Maria Alcazar
BS, Oregon State University
With a deep understanding of both foundational and advanced mathematical concepts, Maria is skilled at simplifying complex problems and making them accessible to students. She tailors her tutoring approach to meet the unique needs of each student, helping them build confidence and improve their skills. Whether working through fundamental concepts or preparing for more advanced topics, Maria is dedicated to providing clear and patient guidance to support student success.
Maria’s Study Tip: “Break complex problems into smaller steps, and don’t skip showing your work! This not only helps catch mistakes, but also strengthens your understanding of key concepts over time.”
Alina Tudorica
BA/PhD, University of Bucharest
PhD, State University of New York - Stony Brook
Alina combines her deep knowledge of the sciences with her extensive experience in education to offer top-notch test preparation and subject tutoring. With her unique background in both research and instruction, she can translate complex concepts into clear, test-ready knowledge. Alina’s methodical and patient approach builds a strong foundation, empowering them to approach tests like the SAT and ACT with confidence and poise.
Alina’s Study Tip: “Regularly practice under real test conditions and focus on your weakest areas. This targeted approach builds skills and confidence for test day.”
Alisa Chung
BS, University of British Columbia
Alisa brings a compassionate and patient approach to tutoring. With extensive experience as a peer mentor and undergraduate teaching assistant, she excels in creating affirming learning environments tailored to neurodiverse students. Alisa’s academic background and dedication to inclusive education make her an invaluable asset to students striving to understand complex mathematical and scientific concepts.
Alisa’s Study Tip: “When in doubt, write it out – on a physical sheet of paper with a pencil! It's remarkable how much clearer things can become that way.”
Ann Powers
BA, Carleton College
MFA, Pacific Lutheran University
In everything she does, Ann brings a passion for language. As a former English professor, grant writer, environmental advocate, and creative writer, she's honed an ability to find the right words to move her intended audience. She knows finding your story isn't always easy, but it is possible – and can even be fun! She’s committed to helping students get past the challenge of a blank page and find their unique voice.
Ann’s Study Tip: “The cinematic quality of the stories you tell will draw your reader in. Once you've created a few good ‘scenes,’ then it's time to tell the reader why you gave them that scene. Your analysis is the icing on the cake. Strive for an essay that is 80% showing (scenic) and 20% telling (analytic).”
Cameron Gilhooley
BA, Sarah Lawrence College
MFA, Stony Brook University
Cameron is a distinguished college essay tutor and study skills coach with a deep-seated passion for literature and writing. With extensive experience both as a TA for undergraduate writing courses and a private tutor, Cameron excels in nurturing students' executive functioning skills and guiding them through the nuances of crafting compelling essays. He helps them articulate their thoughts with clarity and persuasive power, empowering them to excel in school assignments, standardized tests, and beyond.
Cameron's Study Tip: "An essay is a window into your thought process. Structure your ideas clearly, and refine your voice through deliberate revision to make a lasting impression."
Chris Pratt
BS, University of Florida
With over a decade of experience tutoring and a wide range of mathematics coursework under his belt, Chris prides himself in helping students bridge the gap between rote memorization and authentic mastery. He believes that to be most effective, instruction must not only unpack the topic at hand but also the larger conceptual framework that undergirds it. Using a tailored approach unique to each student, Chris aims to build complex connections and a deep understanding of every subject.
Chris’s Study Tip: “Practice a little bit every day, even if it's just opening your book and reading one page. A single step is a move in the right direction – with enough steps, you'll complete any journey.”
Daniel Wallace
BA/BS, University of California - Davis
PhD, Portland State University (in-progress)
Daniel is driven to help individuals develop both their character and their cognition through careful engagement with math. He provides a supportive environment where students can attempt new ways of thinking, discover strength in self-reflection, and apply their skills to novel problems. Because even the most gifted students struggle at some point in advanced coursework, Daniel believes what matters is determination to be the best possible version of oneself.
Daniel’s Study Tip: “For word problems, write down all the relevant information given in a clearer, more concise form. This makes it easier to discern relationships between concepts and determine how to use what you know to answer the question."
