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Our Tutors


Blake Kaufman


Blake Kaufman

Test Prep/Math Tutor

Blake has been a tutor since 2015. An honors student and National Merit Scholar, he started working with his peers to improve their SAT scores.

Alexia Remy

Alexia Remy

English/SAT/ACT Tutor

Alexia Remy is a secondary ELA teacher in Montgomery County. She grew up in the DMV area and graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. Upon graduation, Alexia continued her studies at Tulane University in New Orleans, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Alyssa Gilbert

Alyssa Gilbert

K-3 Reading, Math, and Writing Tutor


Alyssa grew up in Olney, MD. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Towson University. Alyssa has been supporting students in grades K-3 with reading, ELA, and math for 8 years in Montgomery County Public Schools.

Beth Crowley

Beth Crowley

English/Executive Functioning Coach

Beth Crowley has worked in education, journalism and communications for over 25 years. When she’s not tutoring, she teaches English and runs a journalism and writing program for high school students.

Catherine Angowski

Catherine Angowski

Elementary reading/writing/math tutor

Catherine Angowski is a kindergarten teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools. She is certified to teach Pre-K through 6th grade and Special Education K-6. Catherine began her teaching career in Special Education teaching kindergarten and fifth grade, but then switched to general education teaching kindergarten. She loves watching her students grow throughout the year. She enjoys teaching reading to the younger students and teaching math to the older students. A fun fact about her is that she taught in the Philippines for a short period of time.

Crystal Semitekolos

Crystal Semitekolos

OG Reading Tutor, Elementary Math Tutor

Crystal Semitekolos grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. She graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a bachelor's in Elementary Education, Loyola University Maryland with a master's in Educational Technology, and a master's certificate in Administration from McDaniel College.

Diane Wolbert

Diane Wolbert

Elementary Reading, Writing, Math Tutor/Executive Functioning Coach

Diane Wolbert is an experienced classroom teacher with 18 years of experience. She studied Elementary Education at Frostburg State University and later got her Masters in Elementary Education with a focus in differentiated instruction from Towson University. She currently teaches 5th grade in Germantown. Diane has worked with elementary students of all ages, building their confidence along with skills to help them be successful. She is passionate about supporting and educating children so they can reach their potential.

Elliott Niblock

Elliott Niblock

English/SAT/ACT/Executive Functioning Coach

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Elliott has traveled widely to pursue his career in higher education. He moved first to St. Paul, Minnesota to attend Macalester College, with brief stints abroad at the Goethe Institute in Berlin, as well as King’s College in London.

Harriet Katz

Harriet Katz

Orton-Gillingham Certified Teacher

Harriet has 35 years of teaching experience with the Montgomery County Public School System.

Jason Lee

Jason Lee

Math/ Executive Functioning Coach

Jason boasts a distinguished 12-year tenure as a mathematics teacher at Rockville High School. He is from Montgomery County and an alum of Paint Branch High School and furthered his education at Montgomery College before earning a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland.

Joseph Ostroman

Joseph Ostroman

Math Tutor

Joseph Ostroman's career has been profoundly shaped by his passion for mathematics. Over the course of the last 13 years, he has had the privilege of working as a mathematics teacher, covering subjects like Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, and PreCalculus

Lisa Sorensen

Lisa Sorensen

College Admissions Consulting/English/Executive Functioning Coaching

Lisa helps students find the best fit using tools to identify a list of schools, review high school transcripts/advise on course selections, support students as they write their college essay/supplemental essays/scholarship essays/honors program essays, navigate the Common App

Meredith Alaina

Meredith Alaina

Executive Functioning Coach/English Tutor

Meredith Alaina, Ed.D, native New Yorker and current NOVA resident has a background in education that spans twenty-five years with a foundation in non-profit management and English classroom instruction in The Bronx and Brooklyn, NY

