Each Central Park Tutor has a Master’s degree in his or her field from a top institution and at least two years of teaching experience. Equally important, our tutors relate well to students. Many are native New Yorkers who graduated from Stuyvesant, Hunter School, and Brooklyn Tech and all went on to leading schools including Harvard, Dartmouth, Cornell, Columbia, MIT, Princeton, and the Sorbonne. We love our tutors. We know you will too, and we will work with you closely to make sure your tutor is the right fit.
Aaron P
AARON POOCHIGIAN earned a PhD in Classics from the University of Minnesota in 2006 and is completing an MFA in Poetry at Columbia University. His book of translations from Sappho, Stung With Love, was published by Penguin Classics in 2009, and his translation Apollonius’ “Jason and the Argonauts” was released October 2014. For his work in translation he was awarded a 2010-2011 Grant by the National Endowment for the Arts. His first book of original poetry, The Cosmic Purr (Able Muse Press) was published in March of 2012, and several of the poems in it collectively won the New England Poetry Club’s Daniel Varoujan Prize. His work has appeared in such newspapers and journals as the Financial Times, Poems Out Loud and POETRY.
Abhi T
I am an avid traveler, voracious reader and apprentice writer. I’ve been teaching for almost 9 years, and I’ve taught English, History and math to students of all ages (kindergarten to adults) in New York City, Guadalajara, and Seoul. I’m insatiably curious and love learning, especially languages. I was born in Bombay and grew up speaking English, Gujarati and Hindi; I started studying Spanish in middle school and fell in love with Latin American literature in college. In my free time, I like to play sports, especially soccer and basketball. I’m a die-hard fan of Arsenal FC, and wake up early on Saturdays and Sundays to watch all the games. My next travel destination: Mongolia, before the steppe gets paved over.
Adina Y
Adina Yoffie earned her Ph.D. in European History from Harvard in 2009 and then held postdoctoral fellowships at Princeton and New York Universities from 2009 to 2012. She has many years of experience teaching history and writing on the college level, and she has tutored high-school students in SAT, ACT, and AP prep, as well as history, English, writing, and Hebrew. She likes the Giants and the Mets.
Adrian H
I’m a PhD candidate (at Boston University) in computational biology and genetics, with an undergraduate background (from the University of Toronto) in both computer science and biology.
I’ve taught undergraduate introductory statistics classes at Boston University (MA213; co-instructor) and Lesley University (CMATH2142), and have also worked as a teaching fellow in biology (human physiology) and various Computer Science classes. I’ve also worked in a high-school biology classroom as an NSF GK-12 teaching fellow.
In computer science, I’m most fluent in Python, but have also taught in courses that use Java and C. I have expertise in most aspects of bioinformatics and computational biology, applied statistics and machine learning, molecular biology and genetics, and biochemistry.
Abigail Shilvock
Hello, I’m Abby. I am a student in the Weill Cornell / Rockefeller / Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program. I’ve recently completed my second year of medical school and have rotated in several research laboratories. I completed my undergraduate studies at Cornell University, majoring in biological sciences and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 2017. I started tutoring when I was in high school, helping middle school students with their math assignments. During my undergraduate studies, I provided one-on-one tutoring for students taking general chemistry and calculus. I also served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for one of my favorite courses: Introduction to Comparative Anatomy and Physiology. In my free time, I like to be in Central Park, sometimes taking a run and other times lounging in Sheep’s Meadow with a good book.
Alex Solomon
Alex teaches in the writing program at Rutgers University, where he received his PhD in English Literature in 2017 (he also holds an MA in English from Rutgers and a BA from Rice University, where he graduated magna cum laude, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in 2010). His dissertation, on the connections between experimental science and the early British novel, was awarded the prestigious Dan David Prize in Literature by an international committee chaired by novelist Jamaica Kincaid. After graduate school, Alex taught at Ashoka University, an innovative liberal arts school near New Delhi, India. Outside the classroom, Alex has been a private tutor for nearly a decade, working with elementary, middle, and high school students to develop their critical reading, writing, and math skills. He has extensive experience helping students with standardized test preparation, including the SSAT, ISEE, ACT, and SAT, as well as personal statements and other application materials.
Adriana K
I grew up on the Upper East Side in Manhattan and attended The Birch Wathen Lenox School, a small private school from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I currently work there and teach the following: Kindergarten Reading and Math and Kindergarten and 1st Grade Art! I received a BA in studio art with a minor in communications and media arts from Marymount Manhattan College. During my time in college, I began my teaching career at The Birch Wathen Lenox School as a Lower School intern. Once I graduated from college, I was given an assistant teacher position and worked with various grades including Pre K, Kindergarten, and 3rd Grade. As I was working, I studied early childhood, general and special education at Bank Street College of Education and graduated with a Masters of Science in that field. Besides being a teacher and tutor, I love to do ceramics! In fact, I sell my wares at some local stores in Brooklyn. In addition, I love to pick up a good romance book, put my feet up and read! I’m a huge Fast and Furious Movies Fan as well a the Rocky movie series! Broadway is also something I love to attend!
Amy F.
I’m a PhD Candidate in Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. I also have a Master of Science in Biomedical Science from the same institution (2013), and completed my Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience from SUNY Empire State College in 2010.
My first area of focus (in high school and early college) was in the performing arts (vocal performance, classical piano and French horn, and dance). I later transitioned into science, starting with Cognitive/Behavioral science, and then delving deeper and deeper into the physiological and molecular mechanisms of behavior and emotion. I entered a highly competitive Masters program with far less experience in molecular biology than other students, and had to work extremely hard to self-educate in order to succeed. I incorporate my own personal experience as an “artsy” person struggling to master hard sciences into my teaching, and love to reduce complicated scientific and mathematical concepts into relatable ideas. I love to help others understand material which may at first seem confusing and intimidating!
Alexander Chong
I earned a B.S. in biology with a concentration in microbiology from Cornell University. After graduation, I worked in a research laboratory studying bacterial pathogens at Columbia University. I am now a MD/PhD student in NYC, where my research focuses on the metabolism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
I have experience tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, and geometry at the high school level. I also attended Brooklyn Technical High School, so I have a good understanding of common standardized exams that NYC students often take (i.e. SHSAT, regents exams). In addition, I have experience teaching biology and biochemistry at the undergraduate level. When I’m not working, I enjoy playing squash, spending time with friends, and traveling!
Annika Karody
Annika Karody is an artist based in New York City. She previously worked as an editorial assistant at Penguin Random House, where she edited titles such as Rio Cortez’s National Book Award-nominated poetry collection “Golden Ax,” Barbie Latza Nadeau’s long-form journalistic work “The Godmother,” and Tim Murphy’s novel, “Speech Team.” She graduated magna cum laude from UCLA in December 2019 with a B.S. in Human Biology and Society, and a minor in English. Her time in publishing sparked her passion for helping people write, and her time studying biology imbued her with a deep love of math and science. In her free time, you can find her writing, acting, playing music around the city, and just plain old hanging out.
Caroline Ehrman
My name is Caroline and I am a dedicated, compassionate tutor who with an unwavering commitment to helping students attain their academic goals. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education, driven by my ultimate goal of becoming a teacher.
I am committed to helping students overcome their difficulties by taking the time to get to know each of my students and understanding they’re unique learning styles and tailoring my approach to help them succeed.
