Danielle B. - TEST PREP, advanced math and science

Danielle graduated summa cum laude from the New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. She became the first ever Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) scholar at her university in 2016. She has over 8 years of tutoring experience in math and science. Her experience also includes tutoring students in SAT, SSAT, ISEE, AP Physics, AP Math, and AP Chemistry. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science at Columbia University.

AVERY B. – TEST PREP, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Avery graduated magna cum laude from NYU with a BFA in Drama and a minor in the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology. She's a certified high school substitute teacher with over 5 years of experience specializing in SAT prep. Avery works closely with her students, tailoring lesson plans to meet their individual goals and needs. When she isn't demystifying comma splices and quadratic functions, she's most likely to be found jamming to 80s music or wandering around the Met.

Sandesh B. - TEST PREP, advanced math and science, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

A distinguished graduate of NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, Sandesh believes in fostering curiosity and reasoning in students, and endeavors to build problem solving skills that are useful far beyond the classroom. Sandesh tutors all standardized tests and a variety of STEM focused academic disciplines. 

SOFIA B. - TEST PREP, ACADEMIC TUTORING, & EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Sofia has been working as an educator for 10 years and has been tutoring since 2019. They specialize in supporting students who have learning exceptionalities, especially those with ADHD. They utilize a neuropositive framework, along with a compassionate, attentive and patient approach, to help their students build confidence, study skills, and self-knowledge.

Sofia has fluency in and can support students with a wide variety of subjects, including STEM, the humanities, Spanish, Hebrew and French. They also tutor the SAT, SHSAT, ISEE, TACHS/HSPT, and Regents. Their favorite subject to tutor is math, as they get great satisfaction out of breaking down concepts and making them accessible. When not tutoring, Sofia can be found cooking, singing, or reading science fiction.

ZOE B. - TEST PREP, College Guidance, MATH, & HUMANITIES

Zoe Briskey has been tutoring in NYC for ten years. She grew up in Chicago, attending high school at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, and moved to New York in 2014 to receive a BFA in Drama at New York University. Having a background in theatre and music has allowed Zoe to connect with her students and bring them joy in the process of learning.

In addition to tutoring, Zoe has worked as a substitute teacher, admissions essay reader, and SAT/ACT prep tutor, both in Chicago and New York. Apart from tutoring, Zoe is a professional musician and writes, produces, and performs her music throughout the NYC area.

JERIE C. - TEST PREP, ACADEMIC TUTORING, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

After graduating magna cum laude from USC with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, Jerie moved to New York City, where she established herself as a musician, poet, community educator and herbalist. A scholar at heart, she has tutored a broad range of tests and subjects, from the ACT and SHSAT to math, writing, and Spanish. She enjoys explaining concepts in ways that adapt to each individual's particular learning style, interests, and strengths, encouraging participation and independent thinking as much as possible.

KATHRYN C – MATH SPECIALIST

Kathryn graduated from Boston University earning a master’s degree in Mathematics with a minor in Applied Statistics and Computer Science. She has been teaching high school math for over two decades, making connections between real world situations and math content whenever possible. A particular strength is her ability to build strong relationships with her students and offering multiple strategies for accessing information. When not teaching, Kathryn might be making beach plum jelly, digging for clams or quilting.

MICHELLE C – COLLEGE GUIDANCE

Michelle has enjoyed working with high school seniors as a College Admissions Counselor and Writing Coach for the past 8 years. She is passionate about guiding students and families through this momentous life transition with her warm, enthusiastic personality and finds particular strength in her ability to easily develop rapport with students. Moreover, her excellent creative writing and teaching skills help students develop compelling narratives that best highlight their strengths, accomplishments, and ambitions.

