Tutoring Elementary Students

Abby Alonso

Abby Alonso is a first grade teacher at the Dwight School in New York. Previously, she taught kindergarten and fourth grade in New York and Chicago. She is originally from Fairfield County, CT, where her mom is an elementary teacher. Abby holds her Bachelor’s Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and her Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. Abby is a passionate teacher of reading and phonics-based instruction with experience in Orton Gillingham methods using multisensory approaches, Wilsons Fundations routines, and Handwriting Without Tears. Her math teaching approach is hands-on and manipulative-based, grounded in strengthening number sense. Abby has experience working with a wide variety of learners and likes to keep learning fun and engaging. When she is not teaching, Abby loves reading, painting, doing puzzles, and going for walks and hikes.

Angela Aquino

Angela is a passionate educator with over eight years of experience in the classroom. She began her teaching career in a 3rd-grade classroom at Harlem Village Academies and then moved to a 2nd-grade classroom for two years. After three years at Harlem Village Academies, Angela taught Kindergarten and 2nd grade at Growing Up Green for five years. Her journey in teaching has equipped her with a diverse skill set, especially in special education settings, where she has developed a deep understanding of various learning needs through her seven years working in Integrated Co-Taught classrooms. Angela holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from The Ohio State University—go Buckeyes! Throughout her career, she has had the pleasure of tutoring students on and off, helping them unlock their potential and instilling a genuine love of learning. Angela tailors each lesson to the individual academic and social-emotional needs of her students to provide the best support possible. Outside of the classroom, Angela enjoys rock climbing, reading, and spending time with her one-year-old daughter. She looks forward to working with you and your child to cultivate a positive and enriching learning journey!

Anne Uy

Anne Uy has been teaching for nearly 20 years and currently teaches first grade at an all-girls school in Manhattan. Prior to this year, Anne was an Educational Technologist (grades 3-5) at The School at Columbia University. She has taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades in California for 17 years. Anne has also taught intensive summer courses in ELA and math, as well as served as a STEAM summer teacher, an Ed Tech Pioneer, and a Character Education Curriculum Specialist. Anne’s tutoring experiences range from Kindergarten to 7th grade, where she has worked both one-on-one and in small groups. She earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies (with an English minor) and M.A. in Elementary Education when she lived in California. She provides a creative and fun, yet rigorous learning space for her students. Anne has lived in the U.S., Taiwan, and Holland. She can speak Mandarin fluently and loves visiting her family in Taiwan. She enjoys reading, yoga, swimming, and playing with her 3 adorable kitties!

Ariel Rosario

Ariel Rosario has worked as an elementary school teacher in a NYC public school for over 7 years.  She has experience in grades 2-4 and is currently teaching general education in a fourth grade classroom. Ms. Rosario has completed her Bachelor of Science in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education at Syracuse University. She also completed her Master of Arts in Literacy Specialty at Columbia University’s Teachers College, and she has a Master of Science in Math Specialty at Hunter College. Ms. Rosario is passionate about inclusive education and believes that all children can reach high standards when given the necessary supports that caters to their individual learning needs.

Alejandra Roma

Alejandra Roma currently teaches fourth grade math/science at a citywide Gifted and Talented school, and has 9 years of experience teaching students with diverse learning needs from grades Pre-K to 8th grade. Alejandra graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Nyack College and a master’s in Elementary and Special Education from Hunter College. Constantly improving her teaching skills, Alejandra has and continues to receive professional training in the Teachers College Reading and Writing Curriculum, the Metamorphoses Math approach and Singapore Math. Other teaching experience that she has includes after school Robotics, Test Preparation, STEAM and Maker Space. In her free time, Alejandra supports other teachers in learning about effective ways to teach and learn with technology.

Alexandra White

Alex currently teaches fifth grade at the Dwight School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, after several years as a Dwight first grade teacher. Prior to teaching at Dwight, Alex taught both Kindergarten and first grade at Success Academy in Harlem. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Sewanee, The University of the South, in 2011 and then earned a Master’s in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt University in 2012. Alex believes in differentiating instruction and enjoys making curriculum engaging for all types of learners.

