Leadership
Alexis Avila
Founder/CEO
Founder/CEO
MA, Cert. in Guidance Pre K-12 alexis@preppedandpolished.com
About Alexis
Frequently quoted by U.S. News & World Report, Alexis founded Prepped and Polished to help elementary, secondary, college-level, and adult students maximize their comprehension and overall growth in a variety of subjects. While tutoring for several small and large commercial test prep companies, Alexis envisioned founding his own independent educational service run entirely by educators whose passion for education acted as the primary driving force behind its pedagogy.
Alexis and other members of the Prepped and Polished team have collectively traveled one hundred thousand miles to educate students in person, working with well over a thousand families. Described by students as engaging and effective, Prepped and Polished’s teaching philosophy has helped students of all ages gain confidence, maximize their academic potential, and achieve dramatically improved grades and test scores.
Described by students as supportive and patient, as well as enthusiastic, Alexis has helped students and adults gain confidence, maximize academic potential, and achieve dramatically improved grades and test scores. Alexis’s desire to better understand his students and meet their needs is central to his working philosophy, which can be seen in a long-time client’s description of him:
“I have known Alexis personally as well as professionally for over 25 years. Since we met at the University of Michigan until now with my daughter receiving tutoring from his company, Alexis has always approached life with a great drive for success, empathy and compassion for others as well as enthusiasm to find the joy and humor in whatever he does. With these attributes and outlook coupled with his pride for his Puerto Rican family and traditions, Alexis has always looked for and drawn to him a diverse group of individuals in his life. Through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, he has served as a big brother to a young man from Cape Verde for over 20 years, becoming close enough to consider him family. In college, Alexis tutored students at the local middle school. This passion to help young persons evolved into his successful business which has not only tutored thousands of kids but also employed many tutors and grown into a global platform that brings together experts to help students and families cope with countless issues that remain unaddressed or ignored. He is a shining example of how one can have great business and personal success and also have a tremendous impact to the community.”
Alexis is a certified school guidance counselor for grades Pre-K through 12th with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Film from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; furthermore, he acquired a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (a US News ranked top-five Counseling Psychology program). He also spent his junior year living in Seville, Spain through the Cornell, Pennsylvania, University of Michigan study abroad program. He completed a two-day seminar in Executive Function disorder, a one-day seminar on Advanced Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills, and even a 15-hour online course in Study Skills: Strategies to Support Executive Function all through the Landmark School Outreach Program in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Alexis regularly gives speeches regarding tutoring, test preparation, and student learning challenges to parents and professionals at schools and conferences across the U.S. These schools/conferences include, but are not limited to, the SEPAC organizations in Dover, Sudbury, and Wayland, MA; the IECA; CollegeWeek Live; the National Test Prep Association (NTPA); and the BIPOC Business Owner’s Panel presented by the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Alexis also writes and produces videos for his educational blog and podcast, which has over 300 videos and 1 million views/listens.
Some notable guests who appeared on the Prepped and Polished podcast include ex-NBA player and motivational speaker Chris Herron as well as the New York Times Best Selling Author and frequent CNN guest Frank Bruni. Alexis leads SAT Math Strategies and SAT Strategy Secrets Workshops at various local high schools while also administering the ACT-SAT Test Prep Selector Diagnostic and Evaluation at several college fairs.
A Dedicated Tutor and Leader
Alexis is a member of professional organizations such as the University of Michigan Alumni Association (Alumni Student Recruiter), the Wellesley Community Children’s Center (Board of Directors), the Charles River MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Scholarship Committee), the Wellesley Public Schools Cell Phone Task Force, the National Test Prep Association (NTPA), the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and also non-profit organizations such as Bridge over Troubled Waters, Mass Mentoring, Community Servings, and Recovery Works. He has been an active member of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America since 2003 and was nominated in 2010 as one of the final five finalists for Big Brother of the Year.
Alexis ran in three Boston Marathons from 2012-2014, collectively raising 15,000 dollars for two youth mentoring programs, Mass Mentoring and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America. In 2020 and 2023, Alexis was honored to be named one of the 50 most influential business people of color in the Charles River MetroWest Region of Massachusetts.
Tracy S.
Office Director
Office Director
About Tracy
Tracy joined Prepped and Polished as an experienced Office Director. She brings with her a 23-year career working across the Middle East and UK. She was an EA for a major Management Consultancy company, and also worked as an Office Manager for 2 startups. Tracy and her family moved to the USA in 2011, bringing her extensive knowledge and experience with her. She lives in MetroWest and is also a keen gardener. Furthermore, Tracy is an avid cook and enjoys hiking with her husband and dog.
Diane F.
Creative Specialist
Creative Specialist
About Diane
Diane is a graphic designer and illustrator who has worked with many small businesses and organizations to establish and support their visual identities. She earned her BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University, and her portfolio includes a broad spectrum of marketing and promotional materials, as well as the development of custom invitations and stationery.
While she enjoys running, hiking, and watching true crime documentaries, Diane is happiest when spending time at Lake Winnisquam and wandering southern Maine beaches with her family. She especially loves cheering on her children during their many extra-curricular activities.
Tutors
Aimee G.
[ View Bio ]Aimee G.
Aimee graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rochester Institute of Technology in May of 2024. At RIT, she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Cellular and Molecular Biology. During her time at RIT, Aimee started tutoring for the Chemistry Department and was an instructor for the General Chemistry Lab I course, where she taught RIT students lab skills, lab report writing, and how to apply chemistry concepts to labs. Here, Aimee fell in love with teaching and tutoring. Aimee is passionate about teaching students the skills they need for success, and she is dedicated to customizing student plans to their needs. Aimee will explain concepts in a hundred different ways to find the way that clicks with the student. After tutoring at RIT, she spent almost two years as a tutor for Ngenius Tutoring and Test Prep where she tutored high school and college level students in Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and other STEM courses.
Aimee is currently a Research Technician in the Hata Lab of Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research. She is researching fibroblast driven drug resistance in EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer. While completing her education, Aimee spent nine months at YMC America in an internship helping to design equipment to achieve biological separations. She also completed a nine-month internship in the DeKosky Lab at the Ragon Institute of MIT, Harvard, and MGH. Aimee contributed to research on optimizing the lab’s high throughput platform to capture and screen natively paired alpha beta TCRs, then adapted the platform to screen gamma delta TCRs in collaboration with the Hahn Lab at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Outside of work and tutoring, Aimee enjoys reading, dance, baking, and she is a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.
Alex M.
[ View Bio ]Alex M.
