Our Team

Bruce holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Iowa, as well as a certification as a Learning Behavior Specialist. He has 11 years of teaching experience, nine of which he’s spent working with special education students. Over the years, Bruce has taught nearly every math class offered to middle and high schoolers. He is currently teaching Algebra 1 and Geometry at a therapeutic day school.

Bruce prides himself on making math accessible and a less scary class for students. When Bruce isn’t up at the whiteboard, you might find him with his two pups at the dog park, riding his Onewheel, or finding any opportunity to throw in a Simpsons reference.

Sam graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Mathematics. During this time, Sam held a role as a tutor for Calculus I, II, and III. Since graduating, he has tutored students in a variety of math courses, including Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus. Additionally, Sam taught a summer Algebra I high school course. 

Sam is passionate about creating a non-judgmental space to help you understand math, working with your learning style.  Math can be a subject that comes with a lot of anxiety and pressure. Sam’s goal is to demystify math. He firmly believes that anyone can grasp the subject when provided with the proper tools. 

Outside of tutoring, you can find Sam running, climbing, or crafting. Additionally, Sam is currently pursuing his master’s degree in social work. 

Sarah has a combined 14 years of experience working in schools, encompassing both teaching and administrative roles. She received a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a master’s in Art History from UC Santa Barbara, and also completed her teaching certification and coursework at Cal State Los Angeles.

Sarah has classroom experience teaching English-Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Math at the middle and high school levels. She can also support ACT/SAT test prep. Through both her classroom teaching and experience as the Dean of Academics at a PK-8th school, Sarah knows firsthand the value of teaching students habits and executive functioning as an integral part of student success in learning.

She is currently the Director of a local preschool, where she focuses on teaching the whole child to provide developmentally appropriate tools as key to creating self-assured, life-long learners. Sarah knows that students learn best when they can make connections and looks to build a relationship with each individual to facilitate incorporating both their interests and their academic strengths as they work together on areas of growth.

John began his teaching career teaching English in Ukraine. Since then, he has embarked on a fulfilling career teaching high school-aged English language learners and newcomer students on Chicago’s West Side. John holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from DePaul University and a Secondary Education License. John’s work focuses on helping older English Language Learner students access high-level curriculum through content-based English language instruction. 

In the classroom and in tutoring sessions, John places a strong emphasis on self-advocacy, creativity, and developing students’ academic identity. John’s approach to teaching focuses on building strong relationships with students to encourage risk-taking and confidence. From his background in music performance, to his travels abroad, to his work in nonprofit administration, John’s teaching is greatly informed by his diverse background. 

When he’s not in the classroom, John can be found working on DIY home improvement projects and exploring the Cook County Forest Preserves with his family. John can also be found leading monthly tours at his church–a Chicago historic landmark–in Ukrainian Village. 

Lauren holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from Macalester College and a Master’s in Childhood Education from Relay Graduate School of Education in New York.

With over five years of experience teaching at the elementary level, Lauren taught at North Chicago Community Partners, a nonprofit, where she supported writing instruction, curriculum development, and oversaw program impact. Lauren has leveraged her experience working with a diverse student population to differentiate instruction for all learners, incorporating manipulatives, visuals, and hands-on activities. Lauren is passionate about education and advocating for equity for all students. She firmly believes that every student should have access to the resources they need to succeed, both in and out of school.

In her free time, Lauren enjoys hitting the gym, running, and spending quality time with her husband and daughter.

Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Hamilton College and her Master of Science in Secondary Education from Northwestern University. She has had the honor of working with a diversity of learners over nearly two decades of teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students in both traditional classroom and individualized settings. Katie is primarily a math content expert and also enjoys assisting students in other academic subject areas, as well as developing scholastic management skills.

Through her various experiences, Katie has found that working one-on-one provides her with the invaluable opportunity to meet students where they are and to best help them progress within their zone of proximal development. Katie approaches students with empathy, operates from a strength-based perspective, implements diagnostic teaching, and is dedicated to helping learners cultivate the spheres of their multifaceted development. She has a kind, gentle, and patient approach and helps students feel calm and at ease.

Outside the classroom, Katie enjoys spending time with her teenage daughter (who has a complex learning profile), her husband, and her rescue dog. She volunteers as an educational surrogate parent for students with IEPs, provides comfort and companionship for hospice patients, serves as a driver for cancer patients through the American Cancer Society, and is a Reiki practitioner.

Sean has more than 10 years’ experience in the education field. He earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from National Louis University and is a certified Learning Behavior Specialist.

Currently, Sean is an instructional coach in the Barrington School District, supporting students, teachers, and staff at various grade levels. As a member of the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) team at his building, he collaborates with colleagues to identify, implement, and evaluate accommodations and interventions for students who have academic, executive function, and social-emotional needs. Being a life-long learner, Sean is working on obtaining an ESL endorsement to further support English language learners.

Off-campus, you’ll find Sean riding on a local bike trail, fishing at a nearby lake, cheering on the Blackhawks, or spending time with his wife and two children.

Wick brings 20 years’ experience supporting students with learning challenges. He holds his Master’s Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Wick taught at the Charles Armstrong School, a K-8 school in San Francisco specializing in teaching students with language-based learning differences and attention challenges.