Amy Proulx

Amy is an English Language Development (ELD) Coach and Educational Consultant. She currently works with several school districts across the country to support teachers and empower ALL (academic language learner) students. Previously, Amy taught third grade at Bushwick Lower Ascend Charter School and oversaw the English as a New Language (ENL) program at DREAM Charter School in East Harlem. She has nearly a decade of experience working with English language learners and outside of New York, has taught a myriad of diverse learners at the high school and university levels in Boston, Italy, and the People’s Republic of China. She also supervises student teachers in the TESOL PK-12 Program at Teachers College. Amy loves high fantasy and hopes to instill a joy of reading in her students from a very young age. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College and her Master of Arts degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Teachers College, Columbia University. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, playing basketball, and practicing yoga.

Arielle Berger

Arielle is currently a second-grade special education teacher at PS290 Manhattan New School. Before moving to New York City, she taught different grades in both general and special education classrooms in upstate, New York. Prior to teaching at PS290, she taught in Harlem as a second and third grade special education teacher. She received her Master’s in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. She believes in providing targeted academic support that is fun and engaging to help students meet their goals. When not in the classroom, Arielle enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with her family.

Arielle Muller

Arielle currently teaches third grade at the Brearley School, and has also taught first, second, and fourth grades there. Prior to that, she taught Kindergarten for three years at Trevor Day School and spent a summer teaching at the GO Project at Grace Church. Arielle earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from CUNY Hunter College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Psychology from the University of Vermont. As a 4th grade teacher, she has experience in helping students with a variety of executive functioning skills such as task initiation, “chunking” multi-step problems or tasks into more manageable pieces, time management, organization of belongings and work supplies, visualization, self-awareness, building good study habits, checking their work, independence, problem-solving, and prioritization, among others! During the summer, she teaches arts and crafts classes on jewelry making and beading through Brearley, and has an appreciation for all things arts-related. In her free time, she enjoys indoor cycling, practicing calligraphy, and cooking.

Ashley Polansky

Ashley is a dedicated educator who has been teaching at Ramaz Lower School, an esteemed private Jewish Day School located on the Upper East Side. She started her journey as an assistant teacher and has since risen to the position of head teacher, where she has been passionately teaching first grade for the past five years. As the curriculum leader for her grade, Ashley plays an integral role in developing and implementing cutting-edge educational programs that cater to the unique needs of all her students. Through her direct instruction and personalized approach, Ashley is able to create a nurturing learning environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.

In addition to her teaching career, Ashley has also been tutoring elementary education students for over four years, where she has honed her skills in teaching reading, writing, phonics, and mathematics. Her commitment to helping her students succeed is reflected in the exceptional progress they make under her guidance. Beyond the classroom, Ashley enjoys an active lifestyle that includes working out and traveling to unique locations.

Brandon Whitaker

C. Brandon Whitaker is a fourth grade SPED-Certified Elementary Teacher at KIPP Star Harlem Elementary. He received his BA in Biology from Concordia College. He later obtained his Dual Masters in SPED/Early Childhood from MCNY. He has taught grades K-4, helping students find delight and expertise in math, writing, reading, and science. Additionally, Mr. Whitaker is a basketball instructor who briefly played pro ball. Outside of the classroom he enjoys spending time with his son and wife, playing sports and styling outfits for friends and family.

Brittney Gerald

Brittney has been teaching for ten years and is currently teaching at Amber Charter School. Prior to teaching at Amber, she taught students with disabilities ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade. Brittney has experience tutoring elementary and middle school students attending New York City public and private schools. She graduated from New York University and received her Masters in general education and special education from Touro College. Brittney loves to spend her free time reading, traveling, and exploring different restaurants.

Carmen El Allali

Carmen is the K-5 Mathematics Instruction and Curriculum Coach at Growing Up Green Charter School in Long Island City. Prior to teaching second grade, she taught third grade math in a departmentalized setting at Harlem Village Academies, Pre-K 4 at Mount Carmel Holy Rosary School, and fifth grade at P.S. 46 Arthur Tappan School. Carmen earned both her B.A. in Childhood Education and ELA, and her M.S. with a concentration as a Mathematics Specialist from Hunter College. She has a professional teaching license for grades 1-6 from New York State. Carmen has been tutoring on the Upper East Side of Manhattan for many years. She has tutored elementary and middle school students in many different subjects. Carmen has a passion for mathematics instruction and truly believes that developing a student’s conceptual understanding of mathematics is of utmost importance for their future relationship with math. In her free time, Carmen enjoys taking care of her vast collection of houseplants.

