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Our Tutors
Katie Childs
Katie brings a warm, encouraging, and deeply empathetic approach to tutoring—rooted in her own experience as someone who benefitted from tutoring while growing up. Because she knows firsthand how impactful academic support can be, she loves being the person students can trust when school feels overwhelming. Helping students build confidence, feel understood, and succeed in subjects they once found intimidating is what motivates her most. Katie thrives in science-based subjects, especially Chemistry, Biology, and elementary/middle school sciences. She also enjoys tutoring Algebra and helping students strengthen their foundational math skills. Throughout her own academic journey, she excelled in math and science and has always loved writing and expressing ideas clearly—skills that now support her ability to explain challenging concepts in simple, approachable ways. Her tutoring style is shaped by the strategies she used as a student: asking questions, seeking support when needed, breaking material into manageable steps, and using practice problems and study groups to reinforce understanding. Because she’s been in her students’ shoes, she knows how important it is to feel supported, not judged. What sets Katie apart is her ability to genuinely connect with students. She leads with empathy and strong communication skills, helping learners feel comfortable, capable, and encouraged. She excels at breaking down complex ideas without making them overwhelming and consistently reminds students that they are capable—sometimes they just need the right explanation or a little confidence to unlock progress. When frustration arises, Katie slows the pace, acknowledges the student’s feelings, and breaks the problem into smaller, digestible pieces. Depending on the student’s learning style, she uses examples, visuals, or guided steps to help them regain confidence and realize that they can understand the material. Outside academics, Katie has big dreams—she hopes to become a dentist one day and run the NYC Marathon. As a social and interpersonal learner herself, she brings patience, encouragement, and connection into every session, helping students feel supported both academically and personally.
Ashley Coates
Ashley is a passionate tutor who discovered her love for teaching early on, inspired by her best friend with high-functioning autism. Witnessing educational inequities firsthand, she began volunteering to teach financial literacy and other subjects to special needs students, sparking her commitment to helping learners of all abilities thrive. Ashley specializes in English, Science, and History, while also excelling at breaking down math for “non-math brains.” A whiz in English and Science, she especially enjoys comprehension and research, helping students build lasting skills instead of simply memorizing for tests. Having once struggled with pacing herself as a student, she learned the value of healthy study habits and grace—lessons she now shares with her students. What sets Ashley apart is her broad experience with learners of all ages and abilities, and her focus on making students feel confident and comfortable. When frustration arises, she patiently breaks concepts into smaller steps, encourages brain breaks, and adapts her approach until learning feels achievable again. A social and interpersonal learner herself, Ashley brings energy and collaboration to her sessions, making them dynamic and engaging. Outside of tutoring, Ashley has a wide range of interests—from playing lacrosse to singing for the Pope in Italy. Her diverse experiences highlight her adaptability and enthusiasm, qualities she brings to every student she works with.
Cait Cunningham
Cait has always had a deep love and understanding for children, which makes tutoring feel less like a job and more like a privilege. She sees tutoring as a two-way street—not only does she get to teach, but she also learns from the kids she works with every day. Cait specializes in K–5 Math and ELA, as well as 6–12 English at all levels, from general studies to AP. Understanding the English language has always come naturally to her—she jokes that if the “grammar police” were real, she’d be their captain. She loves helping students build strong foundations in reading, writing, and communication while making math approachable and even fun. As a student, Cait overcame her own challenges by staying focused, organized, and creating a rewarding environment for herself. She often used checklists to track her progress and celebrated accomplishments along the way—a strategy she now encourages in her students. She also knows firsthand the frustration of homework struggles at the kitchen table, which fuels her compassion and patience as a tutor. Her goal is always to make learning fun, rewarding, and confidence-building. When students feel discouraged, Cait emphasizes the power of positivity and perspective. She reminds them that “I can’t” really just means “I can’t yet,” and she breaks down material into manageable steps while keeping the environment supportive and encouraging. Her interpersonal and verbal learning style allows her to connect deeply with students, turning even difficult lessons into engaging conversations. Outside of tutoring, Cait’s happy place is Disney World, where she visits weekly as an annual passholder—Animal Kingdom is her favorite park. She brings that same sense of joy, enthusiasm, and excitement for discovery into every tutoring session, inspiring her students to believe in themselves and enjoy the learning process.
