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."
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."
Cameron Gilhooley
BA, Sarah Lawrence College
MFA, Stony Brook University
Cameron is a distinguished college essay tutor and study skills coach with a deep-seated passion for literature and writing. With extensive experience both as a TA for undergraduate writing courses and a private tutor, Cameron excels in nurturing students' executive functioning skills and guiding them through the nuances of crafting compelling essays. He helps them articulate their thoughts with clarity and persuasive power, empowering them to excel in school assignments, standardized tests, and beyond.
Cameron's Study Tip: "An essay is a window into your thought process. Structure your ideas clearly, and refine your voice through deliberate revision to make a lasting impression."
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."
Grace Van Kirk
BS, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Centering empathy and strong self-literacy at the core of her work, Grace strives to broaden her understanding of diverse viewpoints every day. Her drive for promoting accessible and holistic learning experiences propelled her into tutoring and outdoor education – not to mention a stint in the Peace Corps in Guatemala. Grace sees the value in promoting creativity and curiosity as part of the path towards a more successful, joyful, and balanced life.
Grace’s Study Tip: “Observe yourself with curiosity and try your best to withhold judgement. Traits and even thoughts that seem initially negative can, with the right perspective, become tools at your disposal.”
Gwen Tait
BA, Reed College
Gwen’s study of languages (Latin, Greek, Chinese, and counting!) taught them to synthesize new information, recognize patterns, and think critically – skills they now share with students. From tutoring in Reed’s Office of Academic Support to instructing archery at a summer camp, they are dedicated to developing inherent strengths and teaching new skills. Gwen loves to inspire confidence and resilience in all students, especially those who identify as shy or lacking confidence.
Gwen’s Study Tip: “Write it out by hand! The physical act of writing every step in a problem or every word you want to memorize will help you slow down, better enabling you to encode the information.”
Holton Huntington
BA, Middlebury College
Holton’s love of learning runs deep, having worked with students in a traditional classroom, online via Zoom, and as a rock climbing coach. This range in both format and role has helped him empathize with students, identify areas for growth, and guide them toward continuous improvement. Holton’s diverse academic background and longevity of teaching experience are well suited to helping students thrive in a variety of academic areas.
Holton’s Study Tip: “Get the sleep your body needs! All those hours you spent preparing will be wasted if you’re too tired to function once the official test is in front of you.”
Jameson Boslough
BA, University of Montana
MEd, University of Montana
Jameson is a versatile and experienced educator, having coached both kindergarteners on skis and environmental science majors on the Missouri River. His work with diverse learners enables him to tailor his approach to each student’s needs and aspirations. Jameson’s goal is to kindle the sparks of motivation that drive success, improve thinking, and cultivate a passion for learning.
Jameson’s Study Tip: “Take a step back and consider your big-picture goals for a class, test, or semester, then list out key steps needed to meet them (the how) and the core reasons these goals matter (the why). A clear vision and tangible roadmap make all the difference!”
Lee Ngo
BA, Yale University
MA, University of California - Irvine
Lee is a native Oregonian with a dynamic background spanning academia, technology, and media. As a lifelong learner, Lee is dedicated to projects that uplift historically excluded communities. His relatable approach integrates practical skills with pop culture (from Star Trek to Marvel), preparing students for standardized tests and broader academic challenges with creativity and critical thinking.
Lee’s Study Tip: "Embrace a holistic approach to test prep: integrate test material with your interests to make learning more enjoyable and memorable – this fusion enhances understanding and retention.”
Matt Evans Chelf
BA, Shepherd University
MA, Lehigh University
A community college teacher and tutor with a background in writing, research, and history, Matt has been a full-time educator for over seven years. He has a strong background in the humanities and cherishes getting to know people from all walks of life. He believes an open ear and open mind will bring out the best in students. He specializes in study skills, creative approaches to academic writing, and empowering student success.
Matt’s Study Tip: “While writing, try to not worry about any other voice than your own. Let the words flow. Discover. Explore. Have fun. Make a word mess. We can clean up any first draft, making the prose shine.”
Ona Underwood
BA, Princeton University
An Ivy League graduate with over eight years of tutoring and teaching experience – including five years specifically tutoring for the SAT – Ona is passionate about working with young people to build the confidence and skills required to accomplish their goals. She uses curiosity and creativity to meet students where they’re at and adapt to their unique learning styles.
Ona’s Study Tip: “When you're not sure how to approach a challenging problem, start by identifying what you do know. You might be surprised at how far you can get when you believe in yourself and troubleshoot with the tools at hand!”
Patrick Miller
BA, California State University - Sacramento
A credentialed educator with extensive experience teaching AP subjects in the classroom and leading speech and debate teams, Patrick specializes in test preparation. His innovative teaching methods and commitment to academic excellence have consistently fostered high achievement, making him a trusted mentor to scores of high-performing students.
Patrick’s Study Tip: "To excel in AP English FRQs, practice creating focused thesis statements and outlines – these are essential for structuring compelling arguments and achieving sophistication in your essays."
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.”