Caroline Wilson

Casey LoMonaco

Casey LoMonaco is currently a 3rd grade teacher at a public school in Brooklyn. She received her Bachelors in Childhood Education (1-6) from SUNY New Paltz and her Masters in Childhood Special Education (1-6) from CUNY Hunter College. Casey grew up on Long Island but has spent the last 5 years living in Brooklyn and then in Queens. She works hard to build strong relationships with her students and strives to push them to reach their fullest potential and to be confident learners. In her spare time, Casey enjoys reading, spending time in nature and staying active.

Catherine Fleming

Carli Jaff

Carli is a Second Grade Assistant Teacher at the Riverdale Country School, where she was previously the Early Learning Creative Arts Assistant Teacher for students in Pre-K to 3rd grade. Next year, Carli will be a Kindergarten Head Teacher at Riverdale. Carli has tutored a wide range of students from grades 1 to 9 in math, reading, writing, Spanish, and executive functioning skills. A graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University with a Master’s degree in Elementary Inclusive Education, Carli also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Colby College in both Educational Studies and American Studies. As a teacher and a tutor, she employs a dynamic, individualized, engaging approach to teaching and learning in order for her students to feel as though they are supported, challenged, and confident in their skills. In her spare time, Carli enjoys taking and teaching dance classes, boxing, volunteering with the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, and writing children’s books. This is Carli’s fourth year teaching and her sixth year tutoring.

Chelsea Haber

Chelsea is devoted and passionate educator with over 10 years of experience. She has taught both first and second grade at Columba Grammar and Preparatory School (CGPS) in Manhattan. Before that, she was a first grade teacher at Williamsburg Northside in Brooklyn. At CGPS, she was grade level coordinator for several years. Chelsea received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Penn State University, and her Master’s Degree in Childhood Special Education at Queens College. Her expertise is in teaching reading, phonics, writing, and mathematics, while making learning fun, meaningful, and engaging. Her ability to connect with students and build trusting relationships allows the child to feel safe as they explore enrichment or remediation in the desired subjects. Chelsea’s goal is for the child to feel confident to try something new and challenging, to feel empowered to ask for help, and to feel excited about learning. She can’t wait to work with you!

Elana Stolinsky

Elana is entering her fourth year of teaching upper elementary in Brooklyn. Originally from Texas, Elana has her BA in Elementary Education from UT Austin and a MEd in Teaching, Leadership, and Collaboration from Texas Woman’s University. Elana loves teaching and tutoring because she wants every student to develop a passion for learning, build their confidence in and outside of the classroom, as well as teach the importance of persevering through difficult challenges. Through her 3 years in the classroom and over 8 years of tutoring experience, she understands the importance of differentiating the curriculum to help each individual student achieve their personal best. When tutoring, Elana wants her students to feel supported and excited to make new connections and have “ah-ha” moments! In her free time, Elana loves to read, listen to podcasts, and go on long walks with her dog.

Ellen Zweig

Ellen graduated summa cum laude from Barnard College and holds a Masters in Education from the Department of Reading and Language from Harvard University. She was a reading specialist and administrator at The Brearley School in Manhattan for over a decade and has worked privately with elementary school students for the past 15 years.  Ellen loves working with children, building on their natural curiosity about the world and helping them gain skills and self-confidence to support their growth and development. Her myriad roles as a reading specialist in the classroom and privately, along with her training in various methodologies including PAF, Wilson Fundations, The Hochman Writing Revolution and her participation in many Orton Gillingham workshops, provide her with many different ways to support her students. When not working with children, Ellen enjoys spending time with her family, running, biking and taking her puppy to Riverside Park.

