Meet our Academic Coaches
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Steve Feldman
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12, Test Prep)
Steve is the Founder and Educational Director of Private Prep. He has over ten years of tutoring experience, specializing in math for students in K-12 and standardized test prep. Growing up in Bethesda, Maryland, Steve has been a coach, teaching assistant and tutor since 1993. After graduating on the Dean's List at Emory University, Steve moved to New York City and worked in finance at UBS while moonlighting as a private tutor. After two years, his fervor for education combined with his students' success inspired him to focus on developing a tutoring service in Manhattan. Steve has taught part time at the Calhoun School and is pursuing a Masters Degree in Education at New York University. He lives on the Lower East Side with his fiancé, Lauren, and loves traveling, sports, great food and spending time with friends and family.
Stefanie Lob
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12, Test Prep)
Stefanie brings a diverse set of experiences to her math lessons. After graduating from Northwestern, she spent time as a ski instructor in California and gymnastics teacher in New York City. Electing to forgo medical school, Stefanie decided to dedicate her career to helping students realize their potential and entered the NYC Teaching Fellows program. For the next four years, Stefanie taught math and built curriculum as a department head at the Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics. Stefanie has also spent time as a leader on Outward Bound experiential learning trips in Alabama and the Everglades.
Zack Gilman
Subjects tutored: Test Prep, English (Writing Skills, College Essays), Spanish
Over the past four school years, Zack has helped students improve SAT scores, become more proficient in Spanish, and implement essential organizational skills. Zack is originally from the Philadelphia metro area. He relocated to New York to attend New York University, where he majored in Romance Languages; focusing on Spanish and Portuguese. While at NYU, he earned the distinction of a Presidential Scholar and graduated magna cum laude with high honors. Following graduation, Zack decided to follow his passion for education and joined the Private Prep team.Zack also works with children at education-based birthday parties at the Museum of Natural History and the Central Park Zoo. A trained actor, Zack has performed in off-Broadway shows, independent films and at improv comedy venues around New York City.
Adam Dressler
Subjects tutored: English (Writing Skills, Test Prep, College Essays), Math (K-12, Test Prep), Spanish, Greek & Latin
A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Classics, and of Boston University and Columbia University with masters degrees in creative writing, Adam is a tutor with over a decade's experience in standardized tests, literature, composition, mathematics, Spanish, Greek and Latin. He works as a part-time creative writing instructor and freelance editor/proofreader for businesses and individual clients, including students who need essay assistance. He is a published poet and book reviewer.
Isaac Brown
Subjects tutored: Physics, Math (K-12, Test Prep)
Isaac has worked with kids as a teacher, tutor, and camp counselor for over ten years. With a diverse scientific background, Isaac specializes in teaching all levels of math and science. He began working with Private Prep in 2007 while teaching physics at the Bronx High School of Science in New York City. As a tutor, Isaac has the unique ability to teach challenging math and science concepts and relate to students on a personal level. In 2009, Isaac returned to his hometown of Westport, CT to launch the Connecticut branch of Private Prep and is responsible for the day-to-day operations in Fairfield County. In his free time, Isaac enjoys concerts, outdoor sports, spending time with his family, and making delicious quesadillas.
Jennifer Cohen
Subjects tutored: Biology, Chemistry, English (Test Prep)
Jennifer holds a BA in Theater Studies from Yale University. She graduated summa cum laude and was selected as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Jennifer will attend Mount Sinai School of Medicine starting in the Fall of 2010. In the meantime, she is pursuing her passion for theater and has appeared in a number of shows in NYC as well as some short films. She has 4 years of tutoring experience in her hometown of Hewlett, NY on Long Island. Jennifer is a bubbly, outgoing tutor who finds interesting ways to relate the subject matter to each student’s individual interests and learning style.
Jim DelGenio
Subjects tutored: Test Prep, College Essays
Jim holds a Master of Fine Arts in writing from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, CA and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan. Over the past 5 years, he has helped numerous students raise grades and test scores. Jim brings good humor and enthusiasm to his lessons. In his free time, he enjoys a good book, plays the guitar, and rock climbs. Jim is also a member of SAG/AFTRA .
