. Through his podcast and global educators’ book club, he continuously seeks cutting-edge strategies to enhance his tutoring approach, ensuring students receive relevant and effective instruction.
Goutham’s commitment to educational excellence extends worldwide, collaborating with schools and organizations to implement data-driven educational initiatives. He passionately empowers students to navigate the complexities of data science and computer science, guiding them in developing impactful projects that fuel intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Goutham shares insights and collaborates with thought leaders in education and technology, enriching his pedagogical approach with diverse perspectives and cutting-edge innovations. His dedication to fostering inclusive and empowering learning environments reflects his belief in inspiring students to reach their full potential.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Goutham engages deeply with his community through hosting book clubs, creating educational murals, and participating in recreational activities. His holistic approach to education and community engagement underscores his belief in the transformative power of learning and its profound impact on future generations.
**Guarantee: It’s critical that whoever receives our tutoring services connects with the specialist, the specialist has expertise in the area of need, and is available to travel to you. If you are not 100% satisfied with our services, we are 100% committed to finding you the right professional.
The terms academic tutoring and coaching are often used interchangeably. But while they seem similar, there are a few key differences in the way an academic tutor and coach helps students achieve their academic goals. So how do you know if your child requires an academic coach or if he or she is in need of a tutor?
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