Elissa Turshen

Elissa currently teaches first grade at PS 340 in Chelsea, Manhattan, where she also taught preschool for two years. Prior to that she was a preschool teacher at Preschool of the Arts, also in Chelsea. Elissa is passionate about early childhood education and providing foundational skills–both academic and social-emotional–to young students. Elissa is well versed in the math curriculum TERC and in Columbia Teachers College reading and writing programs. In her free time, Elissa enjoys running, baking and pottery.

Hannah Sive

Hannah Sive is a dedicated tutor with four years of upper elementary teaching experience, specializing in New York State test preparation, social studies, and English tutoring. Hannah’s passion for education shines through: she has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Washington College and a Master’s in Childhood Education from the University at Albany, along with special education and literacy certifications, With nearly a decade in the field, she has honed her skills in catering to the diverse needs of special education students. Hannah’s teaching philosophy revolves around student empowerment, employing active learning techniques through thought-provoking questions and data-driven strategies. Her commitment to personalized teaching and adapting to individual strengths and challenges sets her apart. She’s an educator and a supportive partner in each student’s educational journey. Beyond academics, Hannah finds joy in painting, movies, and outdoor activities.

Hannah Rau

Hannah is a second grade teacher at The Windward School. Previously, she taught first and second grade at The Brearley School. Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Occidental College and a master’s in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College. Since high school, Hannah has enjoyed tailoring tutoring sessions to each child’s individual needs, all while boosting the student’s confidence. Recently, Hannah has been trained in an Orton-Gillingham based multi-sensory program. In her free time, Hannah enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, and visiting museums.

Heather Costanza

Heather has been an early childhood educator for 14 years in New York City. For the past 7 years, she has taught Pre-Kindergarten, first, and second grade at Brooklyn Arbor Elementary School in Williamsburg. In addition to being a classroom teacher, she founded the Orton-Gillingham Academic Intervention team at her school for students in grades 2nd-5th with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. She is Orton-Gillingham certified at the Associate Level through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AGOPE). Heather is also a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist through The Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). She has a Masters in Early Childhood Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities from Brooklyn College, and has NYS certification in Early Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities for Elementary and Early Childhood. Heather has received training in the Handwriting Without Tears program and has attended professional development institutes hosted by The Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. The importance attributed to the role of the environment, inquiry-based investigations, and the emphasis on children’s symbolic languages has helped guide her as a teacher.

Heather Sherman

Heather has been an elementary and middle school educator for over 15 years.  She attended the museum and elementary education program at Bank St. College of Education and recently completed her doctorate investigating adolescent learning environments and first year college student success. Heather has extensive experience at independent, boarding, and public schools as a teacher, administrator, tutor and coach. A Boston native and resident of Westchester County for over 20 years, Heather now lives and works in New York City.  She is a runner, avid sports fan, writer, and can be found roaming the galleries of the MET and MoMa most weekends.

Jessica Colonel

For over ten years, Jessica has been creating meaningful learning experiences with her students in New York City’s independent and public schools. She holds a Masters in Childhood Math and Science Education, is dual certified in Elementary and Special Education, and has a passion for phonics applying an Orton Gillingham approach. She believes that all students have the ability to achieve greatness and as Ignacio Estrada said, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”  Intentionally applying explicit and constructivist instruction, nurturing the whole child, and creating relationships where perseverance and growth are celebrated are all integral to Jessica’s approach. Outside of education, Jessica enjoys volunteering as a running coach, trying new cuisine, exploring the outdoors, and supporting the visual and performing arts of NYC.

Jack Woodhull

Jack Woodhull has been an elementary school teacher for eight years. He is currently a head teacher in Grade 3 at in independent school in Manhattan, where he has also taught in Kindergarten and Grade 1. He obtained his masters degree in education from Bank Street College of Education and his BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago. Jack believes that everyone should have opportunities to feel good about themselves as learners, and that all children have the capacity to construct meaning and understanding. He enjoys helping students chart their own course in their learning and he has a profound appreciation for bad jokes.