Alex is a graduate from the University of Michigan where he studied Financial Mathematics with minors in Economics and Spanish. Currently, he is a student within Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies receiving a post-baccalaureate degree. Alex has a passion for educating, as “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” While he was an undergrad, Alex travelled to middle and elementary schools around the Ann Arbor area to educate students regarding financial literacy.
After undergrad, Alex worked as an in-home tutor helping students—primarily Spanish speakers—bring their coursework up to grade level. He taught both Mathematics in Spanish as well as English grammar to native Spanish speakers. Alex then worked as a coding instructor teaching a Minecraft coding class. There he managed a room of fifteen students aged eight to fourteen where they learned the basics of block coding. During this time, he also tutored students for the ACT and SAT, helping them achieve their goal scores.
Outside of work, Alex loves traveling and sailing! He spent the last few summers working as a sailing instructor in Massachusetts. He was also a member and the treasurer of his college sailing team. In addition, he also studied abroad while at university; Alex lived with a host family in Santiago de Compostela, Spain and attended Universidad de Santiago.
Alexander D.
[ View Bio ]Alexander D.
Alexander is a dedicated educator with extensive experience teaching Russian language, English, and humanities at both the high school and university levels. He currently teaches Russian in Newton where he develops proficiency-based lessons that build communication skills, cultural understanding, and critical thinking. Before joining Prepped and Polished, he taught English and humanities for middle and high school students and served as a Teaching Assistant at Brown University, where he earned his PhD in Slavic Studies and taught for nine semesters.
Alexander values an individualized approach and works closely with students to understand their goals and learning styles. He creates a comfortable, supportive environment where students feel confident asking questions and taking risks. With fluency in Russian and experience working with learners of varied backgrounds and abilities—including mixed-level classes and students with diverse learning needs—he brings patience, enthusiasm, and adaptability to every session.
Outside the classroom, Alexander enjoys literature, languages, and exploring connections between culture and history.
Alyssa K.
[ View Bio ]Alyssa K.
Andrew S.
[ View Bio ]Andrew S.
Andrew has been teaching middle schoolers for over 20 years, since graduating from Yale University in 2000 with a B.A. in History. Andrew earned a master’s degree in Education from Simmons University soon afterward, and he has been teaching 8th grade Social Studies at his current school since 2012. In past years, Andrew has taught ELA, journalism, and creative writing.
Andrew has tutored many students for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, study/organization skills, writing improvement, and college essay assistance. He focuses on finding and building students’ strengths, sustaining their interest and motivation, modeling new techniques, strategically targeting their areas of weakness, and celebrating successes.
When he is not teaching or tutoring, Andrew enjoys golfing, rock climbing, reading a good book, stressing about Boston sports teams, and helping his two college-aged children figure out how to move out of the house someday.
Angela M.
[ View Bio ]Angela M.
Angela graduated from Wellesley College with degrees in Latin and Philosophy and is pursuing her Doctorate in Education with a specialty in Social/Emotional/Learning from National University in San Diego (inspired by her work with DYS and Worcester Housing – see below).
She has been a public high school teacher for 32 years, including nine years as a World Language Department Chair. She has taught Latin, Classical Greek, Spanish, English, SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE prep. In addition, she teaches at a DYS facility for court-detained youth and at Worcester Housing Authority’s after-school program.
For the past several years, she has studied Executive Function (EF) skills and the cognitive processes involved in order to help students with these challenges. She loves the personal aspect of tutoring – finding out what works for each individual student and building upon that skill set to help students reach their goals.
Angela enjoys sharing stories of her travels, including trips to Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Greece, Mexico, Morocco, Turkey, Canada, Puerto Rico, and many beautiful places in the U.S.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her best friends – her dogs Bruno, Louie, and her grand-dog Aspen.
April M.
[ View Bio ]April M.
A Massachusetts native, April studied English and film at Boston College, graduating magna cum laude. After working in educational publishing for two years, she went on to teach freshman composition at the University of Southern California while completing her master’s degree in professional writing. Over the years, she’s worked for several tutoring organizations, providing support in various subject areas, including language arts, reading comprehension, social studies, and college essay writing. She truly enjoys helping students of all ages hone their writing skills and discover a love for reading.
Today, April works primarily as a professional screenwriter. Along with her husband, she’s had two feature films produced and sold and optioned material to multiple major production companies and studios. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, visiting London, practicing pilates, and spending time with her husband and their four lovably rowdy cats.
Ben M.
[ View Bio ]Ben M.
As a young student, Ben was fortunate to have teachers inside and beyond the classroom who never failed to encourage his innate sense of curiosity. He was especially drawn to the humanities and social sciences, and he excelled in the relevant AP courses during his time in high school. He went on to receive his BA in International Relations from Michigan State University. His studies there concentrated on issues pertaining to sustainable development and international political economy. Along the way, he acquired a solid foundation in interdisciplinary research methods.
After college, Ben worked as a sustainability researcher in Michigan and received a graduate certification in Agroforestry from the University of Missouri while working on a local organic farm. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Theology at Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, MA. He hopes to apply this experience towards helping young people succeed in the diverse and fast-paced environments of today.
As an educator and mentor, Ben aims to instill confidence in others by encouraging them to identify their unique gifts, goals, and guiding purpose(s). He has experience as both an Executive Function coach and test prep tutor (ISEE and SSAT) working primarily with middle and high school students. He focuses on developing strong time management skills, instilling practical memory retention strategies, and establishing healthy daily routines that allow students to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Bralyn B.
[ View Bio ]Bralyn B.
Bralyn graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Sport Management and earned a Master of Education in Higher Education from the University of Nevada. He also served as a licensed teacher for three years, an experience that shaped his ability to connect with students in the classroom and beyond.
Since 2007, Bralyn has worked as an educational consultant, tutor, and admissions strategist, guiding students across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and the Middle East. He specializes in test preparation (ISEE, SSAT, SAT, ACT, MAP, MCAS, AP), admissions consulting, and K–12 subject tutoring.
Outside of academics, Bralyn enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures. In 2024, his journeys took him to the Middle East and Europe, experiences that broadened his perspective and continue to enrich his teaching. He also finds balance through sports, comedy, and time in nature.
Cassidy R.
[ View Bio ]Cassidy R.
Cassidy is currently getting her Master’s degree in English Education (MAT) at Bridgewater State University, and has received a Bachelor’s Degree in English (with a Minor in Secondary Education) from Framingham State University. She is currently an English (ELA) teacher at a high school, where providing scaffolded and individualized lessons for students is a vital part of her work.