Nora Brennan

Nora Brennan

Writing/History/Executive Functioning Coach

Nora Brennan has been a high school history teacher since 2001. She has worked in both public and private high schools teaching students ranging from 9th to 12th grade. During her tenure, Nora has worked with a wide-variety of learners curating her lessons to meet their unique needs

Ryan Dimmick

Ryan Dimmick

Spanish/English Tutor

Ryan is currently in his third year as a high school Spanish teacher in MCPS. A native of Montgomery County, Ryan completed the Spanish Immersion program in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase cluster; he continued with the language at Muhlenberg College, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and in Education

Stephanie Lee Rizas

Stephanie Lee Rizas

Writing/Executive Functioning/History

Stephanie Lee Rizas is currently an IB History teacher with MCPS but has years of experience teaching all levels of History, writing, and ESL as well as experience with students with organizational challenges. She is passionate about activating the potential in every student through an individualized approach to learning.

Tarnicka Congress

Tarnicka Congress

OG Reading/Elementary Math tutor

Tarnicka Congress grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from Touro College with a bachelor's degree in General and Special Education, covering grades Kindergarten through sixth. She also obtained a master's degree in Education from Touro College and a master's certificate in Administration from Gardner Webb University in North Carolina.

 Sharon Blumenthal-Cohen

Sharon Blumenthal-Cohen

English/SAT Tutor

Dr. Sharon Blumenthal-Cohen has worked in education for over 25 years teaching students from middle school through graduate school. She holds a BA in English education, an MA in literature, and an EdD in curriculum and instruction.

Allie Berry

Allie Berry

English/Test Prep/Executive Functioning Coaching

Allie is an editor at an advertising agency by day but has also worked as a verbal/English tutor for the last 12 years. Allie grew up in Montgomery County and graduated from Wootton High School. She then earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Maryland and a M.S. in publishing from Pace University.

April Henderson

April Henderson

Elementary Reading/Math and Exectutive functioning coaching

April grew up in Westchester, New York right outside of the city. April has enjoyed teaching for the past 5 years in a non-public school in Maryland, Alaska and now in Montgomery County Public Schools

Bonnie Lechner

Bonnie Lechner

English/Executive Functioning Coach

Bonnie is currently in her 5th year teaching in Montgomery County Public Schools, with experience in 7th, 9th, and 10th grade Honors English. In addition, she is an award winning yearbook adviser and unofficial tech coach at Walter Johnson High School. She specializes in close reading skills and creative writing.

Catherine Murray

Catherine Murray

Elementary/Middle School Tutor and Executive Functioning Coach

Catherine Murray received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education at York College of PA. She recently earned her master's degree in Reading Education from Towson University. Catherine has been a classroom teacher in MCPS for the past five years. She is currently teaching 1st grade Special Education and she has previously taught middle school Special Education for 6th and 8th grade, co-teaching math.

David Delgado

David Delgado

Spanish/Math/Executive Functioning Coach

David is currently a Spanish teacher in MCPS. He grew up as a heritage speaker learning Spanish at home through his family then continued his growth by taking coursework at Wootton HS and the University of Maryland

Eitan Zavorin

Eitan Zavorin

K-12 Math Tutor/Executive Functioning Coach

Eitan Zavorin combines his expertise in applied mathematics and a degree in data science with a genuine commitment to supporting students’ growth, teaching all levels of K-12 and college math. He also offers SAT tutoring, equipping students with effective strategies to maximize their test performance. Eitan recognizes that while studying isn’t always considered fun, building strong study habits gives students the freedom to make the most of their school years.

Erika Braithwaite-Berg

Erika Braithwaite-Berg

Reading, Writing, and Math Elementary Tutor

Erika Braithwaite-Berg is a 1st grade teacher at Green Acres School in North Bethesda. She received her BA in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD, and her M.A. in Elementary Education from the College of William and Mary. Erika is trained in Really Great Reading. She strives to help every student develop confidence in themselves as learners.