I approach each student with patience, creativity, and a determination to find the best way to reach them. I understand that every student has their own unique way of learning, and I work hard to find the approach that works best for them. I hope to help students to unlock their potential and achieve their dreams.
I have been working for the NYC Department of Education since the 2020/2021 school year, where I subbed as the lead 2nd grade teacher for the year.
I continue to work with the DOE, substituting at various schools across Brooklyn and Manhattan, specifically NEST+m on the Lower East Side.
Through these experiences I am very familiar with NYC Public School’s curriculum as well as teaching reading and writing.
I have worked with students from grades 3k (3 years old) through 5th grade.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy indulging in the magical world of Harry Potter, spending time with my beloved cat Iris, and attending acting classes. I am thrilled at the prospect of partnering with you to unlock your academic potential and make your dreams a reality.
Cathy S
After having spent a career as an Olympic sports writer and editor for Pindar Press, I now teach literature and writing to students who are as wonderfully barmy as any bobsledder and at the same time can probe the deep questions about conscience and human dignity. I teach how to read for complexity, or as one student said, “In previous years, I would read a piece of text without going into depth, but you helped me realize that every little thing an author does is for a reason.” I teach my students how to read for literary devices, how to unpack their first impressions, and then how to turn those observations into a debatable argument with concrete support. I taught several years in middle school and at Beacon High School where I developed methods for writing academic and personal college application essays that stand out because my students harness their creative voice. I received an M.A. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia after graduating Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude, and receiving the Blanche Colton Williams Award from Hunter (Honors Program). If you had told me in high school when I was focused on becoming a professional dancer that one day I would be a writer and editor, I would have guffawed. I build confidence in my students so they can be concise, clear, compelling writers from the start. |
Christina Alfonso
Christina, a New York City native, is a graduate of Stuyvesant HS and Bryn Mawr College. She has over ten years of experience tutoring junior high school and high school students for various standardized tests (SSAT, ISEE, SHSAT, SAT) and in many academic subjects (math, biology, chemistry, physics, writing, etc.). While she is passionate about teaching and enabling students to make their academic dreams a reality, she ultimately hopes to gain admission to medical school. Aside from tutoring she has been active in clinical research, has served as a Director on the Board of the Stuyvesant HS Alumni Association since 2012 and is finishing her first documentary film on the specialized high schools admissions process.
Christopher Aranda
I am a graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in History and Religion and am currently a student at Columbia Law School. Originally from the Californian High Desert, I have experience in tutoring the SAT and ACT in Los Angeles high schools with proven results. Additionally, I have advised on college and law school applications for many students! During my undergraduate career, I served as an Editor for the undergraduate law journal and the undergraduate history journal. Coupled with my published articles in academic journals, these exposures have prepared me to tutor anyone in any writing improvements they may need. In my free time, I enjoy cross-country running, playing rugby, figuring out the many uses of bell peppers in cooking, and spending an inordinate amount of time listening to Adele.
Charlotte K
Charlotte Kent is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Mercy College. She completed her dissertation “If You See Something, Say Something: A Look at Experiments in Art Writing” at the CUNY Graduate Center in 2014, and her research continues to focus on the ways that words impact what we see, in order to introduce alternate interpretive possibilities for art and our world. She received a grant to research at London’s Tate Modern gallery, and has published in both academic and general audience venues. She is an active member of The National Arts Club in New York City.
Chris S.
I am an energetic and experienced NYC teacher. I have an extensive background in teaching reading and writing skills and working with students with disabilities. I have received training in both the Wilson system and Comprehensive Orton Gillingham Training from the Institute of Multisensory Education (IMSE) and received The Autism Spectrum Annotation Fellowship from Bank Street College as well as a Fellowship from the Bank Street Teachers College Principals Institute. I enjoy spending my free time with my family and traveling.
Cindy G.
| I am a PhD student at New York University studying the influence of the Chinese Revolution on American political and social life. I graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University, where I received a B.A. in Comparative Ethnic Studies. Before attending graduate school, I worked as a public defense investigator in the Bronx, a researcher at Columbia Law School, and a tutor in Shanghai. I have experience in tutoring the SAT, ACT, GRE, history, literature, and writing, as well as college counseling. Additionally, I am a fluent native speaker in Mandarin Chinese and available to help with language practice. I really enjoy working with young adults – they crack me up – and approach teaching with a lighthearted spirit and genuine respect for my students. When I’m not reading, I like seeing films at all the arthouse theaters around town (RIP Moviepass) and hanging out at the community parks in Chinatown. |
Costanza C
I left Italy, where I was working as a science high school teacher and doing research in a immunology and brain pathology lab, to pursue my master’s degree in Neuroscience and Education at Teachers College. I am currently conducting a study at Columbia University’s Fear, Anxiety and Biosocial Behavioral Laboratory, where we use sophisticated neuroimaging techniques to take a peek into human brains as they experience different types of emotions. The line of inquiry I am most passionate about explores how socio-emotional skills can be cultivated to promote the development of coping strategies that build resilience and allow people to face stressful and demanding situations in adaptive and productive ways. I’m extremely passionate about science research and there is nothing I enjoy more than sharing this passion with my students, guiding them through the same concepts I struggled with in school and encouraging them to think critically in order to achieve the kind of knowledge that made me want to become a scientist. I strongly believe that each and every student is capable of achieving great results if appropriately mentored. This is why I spend a lot of my free time volunteering with organizations devoted to closing the opportunity gap in education and teaching neuroscience courses in the schools of underserved communities. I also enjoy making art and often use it to turn “abstract” science concepts into 3D models as a means to enhance students’ learning experiences. Oh and I’m a big fan of old school east coast hip hop.
Cristina P
I graduated from Rutgers University-New Brunswick with a B.S. in Microbial Biotechnology, B.A. in English, and a minor in Biochemistry. My professional background, I have worked as a research scientist at Rutgers University in the Bini Lab continuing studies from my undergraduate Honor’s Thesis on Hyperthremophilic bacteria ability to use alternate carbon sources as an alternative to their primary energy source. As a medical researcher at Mt. Sinai Medical School and Hospital, I worked in the Nephrology department on elucidating the mechanism of DNA/RNA pores in kidney cells. When I was an undergraduate at Rutgers University, I became involved in the Rutgers Learning Center, where I tutored fellow students in biological sciences. I enjoyed working with the students in helping them to understand challenging concepts, problem solving skills, and finding academic success. Also, I was a Teaching Assistant for a summer chemistry program at the University, which allowed me the opportunity to work closely with both the students and the faculty. Upon graduation, I have been a private tutor while also taking continuing education classes in various biological sciences to keep up with new concepts and technologies. I am very well qualified and would be an asset to your student because of my industry work experience and my past experience as a private tutor and teaching assistant for the Rutgers University Learning Center. I enjoy tutoring students from all cultures by helping them build confidence in their ability to achieve academically. I have familiarity with various science resources that can be employed in tutoring sessions to aid in the students different learning styles. I have always maintained a good rapport with my colleagues, students, and parents. In addition, I feel my diverse background and skill set enable me to draw upon a variety of resources to help aid in the learning process.
Danielle A
My name is Danielle Addeo and I am the biology teacher at Convent Of The Sacred Heart Private High School, where I also teach environmental science and have taught for the past five years. I have an undergraduate degree in biology and biopsychology and a masters in Science Education from Framingham State University. I also have a second Masters in Biology from NYU.