Jamie Mansfield

Jessica Talisman

Jon Early

Jon currently teaches third grade at KIPP STAR Harlem, where he has taught science and guided reading the previous two years. In his 15 years of working with children, Jon has taught everything from reading, writing, and math to coaching basketball, swimming, and tennis at both science and sports camps. In his first year of working in NYC schools, 100% of Jon’s students scored 4’s, the highest possible mark, on the New York State Science test. When he switched schools, he founded their 4th grade science program and set a district record for the highest passing rate on that same test. Jon graduated from SUNY Cortland with a B.S. in Psychology and a Minor in Philosophy. He is currently attending Hunter College for graduate school, where he is finishing his Masters in Childhood Education. In his free time, Jon enjoys distance sports and watching movies.

Jordi Fallon

Jordi teaches Kindergarten at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. While at CGPS, she taught Pre-K for four years and has been a head Kindergarten teacher for the past eight years. Jordi has tutored students from Pre-K through fourth grade across subjects. A graduate of Florida State University, Jordi received her B.A. in Elementary Education and a Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate in Elementary Education (grades K-6), a Reading endorsement, and an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement. Jordi gained her M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College University, and has a NY teaching certification in both Early Childhood Education (birth-2nd grade) and Elementary Education (grades K-6). Jordi’s goal is to make sure every child feels confident and comfortable with what is being taught and leaves feels excited for the next lesson ahead. In her free time, she loves spending time and traveling with her family, which includes her husband, their seven-month-old son Liam, and their rescue pup Boots

Kate Grossman

Kate is a passionate and motivated elementary school teacher with 4 years of teaching experience in NYC and Charlottesville, Virginia. She currently teaches 1st grade at an all girls charter school called Girls Prep Bronx Elementary School. In addition to her teaching duties at Girls Prep, Kate has also served as a Mentor Teacher through Relay’s Graduate School of Education and is also part of the Public Prep Network’s Teacher Leader Program. Prior to Girls Prep, Kate has taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade in Brooklyn and Charlottesville, Virginia. She received her Undergraduate and Masters Degrees in Education at the University of Virginia, where she completed a Dual-Degree program through UVA’s Curry School of Education. She is passionate about Early Childhood Literacy, and especially loves teaching phonics and reading! Kate’s educational philosophy is rooted in progressivist, hands-on learning and is centered around educating the whole child and nurturing independent learners. She believes that learning should be fun and enjoys connecting deeply with all of her students and their families. When she’s not in the classroom, Kate loves being outdoors, snowboarding, scuba diving and traveling any chance she gets.

Katherine Patterson

Kat currently teaches third grade at the Dwight School. She has teaching experience in Italy, Thailand, China, the United Kingdom, and Los Angeles. Kat has tutored students one-on-one and in small groups, remotely and in-person, for the past seven years. Her primary expertise is with early year learners and elementary aged students. However, she has experience with middle and high school students as well. Kat graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations and International Area Studies. She received her Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Culture, Language, and Identity from Goldsmiths University of London. Her goal as an educator is to help students find their spark of genius by building confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.

Kristi Moy

Kristi is a second grade teacher at The School at Columbia University in New York City. She has been an educator for nine years and has previously taught in Tennessee. Kristi graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Child Studies from Vanderbilt University and an Ed.M in Mind, Brain, and Education from Harvard University. She has tutored various ages from Kindergarten to adult learners and enjoys differentiating sessions for her students so they are engaged in meaningful learning. Her educational practice integrates cognitive neuroscience research, the science of reading, and the Teaching for Understanding framework into a purposeful educational experience for all learners. When she is not in the classroom teaching, Kristi can be found crafting, being active outdoors, dancing, and exploring the food scene.

Lauren Murynec

Lauren Murynec is a New York City Elementary school teacher with 20 years of teaching experience in grade K-5. She is currently a math intervention teacher at an elementary school in midtown. Lauren is also a certified reading specialist and has a Master’s degree in literacy from Bank Street College. She is also trained in Wilson. When she is not teaching and tutoring, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her son and twin daughters.

Lauryn Grefe

Lauryn teaches fifth grade at the East Village Community school in Manhattan. She has worked in an integrated co-taught classroom for seven years. Lauryn also serves as a collegial coach and mathematics specialist for the school. Before becoming an educator, Lauryn earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from SUNY Cortland. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree from St. John’s University in Elementary General Education with a dual certification in Teacher English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). More recently, Lauryn completed an additional Master’s Degree from Bank Street College studying in the Math Leadership program. She believes the most important part of education is developing student relationships to best help the child succeed. In her free time, Lauryn enjoys being outdoors and baking.

