The ConnectPrep Team
We are a talented team passionate about empowering students with the power of education.
Born from Stanford University, we combine the best in technology and teaching to bring you an experience that is forward-thinking, results oriented, and tailored to each student’s needs.
THIS IS OUR CORE
Teaching
Our passion to help students have the best educational experience keeps us focused and drives us to work hard every day.
Connected
We believe in a team approach that teaches our students specific strategies to understand concepts, ideas, and connect all the material to master an academic course or test-prep.
Determination
We’re with you every step of the way and will overcome any obstacles or challenges as you work towards your academic goals.
Innovation
Our goal is to reinvent “tutoring” by using advanced performance metrics along with innovative teaching methods to find solutions for our students. We have bold ideas and an eye towards the future.
THE CONNECTPREP DREAM TEAM
Dear Parents and Students,
My journey into education began with teaching 3rd and 4th graders at Washington University in St. Louis, sparking a family legacy of educational passion. This legacy is the foundation of ConnectPrep, a visionary enterprise inspired by the innovative spirit of Stanford University, dedicated to revolutionizing the educational experience.
At ConnectPrep, we go beyond traditional tutoring by integrating cutting-edge technology with proven teaching methodologies. Our team, a family of educators, innovators, and dreamers, is united in a mission to empower students with education that is not only advanced and results-driven but also deeply personalized.
Our services, designed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, especially in testing and admissions, include:
- Tailored Test Preparation: Employing strategic, performance-driven methods for exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and more.
- Advanced Placement Support: Offering comprehensive support for AP courses and exams to ensure students are well-prepared.
- Academic Tutoring: Providing personalized academic tutoring across a wide range of subjects for students in K-12 and college.
- Specialized Programs: Focusing on essential skills in areas like math and writing, along with executive function coaching.
- Academic Management: Cultivating organizational and engagement skills, crucial for academic and life success.
What sets ConnectPrep apart is our relationship-centric approach. Our success is mirrored in the continual referrals from satisfied clients, underscoring our genuine connection with each student and their family. We are more than educators; we are mentors, guiding our students towards academic excellence and self-discovery.
ConnectPrep’s vision is to be a leader in educational innovation and effectiveness. We are committed to each student’s unique educational journey, ensuring it is not just academically rewarding but also a journey of joy and enlightenment.
Join us at ConnectPrep, where we are dedicated to guiding and inspiring you every step of the way, towards a future filled with learning, growth, and limitless possibilities.
Warm regards,
Jeremy Fine
Founder, ConnectPrep
A FEW OF OUR ALL STAR TEACHERS
Sarah
College Advisor
Sarah brings a rich background in educational advising and college counseling to ConnectPrep, with nearly a decade of experience guiding over 300 students through the complex college admissions landscape. Her expertise spans visiting more than 40 colleges across the globe and supporting students with diverse interests—from direct med programs and engineering to liberal arts and the arts. Sarah has a knack for connecting with students possessing unique talents or learning needs, as well as those unsure of their academic path, offering reassurance and personalized guidance through each step of their journey.
With a holistic approach to counseling, Sarah leverages her certifications in The Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Typology to foster self-discovery among her students, aiding them in articulating their strengths and crafting impactful personal essays. Her ultimate goal is to help students find a college that fits them academically, socially, and culturally, equipping them with life skills essential for adulthood. Sarah's educational foundation includes degrees from Middlebury College and Vanderbilt University, enriched by her experiences as a Fulbright Fellow and her professional involvement in international child welfare and independent school counseling.
Krishna
Science Teacher
Krishna is passionate about education's role in empowering individuals, believing it equips one to excel in various situations. My teaching journey is driven by the joy of uncovering diverse learning perspectives and methodologies, allowing me to make a positive impact on my students' academic performances and goal attainment. Through engaging with students, I not only impart knowledge but also gain insights, fostering a dynamic learning environment where growth and achievement are mutual.
Central to my teaching philosophy is the Socratic method, emphasizing critical thinking and understanding over rote memorization. This approach has been key in developing meaningful connections with students, crucial for their educational journey. I tailor lessons to each student's needs, incorporating essential study skills to enhance organization and note-taking. My background includes B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley, an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from UC Irvine, and over eight years of diverse teaching experience. My commitment to education has consistently led to my students' academic improvement and success in securing admissions to their dream colleges.
Katelyn
ELA and Test Prep Instructor
Katelyn is committed to providing a first-class teaching experience tailored to each student's unique learning style. Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach falls short, I focus on establishing a connection with my students to develop personalized learning plans. This method not only boosts their confidence and self-esteem but also enhances their mastery over various subjects by moving beyond rote memorization to a deeper understanding of material.