Before teaching in NYC, I traveled for two years domestically and internationally for Readak Educational Services teaching study skills to middle school and high school students. This position then led me to teach 7th grade Life Sciences at The American School Foundation of Guadalajara in Mexico. This experience afforded me the opportunity to learn Spanish, immerse myself in a different culture, and work with English Language Learners. I now speak Spanish and as a result enjoy practicing and honing my Spanish whenever possible. I also love to salsa dance and spend most of my free time taking dance classes.
I love working with students to especially help them take the mystery out of school. My study skills background really allows me to teach students how to be independent and active learners. I am very excited to be able to share these skills with more students!
Danielle Suskind
I am a certified Elementary and Special Education teacher (K-6). I graduated with honors from Syracuse University’s School of Education, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Inclusive Education. I am now a student at Teachers College, Columbia University where I am working towards my Masters in Teaching and Curriculum. I am currently doing research on dual-language programs in a NYC public school. I am looking forward to making learning fun for students and encouraging them to succeed to the best of their ability. I enjoy participating in “aha” moments with my students and am eager to continue making all students feel comfortable with challenging content. I pride myself on teaching culturally relevant content while holding high expectations for all students. My teaching pedagogy stems from authentic, valuable, and exploratory learning. My interests include taking walks in NYC parks, taking dance classes, watching comedy TV shows, and spending time with my friends. I look forward to learning and growing with your children!
Daniel L.
I received my Ph.D. in English in 2019 from Stony Brook University, where I have taught courses in poetry, ancient world literature, Shakespeare, Renaissance literature, film, and writing and rhetoric. I have also taught English at Queensborough Community College, CUNY. I graduated from Dartmouth College magna cum laude with a B.A. in English, and I hold a graduate certificate from the Cornell School of Criticism and Theory. Born in Flushing, I have studied and lived abroad in Paris and Seoul, and currently reside in Brooklyn. As a native New Yorker, I am eager to help local students cultivate their intellectual abilities and achieve their highest potential for our increasingly competitive and complicated world and time. Besides my passions for literature and teaching, I am a lover of science, philosophy, music, basketball, cooking, crossword puzzles, and my cat.
Dharmesh T.
I grew up in Plano, Texas and moved to Vermont to study environmental education at Middlebury College. While at Middlebury, I embraced every opportunity to work with local children – I volunteered in classrooms, led tours and eventually planned tours of the college’s art museum, and had an after school outdoors club for professors’ children. During the summers, I was a camp counselor at an overnight YMCA camp.
After I graduated I moved to Wyoming and worked as the Children’s Program Director on a ranch. I took kids hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and on many other adventures. After my stint on the ranch, I moved to New York City and began teaching in an independent school. I have taught first and second grade and K-3 science. In my time in NYC I studied at Hunter College and received a masters in childhood and early childhood education.
In my years teaching and working with children outside of the classroom, I have met lots of children with different needs. I have learned a lot from every kid and developed many different strategies for helping kids.
I love teaching, but in my spare time I enjoy reading, watching basketball and traveling.
Elizabeth I
Elizabeth Irwin holds a BA from Amherst and a master’s from Harvard. She has taught in Boston, New York, Mexico City and Seoul. She trains teachers for the NYC school system. She is also a playwright and recently completed a fellowship at the Soho Rep Theater. She is an avid traveler and loves making all sorts of creative dishes with her farm share veggies and fruits!`
Erica S.
Hello! My name is Eri, and I am a very friendly, recently certified special education tutor from NYC. I have always been a bit of a geek, scoring an 800 on both the Math section of the SAT and the Math SAT II. Before earning a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Special Education from Brown and Columbia, respectively, I attended high school at Friends Seminary. After trying out classroom teaching in a few different school settings, I decided to switch to tutoring. I specialize in elementary through high school math instruction, individualizing my approach according to each student’s unique profile of strengths, needs, and interests. My main goal is to make math as fun, easy, and stress-free for the kids I work with as it is for me. Outside of tutoring, I indulge in many fun hobbies, including building puzzle boxes, drawing cartoons, and crafting spectacular cat toys.
Emily T
Emily Tuckman has taught at Brooklyn Technical High School as an English teacher for ten years (grades 10-12). She has dual masters degrees in English Education and Theater Education from New York University, (4.0 GPA), and a B.A. in Comparative Literature, minor in Theatre from Haverford College. She received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant to study Shakespeare with Folger Shakespeare Institute in Washington DC in 2012.
As a teacher at Brooklyn Technical High School, she included SAT preparation, and a unit on college essay writing in her curriculum (for all nine years). Additionally, she tutored with Inspirica for two years (SAT prep, Homework Prep, SHSAT, and SAT II)
Evan A
Teaching and tutoring mathematics and physics has always been my passion. I earned a BA from NYU in math and physics and an MA in math education from Hunter College. I have 13 years of tutoring experience as an independent math and physics tutor with all levels and all ages; I have tutored extremely gifted students as well as students with disabilities. I have the most experience tutoring college level calculus and statistics –AP Calculus AB and BC as well as college Calculus I, II, III and Statistics at the major universities in NYC. I tutored remedial math in the Mathematical Thinking program at the Courant Institute and taught physics laboratory courses as an adjunct at NYU for 4 years. When I was at Hunter during my masters program, I taught Geometry at Brooklyn Technical HS.
I enjoy telescope making, traveling, learning foreign languages and playing Bach on the piano.
Gabrielle M
Gabrielle Maisels is a tutor, educational trainer, executive coach, actor, playwright, and acting teacher. She is the writer/performer of two acclaimed solo shows, Two Girls and Bongani, inspired by her family’s experiences in South Africa. Gabrielle studied Political Theory at Harvard and Columbia, acting with Carol Fox Prescott, and playwriting with Matt Hoverman, and along the way authored two books for The Princeton Review — Cracking the Regents: Comprehensive English, 1999 and High School Comprehensive English Review, 1999 — and served as editor of another — Cracking the AP European History, 2005. Gabrielle’s tutoring students have been admitted to every school you could possibly want to go to, achieved perfect scores on several standardized tests or sections therein, and have received personal phone calls from deans declaring their application essays, “the best I have ever read.” You can see Gabrielle in action at her website, www.gabriellemaisels.com, and can even now bring her into your living room in the beautiful movie, Now, Forager, available on iTunes!
Gabriela B.
I’m a current graduate student studying mathematics at CCNY, with a bachelors in computer science and several years under my belt working as a software engineer. Which is to say, I’m familiar with the ways math is applied to other disciplines, and from experience believe that a strong foundation in logical thinking is valuable to everyone no matter what they end up pursuing.
My approach to tutoring is based on the Montessori schools I attended, where love of learning and student curiosity are at the forefront of teaching. My goal is to accurately model the student’s understanding, and to ask questions right at the edge of that understanding so they can safely grapple with concepts and build intuition instead of rote memorizing everything. I’m very excited about math and feel very strongly about making sure students get to see that and have fun as early as possible in their education.
Gwenyth J.