Leah Cronshaw

Leah is an educator who has been teaching elementary school in New York City for 6 years. She is a New York City Teaching Fellow and holds a Masters in Education from Long Island University. She currently serves as the IEP teacher at Brooklyn Arbor School, where she provides reading and math academic intervention services to students in grades K-5. She is trained in SPIRE, an Orton-Gillingham-based reading intervention for struggling readers. Leah specializes in making content accessible and engaging to all types of learners. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and traveling to new places.

Leah Hechtman

Leah currently teaches in a second grade self contained class (12:1:1) in a Brooklyn public school. In her teaching past she has taught grades 1-3 both in the ICT (co-teaching) and self contained setting. She has her BA in Early Childhood and Childhood Education (B-6) from SUNY New Paltz. She received her Masters in Special Education (1-6) from Touro College. Leah grew up on Long Island, but after living in Manhattan for a few years decided to buy a home in Brooklyn. She has been a part of the TWT family for four years and has been teaching for six. She enjoys traveling, cooking, exploring New York City, and playing with her polydactyl cat, Luna.

Lizzie Evans

Louise Dominado

Malory Hom

Margaret Brown

Margaret is a head teacher at the Dwight International School in New York City, where she teaches 2nd Grade. Margaret has been at Dwight for two years. Prior to teaching at Dwight, she taught Pre-Kindergarten at The Hewitt School and 2nd and 4th Grades at Greenwich Academy in Greenwich, Connecticut. Margaret graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas with a BS in Applied and Computational Mathematics and a BA in Psychology. She received her Master of Education from Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. Margaret is a learning-style focused tutor who adjusts her tutoring style to fit all students’ needs: kinesthetic, auditory, and visual. She has experience in curriculum design, particularly in mathematics where she is the active grade team lead designer at Dwight. She has received extensive training in the Teachers College Reading and Writing program and the Handwriting Without Tears program. Margaret loves spending her free time running and is a certified running coach. She is often found outdoors hiking or running new routes! Margaret has been enjoying taking virtual cooking lessons over the past year.

Maribell Guerrero

Maribell Guerrero currently teaches fifth grade at an International Baccalaureate independent school in New York City. Maribell has over six years of experience teaching grades 2-5 across subjects and tutoring students in mathematics, reading comprehension, and writing. She received her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University at Albany and her Bachelor of Science in Education and Special Education at Hunter College. Maribell currently teaches the Singapore Math curriculum, focusing on reading comprehension and in-depth understanding of mastery-based problem-solving. Maribell’s hope is that she leaves a lasting imprint on the lives of each and every student she is given the honor to serve.

Marisa Bouganim

Marisa is a passionate, energetic, and creative educator. She received her Master’s Degree as a Literacy Specialist from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, and her undergraduate degree in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University. Currently, Marisa works as a third grade teacher in Manhattan, where she teaches mostly CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults), as well as hearing, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing students. In her work with this unique population, Marisa has worked tremendously hard to build a strong foundation of language, literacy, and math skills for young learners who struggle with the English language. Additionally, in working with students over the years, Marisa has developed many skills, strategies, and tools so that all students can access content. She uses a variety of multi-sensory approaches in order to reach all learners. Marisa firmly believes in building strong relationships with students and finding organic connections to learning so that students are intrinsically invested in their education.  When not in school, Marisa spends her time cooking new recipes, reading books, and relaxing with her cat.

Maryalice Aymong

Maura McAssey

Maura has been a teacher in New York City for five years. She currently teaches third grade at PS 340 in Flatiron. Maura graduated from Boston College with a BA in Elementary Education and a BA in Economics, and received a master’s degree in General and Special Education. Maura’s goal is to create access and increase confidence for all students in reading, math, and writing. She is familiar with many of the curriculums used in NYC schools, including The Teachers College Reading and Writing Programs and TERC Investigations. She also has experience with many programs and approaches that are used with struggling readers and mathematicians. In her free time Maura enjoys reading and running along the West Side Highway.