Kylie Cimillo
Kylie Cimillo is a passionate Health Sciences major at the University of Central Florida with a natural gift for connecting with students and inspiring a love for learning. Her background in science and writing, combined with her hands-on approach to teaching, makes her an engaging and effective tutor. Kylie enjoys tutoring because it allows her to share her knowledge while watching students grow both intellectually and personally. For her, tutoring is more than just teaching; it’s about creating meaningful bonds with students and helping them find joy in subjects they once found challenging. With her background in health sciences and a love for writing, Kylie thrives in science-based subjects, as well as reading and writing. In her free time, you’ll find her diving into books or journaling, which fuels her passion for language and expression. While her strengths lie in these areas, Kylie’s versatility allows her to adapt quickly to support students in any subject. Throughout her academic journey, Kylie has excelled in sciences and writing, having been part of a medical program in high school and taking advanced writing courses at a local college. When facing academic challenges, Kylie uses her skills as a planner to create structured, focused study sessions. She maintains a positive attitude and rewards herself for her efforts, believing that self-compassion and persistence are key to success. Kylie’s hands-on, kinaesthetic learning style is a hallmark of her tutoring approach. She uses interactive tools like flip books, games, and projects to make learning engaging and memorable. Her ability to create a fun, dynamic learning environment sets her apart and ensures students stay motivated and excited to learn.
Braeden Wright
Braeden Wright is an Aerospace Engineering major at the University of Central Florida with a passion for math, physics, and helping students unlock their full potential. Inspired by the positive impact of his own tutor, Braeden strives to be the kind of mentor who not only supports academic success but also imparts life skills and confidence to his students. Braeden knows firsthand the struggles of staying focused and overcoming academic challenges. His tutor in middle and high school was a life-changing influence, teaching him not just about school but about resilience and success. Now, Braeden hopes to pass on that same knowledge and support to students facing similar difficulties, helping them achieve their best both academically and personally. Braeden specializes in math and physics, with a particular love for Algebra I, II, college-level algebra, and fractal decomposition. Physics—especially theoretical physics and aerodynamics—is another area of passion for him. He enjoys breaking down complex concepts and making them fun and engaging for his students, showing them the exciting side of STEM. Braeden thrived in science and math throughout school because he found them enjoyable and less like a chore. His love for these subjects fueled his success and allowed him to approach learning as a rewarding hobby rather than a task. Braeden takes a friend-first approach to tutoring, seeing his students as equals rather than someone below him in knowledge. He values the quirks and potential in each individual and aims to create a relaxed, supportive environment where learning feels approachable and fun. For Braeden, tutoring isn’t just about academics—it’s about making a genuine connection with his students.
Vitoria Dias Martins da Costa
Vitoria Dias Martins da Costa is a compassionate and motivated tutor who loves watching her students grow in both confidence and ability. One of her favorite parts of tutoring is seeing students progress from session to session—not only improving their grades, but also believing more in themselves. Having been tutored herself, Vitoria understands what it feels like to be on the other side of the table, allowing her to connect easily with students and create a supportive learning environment. Vitoria enjoys tutoring across all subjects and is especially passionate about science, including biology and chemistry, which align with her long-term goal of becoming a doctor. She also has a strong appreciation for English and enjoys helping students express themselves through writing. Throughout school, she thrived most in English, history, and biology, building strong foundations in both analytical and creative thinking. When she faced challenges, particularly in math, Vitoria approached them proactively by seeking extra help from teachers, using online resources, and committing to consistent practice. These experiences taught her perseverance and shaped her patient, encouraging tutoring style. What sets her apart is her diverse educational background—she lived in Brazil until age seven and attended a German school—giving her a unique global perspective and adaptability in working with students. When students feel frustrated, Vitoria remains calm and reassuring, taking time to listen and break concepts into manageable steps. As a social and interpersonal learner herself, she builds strong connections with her students and creates a space where questions and mistakes are welcomed. Through her dedication, empathy, and enthusiasm for learning, Vitoria is committed to helping every student succeed with confidence and clarity.