Cassidy has experience working with students grades 6-12 for over four years. She believes that learning is a collaborative effort that is balanced between teacher instruction, paired/group collaboration, and individual work. She especially loves working one-to-one with students, as it gives ample time to learn the student’s learning style and what teaching style works best for them; learning must involve a variety of lesson plans and formats, and Cassidy upholds this value through her flexible teaching style.
Helping students grow in their reading, writing, and critical analysis skills is a passion of hers, and Cassidy will provide a variety of ways to approach analyzing and creating an argument about a text.
Outside of work, Cassidy enjoys reading Mystery novels, especially by Agatha Christie, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Cassie S.
[ View Bio ]Cassie S.
Cassie received a Master’s degree in Education from UMass Boston and Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from UNH. She is currently a school counselor at an elementary school where she works with students on topics like growth mindset, impulse control, and self confidence.
She has experience working with middle school and high school students in one-to-one settings which included teaching organization, time management, and study skills. She has experience working with students that have had all different learning styles and she believes in providing students tailored support to help them reach success.
When she’s not working she enjoys trips to Maine, trying out new dinner recipes, and doing yoga.
Chris N.
[ View Bio ]Chris N.
Chris graduated from Carleton College with a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and minors in Biochemistry and French. Additionally, he recently completed his master’s at Imperial College London in Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences. Between his degrees, Chris has worked in research both in the lab and the field as part of a variety of organizations, including Peace Corps, the Sea Turtle Conservancy, and the French Museum of Natural History. He currently works as a research assistant investigating carbon cycling and genetic exchange among bacteria in the open ocean.
Chris has experience in teaching students of all ages and seeks to not only help students gain a better understanding of their coursework, but to work on connecting the coursework to bigger picture ideas, with the everyday applications of STEM and the humanities. As a tutor, he seeks to create an open space for students to ask questions and to engage with the material through a flexible and personalized approach.
In his free time, Chris enjoys cooking, hiking, doing photography, and learning new languages.
Daniel N.
[ View Bio ]Daniel N.
Daniel earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Boston University, where his research centered on understanding the factors that support students’ persistence to graduation. Over the course of more than two decades at Lesley University, Daniel served as Director of Academic Tutoring and Disability Services, working closely with students and professionals to strengthen their academic writing, humanities skills, and executive functioning strategies.
Prior to Lesley, he was Director of the Learning and Assessment Center and Assistant Dean at Cambridge College, overseeing advising, tutoring, and assessment programs that helped learners identify their strengths, navigate barriers, and reach their academic goals.
Across his roles, Daniel has been guided by a core belief: student success is not simply a matter of ability—it grows from self-awareness, structure, and intentional strategies. He is passionate about helping individuals understand their unique learning profiles, build personalized approaches, and carry those tools into academic, professional, and personal contexts. He emphasizes that with planning, self-monitoring, and the right supports, every student can thrive.
Outside of work, Daniel enjoys playing guitar at open mics, traveling, and volunteering at a local organic farm.
Demi V.
[ View Bio ]Demi V.
Demi is an Adjunct Journalism Professor at Emerson College and an accomplished journalist, editor, and consultant. She is the founder of The Urban Watch Magazine and has written for CNN, The Washington Post, GBH News, and other renowned publications.
Demi is passionate about educating the next generation of leaders and is dedicated to helping every student unlock their full potential. With years of experience tutoring English, helping students prepare for tests, and guiding them through the college application process—especially admissions essays—she offers personalized support to help students succeed academically and beyond.
Outside of work, Demi enjoys spending time with her cat, reading, watching documentaries, and playing tennis.
Diego M.
[ View Bio ]Diego M.
Diego graduated Summa Cum Laude and was Class Marshal of the University of New Hampshire with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Justice Studies and a minor in Business Administration. At UNH, he served as President of the Model United Nations team, leading delegations to national and international conferences and earning the Outstanding Delegation distinction at the National Model United Nations in the Galapagos Islands. He also served as a Peer Mentor, helping transfer students strengthen executive functioning skills, connect with campus resources, and adjust to university life.
Diego studied abroad at Karoli Gaspar University in Budapest, Hungary, and at George Mason University in Virginia, conducting research on constitutional law, governance, and civil liberties. He further expanded his legal expertise through a full-ride fellowship to study and intern in Washington, D.C., contributing to an organization focused on Constitutional Law. He now applies that experience as a full-time Paralegal at a New England law firm specializing in civil litigation.
Outside of work, Diego enjoys Red Sox baseball, singing karaoke, and spending time with friends.
Elliott M.
[ View Bio ]Elliott M.
Elliott has a master’s degree in k-12 education from Umass Boston and Massachusetts teacher’s certification in math at grade levels 5-12. After graduate school Elliott taught Math at a middle school in Cambridge Massachusetts for 3 years. Since 2014, he has been tutoring middle and high school students in math. He specializes in Precalculus, algebra I and II, statistics, and geometry tutoring. Elliott really enjoys building his students confidence in their mathematical abilities and helping them become motivated to do their best work.
Elliott has lived in the Boston area since 2004 when he moved to the area to attend college. Outside of work Elliott enjoys spending time outdoors with his 2 year old daughter Athena and his dog Jacky.
Erin F.
[ View Bio ]Erin F.
Erin has been an English language arts teacher and tutor for grades 6-12 for over 20 years. She also has a background as a school librarian for grades PK-8. Erin is originally from Pennsylvania, and lived in Maryland for nearly 20 years. She moved to Massachusetts in 2022 and loves her new life here.
Erin is passionate about helping students to reach their potential and gain confidence in themselves as learners. When not working, she enjoys spending time in nature, playing with her cat, and exploring new places with my friends.
Evan W.
[ View Bio ]Evan W.
Evan earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Spanish minor from Binghamton University, and taught middle school science for the past three school years in Beverly, Massachusetts. This year, Evan is teaching various subjects part time, including Spanish and Mathematics. Evan is also applying to graduate school programs, where he wishes to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.). Evan has been tutoring since he was in high school, when he was the president of a local tutoring organization. Throughout college, Evan continued his tutoring journey as a science tutor, and helped college students in courses such as general and organic chemistry. Evan has also tutored Spanish for the Boston Partners in Education volunteer organization.
Evan has a passion for teaching and tutoring students of various ages: elementary, middle, and high school! Evan enjoys challenging students to push themselves and reach new academic heights, while gaining more skills and self-assurance throughout the process. Evan’s teaching style is centered around connection: forming strong student-tutor relationships, making every student feel seen and cared for, and from this creating an environment where students can challenge themselves and feel confident in taking academic risks.