Melissa Olsho

Melissa has been an elementary school teacher for the past 9 years. She is currently a third grade special education teacher in an ICT classroom at P.S 281 The River School. She previously taught first and second grade at a Charter school in Brooklyn, NY. Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Early Adolescent Education (PK-6) from Penn State University. She received her Master’s degree in Childhood Education and Special Education (Grades 1-6) from Touro College. Melissa’s experience as a general and special education teacher, as well as a tutor for both individual students and small groups of students, has allowed her to work in diverse academic settings. Outside of teaching, Melissa enjoys international travel, reading, cooking, and hiking.

Michael Schurr

Michael Schurr is in his 15th year of teaching, 12 of which have been spent at Riverdale Country School, a coed day school in Bronx, New York. Michael holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University and a MA in Education Organization and Leadership from Columbia University Teacher’s College Klingenstein Center. He is currently a 3rd grade co-teacher as well as a Learning Designer with PLUSSED. Michael assisted in the creation of the Design Thinking for Educators toolkit and served as a Founding Coach with IDEO’s Teachers Guild. Michael has facilitated workshops about design thinking for Michelle Obama’s Better Make Room Summit, NAIS National Conference, Nueva ILC, Stanford’s d.school, SXSWEdu, Learning and the Brain, The MET Creativity Now Conference, and independent schools across the country. Michael and his wife, Kristy, live in Westchester and are the proud parents of two boys. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, fishing, cooking, hiking and swimming.

Michelle Calderone

Michelle teaches fourth grade at Hewitt and previously taught first and second grade at Riverdale Country School. She earned her Masters in Literacy Birth-Grade 6 at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, and has had over seven years of professional experience in K-2 classrooms. She’s trained in the Orton-Gillingham method for students in grade K-5, which uses a multi-sensory approach to support phonics and reading development. She uses Fountas and Pinnell reading assessments and Teacher’s College assessment tools to find students’ instructional and independent reading levels to best support them during independent and guided reading. She has had several years of experience with the Heinemann Reading and Writing Workshop curriculum to help students develop independence with targeted strategies. Michelle also has experience teaching ELL students in various public school settings, working closely with 4th and 5th graders in their writing, as well as teaching fluency and decoding skills to 2nd graders. When she is not pursuing her passion for teaching literacy, Michelle loves to play piano, cook, and go for long jogs or walks through her neighborhood park with her dog.

Neali Rogers

Neali is a 5th grade ICT teacher at PS249. Neali has taught special education in grades 2-5 at PS249, and is trained in Orton Gillingham. She started working at PS249 in 2019 after graduating from New York University’s Masters in Literacy Program, where she received the award for teaching and learning. Prior to attending NYU, Neali attended Syracuse University’s Inclusive Elementary and Special Education program. Neali loves working with elementary students in reading, writing, and math.

Nina Alvarado-Silverman

Nina currently teaches Kindergarten and 1st grade special education in Brooklyn. She has been teaching and tutoring for six years, and has taught kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade. She holds a MSEd in Childhood (Grades 1-6) General and Special Education from Bank Street College and a BA in Education (Teaching Grades 7-12) from Bowdoin College. Nina has taught in public, independent, and charter schools. Nina believes that with strong relationships, evidence-based practices, and honoring the strengths and interests of each child, everyone can find joy and confidence in learning. Nina’s students have called her “calm, funny, and patient.” Outside of teaching, Nina loves reading, cats, and nature.

Nick Felts

Nick has been an early childhood educator for over 10 years. He received his bachelor’s degree in K-12 Special Education and his master’s degree in Early Childhood Special and Elementary Education from Bank Street College of Education and Mars Hill University. Nick spent the first five years of his teaching career working with students who receive special education services. He worked with students with social and emotional differences, learning disabilities, and students with health impairments. An early childhood reading specialist in the New York City public school system, Nick is trained as a Reading Recovery teacher, as well as in other phonics programs. Nick has two dogs named Carli and Cody, and he loves to travel, run, and enjoy the outdoors.