Melanie Curtin
Subjects tutored: English (Writing Skills, Test Prep, College Essays), Spanish, French, Organizational Skills
Since joining Private Prep in 2008, Melanie has quickly developed a fantastic reputation. She brings a high level of academic expertise and terrific energy to her sessions working with students on their organizational and language skills. Additionally, Melanie has developed expertise in the verbal sections of high school admissions tests including the ISEE, SSAT and SHSAT. Melanie was born in St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and moved to Hawaii when she was 9 years old. She graduated Stanford with a BA in Japanese and an MA in Communication. Prior to joining Private Prep, Melanie worked as a tutor and English teacher around the globe, including in Spain and Japan. She taught English to young, non-native speakers, using written, visual, and auditory cues to help them understand word pronunciation and meaning. Melanie is fluent in Spanish, highly proficient in French, and comfortable with Japanese. In addition to being a passionate teacher, Melanie is an actress, dancer/singer and writer.
Emily Fields
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12, Test Prep)
Originally from Chicago, Emily is happily pursuing a degree in mathematics with a minor in math education from New York University. She specializes tutoring in mathematics and SAT prep as well as chemistry and physics. Emily volunteers in the America Reads program as a tutor and for Lets Get Ready, a SAT prep program for teenagers who cannot afford private tutoring. In her spare time, she dances and enjoys exploring this wonderful city.
Beth McGregor
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12, Test Prep), Biology, Chemistry
Beth McGregor moved to NYC after completing a Masters in Education at Stanford University to round out her undergrad degrees in Drama and Biology. She taught Chemistry at Trevor Day before moving over to Collegiate School where she's been teaching in many different capacities since 2007. In addition to teaching and tutoring, Beth is a stand-up and improv comedian and can be seen most nights performing her wholesome hilarity around the city.
Sam Kressler
Subjects tutored: Spanish, ESL, English
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Sam spent a year and a half teaching English language and composition in South America, where he also fine tuned his prior eight years of classroom Spanish. Upon his return, he began work for a Peruvian-American start up company, continuing to tutor English during this time. Most recently, Sam graduated from the French Culinary Institute, one of the United States' premiere culinary schools, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Food Systems, a degree in the politics and economics of how food gets from the ground to the plate in urban systems, at New York University. His focus is on school lunch reform and childhood nutrition and culinary education.
Erica Spevack
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12)
Erica Spevack, hails from our nation's capital and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She currently works as a designer in New York City. Having always excelled in math, Erica enjoys the practical application of geometry and algebra in her designs. Similarly, she infuses her passion for art into her tutoring sessions. Erica explored the idea of teaching as an art form during an independent study in college.
Esther Greer
Subjects tutored: English (K-12, Test Prep, Writing Skills), History, Hebrew Studies
A graduate of Yale University with a degree in Linguistics, and of Yeshiva University with a Masters in Medieval Jewish History, Esther spent a number of years teaching Middle School and High School in New York, London, and Israel. She is passionate about teaching and now works as a creative writing coach and full-time tutor specializing in English, History, Writing, Hebrew Studies, and SAT and ACT test-prep.
Stephanie Clapp
Subjects tutored: Math, SAT Math, Study skills (organization and homework help)
Stephanie is currently a senior at Fairfield University pursuing a degree in Mathematics with a minor in Education. Originally from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Stephanie has been employed as a substitute instructional classroom aide for the past four years in the Chelmsford Public School system, which has given her experience working with students with learning disabilities both one-on-one and in regular classrooms. She also specializes in tutoring mathematics to underclassmen on the Fairfield campus and high school students in the Fairfield area. Stephanie is an active member of the Fairfield University Community; she is the executive director of a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital charity event, a member of the Student Alumni association, an active participant in Habitat for Humanity, and a former Club Volleyball player. After graduating in May, she plans to pursue her Master's Degree through one of the teaching service programs offered by the University Consortium for Catholic Education.
Marianna Freydlin
Subjects tutored: Test Prep, English (K-12)
Originally from Moscow, Russia Marianna was raised in New York City. After graduating from Stuyvesant High School, she attended college at The George Washington University, where she received a BA in Theater and Russian Literature & Language. Marianna returned to New York City after graduation and became a Teaching Fellow with the New York City Teaching Fellows Program. She received her MS from LIU in TESOL and worked as a tutor and elementary school teacher. She is currently pursuing an Ed.M in Counseling Psychology at Columbia University and hopes to someday open up her own school. Marianna enjoys cooking, dancing, art, languages, theater and generally anything remotely creative!