Donny F. - Academic Tutoring, Test prep, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

An NYU math and computer science graduate, Donny is an enthusiastic academic, executive functioning, and test prep tutor with over 6 years of experience working with students aged 6 to 66, including those with developmental disabilities. Able to tailor his lessons to each person’s needs, Donny loves pushing past what’s on the page, coming up with out of the box examples to ensure the masterful application of concepts in as many contexts as possible. His favorite part of tutoring is teaching students how to reach that “aha” moment on their own. When he isn’t tutoring, Donny is usually playing the marimba or creating knitwear for his friends.

matthew g. - writing & humanities tutor

Matt is novelist, playwright, and director, as well as an experienced teacher and tutor. He has taught English at the university, high school, and middle school levels; as a tutor, his specialties include creative writing, grammar, reading comprehension, history, and verbal test prep. He has a B.A. in philosophy from Syracuse, and an M.A. in English literature from Lehigh University. His secret talent is dodgeball.

MANAV F. - MATh, SCIENCE, & TEST PREP

Having attended the Queens Schools for the Sciences and St. John’s University, Manav is a lifelong educator currently preparing for medical school. While earning his B.S. in Biology, Manav worked as an EMT and a research assistant studying Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver disease. He believes that the best tutor can connect with students on a personal level and make learning enjoyable. Outside of academics, Manav enjoys engaging with students through creative teaching methods, ensuring that his sessions are not only informative, but also engaging. He is comfortable teaching a broad range of advanced maths and sciences, as well as the SHSAT and SAT.

DAVID G. - TEST PREP, ACADEMIC SUBJECTS, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

David hails from the great state of North Carolina, where the tea is sweet, and the people are sweeter. After receiving his degree in biology, David was awarded a fellowship through Princeton to teach English and study Mandarin at the Dalian University of Technology in Dong Bei, China. David has 20 years of experience tutoring biology (academic, AP), chemistry (academic, AP), math through pre-calculus, writing, Spanish, and test prep (SHSAT, SAT, ACT). An accomplished actor and improv comic, David has a reputation for making tutoring fun.

JULIEN H. - TEST PREP, ACADEMIC TUTORING, ESSAYS, & EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Julien is a Los Angeles native, Brooklyn transplant, and writer with seven years of tutoring experience under his belt. After receiving his bar mitzvah at Temple Isaiah and his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in English Literature and American Studies, cum laude, he began working as a test prep tutor, specializing in LSAT and SAT prep. As a screenwriter, he has sold and developed projects with Amazon Studios, Universal Television, and Lionsgate, among others. He knows his stuff, and specializes in breaking down high level, complex topics in a way that’s dynamic and engaging. He believes tutoring should be relaxed and collaborative, and takes a holistic approach to ensure each student achieves the best results they are capable of achieving.

Jess i. - TEST PREP, academic TUTOR

Jess is an expert at spreading knowledge and a love of learning. Her experience ranges from early childhood education through college, spanning virtually all academic subjects and exams- including Regents and AP tests, the SHSAT, and the SAT. Deeply intrigued by "matters of the mind," she double majored in Behavioral Neuroscience and Philosophy, Politics & Society. When she isn't engaged in academics, Jess is usually playing music or enjoying nature.

LAUREN K. - TEST PREP, academic TUTOR

Whether a student needs help with homework, test-taking strategies, or academic tutoring, Lauren is more than capable of helping them reach their goals! She believes that everyone has the potential to succeed academically, given the right amount of time, resources, and effort. Lauren's extensive tutoring experience and positive, encouraging attitude help students feel comfortable with her. She likes to serve not only as a tutor, but as a mentor for students, pushing them to grow as a person and as a student. Lauren graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences and received her Masters degree from Columbia University. She has over ten years of experience tutoring students of all grade levels and academic abilities, and within many different subjects. Lauren enjoys partaking in arts and crafts when she is not working, including sewing and painting. She also enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as playing basketball and volleyball.

Daniel K – TEST PREP, ACADEMIC TUTORING

Daniel received his B.A. in History from Brown University (magna cum laude, Phi Betta Kappa). He has been a professional tutor for the last six years, specializing in a variety of subjects from SAT/ACT to college essay writing to AP English. Daniel prides himself on individualizing his instruction to the needs of each of his students, instilling confidence to inspire determination and a drive to succeed. Outside of tutoring, Daniel loves theatre, writing, cooking, and listening to Bossa Nova and R&B music.