Dani Goldstein
BS, Davidson College
Dani harnesses their passion for puzzles and focused learning in their role as a versatile tutor. With a robust academic background and diverse teaching experiences (incl. a stint in China), Dani brings a wealth of knowledge and adaptable teaching strategies to their students. And as an AP Scholar with Distinction, they excel in higher-level coursework, leveraging their expertise to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for mathematical challenges.
Dani’s Study Tip: "Begin every study session or exam hydrated, rested, and well-fed to optimize your performance. A walk in nature, a good night's sleep, and staying hydrated can remarkably boost your focus and energy levels."
Fernando Granizo
BS/MS, University of California – San Diego
Fernando is a passionate tutor with a strong foundation in STEM, holding degrees in Chemical Engineering. He specializes in breaking down complex concepts into digestible lessons, and has consistently helped students achieve academic success, whether they were struggling with the fundamentals or advancing through rigorous AP courses.
Fernando’s Study Tip: "Approach your math and science classes with equal doses of curiosity and patience. Be prepared to analyze the solution process, not just the final answer."
Grace Van Kirk
BS, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Centering empathy and strong self-literacy at the core of her work, Grace strives to broaden her understanding of diverse viewpoints every day. Her drive for promoting accessible and holistic learning experiences propelled her into tutoring and outdoor education – not to mention a stint in the Peace Corps in Guatemala. Grace sees the value in promoting creativity and curiosity as part of the path towards a more successful, joyful, and balanced life.
Grace’s Study Tip: “Observe yourself with curiosity and try your best to withhold judgement. Traits and even thoughts that seem initially negative can, with the right perspective, become tools at your disposal.”
Jadon Schmitt
BS, University of Oregon
Jadon brings both extensive experience and a record of exceptional academic achievement to test prep, boasting near-perfect scores on PSAT, ACT, and GRE. With degrees in mathematics and economics, he combines rigorous analytical skills with a thorough understanding of test-taking strategies. Jadon brings warmth, patience, and a passion for the material to his tutoring sessions, ensuring that each student feels supported and motivated to exceed even their highest expectations.
Study Tip: “On the verbal portions of standardized exams, aim to not only understand why the correct answer is correct, but also why the other options are incorrect.”
Jameson Boslough
BA, University of Montana
MEd, University of Montana
Jameson is a versatile and experienced educator, having coached both kindergarteners on skis and environmental science majors on the Missouri River. His work with diverse learners enables him to tailor his approach to each student’s needs and aspirations. Jameson’s goal is to kindle the sparks of motivation that drive success, improve thinking, and cultivate a passion for learning.
Jameson’s Study Tip: “Take a step back and consider your big-picture goals for a class, test, or semester, then list out key steps needed to meet them (the how) and the core reasons these goals matter (the why). A clear vision and tangible roadmap make all the difference!”
Jon Richards
BS/BA, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Jon's affinities for math, science, language, and test strategy enable him to offer comprehensive guidance across a variety of subjects. By emphasizing the larger conceptual framework of each subject, he ensures that students grasp more than just facts – they develop the critical thinking skills necessary to connect and apply complex ideas and grow their ability to become autonomous learners.
Jon’s Study Tip: “Enhance test performance with active recall: rather than consulting your notes while solving a practice problem, try to retrieve key concepts from memory first. Even if your recall is inaccurate or partial, you're reinforcing your understanding and memory reserves for test day.”
Judy Lee
BA, Occidental College
MA, New School for Social Research
A National Merit Scholar and proud Lincoln High School alumna, Judy brings a unique and research-driven approach to SAT and ACT test preparation. With a degree in Cognitive Psychology and a research collaboration with the Harvard Music Lab, Judy understands the science behind learning and test-taking. Her tailored and evidence-based tutoring methods don't just prepare students for tests – they empower them with lifelong cognitive skills.
Judy’s Study Tip: “Approach each question type repeatedly and consistently until you achieve mastery. Remember: slow is steady, and steady is fast.”
Mamie Stevenson Morago
BA, Reed College
With a decade of experience, Mamie guides students in crafting impactful admissions essays. Having graduated with a degree in literature, she brings a love of language and narrative expertise to the coaching process. Drawing from her professional background in copywriting, manuscript editing, and journalism, her goal is to help students identify unique perspectives and hone their story.
Mamie’s Study Tip: “Start with what means the most to you. Using your authentic voice, craft your narrative around genuine character-building experiences and insights to write a compelling, demonstrative essay.”