Outside of work, Evan loves to stay active by running, hiking, and playing pickleball. Evan also loves to read and watch Netflix shows, particularly murder-mystery and true crime documentaries.
Flora H.
[ View Bio ]Flora H.
Flora graduated from Boston College with a B.A. in Computer Science and conducted research at the MIT Media Lab’s Personal Robots Group, focusing on multi-agent data systems and human–robot interaction. She has extensive experience tutoring high school math and test prep, helping students strengthen foundational skills and achieve significant gains on SAT, ACT, and ISEE/SSAT exams.
Flora is currently advancing her work in AI automation and developing educational tools that merge technology with learning science. She plans to pursue graduate research in the future and hopes to contribute to the next generation of student-centered, technology-enhanced learning. Her students often describe her as patient, structured, and deeply supportive, with a. strong ability to help them build confidence in math.
Outside of teaching, Flora enjoys fencing, tennis, exploring new restaurants, and practicing Pilates.
Izzy S.
[ View Bio ]Izzy S.
Isabel has a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in STEM Education. She was a Biology and Educational Studies double major during her undergraduate work at Rhodes College. She has been student teaching and substitute teaching for 5+ years and has a year of full-time teaching experience at the high school level.
As a teacher, Isabel is energetic and incorporates a large variety of lesson types into her classes. She does this to ensure that classes never feel like a repeat of one another and to allow students to find what kind of teaching style works best for them. As a STEM and Test Prep tutor, Isabel loves the chance to connect with a student one-on-one and will come prepared to each session with a lesson that builds off the previous work that her student has done. She personalizes each session to fit the needs of the students and always makes sure to build off of what students already know.
Jane A.
[ View Bio ]Jane A.
Jane graduated magna cum laude from Boston University in 2023, with a degree in Biology and Neuroscience. During her time at BU, she worked closely with students in both one-on-one and classroom settings, tutoring first-generation college students through the Newbury Center and teaching general biology and general chemistry lab courses for two years.
These experiences shaped Jane’s student-centered approach to tutoring. She believes that students learn best when they feel supported, understood, and confident in their ability to improve. In her work with her current students, she focuses on breaking down complex material into clear, manageable steps and helping students develop effective problem-solving strategies they can use independently. Jane’s priority is helping students recognize their own progress and capability, so they build confidence not just in the material, but in how they approach challenges
Jane is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree, with an interest in primary care and cardiology. Outside of tutoring, she enjoys baking and trying different recipes, running, hiking, and skiing.
Jennine B.
[ View Bio ]Jennine B.
Jennine is an experienced educator and school counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State in Education and Family Relations/Child Development, as well as a Master of Counseling from Arizona State with a clinical focus on children and adolescent approaches and multicultural practices. Her professional journey has taken her across the globe, working in schools in the United States, Hanoi (Vietnam), Singapore, Manila (Philippines), and Barcelona (Spain), cultivating exceptional cultural competence and an open-minded, globally informed perspective.
Jennine’s approach is student-centered, strength-based, and highly individualized. She believes strongly that the relationship is at the core of effective work, and she prioritizes building authentic trust with students and families. She has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent learners, and her areas of expertise include self-regulation, executive function skills, and developmentally informed practices.
With a breadth of experience across cultures and grade levels, Jennine is known for her warm presence, valuable insight, and unwavering commitment to helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Jesús S.
[ View Bio ]Jesus S.
Jesús has a strong background in math, physics, and engineering. He earned his Master’s degree in Advanced Aeronautical Engineering from Imperial College London and currently teaches high school Physics and Engineering in Massachusetts. This fall, he’ll begin a Master’s in Computer Science at Northeastern University, continuing his passion for education and technology.
Jesús has helped students prepare for GCSE and A-level exams in the UK, and he’s known for making tough concepts feel manageable through clear explanations and encouragement. He believes learning should be a process where students feel comfortable asking questions and building confidence.
Outside of the classroom, Jesús is the head coach of the girls JV tennis team at his school and loves all things tennis. He’s also a passionate traveler—he completed a mechanical engineering internship in Beijing and another in Spain. A fluent Spanish speaker, Jesús brings a global perspective, patience, and passion to everything he does.
Jo-Ellen F.
[ View Bio ]Jo-Ellen F.
Jo-Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a master’s degree in Education from Smith College, where she focused on her interest in curriculum development. She has spent a lifelong teaching career deeply engaged in her work with elementary and middle school students. Beyond the classroom, she has also taught summer campers, and privately tutored elementary, middle, and high school students one-on-one, exploring curriculum areas ranging from the arts to pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry.
A humanities teacher and learner, Jo-Ellen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in English language arts, social studies, and history to her tutoring work. She delights in helping students to deepen their analysis of topics and discover insights as they learn. She loves to share content, and she brings a well-stocked toolbox to the tutoring setting, ready with pedagogy and strategies to help students show what they know and meet their academic goals. In addition, she can offer students excellent support in the skills they need to learn, complete their work successfully, and manage their time. She has been glad to extend her capabilities with training as an executive function coach for Prepped and Polished.
Jo-Ellen loves the poem, “To Be of Use”; she makes it her mission to be knowledgeable, interesting, resourceful, and kind. Besides teaching, Jo-Ellen enjoys traveling; her cross-country adventure with her family and their dog comes to mind!
John C.
[ View Bio ]John C.
John is an accomplished educator and communicator having taught in a variety of settings from lectures to small groups to one-on-one. With an understanding of how we learn he helps the student to identify and process information from a perspective of what is important and how it relates to the whole. Drawing on the individual students’ unique abilities, experience, and understanding to digest and consider material in a way that makes sense and is easy to remember.
John teaches practical tools to alleviate anxiety around test taking and performance, helping build self esteem through success. His goal is to help students to think critically, improve their focus and attention, increase retention and recall, and reduce the associated stress. His areas of expertise in tutoring are in the sciences including biology, math, chemistry, physics. He also has a love and passion for language and writing, with accomplishments in technical and creative writing and enjoys teaching and coaching writing skills. Native fluency in Spanish.
Qualifications
Growing up in a small northern New Jersey town just outside of New York City, John distinguished himself as a scholar and an athlete. He attended college at Harvard University and graduated with a degree in biology and a particular interest in neuroscience. He spent a year at the C.S.I.C. in Madrid, Spain researching neurodevelopment before attending Yale University School of Medicine where his interests focussed on cardiovascular medicine. Returning to Boston, he completed his postdoctoral training in medicine and cardiovascular medicine at Boston University Medical Center before practicing as a heart rhythm specialist. He later worked at Nashoba Valley Hospital before stepping away from the practice of medicine and has been writing and mentoring college students with an interest in healthcare and biomedical careers.