I am a mission driven educator, committed to helping students to thrive in the digital age. Trained as a media historian, I earned a B.A. in history from Columbia University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. For over 25 years I served as a member of the Fordham University Faculty, in the Department of Communication and Media Studies. My teaching philosophy is best captured by this quote, attributed to Yates: “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a spark to be kindled”. For years, this quote hung on the wall above my desk. It served as my north star, a pedagogical lighthouse to guide me as a young professor. Some of my most gratifying moments in the classroom were those times when the engagement was palpable, when I could see the ‘lights’ going on in the eyes of my students as their understanding deepened and the worldview expanded. To help kindle that ‘spark’ in young learners it’s key to help them tap into their innate curiosity and guide them to make their own discoveries. I truly adore teaching, and I found that by bringing my own passion to teaching and mentoring, I can help inspire it in my students. This approach earned me a loyal following, and I was honored to be recognized by Fordham with an award for Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
I have worked closely with a diverse range of learners at various levels and stages in their development as scholars, from middle school through college. I also provide college application essay support. I love taking on the challenge of helping them connect with their inner motivation – to find a sense of purpose and take ownership of their academic journey. I always begin by connecting with students on an individual basis – to learn what matters to them. From there, we build a bridge between their passions and the task at hand.
Gilly N
After several years as a lawyer, I realized that my favorite projects were pro bono cases involving social justice and education. So I became a middle school teacher in New York’s public schools. I left teaching after seven years when my son was young, and found that I love tutoring, with its one-on-one relationships and wide variety of subjects.
Greg S.
The son of two mathematicians, I have been thinking about math for a long time! I received my degree in Mathematics from The Sorbonne summa cum laude and began teaching right away. Since then, I have been teaching math and chess for more than twenty years.
Jasmine Ong
Hello! My name is Jasmine Ong. I discovered my passion for teaching while volunteering as an English teacher for migrant schools within Shanghai during my undergraduate years at NYU Shanghai. I proceeded to receive her Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching Childhood Education from Queens College and has worked for the Department of Education as a substitute teacher for elementary schools. I have also worked as a prep school teacher providing accelerated practice for advanced students across grades 1-6. I teach all things related to ELA and Mathematics for Elementary School aged students. In my free time, I enjoy dabbling in painting with watercolor and gouache, drawing with charcoal and pencil, and reading upmarket fiction novels.
Jeremy G.
A busy private tutor — having been with Central Park since 2009 — as well as a substitute teacher at several New York private schools and an acting teacher for teens, I enjoy aiding a student’s development of his/her powers of learning. The beneficiary of a very empowering education myself — Montessori, then Sidwell Friends School, then Brandeis University — I focus on unlocking each student’s individual potential for transformative, effective thinking and persuasive means of communicating that thinking. In the past, I have worked as a bi-lingual journalist, specializing in Latin America-related politics and film, and my writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, NYRemezcla, Gotham Gazette, conectom, and other places. I also spent time as a paralegal in the arts; and, for the past eight years I have served as a dramaturge and performer with a 30-year-old experimental-theatre company, where I am now a senior member, often leading training sessions and assisting in leading workshops. I also create and direct original works of performance and serve as a tour guide for student groups and tourists at Lincoln Center. I will start teaching acting for teens at Abrons Arts Center this school year, as I also begin my MFA at Brooklyn College.
Jing P.
I have a B.A. from UC Berkeley in Psychology and Linguistics, and a M.A. from Teachers College in Special Inclusive Elementary Education. I am currently teaching in NYC as an elementary special education teacher where I differentiate and modify instruction to meet the needs of my diverse learners. I am trained in various Orton-Gillingham reading programs including PAF, Recipe for Reading, and Sounds Sensible. I am also CELTA certified, and have experience teaching English to adults speaking other languages.
I am a lover of languages, speaking 5 myself (English, Mandarin, French, Cantonese, Taiwanese) and wanting to learn more! In my spare time I like to spend time with friends, enjoy a cup of coffee, and explore different neighborhoods in NYC.
Johanna S.
“Every parent wishes for the genius in their child to unfold…” That’s the first sentence in my educational thesis. And I am here to help unfold and bring out those geniuses. As a Waldorf teacher, a special ed teacher, and as a university professor this is my goal with every single student. I love working with teenagers and young adults, love listening to their dreams, and love figuring out a way toward the realization of those dreams. Most often this includes preparing for and passing tests. I’ve already lived an incredible life on three continents, in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Romania, Scotland, Norway, Germany, France, and the US. and in many different countries, teaching, learning, and doing some business. Here’s the shortest version of my bio: Prof. Johanna Sophia – MfA Columbia, Diploma (MA) Waldorf Education Institute Witten-Annen – international speaker, coach, and author, award-winning Filmmaker, professor of Writing, Directing, Producing Film, Waldorf teacher and lecturer in Languages, has taught at Yale and Columbia Universities among others, built schools and businesses, a food manufacturing company, Johanna’s Raw Foods, the new umbrella corporation R-AwesomeLife, PBC, and future R-AwesomeLife University. She consults on matters of Self-Healing with food, Sustainability, Raising Confident Kids, and new forms of Education. She resides in upstate New York.
James K
I grew up in a small town in Maine and attended college at an even smaller town in New Hampshire. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 2010, I completed my Masters Degree in Special Education at Hunter College. I have worked in public high schools in Brooklyn for 4 years, mainly in Algebra and English classrooms with students having an extremely broad range of levels and backgrounds. In my free time I enjoy traveling, bowling, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.`
Julia G.
Hi! I’m a Licensed K-6 General and Special Education teacher. I got my undergraduate degree at Indiana University where I studied curriculum adaptations for learners of all levels. After graduation, I moved to Seattle, Washington to teach at a school with a very high international presence. I just moved to the area to pursue a Master’s Degree in Developmental Disabilities at Columbia University Teachers College. I have a passion for helping students with learning differences and believe relationships are the foundation for learning. I do my best to get to know each student as an individual. I do my best to incorporate Social Emotional Learning into my tutoring sessions by helping my clients recognize and respond when they may be frustrated, distracted, or otherwise having a hard time. My interests include reading, taking walks with my dog, exploring my new neighborhood, cooking, and watching Marvel movies. I look forward to meeting your student, and helping them realize their full potential.
Jamie S
Jaimie Salkovitch is a graduate of Fordham University where she received her Masters in Childhood Special Education. She has taught kindergarten through 6th grade general and special education classrooms and is currently a special education teacher for grades k-2. Jaimie is excellent at building relationships with children and creating fun, engaging, and differentiated lessons. In her spare time, Jaimie enjoys singing, dancing, spinning, and yoga.
Jason R
I work at CUNY City College as a Math Adjunct Lecturer where I’ve taught a range of classes from arithmetic and algebra up to calculus II. I’m also currently enrolled in a masters program for Math Education. I’ve been tutoring for almost 4 years now and enjoy the one on one aspect, as well as developing a connection with my students. My philosophy is that having good manners and being very friendly is essential in maximizing tutoring efficiency.
Sometimes people ask if a glass is filled with water half way, Is the glass half empty or half full? I say the glass is not half full or half empty, it should just be cut in half to make a full glass!
On my free time, I enjoy playing guitar ranging from hard rock to classical and flamenco. I’m also quite the tech nerd, as I build my own custom computers and enjoy tweaking and modifying layouts on electronics.
Jeanne L
Jeanne was born and brought up in the Cape Ann area of Massachusetts. She has studied and earned degrees in Literature at Wesleyan University and New York University. She has traveled extensively, mostly in western Europe, and has lived for periods of time in both Paris and Cologne. She began her teaching career in 1985 and has worked as a World Languages (French, Spanish, German, ESL) and Studio Art teacher since then in New England, Cologne and New York City.
