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Our Tutors
Madeline Nelson
Madeline is a University of Central Florida Knight! She's has extensive tutoring experience with students of all ages - even upper level sciences including anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and biology, upper level math including calculus, algebra 1 & 2, trigonometry, and geometry, and even experience with SAT! She's hoping to one day have a career working with students! She firmly believes building a strong academic foundation is paramount to the future success of students and for overall self-confidence. She cites, "By being able to solve problems and learn efficiently, students learn they can do anything they set their minds to!"Her favorite subjects are history, reading, and science! She is adept in working with all learners, but personally, she's a visual-spatial learner! She once told us, she could hear the pythagorean theorem 100 times over, but until she writes it, she probably won't retain it! She's knowledgeable, empathetic, and hard working! She will always put her best foot forward to figure out how to assist our students and meet their needs in any way she can!
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.
Emily Melo
Emily Melo is a dedicated Mathematics major at the University of Central Florida with a passion for problem-solving and inspiring students to unlock their full potential. Emily combines her curiosity for learning with her talent for teaching, helping students approach challenging subjects with confidence and determination. Emily finds tutoring incredibly rewarding because she loves seeing students gain confidence in subjects they once found difficult. She believes that with a little guidance, every student can reach their true potential. Watching the joy on students’ faces when they succeed is what drives her passion for tutoring. Emily’s expertise lies in math and science, which she finds both fascinating and structured. She enjoys the patterns and formulas in math that help solve complex problems, and she loves the exploration and experimentation that make science so engaging. Emily sees the critical thinking required for both subjects as deeply interconnected, making them her favorite areas to tutor. Emily has always excelled in STEM subjects due to her curiosity and dedication. She approaches learning with balance and a sense of organization, which she believes are key to success. Emily’s love for challenges has also driven her to succeed in areas outside her comfort zone, inspiring her students to tackle their own challenges with the same enthusiasm. Emily’s patience and understanding set her apart as a tutor. She knows firsthand how difficult it can be to ask for help, and she works hard to create a judgment-free environment where students feel comfortable asking any questions. Emily takes the time to go at each student’s pace, ensuring they fully understand the material before moving on.
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.
Connor Ballew
Connor Ballew is an Electrical Engineering major at the University of Central Florida with a passion for problem-solving and helping others succeed academically. With his personal experience in overcoming challenges and a deep understanding of math, Connor is committed to guiding students toward confidence and mastery in their studies. Connor enjoys tutoring because he understands the struggles that come with difficult subjects. Having experienced similar challenges himself, he empathizes with students and strives to give them the skills and confidence needed to succeed. For him, it’s rewarding to support students during tough times and make a meaningful impact on their academic progress. Connor specializes in math tutoring, where his systematic approach and strong foundation shine. He loves breaking down complex concepts into simpler, manageable parts and helping students experience those "AHA" moments of understanding. Connor is passionate about challenging the perception that math is difficult, helping students gain a more complete and in-depth understanding of the subject. Throughout high school, Connor excelled in most subjects, graduating as the Salutatorian of his class with a Val/Sal GPA of 5.01. However, transitioning to college brought new challenges. At UCF, Connor developed time management skills, structured schedules, and the ability to break tasks into manageable steps. Joining the EXCEL program at UCF further strengthened his academic foundation by providing resources and a supportive learning community. Connor’s personalized approach to tutoring sets him apart. He takes the time to assess each student’s individual needs and adapts his teaching style to their unique learning preferences. Having been in the position of needing a tutor himself, he understands how intimidating it can feel to seek help and creates a welcoming, supportive environment for his students.
Asher Frank is a Physics major at the University of Central Florida with a specialization in Astronomy. With a passion for learning and a talent for making complex topics accessible, Asher enjoys sharing his love of knowledge with students. His curiosity spans not just physics but also math, English, and the humanities, making him a well-rounded and engaging tutor. Asher loves tutoring because it allows him to share the joy of learning with others. Helping students master concepts they’ve struggled with is deeply satisfying for him. He also finds tutoring to be a great way to deepen his own understanding of the material, making it a mutually rewarding experience. Asher specializes in Math, English, and Physics. His lifelong passion for astronomy sparked his interest in physics and math, while his avid love of reading drew him toward English. Whether it’s solving equations, unraveling the mysteries of the universe, or analyzing literary works, Asher is excited to guide students through these subjects with enthusiasm and expertise. Throughout school, Asher thrived across all subjects, excelling particularly in AP courses and standardized tests, scoring in the 99th percentile on the ACT and PSAT, and earning recognition as a National Merit Finalist. His disciplined approach to studying—reading notes, reviewing textbooks, and utilizing online resources—ensured his success and serves as a foundation for his tutoring strategies. Asher’s enthusiasm for tutoring sets him apart. He views tutoring not as a task, but as an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Having helped friends and students in both structured and individual settings, he tailors his teaching style to meet the unique needs of each learner, ensuring they feel supported and understood.
Asher Frank
Kayleigh-Ann Bristow
Kayleigh has always dreamed of becoming an elementary school teacher, and tutoring is her way of bringing that passion to life. She loves working with kids and finds it deeply rewarding to help them understand difficult concepts in ways that feel fun, engaging, and achievable. Kayleigh thrives when tutoring elementary-aged students, where she can use creative strategies like songs, rhymes, hand motions, or movement to make lessons stick. She knows that learning doesn’t always happen through memorization alone, and she’s dedicated to finding approaches that connect with each child. Her own background includes excelling in a gifted program throughout elementary school and attending a college preparatory middle school, with history and English later becoming her strongest academic passions. Her tutoring style is also shaped by personal experience—Kayleigh has a younger brother with learning disabilities, and she has spent years helping him with homework, reading, and test prep. This gave her not only valuable hands-on experience, but also deep empathy for students who may struggle or feel discouraged. She brings patience, compassion, and creativity to every session, ensuring her students feel supported and confident. When challenges arise, Kayleigh takes time to pause and identify the exact point of disconnect. From there, she adapts her approach—whether it’s breaking down a concept into smaller steps or introducing a fresh perspective—so students feel encouraged rather than overwhelmed. A multi-faceted learner herself (auditory, visual, and physical), she understands the importance of tailoring lessons to different learning styles. Outside of academics, Kayleigh brings the same dedication and creativity to her passions. She danced competitively for 14 years and even auditioned for the TV show Dance Moms. Whether in the studio or the classroom, Kayleigh’s energy and enthusiasm shine through—qualities she now pours into her tutoring sessions to inspire the next generation of learners.
Kalia Cohen
Kalia 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. Kalia 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, Kalia 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, Kalia 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.