In 2010, Wick founded Dynamic Tutoring Solutions. Growing up with a learning disability shaped Wick’s ability to connect with students. He also worked as a director of learning services, supporting middle school students, and has extensive experience supporting high school and college students with executive functioning challenges.

Wick works closely with parents to help them understand how to support their children at home. He strives for complete transparency in his work with students and families. From his experience at Charles Armstrong, Wick has expertise in helping students with learning differences transition to, and be successful, in traditional public and private schools.

Wick and his wife live in Lake Forest with their three children. In his spare time, Wick can often be found on the paddle court or golf course, usually sporting attire from his alma mater, University of Oregon.

Kristi is a 2020 National Board Certified Teacher. She received her BA in psychology from Southern Illinois University and an MA in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University. She has been teaching in suburban Chicago for over 20 years. She has significant experience working with students starting in kindergarten through middle school in all academic areas with a focus on literacy. Additionally, she enjoys working with students to strengthen their executive functioning skills, as they build productive and valuable routines necessary to be successful in school.

Kristi believes that students learn best when they are doing something they enjoy, so she finds creative and engaging approaches to teaching difficult skills. She appreciates the value in building rapport with students and watching them grow as learners, as they begin to find the confidence in solving their most challenging problems. When not working, Kristi enjoys photography, hiking, and traveling with her own children.

Joseph holds a California Multiple Subject Teacher Credential and earned his Master’s in Education from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute in conjunction with University of the Pacific. He has significant experience implementing Wilson’s multi-sensory Fundations program for teaching reading and spelling, and supporting students with executive functioning challenges.

The joy of learning is a key piece of Joseph’s teaching philosophy. Joseph is familiar with the challenges of learning; he struggled as an elementary student himself and had to overcome those obstacles. This story of perseverance and eventual success and accomplishment inspires Joseph to help students overcome their own learning obstacles.

Elise has eight years of experience as an educator at the high school and university levels, teaching qualitative research methods, Geography, Sociology, writing, English as a Second Language, and English Language Arts. Across subjects, Elise specializes in helping students develop the skills that drive academic independence — organization, time management, analytical thinking, and confident communication.

She currently serves as an ESL teacher at a Chicago high school, where she designs standards-aligned curricula and supports 10th- and 11th-grade students in building strong reading, writing, and study habits. Elise uses differentiated strategies to ensure that all learners — including multilingual students and those needing executive-functioning support — can access rigorous content while developing ownership of their learning.

Elise holds a B.A. from Scripps College, a Master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education from Northeastern Illinois University. She also completed four years of doctoral coursework in Environmental Sociology at Michigan State University. Elise holds a Professional Educator’s License in Secondary ELA and teaching endorsements in middle school ELA, ESL, and Sociology/Anthropology.

Outside the classroom, Elise enjoys Chicago’s vibrant arts scene, the beach, and international travel—with and without her children.

Ed brings over 30 years experience in special education with a background in learning, emotional/behavioral, and mental disabilities. He is certified as a Registered Behavior Technician for students with autism, and a special needs instructor for Madison Area Technical College. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science, and Special Education Certification from the University of Virginia. Ed is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve.

He believes that the desire to learn is intricate to the human spirit. He strives to meet these goals by establishing high expectations with students. The value of education is an important vehicle to achieving career goals. Ed enjoys running, weightlifting, hiking, camping, and fishing.

Dr. Jorge holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a Ph.D. in Special Education. He spent thirteen years as an elementary school teacher in Chula Vista, California, and eight years in Eugene, Oregon as a student and research associate at the University of Oregon. He presently serves as an associate professor of education and chair of Special Education at Seattle Pacific University.

Jorge specializes in both teaching and researching how to improve outcomes for students struggling in literacy, including students with English as a second language. Additionally, Jorge has a deep expertise using proactive approaches and positive behaviors to improve outcomes for students with learning challenges.

Jorge believes “Education opens the doors to many possibilities and dreams.” Coincidently, Jorge was Wick’s professor and mentor in college.

Emma holds a Bachelor’s of Biochemistry from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign and a PhD in Life Sciences from Northwestern University. While she has had a successful career in academic sciences, Emma has a passion for education, working as a teacher, tutor, and mentor for over 10 years and earning her Teaching Certificate from the Searle Center for Advanced Learning and Teaching at Northwestern University. Emma has worked as a high school science teacher at Beacon Academy for the last three years sharing her love for science and her commitment to student success in the sciences.

Emma is no stranger to how valuable a good education is, and she strongly believes that every student should be given the resources necessary to feel confident, excited, and included throughout the academic journey. Especially in the sciences, which can often feel overwhelming to students, Emma recognizes and incorporates diverse student learning profiles into her teaching.

When Emma is not teaching, you can find her rock climbing at a local gym, going on puppy playdates with her pup, at orchestra rehearsals with her viola, or hanging out with friends and family.

Bruce graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and received a Special Education endorsement from the University of St. Francis. While at Iowa, he was a student-athlete, managing classes and running cross country and track. Bruce has been in education for nine years, working with students in grades 5-12 in a variety of math courses, as well as ACT/SAT preparation classes. Bruce currently teaches high school math at New Hope Academy, which serves special needs children and their families.