Adam Mazer
Subjects tutored: Test Prep
Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Adam graduated from Brown University with a degree in Theater Arts. As a tutor, he enjoys working with a wide range of students, and always strives to make the material accessible, relevant, and interesting. As part of Private Prep, he has developed an expertise in high school entrance exams, including the ISEE, SSAT and SHSAT. An actor and director, Adam has performed in several plays in New York including one in the 2008 New York International Fringe Festival. In his free time, Adam enjoys visual arts (drawing especially), writing (plays and screenplays), and playing guitar.
Stephanie McGuire
Subjects tutored: Test Prep, Chemistry, Biology, Math, English
Since moving to New York City five years ago, Stephanie has enjoyed tutoring a wide variety of subjects including chemistry, biology, mathematics, English language arts, and SAT prep. She studied biology and neuroscience at MIT before earning her Ph.D. in neuroscience at the University of Oxford, supported by a British Marshall Scholarship and a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship. Rather than pursue a career in academia, Stephanie chose instead to earn a Master of Music in Opera Performance from the Longy Conservatory in Cambridge, MA. In New York, she has performed several times with New York City Opera and sung in diverse venues from Carnegie Hall to Birdland.
Kristen Chappelle
Subjects tutored: Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science
Kristen is an experienced tutor with a brimming passion for science. She graduated as a pre-med student from NYU with a major in psychology and a minor in Chemistry. Following graduation, Kristen began medical school at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. During the summer after her first year, she was chosen to teach anatomy to physician’s assistants, physical therapists and occupational therapy students. After that experience Kristen had caught the teaching bug and decided to pursue a career in education. Kristen has taught AP Biology, Regents Biology and Integrated Science at St. Barnabas High School. Additionally, she has worked as a private tutor for students in Biology and Chemistry over the past 6 years. Kristen currently is in graduate school at Stony Brook University in pursuit of Masters in Education with certification in Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science.
Dana Silberstein
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12)
Dana graduated from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Mathematics. As a Math major, Dana discovered that she approaches life in much the same way that she approaches a Math problem - assessing her tools and skills, deciding which fit the situation, and taking steps that build on each other to reach a conclusion. After graduation, Dana moved to Israel on a 10-month service fellowship where she volunteered in a variety of settings, including a brief stint working in a zoo. Dana enjoys learning and speaking foreign languages and dabbled in digital animation in college. She was a 4-year varsity athlete as a coxswain for the Lightweight Men's Rowing Team and loves being outside, especially near water. She looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for math, as well as a love of Sudoku and James Bond movies, with her students.
Caley Bulinski
Subjects tutored: Test Prep, English, Math
Caley uses energy and enthusiasm to help students embrace their studies. She graduated from Columbia University with a BA in Psychology and Art History and has helped numerous students in the NY area raise their test scores, get accepted into their top choice schools, and embrace healthy study habits. She currently balances her passion for working with students of all ages with her love of performing. Caley has starred in various roles on screen and stage, currently works in voice over, and is working on her debut solo album.
Tommy Crawford
Subjects tutored: Test Prep, English, Math, French
A graduate of Yale University and off-broadway performer, Tommy uses his creative nature to make academic material relatable. Prior to joining Private Prep, he honed his teaching and test prep skills with two other New York area tutoring companies. Tommy is passionate about boosting students' scores on all manner of standardized tests and improving their writing skills. In addition to tutoring, he has acted in numerous productions off-broadway in New York and is a member of the resident acting company at the Flea Theater in Tribeca. Tommy is also passionate about sustainable organic farming and music, he plays guitar and ukulele.
Sabrina Mashburn
Subjects tutored: Biology, Statistics, English, History
Sabrina is passionate about helping her students excel in their scientific endeavors, as she is both a working scientist and a student herself. Currently in the process of completing her Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology from Columbia University, Sabrina will be applying to doctoral programs this fall. When she is not in class, Sabrina works as a Bioacoustic Analyst at the American Museum of Natural History, where she monitors marine mammal vocalizations off the coast of Angola as part of the Wildlife Conservation Society's Ocean Giants Program. Before she started working at the Museum, Sabrina was a Teaching Fellow at the Bronx Zoo. Sabrina graduated from the Chapin School in 2002 and then attended Skidmore College, where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Art History. Sabrina enjoys singing, dancing, horseback riding and playing with her adopted pets, which include a dog, a Bearded Dragon lizard and an Amazon parrot.