John has gained expertise in meditation and is happy to share tips. An avid runner with a growing expertise in fitness and a particular interest in endurance training and longevity. Rock climbing, snowboarder. Otherwise, he is usually writing, reading, or playing guitar.
Joseph B.
[ View Bio ]Joseph B.
Joseph holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and a minor degree in American Culture Studies. Currently, he is working as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Division of Endocrinology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Throughout college, Joseph was a teaching assistant for chemistry and biochemistry courses for over 3 years, where he gained significant experience tutoring and teaching pragmatic science and math problem-solving skills in individual and group settings. He has also been significantly involved in mentorship programs such as Minds Matter Boston and Big Brothers Big Sisters, working with students from 8–18 years old to develop academic and social skill sets.
Joseph approaches tutoring with patience, adaptability, and a focus on building confidence. He tailors his methods to each student’s learning style, emphasizes critical thinking, and encourages students to make connections between concepts rather than memorization. His goal is not only to help students succeed in their coursework but also to develop skills that will serve them long-term.
Outside of work, Joseph enjoys spending time outdoors, running, playing guitar, and being with friends. In the future, he plans to attend medical school.
Josephine O.
[ View Bio ]Josephine O.
Josephine holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Bay Path University and a Master’s degree in Biomedical Research Technology from Boston University. During her time at Bay Path, Jo started tutoring for the science department in chemistry, biology, biochem, and physics. Jo’s goal was to help students master the concepts and material in each class and create connections and understandings to bridge every subject to each other.
Jo is currently an associate scientist at an immune-oncology-based biotech. She is working on drug discovery, focusing on the biology and chemistry of the tumor stroma in advanced-stage cancers. Jo contributes to research to develop a novel cancer drug and understand and discover the biology behind how the drug works.
Outside of work and tutoring, Jo enjoys rock climbing and hiking with her dog.
Josh S.
[ View Bio ]Josh S.
Joshua K.
[ View Bio ]Joshua K.
My name is Josh. I grew up in Sudbury, Massachusetts and am a proud Lincoln-Sudbury graduate. Growing up I loved going to the local pool and started working as a swim instructor when I was 16. My work as a swim instructor led me to want to explore education as a career. I went to Emmanuel College where I studied Math. I was able to work on research as an undergraduate. During my senior year I presented my work at a conference in Baltimore as well as become a published scholar.
After college, I attended Boston University and received my Masters degree in Math Education. Currently, I am a Math Teacher at Malden High School and love pushing for a strong growth mindset amongst all my students. I tutor both math, as well as SSAT, ISEE, SAT, and ACT test prep. My favorite part of teaching is seeing a student persevere through their own mistakes to build a strong foundation for their learning. I love being part of the Prepped and Polished team and spreading my own love for mathematics.
Judy C.
[ View Bio ]Judy C.
Kari P.
[ View Bio ]Kari P.
Katherine A.
[ View Bio ]Katherine A.
Katherine holds a Masters of Science and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Inorganic Chemistry from Oregon Health and Science University. She previously earned her Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology from Skidmore College, with a minor in anthropology.
After earning her PhD she was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania in the Cancer Biology Department. Her time in academia produced seven published articles, two as first author.
She also volunteered her time with multiple after-school science enrichment programs including Girls Inc., Saturday Academy, and AKA Science.
She then joined Vertex Pharmaceuticals as part of their protein discovery team. She has also worked for two stealth-phase biotech start-up companies.
She is passionate about science, learning, and teaching, which led her to transition out of the biotech industry and into education as a 7th-grade science teacher. Katherine is dedicated to creating and maintaining a supportive and engaging learning environment where she can empower her students.
She is a highly empathic teacher who builds strong, positive connections with her students, allowing her to work collaboratively with each student to help uncover their strengths and develop strategies to overcome challenges.
Katie E.
[ View Bio ]Katie E.
As an elementary special education teacher with ten years of experience, Katie has dedicated herself to providing an educational experience for young children that aims to ignite their curiosity, fuel their imaginations, and provide them with the skills they will need to be confident life-long learners. She studied English literature at James Madison University and holds a Master of Education from Marymount University. Katie strives to provide meaningfully differentiated instruction to ensure that her students are confident and successful. By employing research-based instructional practices and developing a comprehensive understanding of each child’s learning profile, she tailors reading and math supports to meet the unique needs of each individual student.
Katie is dual certified in Pre-K-2 general education and moderate disabilities Pre-K-8. She has participated in the comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training for Pre-K to grade 2 students and the HILL for Literacy’s Literacy Launch Institute.
In her free time, Katie enjoys hiking, skiing, and days at the beach with her family and energetic new puppy, Nova.
Kayla G.
[ View Bio ]Kayla G.
Kayla is an experienced educator with over a decade of teaching and leadership in independent schools. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and her M.Ed. from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College.
She has taught high school students across multiple grade levels, creating original curricula and mentoring students both in and out of the classroom. In addition to her teaching, Kayla has held academic leadership roles, collaborating with families and faculty to support student growth. She is particularly passionate about helping students develop executive function skills that build confidence and lay the foundation for long-term academic success.
Kayla considers herself a foodie and enjoys cooking and trying new restaurants. She also enjoys listening to Taylor Swift and attending musical theater performances. A daily highlight for her is playing the New York Times Games.
Kerry W.
[ View Bio ]Kerry W.
Kerry is an esteemed educator, literacy coach, and instructional leader with over 33 years of experience inspiring readers and supporting literacy at all levels. Passionate about books, learning, and community engagement, she is excited to contribute her expertise to the team at Prepped and Polished. She enjoys developing personalized materials to meet the specific needs of her students. Kerry served for 10 years as an ELA curriculum resource specialist and adjunct professor, along with many other positions providing curriculum development and training.
Kerry’s educational philosophy is rooted in the conviction that all students are capable of learning and thriving when provided with a safe, inclusive environment and high standards. Her pedagogy is designed to cultivate critical and independent thinking, encouraging discourse on equity and social justice issues. Ultimately, she is a dedicated advocate, working to ensure every student has access to the resources needed for success through academic coaching, counseling, and mentorship. Kerry has mentored educators, facilitated professional development, and led school and district-wide initiatives in curriculum, assessment, and inclusive learning design. These experiences have taught her the importance of listening carefully, offering thoughtful recommendations, and creating welcoming environments where everyone feels supported. Kerry’s work in schools, coupled with her experience as a writing and essay coach and as an adjunct professor underscores her lifelong commitment to literacy and community learning.