Currently pursuing a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Political Science with a Sociology Minor at Northeastern University, I bring over six years of tutoring experience across all grade levels. Specializing in English and essay writing, I also cover a range of science subjects. Beyond academia, I indulge in writing for newsletters, exploring new coffee shops, and baking an arguably excessive amount of banana bread, challenging the notion that one can ever have too much of it.
Ashwi
STEM Teacher
Ashwi is a seasoned teacher with 37 years of experience across India, Jamaica, and the United States, spanning high schools and the University of West Indies Medical School. Specializing in subjects like AP and A level biology, anatomy, physiology, and more, Ashwi focuses on interactive learning, creating "wow moments" through engaging content and innovative teaching methods. Emphasizing exploration, connection, and reflection, Ashwi's approach fosters deep learning and personal growth among students, leading to notable achievements such as high scores on AP exams and success in the USA Biology Olympiad.
Monark
Math Teacher
Monark is a dedicated to redefining math education as a journey of discovery, sparking curiosity with each "Aha" moment. With ten years of experience, I embrace innovative methods, integrating tools like Desmos and Geogebra to make math accessible and engaging. My qualifications include a master's and a Sixth Year of Advanced Studies degree in mathematics, both from the University of Bridgeport, where I achieved a 4.0 GPA. Specializing in Geometry, Pre-Calculus (Honors), and AP Calculus BC, I also excel in boosting students' ACT and SAT scores, often by 200 to 300 points. Passionate about fostering a love for mathematics, I view teaching as a collaborative journey of knowledge exchange, promoting lifelong learning and a deep appreciation for the subject.
Chris
Test Prep Instructor
Chris is an experienced instructor at ConnectPrep, known for his engaging and fun teaching approach. He specializes in a variety of subjects including all levels of math, economics, and test prep for K-12, GRE, GMAT, ACT, SAT, SSAT, SHSAT, HSPT, and ISEE. With over ten years of teaching experience and many five-star ratings, Chris is committed to creating a stress-free learning environment, empathizing with students' academic challenges, and significantly improving their scores. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Pitzer College and enjoys writing, surfing, and singing karaoke in his free time
Linda
College Advisor
Linda is a distinguished college counselor with over twenty years of experience in K-12 education, focusing primarily on high school students' college and career planning. With a track record of assisting students in gaining acceptance to prestigious institutions across the U.S. and abroad—including the University of Michigan, UCLA, Notre Dame, Harvard, Stanford, and MIT—Linda excels in guiding a diverse array of students towards realizing their highest potential. Her expertise spans college applications, essays, graduate school applications, and identifying ideal fit schools. Armed with compassion, profound knowledge, and extensive experience, Linda has successfully navigated hundreds of students through the complexities of the college application process. Holding a BA in education and an MA in counseling with a specialization in college counseling, Linda calls Michigan her home, where she enjoys quality time with her husband and two adult daughters.
Ann
ELA Specialist
Ann, with a distinguished 35-year tenure in public education, excels as a freelance proofreader/editor, tutor, and writing specialist. Her pedagogical approach, centered on meeting students at their level and challenging them towards excellence, spans special education, middle school language arts, social studies, and high school English. Ann advocates for mastery learning, allowing students to learn at their own pace while focusing on enhancing their grammar, syntax, and writing clarity. Holding a BA from Radford University and an MA from Gardner-Webb University, Ann's expertise in educational leadership underpins her successful teaching methodology. Outside her professional life, Ann enjoys weightlifting, cycling, reading, and gardening.
Thais
Test Prep Instructor
Thais received her BA from Tufts University, in International Relations with minors in Philosophy and Entrepreneurship, I've honed my skills through a diverse curriculum and teaching experiences. Courses in Logic and Game Theory, Arabic Literature, and the Sociology of Risk Assessment, alongside teaching roles at the Tufts’ Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, as a Teacher’s Assistant for Portuguese II, and volunteering as an ACT and English tutor, have all contributed to my proficiency. I aim to equip my students with foundational reading and writing skills while fostering their curiosity and enthusiasm, especially for K-8 and high school students, including those preparing for AP Literature, AP Research, and the ACT's reading and writing sections. Working with me ensures students are well-prepared for their reading and writing challenges.
Matt
Math Teacher and Test Prep Instructor
Matthew is a ConnectPrep instructor with a global perspective, holding a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of East Anglia, UK. He focuses on the integration of technology in education, particularly through 3D printing in math teaching. With degrees from New York University and Columbia University, Matthew has over eight years of experience teaching mathematics at various levels. He also tutors students for U.S. admission exams and leads the mathematics department at Northeastern University-London. Outside academia, Matthew is a runner, world traveler, and enjoys diverse outdoor activities.