Josephine Sellenriek
Josephine loves watching students realize their own potential—especially when a concept finally “clicks.” She knows the classroom can feel overwhelming, so she makes tutoring personal: breaking ideas into clear, step-by-step pieces that meet each learner where they are and build real confidence. A lifelong math enthusiast, Josephine thinks of math as a giant puzzle and enjoys teaching the strategies to solve it. She also thrived in science and brings that same curiosity and love of learning to every session. As a student, she tackled challenges proactively—digging into textbooks and trusted resources—and later learned the value of asking for help. Tutoring lets her be the supportive guide she once wished she’d had. What sets Josephine apart is her extensive experience with children of all ages. Before tutoring, she spent six years babysitting and nannying for kids from six months to eighteen years old, giving her a patient, empathetic approach and a knack for making learning engaging and age-appropriate. When frustration arises, she validates the feeling, offers short “reset” breaks, and re-explains concepts from fresh angles until the path forward is clear. A logical–mathematical learner herself, Josephine teaches the way she learns—organized, calm, and step-by-step. Fun fact: when she’s not solving problems, she loves to wake surf.
Maahir Rahi
Maahir is a dedicated STEM tutor who brings clarity, patience, and real engineering experience to every session. As a Materials Science & Engineering student at UCF, he’s used to breaking complex problems into simple steps—an approach he loves applying with students to turn “this makes no sense” into “I get it now.” He specializes in advanced math (Algebra through Calculus 3 and Differential Equations), Physics, and Chemistry. These are the subjects where he’s always thrived, and he enjoys helping students see patterns, understand the “why,” and build confidence in problem-solving. Maahir wasn’t always the “naturally smart” kid, and that perspective makes his teaching grounded and relatable. In college, he transformed his study habits using structured routines, practice strategies, and tools like note-summarizing, reviewing lectures, and creating step-by-step checklists. He now teaches those same skills to students so they can succeed independently—not just during sessions.
When students feel frustrated, Maahir keeps explanations short, asks guiding questions, and has them talk through the steps to reinforce understanding. Whether a student learns best visually, logically, or through discussion, he adapts with diagrams, examples, or clear verbal breakdowns. Outside academics, Maahir enjoys reading, going to the gym, and previously played lacrosse, which strengthened his time-management and discipline. Maahir’s goal is simple: build confidence, create clarity, and leave every student with a repeatable process they can trust on homework, quizzes, and tests.
Tarek Hasan
Tarek has always excelled in problem-solving and logic-based subjects, and tutoring allows him to share that strength with students who need clarity and confidence. He loves helping students move from confusion to understanding, especially when a difficult topic finally “clicks” and they begin to feel capable again. Math is where Tarek shines most—particularly Algebra and Calculus. He enjoys breaking down complex ideas into simple, step-by-step explanations that feel approachable. In school, he thrived in advanced courses like AP Calculus and AP Chemistry, and his strong analytical skills shape the way he teaches today. Tarek’s tutoring style is patient, calm, and individualized. He focuses on genuine comprehension rather than memorization, adapting his approach to each student’s learning style. When a student feels frustrated, he takes time to identify exactly where the confusion begins, works through the challenging steps slowly, and reassures them that struggling is a normal part of learning. As a logical learner himself, Tarek understands the importance of explaining the “why” behind concepts to help students feel grounded and confident. Outside of academics, Tarek loves traveling and experiencing different cultures—a curiosity and openness he brings into his tutoring sessions as well.