In her free time, Kerry is an avid reader who enjoys staying active with biking, hiking, pilates, and pickleball. She also likes to relax at her mountain home in Colorado.
Lauren K.
[ View Bio ]Lauren K.
Lauren is a dedicated tutor with over 12 years of tutoring experience across a diverse range of math, science, and test preparation subjects. With her experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to every session. Her passion for teaching is fueled by a deep understanding of these subjects and a genuine desire to see her students excel.
Lauren has successfully guided countless students towards academic success and confidence in their abilities. Through personalized instruction tailored to each student’s unique learning style and goals, she strives to make complex concepts understandable and accessible. Lauren’s patient and supportive approach creates a positive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore, ask questions, and overcome challenges.
With a commitment to continuous improvement and a track record of success, Lauren is dedicated to helping students unlock their academic potential and thrive in their studies.
Lindsay D.
[ View Bio ]Lisa G.
Lisa G. has been a college admissions mentor and essay coach for 15+ years. She formerly worked for a scholarship nonprofit that connects high school students with full scholarships to top colleges, where she has read hundreds of college applications with a keen eye for selecting finalists for elite schools. She loves working with students on developing personal essay topics and helping them hone their voice through writing. She has worked for several small practices that focus on one-on-one college admissions coaching and essay preparation.
Lisa has a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a MFA from California College of the Arts. She is the senior managing editor for two medical journals from the New England Journal of Medicine. She is also a published writer. She lives in the Boston area with her husband and dog.
Lisa G.
[ View Bio ]Lindsay D.
Lindsay earned her PhD in developmental psychology with a minor in statistics from UMass-Amherst. Her dissertation focused on the neural correlates of selective attention in children identified as at high-risk for ADHD.
After graduating, Lindsay spent a year as a Visiting Scholar at the Starr Center for Intellectual Disability at Brandeis University researching the relationship between early intervention and daily living, communication and social skills into adulthood. She also worked as a primary research methodologist in STEM education evaluation and measurement at TERC, an education company in Cambridge, MA.
Prior to joining Prepped and Polished, Lindsay was a faculty member at the Boston University School of Medicine where she provided formal and one-on-one coaching to clinical trainees and faculty on research methods, statistics, and executive function.
Lindsay’s primary passion lies in helping people realize the best version of themselves and supporting them to help them reach their personal goals. She is especially enthusiastic about working with learners who are neurodivergent and who may process information in non-traditional ways. Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys doing hand embroidery, raising monarch butterflies and vegetarian cooking.
Lisa P.
[ View Bio ]Lisa P.
Before Lisa discovered tutoring, she had a long career in education, communications, and publishing. With an A.B. in German Studies from Harvard-Radcliffe University and a Ph.D. in English literature from Bryn Mawr College, she was an associate professor of literature and writing at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and taught German and High School English for several years at Harrisburg Academy, also in Pennsylvania. She also served as the editor-in-chief at the publisher of Harrisburg Magazine and Lehigh Valley Magazine, and the Director of Media Relations and the Public Schools Foundation for the Harrisburg (PA) School District.
Applying mindfulness and creativity to every lesson and providing the extra motivation that every learner benefits from, she revels in witnessing growth in her students—not only in mastering subject matter, but also in gaining self-awareness and self-confidence, as well as new perspectives on the intrinsic rewards of academic pursuits. She believes that every positive educational experience shows young people that learning is a lifelong adventure, and she celebrates the variety of talents and strengths all students possess—often enlivening the learning process with new definitions of success.
When not working with young people, Lisa also writes and edits. She is currently at work on a nonfiction project about women in resistance to Nazism—one of her lifelong interests—and is collaborating on a fiction series as lighthearted as her nonfiction is serious. Already widely traveled, she enjoys exploring new horizons with her three grown children, her life partner, and other family and friends. Time with her new Arabian Village Dog, Beans, who gets her on the hiking trail daily, combines with her voracious reading habit to prevent her from wasting time on electronic devices.
Makayla G.
[ View Bio ]Makayla G.
Makayla graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University with a degree in Biology and minors in Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience.
During her undergraduate studies, she served as a peer tutor, supporting students in a wide range of science and math courses. She is passionate about building trusting relationships with her students, fostering both confidence and mastery in challenging subjects. Makayla is dedicated to creating a positive and comfortable learning environment where students can thrive academically and feel empowered in their abilities.
She is currently applying to medical school while working in the cardiology unit at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Makayla also stays active in the Boston community through volunteer work with local health initiatives and nonprofit organizations.
Outside of academics and work, Makayla enjoys knitting, reading, exercising, and spending time with her dog!
Mark G.
[ View Bio ]Mark G.
Megan K.
[ View Bio ]Megan K.
Megan has been teaching for over three years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University in Elementary Education and is currently completing her master’s degree at Salem State University for Special Education. Megan obtained her initial Massachusetts teaching License for grades 1-6. Megan’s goal as an educator is to make learning fun.
Her favorite part of teaching is watching students master concepts that were once difficult for them. Megan enjoys working with students one on one, and can provide different ways to approach a concept.
When not teaching, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, and reading.
Meghan W.
[ View Bio ]Meghan W.
Meghan earned a B.S in psychology from UMass Amherst and a M.A and Ed.S in school psychology from Tufts University. She has eight years of experience working in education with students from early intervention through graduate school. While attending Tufts, she worked as an academic skills consultant supporting both undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of executive function and test taking skills. Currently, Meghan is a school psychologist in central Massachusetts.
Meghan’s enjoys working one-on-one with students and seeing the meaningful progress that this setting allows for. Her coaching style emphasizes forming authentic, positive relationships with students. She is passionate about helping students identify and use their strengths, while also building strategies to support their areas of challenge.
Outside of work you’ll find Meghan at the gym, hiking with her husband and dog, or in trying out new restaurants.
Mike M.
[ View Bio ]Mike M.
Michael M. has served as a math and STEM tutor for P&P since 2019. In addition to his tutoring work, he is a full-time math teacher and counselor at a therapeutic school in Waltham. Students appreciate Michael’s warm and engaging teaching style, and they enjoy working with him. He resides in Westford with his wife and two children.
Minal M.
[ View Bio ]Minal M.
Minal is a dedicated educator and scientist who enjoys helping students develop confidence and curiosity in learning. She holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Maryland.