LEILANI L – MATHEMATICS

Leilani graduated from New York University earning a MAT in Special Education. Leilani is a dually certified NYS teacher. Her certifications include 7- 12 mathematics and 7-12 special education generalist. Leilani has worked with students of varying levels from grades 8 - 12. Her teaching approach prioritizes building students’ confidence and empowering them to tackle challenging problems. In her free time, Leilani enjoys reading, painting, and working out. 

AUSTIN L – MATh & SCIENCE

Austin is a recent transplant from the DC area; he grew up in Bethesda, MD and graduated from University of Maryland with a degree in physics. Since then, he has taught math and science in many settings including one-on-one tutoring and remote college lectures, all while working as a freelance guitarist and creating his own jazz fusion band. He has over 6 years of experience teaching algebra, geometry, trigonometry, chemistry, AP calculus, AP physics, and test prep.

EMILY M. - ELEMENTARY math & verbal

Emily has been teaching lower elementary for the past seven years. She received her BA in Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and stayed a fifth year to complete her Master’s in Elementary Education. Throughout her teaching career, Emily has worked with students of varying abilities in both general education and inclusion classrooms. She has experience working with children with special needs both in classroom and small group settings. When she’s not in the classroom, Emily enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with friends and family!

Kevin M. - ACADEMIC TUTORING, ENRICHMENT, TEST PREP

Kevin is a graduate of Wesleyan University, where they majored in classical studies, and received their MA in Ecclesiastical History from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Kevin has worked in education for 12 years; they are currently the Latin teacher at Brooklyn Independent Middle School, and previously supervised an after-school enrichment program in Lower Manhattan, taught Humanities enrichment courses with the Harlem Educational Activities Fund, and tutored Ancient Greek at the undergraduate level. Kevin works with students of all skill levels including those with dyslexia, executive functioning, and ADD. They tutor a wide range of academic subjects, as well as the ERB, SHSAT, and ISEE. When not teaching, Kevin enjoys painting, running and playing in tabletop roleplaying games, and entertaining their cats, Peach and Prairie.

PRYNCE K. - SCIENCE & MATH

A med school bound graduate of Rice University, Prynce is a multidisciplinary scholar equally at home teaching advanced chemistry, AP English, or the SAT. In his free time, Prynce does MMA, writes, and tries his hand at very bad improv comedy.

ANAS M. - SHSAT, ISEE/SSAT, SAT, ACT, ACADEMIC MATH

Before attending NYU to study Economics and Data Science, Anas cut his teeth at New York’s storied Bronx Science, where he developed a love for scholarship and instruction. With over 4 years of tutoring experience, Anas has developed the ability to connect with students to work past academic obstacles in order to realize their full potential. He believes that tutoring is not merely about the material but also instilling the confidence in students to become competent and avid learners even after achieving their current academic goals. Anas has extensive experience with standardized tests and the NYC common core curriculum.

GRANT M. - ADVANCED STEM TUTOR, TEST PREP, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Grant uses a holistic approach towards STEM education. With a comprehensive knowledge of Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Engineering, Grant empowers their students to make interdisciplinary connections across the STEM subjects. While earning a B.S. in chemistry from Harvey Mudd College, Grant broke 10-year lab records in their thesis work: applications of Quantum Physics in solar cell technology. They have since spent time teaching chemistry and developing curriculum in Brooklyn. An educator for 8 years, their teaching style is rigorous and affirming. When not tutoring, Grant loves to talk about any genre of music or go on hikes; they also make botanical artwork and write poetry.

Rita P. – SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, and SUBJECT TUTOR

Rita firmly believes that an excellent instructor teaches students not just what to learn, but how to learn. She encourages students to understand their mistakes and discover solutions, and she supports her students through periods of struggle and growth. 