Jeena L
Jeena was born in Seoul, Korea and raised in New York City from age six where she attended Trinity School and graduated from Barnard College with a double major in French and Philosophy. After time out west in San Francisco working in the field of elementary education, she returned to the east coast where she graduated from Harvard University with a M.A. in East Asian Literature. During her graduate studies, she studied at Seoul National University and traveled throughout the region including trips to Beijing and Tokyo. Now with four years of classroom experience in grades 7-12 as a NYC public school teacher and her M.S. in teaching English from Fordham University, Jeena is excited to be tutoring students one-on-one again. She has three years of previous experience tutoring students in grades 7-12 for the ISEE, ACT, SAT, SAT II Literature exams as well as for general, English reading/essay writing skills. She has particular expertise working with students to improve their writing. As such, she has helped many students find their unique voices on college application essays. When she is not building lego castles with her three-year old son, Jeena can be found on a long walk in Central Park, cooking a new, colorful dish or catching up on her pile of fiction reading!
Joliette M.
My name is Joliette and I am an elementary educator. I am dedicated to helping students see learning as fun and accessible, and I love seeing the “a-ha!” moment in their faces as a new concept clicks.
I taught for four years at Samara Community School, a dual-language elementary school in the Bronx. During my time in the classroom, I taught reading, math, writing, science, and social studies. After leaving the classroom, I spent time as a Curriculum Specialist at NY Sun Works; an education nonprofit that brings climate education and science into classrooms through hydroponics. I graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a BS in Elementary Education and Teaching English as a Second Language, and later received my MS in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Urban Education from CUNY The Graduate Center.
Jennifer L
Jennifer received her PhD in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2014. She is currently a medical student at NYU and is studying to become a physician scientist. Jennifer graduated summa cum laude from Emory University in 2009, where she double majored in Physics and Mathematics. She worked as a teaching assistant in introductory physics courses at both UPenn and Emory. Jennifer has worked as a private tutor in Philadelphia for the past 5 years and works mostly with high school and college students in math and science courses.
Jennifer R.
I am a New York state certified teacher in Adolescent Social Studies education grades 7-12 with 23 years of experience in the classroom. I attended Fordham University and graduated summa cum laude with a major in Medieval history and a minor in political science. I received my Masters of Arts in Teaching from SUNY Empire State in Urban and Multicultural Education. Today, I teach students across many learning styles and act as mentor to many in my school. My approach is rooted in the belief that learning is a lifelong process that each of us continues to refine throughout our schooling and our lived experiences. By recognizing who we are as learners, we can form habits and behaviors that will continue to help us deepen our knowledge of the world through study and intentional learning experiences. When I am not in the classroom, I am pursuing my passion for history by traveling with students and my family. I am an avid hiker in NY and abroad and love curating historical spaces through preservation and restoration.
Jeremy G
A busy private tutor — having been with Central Park since 2009 — as well as a substitute teacher at several New York private schools and an acting teacher for teens, I enjoy aiding a student’s development of his/her powers of learning. The beneficiary of a very empowering education myself — Montessori, then Sidwell Friends School, then Brandeis University — I focus on unlocking each student’s individual potential for transformative, effective thinking and persuasive means of communicating that thinking. In the past, I have worked as a bi-lingual journalist, specializing in Latin America-related politics and film, and my writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, NYRemezcla, Gotham Gazette, conectom, and other places. I also spent time as a paralegal in the arts; and, for the past eight years I have served as a dramaturge and performer with a 30-year-old experimental-theatre company, where I am now a senior member, often leading training sessions and assisting in leading workshops. I also create and direct original works of performance and serve as a tour guide for student groups and tourists at Lincoln Center. I will start teaching acting for teens at Abrons Arts Center this school year, as I also begin my MFA at Brooklyn College.
Jillian Meinhardt
I will be graduating in May with master’s in social work degree from Rutgers University. Throughout the past ten years I have worked with children in a variety of settings including camps, schools, and hospitals. I have led camp groups of children ranging in age from two to thirteen years old. Most recently, I was an after school enrichment teacher for third and fourth graders teaching mock trial and public speaking and debate. Last year, I was a practice assistant at a therapy group co-leading group therapy for adolescents. My first year field placement was located in a charter school in Newark where I conducted individual and group therapy. I also assisted students with weekly tests. I have independently tutored for the past six years. I have also worked with children struggling with emotional, academic and behavioral issues. I am excited to get to know you and your child and help your child succeed!
Daniel N.
I received my PhD in physics at the University of Connecticut where I taught undergraduate physics for 6 years. Before that, I received my MS in physics from Brown University where I taught summer physics classes to middle and high school students. Teaching math and physics is my passion. My own educational journey did not start off smoothly because I am dyslexic. I know firsthand what a life changing difference it can be to get specialized one-on-one attention from an educator who understands that everyone learns differently. In my years of teaching, I have worked with students of all different backgrounds. Often when students feel lost in math and physics classes it is because there was a concept early on which they were not taught clearly. Math and physics classes provide a unique challenge to students because of how the concepts build on each other and how critical it is to establish a solid foundation. I work with students to help them find and correct the root source of their confusion and I emphasize that the key to success is not memorization, its learning the relationships between an interconnected web of concepts. There are always many different paths to the correct answer and many different ways of understanding the meaning of the steps taken along a given path. Once a student finds the approach which makes the most sense to their unique brain, they achieve a feeling of accomplishment that no one can take away from them.
Kristen C.
Kristen graduated from the University of Florida in 2017 with a Bachelors in Special Education, then received her Masters in Early Childhood Education in 2018. She is currently an Assistant Principal, overseeing the school Special Education department. Prior to her role in administration, Kristen was a reading and math specialist, as well as a classroom teacher. As a special ed / general ed classroom teacher, 100% of her students passed the ELA and Math State Exam. She specializes in extensive reading growth through the Wilson’s Reading Program. Kristen has devoted her career in Education to ensure all learners receive equitable access to a high-quality education. Her expertise lies in teaching students on the Autism Spectrum, students with Speech & Language Impairments, and students with Learning Disabilities. She has also worked with families to ensure their students are receiving high quality Individualized Education Plans.
Kathryn S
I hold a joint PhD from Stanford University’s Department of Drama and the Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Humanities, with a minor in Slavic Studies. I am a recipient of both Fulbright and Mellon Foundation fellowships, and a published scholar with 3 edited volumes with Palgrave Macmillan, as well as various articles and chapters. I have over 10 years’ classroom teaching experience at the college and university level: Yale School of Drama, Stanford University, Colby College, Florida State University, and Bowdoin College. And I am an engaged, compassionate and innovative tutor: Since 2007, I have led one-to-one and small group classes with over 500 students, grades 4-12. In addition, I have over 5 years experience teaching ESL/EFL (including TOEFL prep) both one-to-one and in the classroom, to visiting foreign students at Stanford University, international business people in New York and Paris, and adult learners in the former Soviet Union. I find all age groups equally compelling, and relate equally well with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have particular interest in atypical learners: gifted students; students contending with ADHD and/or reading deficits; and bilingual and second language learners. Tutoring specializations include: Reading Comprehension, Literature Analysis, Essay Composition, Grammar, History, Study Skills and Time Management; and Test Preparation: GRE Language and Literature, SAT and ACT (CR and W), AP and SAT Subject Tests (US, European and World History; English Literature, Language and Composition), ISEE/SSAT/HSPT/COOP and TOEFL; ESL/ELD. As a College Counselor and Essay Support specialist, I help parents navigate the complexities of college admissions, and support students in organizing the application process, and staying on schedule. And I provide expert college essay guidance, helping each student to find his or her own voice and to tell a unique story. I have supported students in gaining admission to MIT, UCLA, Berkley, U. Penn, Stanford, Harvard and other fine schools – as well as such excellent fine arts programs as Carnegie Mellon and the Rhode Island School of Design.