Minal has taught and tutored Mathematics (from basic arithmetic through Calculus), Biology, Chemistry, and other STEM subjects to students ranging from elementary to high school levels.
She combines her analytical background with a supportive, individualized approach that helps students connect concepts, strengthen problem-solving skills, and enjoy the learning process.
Outside of tutoring, Minal loves exploring the outdoors, cooking new recipes, and reading about science, history, and travel. She believes that curiosity, whether in the classroom or beyond, is the key to lifelong learning and growth.
Nate M.
[ View Bio ]Nate M.
I graduated from Merrimack College with my master’s degree in Elementary Education. Since graduating I have obtained my teaching licenses in Elementary Ed (1-6) and Special Ed (K-8). I am trained in Orton Gillingham and believe in a personalized learning experience for all students. I am dedicated to helping all students succeed and tailoring instruction to best fit their individual learning style.
I previously taught third grade and currently teach Special Education, where I spend the majority of my time teaching small group math and reading instruction. I am able to create a positive learning environment and instill confidence in my students’ strengths to help them succeed. My favorite part of teaching is seeing students have that breakthrough “Ah-HA!” moment when they finally understand a topic that challenged them.
In my spare time I enjoy skiing, golfing, working out, and spending time with family and friends. I am a huge Boston sports fan and a big pizza enthusiast.
Nick B.
[ View Bio ]Nick B.
Nicholas is a Tufts graduate who worked in the technology industry before completing doctoral training in behavioral science from BU Questrom School of Business.
He has tutored students in math, humanities, social sciences, and writing, employing a teaching style that incorporates applications of concepts in the form of real-world examples. His students have included high school and middle school students, including those still learning English.
Nicholas is a former professional musician — a drummer and bandleader — who still teaches drums. He loves to see students improve their abilities to learn, synthesize, and articulate new ideas.
Noah A.
[ View Bio ]Noah A.
Originally from Montreal, Canada, Noah graduated in 2020 from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Sciences. He also recently obtained his Masters of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from Tufts University. Noah currently works in clinical cardiology research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
He wants to use his experience studying for various classes, as well as standardized tests, to help students develop study methods that will carry on to any other academic endeavors they may take on in the future. An avid history enthusiast, Noah studied both World and US History in college. He strives to share his passion for the humanities and sciences and make his sessions engaging and enjoyable!
Olivia L.
[ View Bio ]Olivia L.
Olivia has recently graduated from Worcester State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Over the course of her college career, she has worked as a tutor at the WSU math center for three years. She specialized in statistics, but helped out in math placement prep when needed. Olivia has also participated in interdisciplinary research across the biology and chemistry departments for three years.
Olivia’s philosophy is that every student learns differently. As a recent graduate, she understands that different learning methods work better for certain people, and approaches problems with a flexible mindset and teaching style.
Olivia is currently applying for Master’s programs in biomedical research, where she can continue to fuel her passion for drug discovery and fight against antimicrobial resistance. She currently works as a pharmacy technician and drug inventory specialist.
Outside of work and tutoring, Olivia enjoys reading, arts and crafts, and playing with her cats.
PJ R.
[ View Bio ]PJ R.
PJ is currently a researcher at Harvard’s Black Hole Initiative, working to measure the distances from earth to distant radio emitting stars.
He earned his Master’s Degree in Applied Physics from UMass Boston in 2024 and graduated from Clark University with a bachelor’s in Comprehensive Physics in 2022. PJ has accumulated over three years of college teaching experience as a TA, running introductory physics and engineering labs at his university.
One focus of PJ’s is to create an engaging and tailored teaching experience for each and every student. While teaching at UMB he has learned how impactful connecting student’s interests and passions to the material can be in regard to their understanding and willingness to learn.
A Ph.D. is PJ’s next goal! He hopes to continue deepening his understanding of the physical world through this next step in the lifelong adventure of learning!
In addition to physics and math, PJ tutors students successfully for the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT exams.
Alongside his education, in his free time, PJ loves sending baseballs to the moon, “snowboarding” (sliding down the mountain on his face), and rating local chicken bacon ranch pizzas with his girlfriend.
Quinn W.
[ View Bio ]Quinn W.
Quinn is currently finishing her master’s degree at Boston University in biomedical forensic sciences with an emphasis in chemistry.
She has tutored students in both a classroom and one-on-one setting in math, chemistry, biology, and english. Through her time as a student, she gained experience teaching as a TA both for undergraduate gross anatomy and graduate forensic chemistry.
Quinn is an enthusiastic tutor who will adapt her teaching style to the needs of students. Her tutoring experience is mainly with high school and college students but is more than happy to work with all ages.
She enjoys crafting, crocheting, reading and playing volleyball.
Ray M.
[ View Bio ]Ray M.
Originally from northern NJ, Ray graduated from Manhattan College in 2018 with a B.S. in mathematics and a minor in finance. In 2019 earned his M.S. in applied mathematics/data analytics from the same school. He then moved to Waltham, MA and received his Ph.D. from Brandeis, while researching representations of quivers, a subfield of modern algebra.
Ray has a passion for teaching and researching mathematics, but also enjoys tutoring all subjects. He tries to show his students that the world of math is full of wonder, imagination, and creativity! In his free time Ray enjoys fitness, hiking, and playing guitar, golf, and pickleball.
Rohit B.
[ View Bio ]Rohit B.
Rohit B, J.D., is a seasoned admissions and enrollment professional with over 15 years of experience guiding students through the application process. With a background in law and higher education leadership, he has helped thousands of prospective students clarify their goals, navigate admissions systems, and present their strongest possible applications.
Rohit has led admissions teams, evaluated thousands of applications, and developed outreach strategies that increased enrollment and improved applicant diversity. He’s experienced in student advising, application review, recruitment, and onboarding—always with a focus on supporting individuals through high-stakes academic decisions.
What sets Rohit apart is his personal approach. He believes every applicant has a compelling story—and he’s committed to helping students uncover and communicate theirs with clarity, authenticity, and confidence.
In his free time, Rohit enjoys following tech trends, discovering new foods, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. He’s also active in volunteer work and community service.
Sarah L.
[ View Bio ]Sarah L.
Sarah holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Brandeis University. She continues to teach there with appointments in the Psychology Department and in the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program. Classes she has taught include Research Methodology, Statistics, Health Psychology, The Psychology of Student Learning, and Adolescent Psychology. She has experience working with international students, first-generation students, and students who may have different ways of learning (neurodiversity is awesome!).
Sarah tutors Psychology, as well as ISEE and SSAT test prep.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys working on her podcast, playing video games, doing puzzles, and spending time with her cat Captain Ameowica.
