Biography coming soon... 

Subject I Teach:
English,  Math,  Social Studies (K–4)

I'm Good At:
Supporting young learners and Special Needs students

Hello, my name is Ben Kagan. After graduating from Phillips Academy Andover in 2008, I studied Philosophy and Economics at the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland. I left Edinburgh to enlist in the United States Air Force as an airborne cryptologic linguist specializing in Korean. After completing military service, I studied Neuroscience at the University of Vermont before transferring to the Music Conservatory at SUNY Purchase College to study classical piano performance and music theory. I graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from SUNY Purchase in 2018. I worked as a financial analyst for several years before transitioning to education and private tutoring. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing tennis and studying chess. 

Subjects I Teach:
SAT Verbal,  College Essay Writing, College Interview Preparation,  AP US History,  AP European History,  AP World History,  AP Literature,  and AP English Language and Composition 

I'm Good At:

Neel Thaker is an experienced Physics and Mathematics tutor with a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics from Rutgers University – New Brunswick, graduating cum laude. With over 1.5 years of tutoring experience at Rutgers University and additional experience teaching high school and college students, Neel specializes in AP Physics C, AP Physics 1, AP Calculus AB & BC, and introductory college-level physics and calculus.

He is passionate about creating an engaging learning environment, simplifying complex concepts, and tailoring lessons to meet individual learning styles. Neel’s teaching approach focuses on building strong conceptual foundations while developing problem-solving skills, enabling students to achieve academic success and confidence in STEM subjects.

Subjects I Teach:
AP Physics C,  AP Physics 1,  AP Calculus AB & BC, and introductory college-level physics and calculus.

I'm Good At:
Making complex things seem easy.

With several years of experience tutoring students of all skill levels in math and science, Brandon specializes in preparing students for success on their SAT and ACT exams. Passionate about education and technology, Brandon strives to deliver a premium educational experience, recognizing the significant commitment students and families invest in their academic journey.

Brandon holds a Bachelor's in Physics from Binghamton University (2023) and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Data Science. Outside the classroom, Brandon enjoys training for athletic challenges and is currently preparing for their first half marathon in April! A lover of live performances—especially Broadway theater—and an avid movie enthusiast, some favorite films include Interstellar, The Dark Knight, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and Dune: Part II.

Subjects I Teach:
Math,  SAT / ACT Math, and Physics.

I'm Good At:

Biography coming soon... 

Subject I Teach: All Levels of Math,  All ACT Subjects,  LSAT Prep

I'm Good At:
Identifying weaknesses and turning them into strengths

Henry is a STEM tutor with a BA from Colby College. With years of experience at at the AP and college level, he brings the requisite passion, knowledge, and skill to help students excel for their current curriculum and beyond. He primarily focuses on Biology, where his pursuit of a Medical Degree gives him the depth of knowledge necessary to elevate understanding beyond what might be required for his students.

Subjects I teach: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, English, and Classics

I Am Good At: Helping students understand material through different teaching mediums and methodologies.

Biography coming soon... 

Hello, my name is Michelle Portillo and I have been teaching chemistry for the past 12 years. I teach all levels of chemistry from regents level to college level. I received my B.S. degree in Chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University, and my Master’s Degree in Teaching from New York University. I am excited to continue helping and fostering the learning of chemistry for future generations.  

Subjects I Teach:
Chemistry,  AP Chemistry

I'm Good At:

As a passionate educator with 30 years of experience, I have positively impacted thousands of students, meeting them where they are and providing them with the communication tools they need to be successful in the 21st century. I have honed my ability to effectively relay complex content to audiences of all demographics.  My commitment to individualized learning has led me toward the next chapter in my life, which is one-on-one teaching.

I addition to academic tutoring, I am also a yoga teacher and recently obtained a 200-hour Yoga Alliance teaching certification as well as a Wellness Champion certificate.  Through Yoga, I’ve gained skills in social emotional learning, which I use to help build students' confidence and manage anxiety and stress.  

When I’m not teaching, I am usually traveling the world one landmark at a time.  One of my favorite travel experiences was a trip to Costa Rica because of their commitment to the preservation of ecosystems.  As a self-proclaimed cat-lover, I cherish visiting places where environmental conservation is at the forefront of a nation’s work.  Next stop - Bali!

Subjects I Teach:
English Regents, SAT subject test, SAT verbal, ACT verbal, and Latin for grades 6-12 with a focus on grammar and vocabulary building. 

I'm Good At:
Teaching students valuable mindfulness strategies for managing stress and anxiety during high stakes competitions such as sports and standardized testing.

Biography coming soon... 

Subject I Teach:
English,  Essay Writing,  College Essays,  Book Club Camp

I Am Good At:
Helping students draw on their goals and experiences to craft meaningful, insightful and expressive essays.

I hold a BA in History (2017) and an MA in Social Studies Education (2018) from American University. For seven years, I taught global history, U.S. history, and psychology, and gained extensive experience preparing and tutoring students for AP and Regents exams, as well as supporting literacy, reading, and writing development. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Fordham University while continuing to work in schools to promote student success. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my two Shih Tzus, Rocco and Pebbles.

Thea Willcox is a graduate of Skidmore College with a BA in Psychology who is passionate about the humanities. She primarily focuses on the study of English Language Arts, whether that is in learning basic reading comprehension and writing, studying for the SAT, or editing a complex literary analysis essay. Outside of teaching, Thea works with horses on her family’s farm. 

Subjects I Teach:
Thea teaches English, SAT English, Composition and Literature.

I'm Good At:

Biography coming soon...