Kaitlyn L.
Kaitlyn Lawrence is a Doctoral Research and Teaching Fellow at The Department of Chemical Engineering at The City College of New York. She holds a BChE in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University where she also minored in Sustainability Studies, and she is currently pursuing a PhD. Her dissertation work investigates waste materials in their potential use in emissions treatment. Prior to her PhD, she worked with novel materials aimed at reducing energy consumption of ubiqitous chemical processes and briefly, with biofilms for defense applications. In addition to the work she’s done in academic labs, she was an elected representative to her undergraduate institution’s Student Government Association, led two science outreach focused organizations as President, and coached a middle-school science olympiad team. She also is the creator of a science and tech newsletter with growing popularity on Substack.
Her teaching experience began in 2017 when she cold-emailed the director of Auburn Online to complain about the abysmal quality of the Organic Chemistry refresher course. He contracted her to improve the offering over winter break, and while working on this project, she developed a passion for innovative, creative pedagogy and the conversation surrounding it. She was later recruited to lead supplemental recitations for the course with the highest historical rate of failure at Auburn, a 30,000 student university. Her recitation sessions set record highest attendance of all the offerings given both semesters, and students attending at least 2 sessions a month earned a letter grade a half higher marks on average. She has assisted in the instruction of 2 other undergraduate courses in the time since and considers witnessing student success the single most rewarding part of her career.
Lauren L
Lauren is a graduate of Wesleyan University where she majored in the environmental sciences. She taught high school in Oakland, California while earning her teaching credential. Within three years she became a district example teacher for her innovative curriculum. While back in New York Lauren has substitute taught at Ethical Culture Fieldston Academy and Packer Collegiate Institute. Currently, she works privately with students from public and private schools in New York City. Lauren’s speciality is making complex material obviously simple, and helping students to be in the right mindset for academic success. She is an expert at the SHSAT, SSAT, and ISEE, and teaches primarily on Skype.
Lisa G.
Linda received her Ph.D. in Politics at Princeton University, M.A. in Political Science at Johns Hopkins University, and B.A. in History at Columbia University. She teaches at Columbia, New York University and Oxbridge Academic Programs, a summer program for high school students. Linda has studied at the Sorbonne in Paris and speaks French fluently. She has held fellowships at Harvard, Stanford and the University of Notre Dame.
Mara H.
My name is Mara Harnett. After raising my two (now adult) sons, I earned my Master’s Degree in Education and became an elementary school teacher. I have taught first through sixth grades, most recently teaching third and fourth grades in NYC Independent Schools. I love children and have a gentle, attentive nature and a kind heart. I am able to support the unique learning styles of my students with flexibility and skill. I am conscientious and will dedicate myself to tutoring your child. I enjoy engaging students in reading, writing and math development. In another area of my life, I am a Reiki Practitioner focusing on stress reduction for adults. I look forward to supporting your child’s learning development, as well as assisting them in navigating their school work. Please let me know what you value for your child, and need from me as your child’s tutor. I am here to help.
Mathew R
Before arriving in New York last year, Matthew lived in Paris. There, in addition to completing a Master’s degree in International Affairs, he spent his time dancing the Argentine Tango and taking long walks along the Canal Saint Martin. Matthew has also lived in Malaysia, where he supported the education work of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and in Palestine, where he worked as a music teacher. In Palestine, he also organized the first-ever social tango dance in the history of the country. Before all that, Matthew studied music at Yale, and now, in addition to tutoring, he is pursuing a career in classical guitar performance. He loves performing. His favorite book is Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, and his favorite movies are Amelie and the Princess Bride. He also enjoys cooking.
Matt F
Matthew Futterman is an engineer and writer. He is a native New Yorker who attended Brooklyn Tech, and later Penn State and Georgia Tech where he continued his studies in Mechanical and Bio Engineering. In addition to studying abroad in Poland and France, Matthew’s pursuits have taken him aboard NASA’s Weightless Wonder where he conducted experiments in microgravity. He has been published Developmental Dynamics where his paper was highlighted as “new and innovative.” He is now earning his MFA in Creative Writing at The New School, studying Writing for Children, and has been published in several literary magazines.Matthew Futterman is an engineer and writer.
Megan W.
Megan is a writer and artist with a passion for philosophy, creative storytelling, and illustration. She is currently a PhD candidate in Philosophy at Fordham University. She earned her undergraduate degree from Loyola University Chicago, double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy with a specialization in Social Justice. Megan has been teaching for the past 5 years in a variety of subject areas ranging from English and Social Sciences to Pre-Calculus and standardized test prep. Teaching is her passion and the primary reason she is pursuing a PhD. In addition to teaching, Megan also works as editor, writer, illustrator and cofounder of the Madwoman Collective with several other writers and academics. In her free time, she can be found writing stories or drawing pictures in a coffee shop. You may also find her in bookshop sitting behind the stacks with her head buried in a good book.
Matthew W
I’m a fifth year PhD student in chemistry at Columbia University, my anticipated completion date is this November. I’ve accepted a postdoctoral position at Stanford medical school, beginning near the end of this year. The focus of my graduate research has been the computational design and biological evaluation of small molecule inhibitors against proteins mutated in cancer. I’ve been involved with a number of different facets of drug discovery; ranging from structure based drug design to in vivo testing in a mouse tumor xenograft model. I have been a teaching assistant for seven courses at Columbia: biochemistry (four terms), molecular biology, organic chemistry lab, and general chemistry. I was the recipient of the “Jack Miller teaching award” for “excellence in teaching by a graduate student” in spring of 2013. My full curriculum vitae and additional references are available upon request. I’m very passionate about teaching and wish to pursue a career in academia to start my own lab. I’m willing to design a custom course to meet the individual needs of my student. My hope is to pass along my knowledge and passion for science to my students and help to inspire and prepare them for any career in the biomedical sciences. It is my goal to utilize my diverse research and teaching background to provide a unique learning experience that is as conducive as possible to development as a young, future doctor or scientist. I am happy to have a no cost meeting to outline a curriculum that best achieve the goals of the student and is compatible with their academic background. I would like to show my students that science is exciting, fun and doesn’t have to be serious all the time. In my spare time I enjoy: lifting weights, yoga, swimming, going to concerts, exploring the city, and trying new things – among a wide range of non-science related interests… and of course long walks on the beach, sunsets and pina coladas. These two quotes provide a pretty good insight into my scientific teaching philosophy:
“There’s nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young people interested in science and engineering, for a better tomorrow, for all humankind” – Bill Nye (the science guy)
Michael Gao
I graduated in 2020 from Harvard with a concentration in Chemical and Physical Biology and secondary in Comparative Literature. I am currently an MD-PhD student at Columbia, where I research the role of insulin signaling in cancer proliferation. I began tutoring in high school, where I tutored underclassmen in math, science, and Latin. In college, I did peer tutoring in physics and organic chemistry and also served as a course facilitator for introductory biology and organic chemistry. I now lead review sessions and small-group problem-solving sessions with Columbia Medical School’s Student Success Network. I have also advised on college applications for students. I believe in taking a highly tailored approach when working with each student, identifying personal goals and areas for improvement while also drawing upon my relevant experience or education in the subject being taught. In my free time, I enjoy running (especially in Central Park), playing tennis, and going to classical music concerts.