Kaila Cohen
Kaila Cohen is a Theatre Arts major at Rollins College, preparing to pursue an MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences at UCF. Passionate about education and creativity, she loves helping students grow by making learning engaging and personalized. Kaila specializes in English tutoring, including writing, grammar, reading, and research, and enjoys helping students find their unique voices. As a lifelong arts enthusiast, she incorporates theater, music, and visual arts to make lessons dynamic. Having developed her own study strategies, she guides students in discovering what works best for them. Known for her patience and positivity, Kaila tailors her approach to each learner’s interests and has extensive experience supporting individuals with disabilities. When students feel frustrated, she encourages short breaks, grounding exercises, and open conversations to help them refocus. Outside of tutoring, Kaila enjoys directing theater, visiting Disney World, and playing Disney Dreamlight Valley. Her enthusiasm for learning and creativity makes her a dedicated and engaging tutor, eager to help students reach their full potential.
Samantha Ostroff
Samantha finds joy in tutoring because it’s incredibly rewarding to watch students grow in both knowledge and confidence. For her, success isn’t just about helping students get the right answers—it’s about guiding them to believe in their own abilities and equipping them with tools they can carry forward into every subject. Samantha specializes in lower school reading as well as middle school math and science, where she thrives in making challenging concepts feel approachable. In high school, she excelled in math and science while also nurturing a love for reading. Today, she is pursuing a Biology degree at the University of Central Florida, where her fascination with the subject continues to deepen her knowledge and shape her tutoring. As a student, Samantha overcame obstacles by staying organized, knowing when to ask for help, and remaining disciplined with her tasks even when times were tough. These habits not only helped her succeed but also shaped her ability to teach others how to stay on track. She stands out as a tutor because of her patience and her clear, step-by-step approach that makes even complex ideas understandable.
When students feel frustrated, Samantha remains calm, listens carefully to their concerns, and breaks problems into smaller, more manageable steps. She pairs this with positive encouragement, making sure students feel supported as they regain confidence and clarity. A social and interpersonal learner herself, she thrives in building strong connections with students, creating an environment that feels collaborative, comfortable, and motivating. Outside of academics, Samantha has a unique passion: she was a competitive figure skater for 10 years. This dedication taught her perseverance, focus, and discipline—qualities she now brings to her tutoring. Whether guiding a young reader, walking through math problems, or explaining scientific concepts, Samantha is committed to helping every student succeed with patience, positivity, and clarity.
Hannah is passionate about being part of a student’s growth—academically, personally, and in confidence. To her, tutoring isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about supporting a student through their learning journey, helping them think through challenges, and being someone they can rely on. During high school, she served as a mentor for younger students, and the most rewarding part of that role was watching the lightbulb moment—when confusion turns into clarity and a student instantly sits a little taller with newfound confidence. Those moments are why she tutors.
Hannah enjoys working with both math and English. She loves the logical, step-by-step nature of math, where solving a problem piece by piece feels like building a puzzle. At the same time, she finds English rewarding because it allows for creativity and gives insight into how students think and express themselves—two skills she values deeply. In school, she thrived in math and science, drawn to the curiosity of why things work the way they do. As she entered college, she found additional passion in communications, where she explores why humans respond to the world as they do—knowledge that strengthens her ability to relate to students, understand their frustrations, and meet them where they are. Hannah overcame academic challenges by asking questions, leaning on classmates for different perspectives, and meeting with teachers one-on-one when she needed clarity. She values patience, collaboration, and learning at a pace that feels right—not rushed. What sets Hannah apart as a tutor is her strong empathy and perspective-taking. She’s highly attuned to how students feel—whether confused, overwhelmed, or discouraged—and she adjusts her approach based on their emotional and academic needs. She believes every student deserves to feel heard, supported, and capable. When frustration pops up during sessions, Hannah first creates space for calm—sometimes with a short break to reset. From there, she explores the concept from a new angle or introduces a different example or method, recognizing that sometimes the right explanation is simply one perspective shift away. A fun fact about Hannah: her favorite dessert is a warm BJ’s pizookie, and she will never turn one down. She identifies most with kinesthetic, intrapersonal, and visual learning styles, meaning she learns and teaches best through doing, reflecting, seeing, and making concepts tangible and relatable. Warm, patient, and connection-driven, Hannah creates an environment where students feel safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and grow into more confident learners.