Heather Holcombe

Heather Holcombe

OG Reading Specialist

Heather was an elementary special education teacher and phonics specialist at a charter school in Boston for 7 years until the pandemic hit. Now she’s at home with her two little boys. She has degrees from Smith College and Lesley University and is a certified Orton Gillingham instructor. Heather loves helping students find books they love and watching their excitement as they discover the joy of reading.

Jenna Gallo

Jenna Gallo

OG Reading Tutor/Writing Tutor

Jenna Gallo holds an M.Ed in both Teaching, Learning and Advocacy (College of Charleston) and in Leadership Administration (Charleston Southern University.) She is a certified K-12 Special Educator and Reading Coach. Ms. Gallo holds her Orton Gillingham certification and is currently a Special Education Coordinator in Arlington County.

Joyce Khouri

Joyce Khouri

English Tutor/Executive Functioning Coach

Joyce has taught English for 16 years in MCPS (almost every single grade from 6-12). She has also taught all levels, from inclusion to IB Literature and Language, and she is very passionate about helping students excel since the skills needed for English class are the same skills students will need their whole lives as they become effective communicators.

Marie Babb

Marie Babb

K-12 Executive Functioning Coach, Reading, Writing, and Math Tutor

Marie Babb is a passionate educator with many years of both classroom teaching experience within MCPS and private tutoring. She enjoys working with busy high school athletes and young scholars on executive functioning skills.

Mollie Carlin

Mollie Carlin

History/English/Executive Functioning Coach

Mollie is a seasoned educator with 11 years of experience in the Montgomery County Public School system. After attending Walt Whitman High School, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Goucher College and went on to earn her Masters' in Teaching Social Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University

Rebecca Poyatt

Rebecca Poyatt

English/Executive Functioning Tutor

Rebecca Poyatt holds a BA in history education from The Catholic University of America and both a Masters in children’s literature and language arts and an Education Specialist degree in educational theory and practice from the University of Georgia

Scott Carpenter

Scott Carpenter

English/History/Executive Functioning

Scott has been a classroom teacher for the better part of two decades. In this time, he has worked with thousands of students grade 7 through grade 12. These learners have had a diverse set of academic and emotional needs. Supporting the individual needs of each learner is Scott’s primary objective.

Sung Hee Kim

Sung Hee Kim

Orton-Gillingham Reading tutor/Math Tutor/Executive Functioning Coach

Sung Hee has 21 years of elementary teaching experience in independent school settings. She has a Master's degree in Journalism from New York University, and a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Wellesley College. Sung Hee is a graduate of Phillips Academy, Andover.

Taylor Renaud

Taylor Renaud

Math Tutor

Taylor Renaud grew up in New England and moved to Washington, DC 9 years ago. She has enjoyed teaching for over ten years and is currently a 7th grade math teacher at the Langley School in McLean, VA. Taylor attended the University of New Hampshire where she earned a B.S. in Math Education and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education

Abhi Gangrade

Abhi Gangrade

K-12 Math/Science and Test Prep Tutor

Abhi obtained his BS in Biology degree from the University of Florida before receiving a PhD in
Cancer Biology. As a member of National Honor Society in high school, he tutored students in
math, chemistry, biology, and physics.

Allison Evernham

Allison Evernham

Math Tutor/Executive Functioning Coach

After studying middle level education with a concentration in math and a minor in TESOL from Messiah College, Allison acquired her first teaching job in Montgomery County Public Schools as a middle school mathematics teacher.

Ashley Herdman

Ashley Herdman

English/Executive Functioning Coach

Ashley is entering her tenth year teaching! After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, she taught a variety of English classes at Montgomery College. Having graduated from MCPS, she was eager to teach in the county where she was raised.

Brian Sims

Brian Sims

History/Executive Functioning/Writing Tutor

Brian Sims has been a classroom teacher for ten years and is currently a High School Social Studies teacher with MCPS. Brian has a unique teaching background, being the first several years of his teaching career he served as a Special Education teacher, teaching both self-contained and co-taught History classes. Brian’s first five years were spent teaching in Virginia and then he moved to Maryland and began teaching with MCPS. In Brian’s teaching career so far, he has taught Ancient World History, Modern World History, and United States History at the High School level. At the Middle School level, Brian has taught both 6th and 7th grade World Studies.