Rita has also taught an online literature course on Dante's Divine Comedy. The course was run by Georgetown University, her alma mater, and had thousands of participants from all over the world. Rita specializes in standardized tests & academic subjects. She tutors the SAT, ACT, SHSAT, and provides homework help for Math, Spanish & AP courses. 

MANDY R. – Math, Science, Standardized Tests, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Mandy studied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Colorado – Boulder. She believes in creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable to ask questions and push themselves. Mandy strives to instill concrete understandings of concepts so that students can grow independently. Mandy also loves to write her own homework and study plans so that they are customized to the student’s needs. She is also a comedian in NYC, so you can catch her trying to make her students laugh! 

Bipra s - shsat, ISEE, sat, math & science, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Bipra is a graduate of Stony Brook University with a B.S. degree in Biochemistry. With tutoring experience beginning from his high school days, Bipra takes pride in his ability to explain concepts in a variety of ways that is best suited for a student. He believes in creating a nurturing environment that cultivates both curiosity and an eagerness to learn. His specialty lies in tutoring a variety of subjects pertaining to science and mathematics along with standardized test prep.

Kenzie s. - stem, test prep

McKenzie is a passionate and enthusiastic science and math tutor with over five years of experience working with students of all ages, including students attending Ivy League universities and students with learning differences. She holds a dual B.S. degree in Psychology and General Science, along with a minor in Chemistry. McKenzie has experience teaching a wide variety of STEM subjects, as well as prep courses for various standardized tests. She adjusts her teaching style to suit the student’s needs to ensure they are appropriately supported and challenged academically. Aside from teaching, McKenzie is also a dedicated volunteer pediatric palliative care provider in Vietnam. Her other hobbies include hiking and making music.

MANPREET S. - TEST PREP, ACADEMIC SUBJECTS, ADMISSIONS

Born in India and raised in New York City, Manpreet brings to City Smarts a singular passion for teaching math and science. While attending New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, he developed his own SAT Physics crash course. The results speak for themselves: most of the class scored above the 75th percentile on the exam that November. These days, Manpreet can be found helping students master tests such as the SAT, ACT, and SHSAT, and advanced subjects such as AB/BC Calculus and AP Physics.

STEPHANIE S. – EARLY ED, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Stephanie is a teacher in the New York City public schools. She graduated from NYU with a Bachelors in Childhood/Special Education and a Masters in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She has taught abroad to the refugee communities in Eastern Europe for 7 summers. Her time in Europe was transformative and grew her love for cultures and teaching. She is intentional on building relationships with her students and creating a safe and welcoming environment. Her lessons are individualized for each student and focus on building foundations as well as targeting the skills they need. On weekends, she enjoys reading a book in a coffee shop or spending time with her husky.

CAmeron s. - MATH, PHYSICS, ENGLISH, TEST PREP, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

After completing his B.A. in Linguistics, French, and German at NYU, Cameron decided to pursue his love for grammatical rules and intercultural exchange through a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant in Germany. He wrote his Master’s dissertation on refugee integration education in Germany. He has taught all sections of the ACT and SAT and particularly loves engaging with students in the nitty-gritty rules of mathematics and grammar (whether in English, German, or French!). Cameron uses socratic methods to encourage his students to develop their own unique understanding of the material, and he strives to make interdisciplinary connections that make learning personal and meaningful.

Siraj M. - MATH, SCIENCE, TEST PREP

After graduating from the Bronx High School of Science, Siraj majored in Chemistry at New York University. In his eight years as an instructor, Siraj has honed a comprehensive instructional approach that emphasizes holistic learning, strong communication, and positive reinforcement. He has helped students understand difficult math and science concepts in high school Regents, AP courses, and SAT Subject Tests, guided students in their preparation for the SAT, ACT, and SHSAT, and tutored advanced academic subjects including Calculus and Chemistry. In his free time, Siraj is an Olympic-style Weight Trainer with dreams of competing on the national stage.