Semuel D.
[ View Bio ]Semuel D.
Semuel is an experienced Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s in Engineering Management from Tufts University. Throughout high school and his undergraduate studies at Wentworth Institute of Technology, he enjoyed tutoring peers in Trigonometry, Calculus, Physics, and various engineering courses. His enthusiasm for teaching math and science remains strong today.
When he’s not working, Semuel can be found on the soccer field, at the gym, or spending quality time with friends and family.
Shaw M.
[ View Bio ]Shaw M.
Shaw holds a Bachelor of Science with honors in Geology and Biology from Brown University, where he was both a research assistant and teaching assistant in the department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary sciences. In addition to his science and mathematics coursework, Shaw also enjoyed taking classes in philosophy, english, and music to bring a balanced perspective to his learning. He takes pride in helping students put their best foot forward and has assisted both high school and college students in crafting successful admissions essays for the next step in their education.
Recognizing that factors other than academic knowledge can affect standardized test scores, Shaw also brings a holistic approach to SAT and ACT prep, coaching students in stress control and focus techniques in addition to teaching test content. His genuine interest in helping students succeed shines through in his interactions with students and parents alike.
Besides tutoring, Shaw enjoys getting outdoors on foot or on a bicycle. He plays several instruments and enjoys attending all genres of musical performances in the Boston area. He also maintains a national EMT certification and is working on a pilot’s license.
Stacie R.
[ View Bio ]Stacie R.
Stacie has 15 years of experience working with high school students as a guidance counselor. She values relationship building with students and working with them individually. She has a focus on leading students to discover their own questions, particularly asking themselves to look inward at their own individual values and interests so they feel empowered in their decision making. Stacie has a masters in School Counseling from Suffolk University, an Associates in Architectural Technology from Onondaga Community College, and a Bachelors in Communications from SUNY Oswego.
Stormant S.
[ View Bio ]Stormant S.
Storm graduated from Purdue University with a bachelors degree concentrated in English literature. In his time there, he had worked as a tutor at the campus writing lab, the Purdue OWL, assisting other students, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, with the development of their writing skills.
After graduation, Storm worked as a reading and writing tutor at C2 Education for three years. He taught students writing analysis and composition through college essay tutorials, academic coaching, and test preparation (SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT). He also worked as a substitute teacher for two years, so he has practiced classroom management in both middle school and high school settings.
Storm’s teaching style is founded on building rapport and applying scaffolding strategies. He aims to learn the personal strengths of a student and build upon their experience, and he intends on students coming away from every session with a stronger sense of content comprehension and personal expression. He is confident working with students from grades 5-12 and the college level.
Storm trained in ballet for eight years, participated in the Purdue Contemporary Dance Company through his undergraduate years, and now enjoys watching Boston Ballet performances in his free time. Further, he will occasionally be found visiting local museums with his partner, proofreading his peer’s creative writing, and learning new recipes in the kitchen each week. He encourages others to be lifelong patrons and performers of the arts.
Suzanne C.
[ View Bio ]Suzanne C.
Suzanne received her Master’s degree in Education from UMass Boston and has worked as a middle school Special Education teacher for the past 17 years. Throughout her teaching career, she has also taught summer school to elementary and middle school students, after school math club to 4th and 5th graders, provided home-hospital tutoring and coached volleyball, cross country and spring track. Suzanne also tutors test prep and executive function coaching & college admissions privately to middle school and high school students. She enjoys assisting her students with their transitions to further their education.
Suzanne holds a professional teaching license in Mild to Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 and a Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement. In her teaching role, Suzanne has worked with both regular education and special education students within the general education classroom setting and has taught specialized literacy, math and executive function classes.
In her spare time, Suzanne enjoys traveling and making candles and essential oil products. Suzanne is compassionate, patient and has a good sense of humor.
Tim C.
[ View Bio ]Tim C.
Tim is a graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physics. At Wheaton, he also completed minors in mathematics and astronomy, was a peer tutor for the physics department, and was the principal investigator on a NASA-partnered research project analyzing microwave radiation being emitted from Ganymede and its correlation with the surface geology.
Currently, Tim is working at his alma mater as an Assistant Director of Admission where he represents Wheaton College at college fairs and high school visits across New England and reviews application materials for admission to the College. Tim is also working on publishing his research he completed during his undergrad in competitive planetary science and geophysical research journals.
Tim is passionate about helping others with navigating academia whether it is at the middle school, high school, or college level both on the admissions side and the coursework side.
Outside of work and tutoring, Tim loves to play tennis, read, watch Boston sports, and care for his plants and cat.
Timothy C.
[ View Bio ]Timothy C.
Tim has 20 years of experience teaching mathematics at a small high school in central Massachusetts. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics from Worcester State University.
Tim has always maintained a safe and collaborative learning environment in the classroom and focused on building each student’s confidence in problem solving. Instead of viewing mistakes as something negative, Tim encourages students to change their mindset and view errors as opportunities for learning and deeper understanding.
He continuously strives to connect current topics to prior knowledge in order to show how math builds on itself and to improve retention of the entire curriculum. Tim built the AP Calculus program at his high school and taught the course for 16 years. During this time his cumulative pass percentage was higher than both the state and global pass rates.
Outside of the classroom, Tim enjoys long distance hiking and cycling. He is also a long-time coach of Cross Country and Track & Field. In these sports he has had the pleasure of coaching two individual state champions, one in the hurdles and the other most recently in cross country.
Tom S.
[ View Bio ]Tom S.
Thomas grew up moving around to various towns all over New England. He is a physics graduate from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell. One of our senior math tutors, Tom has been a private tutor during high school and throughout college; working with high school and college students in mathematics, physics, and SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE standardized test prep. Tom loves teaching in a one-on-one setting and tackling difficult to understand concepts while working to strengthen students’ weaknesses. Tom’s hobbies include cooking, hiking, as well as computer programming.
Wendy F.
[ View Bio ]Wendy F.
Wendy received Master’s degrees from Boston and Lesley Universities. She has worked with diverse groups of students across grade levels, both in the classroom and in one-to-one settings for over 20 years. Having experience as both a Special Education Teacher and Administrator, Wendy has taught students with neurodivergent learning styles and executive function challenges.
She holds a license to teach students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities in grades PreK-8, but has also worked with high school students focusing on academics, life skills, as well as college and beyond readiness. Wendy has experience with programs developed by Lindamood-Bell for supporting students with reading, spelling, speech, and language comprehension.
In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to music, and traveling the world.