Michelle D
In my ten years of teaching, one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had is helping my students sharpen their reading and writing skills, as they are the avenue for all subjects. My career working with children started in High School tutoring other students, and my love for the profession grows every year. After finishing my Bachelors in Early Childhood education in Ohio, I decided I wanted to pursue my Masters in Special Education in New York, from Hunter College. I have worked with students of varying ages and abilities over the past ten years, both within the public sector and now private. Having worked with students in grades K-8, both with and without disabilities, and covering all subjects, I have developed a wide range of approaches in ensuring all students achieve. When I’m not working I enjoy cooking, elaborate baking for special occasions, being out in nature and partaking in dance classes.
Nicole C.
I love helping kids and young adults conquer mathematical and scientific concepts, and open their minds to the arts and humanities. With experience teaching and tutoring 7-year-olds through community college and four-year university students, I bring a range of techniques for instilling foundational and advanced logical and literary analytical skills. My love of math as a means to navigate the logical, the systematic, the technical, the physical, and the cosmic questions in life is something I put into my teaching and homework help. My love of writing is something I try to pass on to empower students to generate their own critical questions in life, to find their own voices, and to identify and navigate complex historical, political, and humanitarian problems. I am patient and flexible, and have loved teaching since I began in 2009. I have a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MA from the University of Chicago.
Nicholas S.
Nick is passionate about education and teaching. He grew up in NYC and attended Binghamton University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in biology while pursuing a multitude of coursework in the arts and humanities. While at Binghamton, he headed the university’s tutoring program and helped students thrive in courses like organic chemistry and molecular genetics. He is now a dual-degree fourth-year medical student and MBA candidate applying for his residency in Internal Medicine with aspirations to specialize in Hematology & Oncology. Though his primary interests are in medicine, he hopes to incorporate education into his future career. Nick is particularly passionate about helping students discover what they don’t understand and reinforce what they do, which means that he believes that the key to academic growth is consistent self-assessment to identify weaknesses and cement strengths. When Nick is not with students or studying himself, you can find him surveying different cuisines throughout NYC or reading the newest Yanagihara novel. Nick’s words to live by: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle that you know nothing about.”
Nora E.
I was born and raised in Greenwich Village and attended both public and private schools here in NYC. I graduated from Millennium High School down in the Financial District and that positive experience inspired me to want to give students the same type of experience. After high school, I went to American University in DC where I studied American Studies and Secondary Education and then I did my Masters at NYU Steinhardt in Social Studies Education. While I was in high school, my peers would give me their papers to edit (I’m a huge grammar nerd) and I’d end up coming home with stacks and stacks of papers! I’ve taught Humanities, Social Studies, and English and have tutored Math, Test Prep, and Organizational Strategies. I have been working in the child care industry for the last three years as a babysitter, tutor, and camp counselor. In my free time, I like to read (my 95 year old Nana and I are working our way through the classics. We just read War and Peace and have moved on to The Brothers Karamazov), write, go to the beach (in the summer), and watch sports – I’m a HUGE Yankees fan. My favorite place besides NYC would have to be Fire Island because its relaxing atmosphere is a nice break from the rush of the city. My favorite movie is A League of Their Own – I just can’t flip past it whenever it’s on! I hope to go back to school again to study American Studies, Law, or Curriculum Design as I am passionate about finding creative ways to individualize curriculum for each student. I look forward to working with Central Park Tutors and can’t wait to start working with you and your child!
Patricia J.
I am a recent graduate from New York University’s Master’s of Arts in Teaching in Social Studies grades 7-12. During my program, I learned about many progressive pedagogical strategies and honed my skills in teaching writing, literacy, and historical content. Furthermore, I interned as a student teacher in an 8th grade social studies classroom and 11th grade US History and AP US History classrooms. Prior to this, I was a Classroom Support Staff and Extended Day supervisor at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools lower school and volunteered as a Middle School Tutor with Tutoring Chicago. I have always had a passion for working with kids and, while I love classroom teaching, I have found my true passion in one-on-one tutoring because of the opportunity to get to know students better and support their academics through personalized lessons connected to their interests and areas of growth. I look forward to finding what gets your student excited about learning and setting them up to succeed!
Polly C
My goal is to encourage students to feel at ease with math. Our jobs as educators are to help others feel excited about mathematics and allow them to see how math is useful. The fun thing about math is that there can be multiple solution paths to any given problem.
Math is helpful especially when it is taught in a way that makes sense. It provides a way for people to quantify, compare, and also measure variables. Mathematics proves best for solving problems and also finding ways to optimize data. In my perspective, having an open dialectic approach motivates students, by having their input, so we could work to find the best fit strategy together. Due to many years of experience, good math lessons involve solving with the student’s input in mind.
Math Tutoring and Test Prep (2007 – present):
I have been providing instruction in math since 2000. My students represent a diverse cross section of New York City, hailing from throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. In the past, I have gone as far as NJ for a tutoring session. I also had worked in Williamsburg Charter School with regents preparation.
I went to CUNY Brooklyn College majoring in math and Pace University School of Education acquiring Masters in Math Education with concentration in grades 7 through 12. I am also certified to teach math in NYS. In the past, I have had taught math, specifically grades 7th and 8th, and also regents level math.
In my free time, I usually spend my time with family and friends. I also volunteer at my church. In addition, I am a huge fan of board games. I enjoy Scrabble, Words with Friends and Apples to Apples. I also love reading a good book. My current reads are Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain and Point of Purchase: How Shopping Changed American Culture by Sharon Zukin. My favorite esoteric movie would be: Being John Malkovich.
Preeti P
Preeti Potdar enjoyed a successful IT career in the corporate world before she decided that she didn’t want to live in a cubicle and talk to computers all day. So she changed careers and became a lecturer at a CUNY college, teaching her favorite subject: Math. When she was in the 5th grade, Preeti developed a fear of math because of a very strict teacher; 8 years later, an amazing college professor changed Preeti’s attitude towards math, got her to enjoy the subject and excel in it. Preeti understands how crippling the fear of math can be to a student’s self-confidence, and she makes it her mission to help each student conquer that fear and succeed at math. Preeti places emphasis on the basic concepts – she believes that when you start out with a firm grasp on the basics, you can then figure out how to solve any problem before you.
Preeti is working towards an M.S. Education degree with a concentration in Mathematics at Brooklyn College. She holds an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Preeti currently works as an IT consultant with non-profits in NYC and has taught math as a private tutor and college lecturer for over 10 years.
Rachel S.
