Ann Powers
BA, Carleton College
MFA, Pacific Lutheran University
In everything she does, Ann brings a passion for language. As a former English professor, grant writer, environmental advocate, and creative writer, she's honed an ability to find the right words to move her intended audience. She knows finding your story isn't always easy, but it is possible – and can even be fun! She’s committed to helping students get past the challenge of a blank page and find their unique voice.
Ann’s Study Tip: “The cinematic quality of the stories you tell will draw your reader in. Once you've created a few good ‘scenes,’ then it's time to tell the reader why you gave them that scene. Your analysis is the icing on the cake. Strive for an essay that is 80% showing (scenic) and 20% telling (analytic).”
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."
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.”
Jon Richards
BS/BA, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Jon's affinities for math, science, language, and test strategy enable him to offer comprehensive guidance across a variety of subjects. By emphasizing the larger conceptual framework of each subject, he ensures that students grasp more than just facts – they develop the critical thinking skills necessary to connect and apply complex ideas and grow their ability to become autonomous learners.
Jon’s Study Tip: “Enhance test performance with active recall: rather than consulting your notes while solving a practice problem, try to retrieve key concepts from memory first. Even if your recall is inaccurate or partial, you're reinforcing your understanding and memory reserves for test day.”
Judy Lee
BA, Occidental College
MA, New School for Social Research
A National Merit Scholar and proud Lincoln High School alumna, Judy brings a unique and research-driven approach to SAT and ACT test preparation. With a degree in Cognitive Psychology and a research collaboration with the Harvard Music Lab, Judy understands the science behind learning and test-taking. Her tailored and evidence-based tutoring methods don't just prepare students for tests – they empower them with lifelong cognitive skills.
Judy’s Study Tip: “Approach each question type repeatedly and consistently until you achieve mastery. Remember: slow is steady, and steady is fast.”
Mamie Stevenson Morago
BA, Reed College
With a decade of experience, Mamie guides students in crafting impactful admissions essays. Having graduated with a degree in literature, she brings a love of language and narrative expertise to the coaching process. Drawing from her professional background in copywriting, manuscript editing, and journalism, her goal is to help students identify unique perspectives and hone their story.
Mamie’s Study Tip: “Start with what means the most to you. Using your authentic voice, craft your narrative around genuine character-building experiences and insights to write a compelling, demonstrative essay.”
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.”