Wendy
ELA and Test Prep Instructor
Wendy is a New Jersey native with deep roots in language and arts, boasts a rich background that spans from winning a state championship in musical theater to being recognized by the New Yorker magazine as an undergraduate. With advanced studies under luminaries at Cornell, NYU, and the Sorbonne, she has honed her craft in cinema and literature, contributing to prestigious periodicals and adapting literature for film. A seasoned educator, Wendy has a proven track record of mentoring students to achieve publication and awards, specializing in English for a wide age range while also tutoring in Math, Science, and the Arts. Her approach combines personalized academic instruction with life skills, emphasizing a holistic learning experience.
Demmy
College Advisor
Demmy is a seasoned College Consulting Professional and PhD Candidate in History at the University of Chicago, with over seven years of expertise in guiding students through college admissions. Before his doctoral journey beginning in 2016, he honed his skills in Seoul, South Korea, as a college consultant and test prep instructor. Demmy's broad experience spans assisting students across various disciplines, boasting a notable record of helping over 100 students secure spots in top 20 U.S. schools. A San Diego native and UC Berkeley alum, he balances his academic pursuits with passions for reading, creative writing, volunteering, gaming, and culinary experiments.
Min
Teacher and Test Prep Instructor
Min's educational journey spans from a bachelor's in business and economics from Boston University to a master's in mechanical engineering, showcasing his diverse academic interests and dedication to lifelong learning. His transition from the business world to education was fueled by a passion for teaching, leading him to become a New York City Teaching Fellow, where he taught math and science to middle and high school students in Bronx and Manhattan. His tutoring experience is broad, covering college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT, secondary school entrance tests such as the ISEE, SSAT, HSPT, and subjects ranging from English and honors chemistry to college-level physics and economics.
Min's approach to tutoring emphasizes making learning enjoyable and straightforward, a philosophy that has led to significant student achievements, including notable grade improvements and substantial SAT score increases. His commitment to education is not just about imparting knowledge but also about inspiring a love for learning, a trait that has made tutoring the most motivating job he's had
William
College Advisor
William is passionately dedicated to transforming the college application journey into a clear and guided adventure for every student. With over seven years of experience as a certified School Counselor, William has honed his skills in personalizing the college readiness process. Utilizing strategic tools like Naviance, CommonApp, and Coalition, he adeptly navigates students through the complexities of college admissions, making the process both accessible and empowering. Holding a Master of Education in School and Mental Health Counseling from William Paterson University—where he excelled with a 3.8 GPA and was a proud member of the National Counseling Honor Society, Alpha Beta Chi—William's expertise lies in crafting tailored plans that highlight students' strengths and aspirations. His commitment is not just to academic success but to nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to take on the challenges of higher education. At the core of William's approach is a belief in the transformative power of guidance, driven by a mission to ensure that every student's transition from high school to college is not only successful but also inspiring.
Richard
College Advisor
Richard brings a unique perspective to college advising with his Bachelor's in Sociology from the University of Michigan and a Master's in Career Counseling from San Francisco State University. With over fifteen years of experience, Richard excels in helping students identify their passions and align them with potential career paths. His comprehensive services include college selection, application guidance, essay editing, and interview preparation, all tailored to help students not only gain admission to their dream schools but also pave the way for future career success.
Jordan
Executive Coach
Jordan earned his Bachelor's in Special Education from Vanderbilt University, followed by a certification in the Orton-Gillingham approach. With a deep commitment to inclusive education, Jordan has worked extensively with students requiring specialized support, particularly in reading and literacy. His advocacy extends into helping families navigate the educational rights of their children, ensuring they receive the accommodations and support needed to succeed in both traditional and specialized educational environments.
Elena
College Advisor
Elena holds a Master's degree in Educational Counseling from the University of California, Los Angeles. With over eight years of experience as a college advisor and test prep specialist, she has guided countless students through the complexities of college admissions and standardized testing. Elena specializes in SAT and ACT preparation, offering personalized strategies that cater to each student's unique strengths. Her approach combines academic rigor with emotional support, ensuring students not only achieve high scores but also feel confident and prepared for their college journey.
Mary
Teacher
Mary has a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a Master's in Literacy Education from Columbia University, is a dedicated K-8 educator and reading specialist. Her passion lies in applying the Orton-Gillingham approach to help students with dyslexia and reading difficulties. With over 10 years of experience in various educational settings, Mary has a knack for creating engaging, multi-sensory learning experiences that foster a love for reading and learning in her students.