Nicole Beinhorn

Nicole Beinhorn is a proud third generation educator! Beginning her career 12 years ago, she started as an elementary teacher, teaching various grades at a public school in Queens. Always taking on a leadership role in her school building ,Nicole pursued her administrative degree and has worked as an Education Administrator for the last 5 years, currently supporting a school district in the New York City Department of Education. Nicole has always valued innovation and creativity in the classroom and looks to find novel and unique ways to teach students complex concepts. Trained in a myriad of instructional resources, practices, and tools, including research-based programs such as Fundations, SPIRE, Sound Sensible, REWARDS, and Heggerty,  she looks forward to closing educational gaps and supporting students in achieving success.

Rebecca Green

Rebecca is currently a second grade special education teacher at The East Village Community School. She earned her Master’s in Elementary Inclusive Education with a dual certification in Teaching Students Labeled with Disabilities at Teachers College, Columbia University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Rebecca has studied with prestigious dance programs including the Joffrey Ballet and the Juilliard School program. Her interest lies in connecting kinesthetic and multi-sensory pedagogical approaches to academic concepts.

Rebecca Hart

Rebecca currently teaches first grade ICT at Brooklyn Arbor Elementary School in Williamsburg. She has previously taught grades 2, 3, and 4. Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University, and after teaching for 8 years, she returned to graduate school to earn an MA in the Literacy Specialist program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Rebecca enjoys finding creative ways to engage learners of all ages. When she is not teaching, Rebecca runs an after school musical theater program for fourth and fifth grade students.

Rachel Woolley

Rachel began her career in education as a Dual Language Elementary teacher in Brooklyn, New York and has 17 years of experience teaching in elementary and middle school. She loves teaching both students and teachers and supporting them in realizing their full potential. A graduate of the University of Illinois with Masters degrees from the University of Chicago, Pace University, and Bank Street College, Rachel has taught and tutored students of all ages. Rachel became a Math Coach and Math for America Master Fellow in the Fall of 2021 and has presented at several education conferences, including the National Association for Bilingual Education and the International Conference for Math Education. When she is not immersed in her work as an educator, Rachel enjoys reading, biking, hiking, and learning languages through study and travel.

Robert McCabe

Robert McCabe is an experienced tutor currently entering his 9^th year of teaching as an ICT teacher in Richmond Hill, Queens. Robert holds a B.S. in Health and Human Services with a focus in Early Childhood Care from SUNY at Buffalo and an M.S. in Childhood Education grades 1-8 from CUNY Brooklyn College. Robert believes in bringing researched based approaches to tutoring to help students achieve their learning goals. In addition to his teaching role, he actively contributes to his school’s artistic community by producing and directing musicals. Robert looks forward to forming a meaningful connection with your student that will empower them to reach their full potential. In his free time, Robert likes to go surfing, rock climbing, hiking, and play the guitar.

Sofia Roman

Sophia Shapiro

Sophie Sklar

Steven LaMaita

Sydney Bibicoff

Sydney is a learning specialist at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School. Sydney previously worked at The Windward School and is trained in Orton-Gillingham’s PAF reading program and the Hochman Writing Method (Writer’s Revolution).  Sydney works with students with language based learning disabilities. Before Windward, Sydney previously taught at Bank Street working with general education students. Sydney has her Master’s degree in elementary, general and special education at Hunter College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2017 with a degree in Psychology. Sydney is also NY State certified in teaching grades 1-6. In her free time, Sydney loves to run and enjoy the outdoors, and travel.

Thea Nunez

Thea Nunez is currently a 2nd grade teacher at The School at Columbia University. She has been an educator for the past 14 years, in New York City, and taught pre-k through grade 2 in both charter and independent schools. She is also the director of The School’s summer cubs program which provides explicit reading, writing and math support to students. As a tutor, Thea has provided support and enrichment experiences to students in pre-k through middle school. She received her B.A. in Literature from the City University of New York and her M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Bankstreet College of Education. Thea works to support the whole child by meeting students where they are and helping them make progress that is based on individual goals. Fostering a love of learning is an important part of the process and she sees herself as a facilitator in that experience. In her free time, Thea enjoys spending time with her daughter, cooking, bike riding and going on walks through Central Park with her dog Rocky.