Clara Goldfield

Clara Goldfield

K-6 Reading Interventionist, Math, writing, and executive functioning coach

Clara has worked as both a Kindergarten reading interventionist at a KIPP public charter school and a first-grade teacher and team lead in Fairfax county for 5 years. She is certified to teach Pre K through 6th grade

David Zelivinski

David Zelivinski

K-12 Academic Tutor/Executive Functioning Coach

David Zelivinski's expertise is particularly notable in mathematics, where he excels in Algebra 1, Honors Geometry, Pre-calculus, and Algebra 2. David is adept at tutoring students with diverse learning styles

Elena Young

Elena Young

English/History/ Executive Functioning Coach

Elena Young has been teaching abroad and in the U.S. for over a decade. She spent the last six years teaching U.S. and World History to middle and high school students at an independent school in Washington D.C.

Evan Smith

Evan Smith

Math Tutor/Executive Functioning Coach

Evan Smith holds a BS in engineering from the University of Vermont and is certified in Multisensory Mathematics.

Jamie Tarnopal

Jamie Tarnopal

Math/Executive Functioning Tutor

Jamie grew up in New Rochelle, New York right outside of the city. Jamie has enjoyed teaching for 5 years now in Montgomery County. She graduated from American University with a degree in Secondary Education and Mathematics.

Jessica Bello

Jessica Bello

English Tutor/Executive Functioning Coach

Jessica is a Teach for America alumna and a current MCPS English teacher. She teaches 10th Grade Honors English, AP Language and Composition, and Creative Writing.

Lauren Quinn

Lauren Quinn

English/Executive Functioning Coach/College Essay Coach

Lauren loves helping students through the writing process and working alongside them as they improve their skills and confidence! She begins each session by collaborating with the student on the goal or take-away, and ends with an assignment and accountability plan.

Megan Rogge

Megan Rogge

Orton-Gillingham Tutor

Megan has 13 years of Elementary teaching experience in both public and independent school settings. She has a BA in Architectural Studies from William Smith College, and a MA in Elementary Education from Marymount University

Najah Louis

Najah Louis

English Tutor/Executive Functioning Coach

Najah is dedicated to helping students improve their writing and reading comprehension skills by using various educational modalities aimed at strengthening essay writing. With a background in English Language and Literature, She has an advanced understanding of the fundamentals of reading comprehension and essay writing. She has worked with students of all ages, helping them refine their writing, develop their voice, and strengthen their arguments.

Rena Edery

Rena Edery

Math/Writing/Science/Executive Functioning Coach

Originally from Gaithersburg, Maryland, Rena is grateful for the education and opportunity she grew up with. She attended public schools in Montgomery County and University of Maryland, College Park where she studied Environmental Engineering. Rena has always felt drawn to one-on-one connections, building a network with families in the Best Buddies and Friendship Circle program. She has extensive experience tutoring/life coaching neurodivergent adolescents, and a wide range of special needs.

Siobhan Alexander

Siobhan Alexander

OG Reading Specialist

Siobhan Alexander has worked in education for over 25 years. She holds a BS in Elementary Education and Math & Science Studies from Vanderbilt University, as well as a Masters of Education from John Hopkins University.

Susan Paton

Susan Paton

OG Reading Tutor/Elementary Special Ed

Susan Paton graduated from Trinity University in Washington D.C with a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Vicki Rotker

Vicki Rotker

Executive Functioning Coach/Math Tutor

Vicki Rotker, M.S. Ed., is the creator and instructor of the acclaimed Study Strategies Course and Curriculum for MCPS. Over her 20-year career, she has guided hundreds of students by teaching them effective time management skills, organization skills, and personalized learning strategies, while also providing essential executive functioning support.

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