DANIELLE FLORIO, FOUNDER

Hailing from the Adirondacks in upstate NY, Danielle co-founded City Smarts in 2007. Over the course of fifteen years, she has developed a holistic methodology that prioritizes student confidence and wellness and anchors academic growth in student empowerment. Danielle’s educational philosophy powers much of the student and family support offered at City Smarts. 

Danielle works directly with parents in her capacity as an admissions consultant and the director of City Smarts Holistic Executive Functioning Coaching program. Her expertise spans middle and high school maths, and dozens of standardized tests including the SHSAT, Common Core Exams, CTP-5, ISEE, and SSAT.

Danielle really shines when she is connecting with others and building community. Whether she’s chopping it up with a colleague or discussing existentialism and the human experience, she’s always up for deep discussion and learning from those around her. When she isn’t working or vibing with others, Danielle is taking in all NYC has to offer from live shows and art exhibits, to world class dining.

MARK LOSINGER, FOUNDER

Prior to founding City Smarts in 2007, Mark studied English and Political Science at Hunter College and created courses for 3 major test prep organizations. As an instructor at Baruch College, he designed the Continuing and Professional Studies Department's GRE and GMAT courses. Since then, he has assisted students in a wide array of subjects, from mathematics and chemistry to writing, history, and literature. An accomplished test taker, he has worked with hundreds of students and has a vast knowledge of admissions opportunities for prospective high school, college, and graduate students. 

Brett Moses, Partner

Brett has worked as a college admissions consultant and essay coach since 2010, helping students at all levels gain acceptance to their target schools. His recent acceptances include Harvard University, Columbia, and Yale. Brett has also brought his essay program to Pratt Institute, working with gifted high-schoolers from every corner of the city to reach their potential.

Brett is an award-winning musical composer. In 2017, his musical Burn All Night premiered at Harvard University's American Repertory Theater. Brett is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of New York University and holds an individualized BA in The Sociology of Music. 

KELLEE ELKINS, DIRECTOR of OPERATIONS

Kellee began her career in the White House Office of Consumer Affairs spanning two administrations before moving to the private sector where she served as a key member of management teams for an array of non-profits including the Association for the Study of Dreams, the Center for Mind Body Medicine, Sierra Club, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. As a Peace Corps Volunteer (Namibia 2004-2006) she built an online library of educational tools and lesson plans for a rural teacher resource center in southern Africa. More recently she worked for the Internet Society, managing global fellowships and working on connectivity issues with indigenous communities from Hawai’i to the Arctic Ocean. Kellee teaches yoga, meditation and stress reduction for teens in her local high school. She directs business operations at City Smarts with a love for education, innovation, efficiency and systems thinking.

MANPREET SINGH, DIRECTOR of CURRICULUM

Manpreet joined the City Smarts team in 2017 and has been guiding students through the complexities of standardized tests and academic subjects for almost a decade. He holds a dual bachelor's of science degree in Applied Physics and Mathematics from NYU, which laid the foundation for his passion for interdisciplinary learning. Committed to advancing educational methodologies, Manpreet earned a master's of arts degree in Mathematics Education. He strongly believes that with the right instruction, support, and encouragement, any student can develop a deep understanding of academic concepts and foster problem-solving skills necessary to excel. 

Manpreet is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, where he delves into the intricacies of creating impactful learning frameworks. His vision as the Director of Curriculum stems from his desire to build meaningful academic resources and empower educators to inspire a new generation of learners.