Rachel has been a teacher for five years and has recently pivoted to the role of a Special Education Itinerant Teacher where she will be supporting students with learning differences one on one within their classrooms. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Master’s in Special Education from the University of Vermont. For the past four years, she taught kindergarten through third grade at a private school specializing in language-based disorders such as dyslexia as well as students who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Rachel is trained in the Orton Gillingham reading curriculum and is also trained in the Singapore and STERN math programs. Her teaching experience has helped her become an effective tutor for many students over the years. She truly believes building a strong relationship with a child aids in their success and helps them to reach their fullest potential inside and outside of their classrooms. Her background in special education allows her to tailor her approach to cater to individual learning styles, adapting her teaching methods to suit the specific needs and goals of each student she works with. In her free time she likes to run and see theater!
Sarah T.
Sarah is a Virginia Beach, VA native who graduated Magna cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Minor in Mathematics. In addition to her studies, she served as a Lab Assistant to a PhD candidate researching the effect of various surface properties on the differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Sarah began working with students her freshman year of college by tutoring a fellow classmate in Chemistry and continued in a similar vein throughout her time at VCU. In addition to one-on-one tutoring sessions, she was also the designated note-taker for students with disabilities. After graduating, Sarah has continued tutoring and instructing High School and Middle School students in STEM subjects.
Santina B.
My name is Santina Bonsignore and teaching is my passion. I attended Adelphi University’s STEP (Scholar Teacher’s Education Program), receiving a BA in anthropology with a concentration in gender studies and a MA in childhood education with a concentration in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). I am certified in NYS to teach all subjects in the elementary classroom (grades 1-6) and English as a second language to all ages. Throughout college, I worked with a program called America Reads America Counts, tutoring elementary school students in Hempstead, New York. Most recently, I was living in Brazil teaching English to students ranging in age from early adolescence to adulthood. In addition to my passion for teaching, I am passionate advocate for women’s reproductive rights and I am a trained birth doula. In my free time, I love to travel, learn new things, hike, and crochet.
Scott L
I have been a teacher of Physics and Math in New York City since 1997. I attended Concordia University in Montreal where I studied Physics and I have a Masters in Secondary Science Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. During the school year, I teach at Vanguard High School on the Upper East Side and during the summer months I teach a math course for the Hunter College “College Now” program.
Stephanie L
Hi there! My name is Stefanie and I have been tutoring for 8 years. I am originally from Long Island, but wanted to broaden my horizons by studying out of state. I graduated from Indiana University – Bloomington in May of 2014 with licenses in Elementary Education, Special Education and Technology Integration. After graduating from college, I spent a summer teaching 2nd grade in England at an adorable small school on the coast. Now, I’m continuing my studies at Teachers College – Columbia University in the Literacy Specialist Masters Program. This year I am studying with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project and learning directly from Lucy Calkins. I have experience teaching 1st, 2nd and 5th grade in my practicum experiences, and I am now interning in a 1st grade classroom at a project school on the Upper West Side. I’m friendly, caring and determined to help my students to be the best that they can be!
Stephanie M
Stephanie graduated from Bucknell University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and English as a Second Language. She is now a Master of Arts student in the Intellectual Disability/Autism program at Teachers College at Columbia University. She has been a private mathematics tutor for three years. In addition, she worked with students with special needs at The Cooke Center Academy, North East Westchester Special Recreation, at the Whitby School, and in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Sarah L.
Sarah completed her MFA in creative writing at New York University in 2022, where she completed her first novel. Previously, she received her Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University. She has taught undergraduate Creative Writing at New York University. She has experience tutoring students of all ages in literacy, writing, social studies, math and science. She values mentorship, encouragement, and confidence-building in her tutoring relationships
Sarah G.
Sarah is a NYC based educator whose work in the field has included serving as a teacher at the Dalton School, teaching among the founders of the Heschel School, acting as Director of Lifelong Learning at the Park Avenue Synagogue as well as Academic Coach at CUNY where she mentored principals and teachers in NYC public schools. Sarah currently works as a private educator and tutor. Sarah also serves as co-chair of the board of Gabriel Project Mumbai (GPM), an international NGO that provides self-sustaining services in healthcare, education, livelihood and nutrition to the underserved populations in Mumbai, India and its surrounding rural villages. She is an avid hiker and open water swimmer and enjoys cooking and reading in her spare time. Sarah holds a B.A. in Government from Smith College and a M.A. in Education from Stanford University. A native New Yorker, she resides on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Sam S.
Sam currently teaches high school English and psychology at an independent school in Queens. He received a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Michigan, a master’s in History from Yale University, and a master’s in medical science from the University of Michigan. As an educator, Sam is eager to tackle both STEM and humanities subjects with aplomb, whether it’s a thorny chemistry problem or a Thomas Hardy novella. He has also published his writing in The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New England Journal of Medicine, and The Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences. In his spare time, Sam enjoys shopping for used books, seeing Off-Broadway shows, and playing fetch with his Maine Coon cat, Misha
Sharon M.
Hi! My name is Sharon. I am a certified New York City public school teacher with a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Hunter Graduate School of Education where I am also an Adjunct Professor. My undergraduate degree is in English Literature from New York University. Last year I was awarded the Elise Tepper Fellowship in the Science of Reading where I led workshops for student teachers and graduate students to help better equip them in the classroom in the areas of reading and writing. Currently I am a English at a local public school on the Upper East Side in New York City where I was a parent first (I have two daughters in high school!) and I will be entering my seventh year of teaching there this Fall. I especially love seeing all the growth in younger learners as they become readers, writers and mathematicians!
Sophie G.
My name is Sophie Geisenheimer and I recently graduated from Syracuse University School of Education in May of 2022. I received my bachelors degree in Special Education and Inclusive Elementary (Grades 1-6). Ever since I was a little girl, I had a passion for teaching and helping others. I enjoy working with students and watching their academic growth and confidence as they gain the skills they need to succeed now and in the future. During my time at Syracuse, I had the privilege of tutoring and teaching in various academic settings and worked with students of all demographics, backgrounds, and abilities. I believe that all students can and look forward to working with each student to cater to their individual needs and watch them improve with each session!
Stevie P.
Hello students and families! As an educator, my ultimate goal is to provide students with the skills to sustain academic success and pursue their interests to the highest level possible. I believe in collaborative, inquiry-based instruction, and I prioritize understanding my students’ individual goals. For the past five years I have served as a teacher and instructional coach for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. While teaching, I earned my Masters of Science degree from Johns Hopkins School of Education in Secondary Educational Studies. As an instructional coach, I managed a team of teachers to develop their instructional delivery, classroom management, and curricular planning skills. This background gives me the theoretical and practical knowledge to ensure my students receive a high-quality and engaging educational experience grounded in research-based practices. When not teaching, you may find me scouring the spice aisle in pursuit of a new recipe, reading a sci-fi novel in the park, or watching an old movie with captions to “practice my high school French” (really I just like the silly romance plots).
Suzanne H.
Hello! Originally from Lancaster, PA, I received my Masters in Education from Northwestern University before moving to NYC, where I’ve now been a proud resident of Washington Heights for almost a decade! Throughout my many years as a classroom teacher and private tutor, I’ve been fortunate to teach across a wide spectrum of grades. This diverse experience gives me a deep understanding of the curricular expectations for all elementary grades and knowledge of how the essential skills – both academic and social-emotional – build upon each other from one year to the next. I currently serve as a Literacy Consultant in several schools, crafting engaging curriculums and coaching teachers in best practices for reading and writing instruction. I love all subjects equally and bring my artistic passions for music, art, dance, and creative writing to everything I do! Whether it’s elementary math or high school AP US History, I want my students to have FUN and be empowered in their journey to mastering any material.