Aidan Sigman
BA, Reed College
MA, University of Chicago
A seasoned SAT and ACT strategist with a perfect GRE score, Aidan empowers students to tackle these pivotal exams with confidence and skill. His background in philosophy enhances his ability to teach with a unique perspective that resonates with students of all backgrounds. Aidan's approach is both systematic and flexible, adapting to the individual needs of his students, whether crafting comprehensive curricula or providing targeted tutoring that transcends traditional methods.
Aidan's Study Tip: "Build your test-taking stamina through simulated exams and refine techniques with personalized feedback to turn pressure into progress on test day."
Alisa Chung
BS, University of British Columbia
Alisa brings a compassionate and patient approach to tutoring. With extensive experience as a peer mentor and undergraduate teaching assistant, she excels in creating affirming learning environments tailored to neurodiverse students. Alisa’s academic background and dedication to inclusive education make her an invaluable asset to students striving to understand complex mathematical and scientific concepts.
Alisa’s Study Tip: “When in doubt, write it out – on a physical sheet of paper with a pencil! It's remarkable how much clearer things can become that way.”
Arek Rein Jungwirth
BA, Reed College
Arek specializes in nurturing the academic growth of neurodivergent students and those with learning differences. With a psychology degree and robust experience in diverse teaching settings (incl. chess and unicycling!), Arek brings patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of individual learning needs to each session. His gentle approach ensures that every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.
Arek's Study Tip: "Break down complex problems into visual steps to enhance understanding and retention, making math accessible and less intimidating for all learners."
Ben Lewton
BS, University of Cincinnati
Ben's teaching style emphasizes grounding abstract subjects through students' everyday experiences. Holding degrees in Physics and Astrophysics, his fascination with cutting-edge science hasn't kept him from staying down to earth. Ben values math for its ability to connect diverse topics, and he believes these connections enable students to interpret this fascinating “language of the universe” for themselves.
Ben’s Study Tip: “Try to find math in everyday life, whether it's geometry in your furniture or the kinetic friction under your feet. Learning needs context - combine your lessons with something you can see, hear, or feel!”
Chris Pratt
BS, University of Florida
With over a decade of experience tutoring and a wide range of mathematics coursework under his belt, Chris prides himself in helping students bridge the gap between rote memorization and authentic mastery. He believes that to be most effective, instruction must not only unpack the topic at hand but also the larger conceptual framework that undergirds it. Using a tailored approach unique to each student, Chris aims to build complex connections and a deep understanding of every subject.
Chris’s Study Tip: “Practice a little bit every day, even if it's just opening your book and reading one page. A single step is a move in the right direction – with enough steps, you'll complete any journey.”
Daniel Wallace
BA/BS, University of California - Davis
PhD, Portland State University (in-progress)
Daniel is driven to help individuals develop both their character and their cognition through careful engagement with math. He provides a supportive environment where students can attempt new ways of thinking, discover strength in self-reflection, and apply their skills to novel problems. Because even the most gifted students struggle at some point in advanced coursework, Daniel believes what matters is determination to be the best possible version of oneself.
Daniel’s Study Tip: “For word problems, write down all the relevant information given in a clearer, more concise form. This makes it easier to discern relationships between concepts and determine how to use what you know to answer the question."
Dani Goldstein
BS, Davidson College
Dani harnesses their passion for puzzles and focused learning in their role as a versatile tutor. With a robust academic background and diverse teaching experiences (incl. a stint in China), Dani brings a wealth of knowledge and adaptable teaching strategies to their students. And as an AP Scholar with Distinction, they excel in higher-level coursework, leveraging their expertise to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for mathematical challenges.
Dani’s Study Tip: "Begin every study session or exam hydrated, rested, and well-fed to optimize your performance. A walk in nature, a good night's sleep, and staying hydrated can remarkably boost your focus and energy levels."
Fernando Granizo
BS/MS, University of California – San Diego
Fernando is a passionate tutor with a strong foundation in STEM, holding degrees in Chemical Engineering. He specializes in breaking down complex concepts into digestible lessons, and has consistently helped students achieve academic success, whether they were struggling with the fundamentals or advancing through rigorous AP courses.
Fernando’s Study Tip: "Approach your math and science classes with equal doses of curiosity and patience. Be prepared to analyze the solution process, not just the final answer."
Jadon Schmitt
BS, University of Oregon
Jadon brings both extensive experience and a record of exceptional academic achievement to test prep, boasting near-perfect scores on PSAT, ACT, and GRE. With degrees in mathematics and economics, he combines rigorous analytical skills with a thorough understanding of test-taking strategies. Jadon brings warmth, patience, and a passion for the material to his tutoring sessions, ensuring that each student feels supported and motivated to exceed even their highest expectations.
Study Tip: “On the verbal portions of standardized exams, aim to not only understand why the correct answer is correct, but also why the other options are incorrect.”
Nina Brim
BA, Macalester College
Bringing a Bachelor's in Mathematics and over 5 years of tutoring experience, Nina is eager to share her love of math with students. Nina strives to make math a bit less daunting by cultivating a comfortable environment where students can learn, challenge themselves, and have fun solving problems. In addition to private tutoring, Nina is engaged in enriching minds in the math department at Portland Community College.
Nina’s Study Tip: “A lot of success in math comes from understanding how to use the tools in your toolkit. Before working on a problems in a specific area, it's helpful to review key concepts and formulas so that you're ready to apply them.”
Tomek Buras
BS, University of California at Santa Barbara
With his tenure as a school math teacher, Tomek is able to energize and inspire students from a wide variety of backgrounds. He takes pride in being able to meet them where they are and stoke their academic potential, whether they be students who struggle with academic self-doubt or passionate mathematicians and problem-solvers from an early age.
Tomek’s Study Tip: “Cramming doesn't work! A little bit of daily practice, especially when learning math or foreign languages, is always more effective than a last-minute study session. Plus, you're guaranteed to perform better on a test when rested and relaxed.”