Hannah Kercsmar
Matthew Barba
Matthew Barba is a dedicated and relatable tutor who is passionate about helping students stay on track and recognize the importance of their education. Having experienced his own shift in mindset toward school, Matthew understands how powerful the right support and motivation can be. In high school, he struggled with focus and saw his grades slip, but through personal growth and renewed commitment in college, he realized the value of academic discipline. Today, as a student at his dream school, the University of Central Florida, he is driven to help others find that same sense of purpose and direction. Matthew specializes in math, a subject that has always come naturally to him, and he enjoys helping students build confidence through clear, step-by-step explanations. He is also skilled in essay and creative writing, giving him a well-rounded academic foundation. In college, Matthew has developed strong time-management and planning skills, allowing him to balance academics with other interests—habits he now teaches his students to develop as well. What sets Matthew apart is his ability to meet students where they are. He works hard to ensure that no one feels left behind, drawing from his own experiences being tutored and supported along the way. He believes learning should feel collaborative and encouraging, not intimidating. When students become frustrated or overwhelmed, Matthew emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, slowing down, and returning to material with a fresh mindset. He reminds students that confidence is built one step at a time. A logical and auditory learner with a strong musical aptitude, Matthew often connects patterns and rhythm to problem-solving and learning. Outside of tutoring, he is a second-year Electrical Engineering major at UCF and a talented musician. He plays guitar, bass, keyboards, sings, and is learning the drums, bringing creativity and balance into his academic life. Whether guiding students through math concepts or helping them develop better study habits, Matthew is committed to empowering each learner to move forward with confidence and purpose.
Kendall Ralley
Kendall Ralley is a dedicated and compassionate tutor who is passionate about helping students recognize their own potential and believe in themselves. She finds deep fulfillment in building meaningful relationships with her students and supporting them as they work toward their academic goals. For Kendall, tutoring is about more than academics—it’s about confidence, growth, and helping students develop a strong sense of self in their abilities. English and Reading have always been Kendall’s favorite subjects, as she believes these skills provide a foundation for lifelong learning and success. She loves showing students that reading and writing can be both enjoyable and engaging. Throughout her academic journey, Kendall worked hard to build strong study habits that allowed her to thrive across subjects. Reading comprehension became one of her greatest strengths through consistent practice and thoughtful engagement with texts. As a current pre-nursing student at the University of Central Florida, she also brings strong skills in science and math into her tutoring sessions. Like many students, Kendall encountered topics that didn’t come easily at first. She overcame these challenges by trying new learning strategies, asking for help when needed, and practicing patience with herself. This experience shaped her positive, growth-oriented mindset and now allows her to guide students through obstacles with empathy and encouragement. She reminds her students that learning takes time and that persistence is often the key to success. What truly sets Kendall apart is her genuine care for each student’s individual journey. She takes the time to understand how her students learn best and adapts her teaching style to meet their unique needs. Her goal is not only to improve grades and test scores, but also to build lasting academic skills and self-confidence that extend far beyond the classroom.
When students feel frustrated, Kendall creates a safe and supportive environment where their feelings are validated and understood. She emphasizes positivity, reassurance, and teamwork, working alongside her students at a pace that feels both comfortable and motivating. As a visual and spatial learner herself, she often incorporates charts, diagrams, and visual tools to make concepts clearer and more accessible.
Outside of tutoring, Kendall brings a global perspective to her work. She has traveled to over 25 countries and will be studying abroad in Barcelona this summer. Her curiosity, adaptability, and love for learning shine through in every session. Whether helping students strengthen their reading skills, improve comprehension, or build confidence across subjects, Kendall is committed to empowering each learner to reach their fullest potential.