Greg t. – ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT

Greg has been tutoring students in test prep and academics from Math to English to History to Latin since he graduated from Princeton Summa Cum Laude in 2006, all while earning his MFA in Directing from Columbia and teaching for Stanford University. A lover of Shakespeare, Greg believes that with enough practice and a little imagination, every student can learn to excel.

Fun fact: Greg won Cash Cab in 2010!

REHAN t. – MATH, SCIENCE, TEST PREP (MATH & VERBAL)

Rehan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. degree in Microbiology. He has over 5 years of tutoring experience across a wide range of STEM disciplines and in standardized tests. He is an aspiring cardiologist currently completing his last year of medical school at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. When he is not seeing patients or studying, he plays a mean game of hoops.

SAFAH t. – MATH, SCIENCE, TEST PREP (MATH & VERBAL)

Safah graduated from Brown University with a B.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering. With a passion for mentoring and tutoring, Safah has guided and supported many students throughout their academic journey. Safah aspires to apply scientific knowledge to improve lives in order to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare. In her free time, Safah loves to follow Bob Ross painting tutorials or find new baking recipes to try out!

ABDULLAH U. – TEST PREP and ACADEMIC TUTORING, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Born and raised in NYC, Abdullah attended Bard High School Early College, where upon completion, he earned his HS Diploma and Associate’s degree. He obtained his BA in Mathematics (with Dept. Honors) from Brooklyn College. He believes in holistic tutoring and engaging the students in the learning process. With over five years of tutoring experience in various disciplines and settings, Abdullah hopes to continue pursuing his passion for helping others. When he is not working with students, he volunteers at his local hospital, works on research projects, and plays basketball.              

ROBERT W – ACADEMIC TUTORinG, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, CTP-5, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Robert graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Theater. His instructional approach has been honed over six years and dozens of students; he uses empathy and compassion to understand his students’ interests and help them overcome obstacles. He spends his free time reading, cooking, and exploring the infinite intricacies of New York City.

Zach y. - SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING, ACADEMIC TUTORING

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Zach graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Writing & History at S.U.N.Y. Cortland, and completed his Master’s degree at Relay Graduate School of Education. Zach is a passionate and skilled instructor with classroom experience and over 10 years of working in education, teaching and tutoring. He can help students learn to solve even the most difficult test problems. Through executive function coaching, Zach reduces academic stress by helping his students manage their meta-work. Zach is an NYC comedian and believes that joy and discipline are the keys to growth.

CHANDO Y. - SAT, ACT, SHSAT, HUNTER, ISEE, SSAT,  REGENTS MATH

Chando was born and raised in South Korea. Despite his late arrival in the States at the age of 13, he quickly overcame his cultural and linguistic barriers to thrive academically at one of California’s premier college-prep boarding schools. With a near perfect GPA and SAT score, he gained admission to Williams College, where he majored in music. It was during his time at Williams that he began to dive into the world of academic tutoring. Chando is equally at home providing guidance for specialized secondary school exams and college entrance exams. He recently earned his graduate degree in music composition from New York University and continues to work as a freelance composer/producer when he is not tutoring.

Christina a. - TEST PREP, AND ACADEMIC TUTORING

Christina graduated from Stuyvesant High School and Bryn Mawr College, where she double-majored in Political Science and Philosophy. She has over ten years of experience helping students tackle the GRE, SAT/ACT, SHSAT, SSAT/ISEE, and academic subjects such as English, Math, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. She helped co-found and run StuyPrep, a program for disadvantaged junior high school students seeking admission to the specialized schools. When she's not studying or tutoring others, she loves running, yoga, reading, trying new restaurants and recipes and spending time with her husband and family in NYC.

AMIRA W. - ELEMENTARY TUTORING, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Amira graduated magna cum laude from University of California Santa Cruz with a B.S. degree in Cognitive Science. She went on to receive her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University in 2021. With over 6 years of tutoring experience and her background as an occupational therapist, she strives to create customized systems that promote both academic and personal success. In her spare time, Amira enjoys oil panting, playing pool, and solving crossword puzzles.