It brings Bruce great joy to see students grasping concepts and improving their confidence. When he’s not teaching, you might find Bruce playing with his dog, cooking, or reading comics.

Justin is an educator, mentor, coach, polymath, spouse of over 20 years, and middle school parent with a deep and wide perspective on how education can enrich students’ lives when they commit to finding fulfillment in learning. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the US Air Force Academy, a Master of Science from the US Air Force Institute of Technology, and a PhD from the University of Michigan, all in aerospace engineering.

As a retired US Air Force officer, former high school teacher, and college professor, he understands the importance of relationships in education while also creating rigorous learning opportunities grounded in a student’s interests. He helps each identify strengths & areas to improve and uses this insight to partner with students in their develop of lifelong success skills. Each interaction is an opportunity for students to move closer to becoming confident “CEOs” of their own lives.

Justin cultivates his own intellectual curiosity through reading both non-fiction and fiction. Current interests include biographies, Indigenous history of the North American West, the Great Plains, Appalachia, and the effects of rural upbringing and education on young adults’ post-secondary and early career experiences. He also enjoys reading from both the light and dark academia genres as well as psychological thrillers. He listens to podcasts on many of the same topics while walking his black lab each day or just enjoying the beautiful panoramic views of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains from his home in Longmont, Colorado.

Shannon holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics from Kent State University and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from the University of Akron. She has extensive experience teaching Statistics and the Calculus sequence at the university level and has been tutoring middle school, high school, and college students for over 18 years. Shannon is currently dedicated to fostering student success as an instructor at the College of Lake County’s Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills.

As a tutor, Shannon’s goal is to help students build confidence while developing a genuine appreciation for mathematics and learning. Each tutoring session is designed to transform struggle into strength by creating a supportive and positive learning environment. Her approach focuses on identifying areas for improvement—whether in mathematical foundations, problem-solving strategies, or soft skills—and developing a clear, step-by-step plan to address them. Shannon emphasizes active learning by keeping the pencil in the student’s hand, ensuring they gain the hands-on experience essential for truly understanding and retaining mathematical concepts.

Outside of teaching and tutoring, Shannon can be found setting for a competitive volleyball league, binge-watching Netflix, and, most importantly, trying to keep up with her wonderfully energetic son.

Carina earned her college counseling certificate from UCLA Extension in 2020 and has an MBA in Finance from the Anderson School at UCLA. She gained her BA in Economics & Mathematics and a MA in Economics from University College Dublin. She has extensive experience with tutoring all sections of the ACT and SAT, having helped high school students with test preparation since 2012. She started as a math tutor for Academic Tutoring Centers in Highland Park and then worked as a test prep specialist for Nurturing Wisdom before tutoring privately. Her goal is to demystify the ACT or SAT for students, reducing the test anxiety of taking these exams.

When not tutoring, Carina is an avid racquet sports enthusiast, playing tennis, platform tennis, beach tennis, and pickleball whenever she can. Carina raised her family in Winnetka.

With over a decade of experience teaching both internationally and in the U.S., Zak is passionate about helping students build strong reasoning and problem-solving skills in mathematics and beyond. As a certified Learning Behavior Specialist and a dedicated educator, Zak focuses on supporting middle and high school students in mathematics and executive functioning, guiding them to approach academic challenges with curiosity and confidence. Zak holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University Chicago and has completed additional coursework in mathematics education at the University of Chicago.

His teaching philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking and inquisitiveness in every student, ensuring they not only succeed academically but also develop essential life skills. Drawing from his diverse background, which includes teaching and tutoring across a range of educational settings, Zak tailors his approach to meet each learner’s unique needs. Whether it’s mastering complex math concepts or improving organization and time management, Zak’s goal is to empower students to become confident, independent learners.

When he’s not in the classroom, Zak enjoys bicycle riding and exploring the outdoors, always finding new ways to challenge both the mind and body. 

Melissa has 10 years of classroom experience as a junior high and high school physics teacher. At Loyola Academy, she taught both regular and honors physics and has experience helping students who struggle to bring mathematical literacy into the science classroom. She earned her Master’s in Science Education from DePaul University.

Melissa fills her weekends with activities with her children and enjoys running along the lake.

Ngoc earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Mathematics from DePaul University and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at American College of Education. She has over seventeen years of experience as a Middle School and High School Math/STEM Teacher. Being a teacher at North Cook Young Adult Academy (Regional Safe School), Ngoc is familiar and experienced with teaching students with learning challenges.

Ngoc has exhibited mastery of her content area of mathematics from Pre-Algebra to Calculus. She uses this knowledge to create engaging lessons that guide students through the process of learning math. Sensitive to various learning styles and the mix of student learning abilities, Ngoc differentiates her instruction and provides students with the support that they need to be successful. She approaches students holistically in a personable and compassionate way. She strongly believes that education is power that can change and shape the future. Food brings people together.

Therefore, Ngoc enjoys cooking for her family of four boys. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach, takes long walks, and laughs at her boys’ silly jokes.