Francine Charles
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12, Test Prep)
Francine holds a BS and an MA in Mathematics Education from New York University. Francine is a high school math teacher and currently works at the Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies in Brooklyn, NY. She teaches Algebra, Advanced Algebra, and Statistics. For the past 8 years, she has privately tutored students in NYC who attend both public and private schools, and she has helped them to improve their understanding of math content and their Math standardized test scores. Francine is passionate about teaching math and is experienced in tutoring a wide range of students with varied learning abilities. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, running in Central Park, and playing softball with her friends.
Jonathan Fainberg
Subjects tutored: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math (K-12, Test Prep)
After graduating Columbia University with a degree in History, Jonathan moved to Barcelona, Spain where he worked as an English teacher, tutoring to a variety of levels and ages. Upon returning stateside, Jonathan enrolled in the Post-Baccaulareate program to finish his pre-medical coursework in order to apply to medical school. As a post-bac student, he tutored fellow students in Physics and Organic Chemistry. Currently, he works at Mount Sinai Hospital as a Research Coordinator for sponsor-funded clinical trials in the Department of Surgery. Having tutored a variety of subjects and studied in various disciplines make his lessons multidimensional. Jonathan enjoys cooking, reading, and playing both football and futbol.
Tanya Namad
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12 and Test Prep)
Tanya is currently enrolled in Teacher's College at Columbia for her masters in math education. Originally from Westchester, Tanya received her BA in Psychology and Dance at Hamilton College in upstate New York. After spending almost 4 years in advertising, she returned back to school and completed her Masters in Psychology at NYU. Tanya currently teaches undergraduate statistics and has over 2 years experience tutoring and teaching math and statistics. Outside of math and teaching, Tanya is also an avid runner, having completed numerous marathons and half-marathons. She is also a certified yoga instructor.
Erica Frank
Subjects tutored: not available
Erica received a BA from Cornell University where she studied Civil Engineering and Science and Technology and later an MS in Real Estate from New York University. After working as a real estate developer for a few years she went back to school and earned a MSEd from Bank Street College of Education with a specialty in secondary mathematics. Erica is currently a math teacher at Fieldston Middle School. The skills she learned as a project manager while working in real estate come into play every day in the classroom and have helped make her a more well rounded teacher. In her spare time Erica loves to read and play all types of games. She also likes to run and is proud to say she completed the NYC ING Marathon in 2009.
Allison Dankner
Subjects tutored: English (K-8) & Organization Skills
Allison has been a valued educator since 2002. Her enthusiasm for learning facilitates the development of self confidence, strategies and skills. She consistently builds strong relationships with children while helping them to succeed. Allison has worked with children from newborns to college age for much of her life. She has been a founding educator, opening schools in California and Arizona. She successfully wrote district wide reading and writing curriculum for grades 4-12 in a large Arizona school district. Allison has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Arielle Chavkin
Subjects tutored: English (K-12, Test Prep, College Essays)
Arielle was born and raised in New York City and graduated from the Birch Wathen Lenox School in 2002. After high school, she moved to Medford, Massachusetts and continued her education at Tufts University. While at Tufts, Arielle majored in English and minored in Communications and Media Studies. She was able to merge her academic pursuits in a reporting position with the Tufts Daily newspaper (which she absolutely adored). A year after receiving her Bachelor’s degree in 2006, Arielle was accepted to New York University’s graduate program in Media, Culture and Communication where she will receive her Master’s degree in May 2009. Arielle adores all music – from bluegrass to Mozart – and rarely leaves the house without her iPod. She wrote her graduate thesis on the use of Beatles’ music in television advertising. With PrivatePrep, Arielle tutors English, essay composition, and prepares students for the verbal section of the SATs.
Dan Cate
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12), Economics
Dan is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources. Originally from Potomac, Maryland, Dan attended the Magnet Program at Montgomery Blair High School for math, science, and computer science. He spent several years as a teaching assistant for the Olin Business School's introductory economics course in addition to many summers as a camp counselor. As a tutor, Dan combines his passion for academics with his experiences as a teacher and mentor for young adults. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, following politics, and cooking.
Donny Dietz
Subjects tutored: Biology, Chemistry, English (Writing and Test Prep)
Donny grew up in Scarsdale, New York and graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in English. He also pursued a pre-med curriculum and is currently in the process of applying to medical school. These two very different concentrations have given him a wide range of knowledge with which to tutor such diverse subjects as the SAT Verbal and Writing, English, math, physics, biology, chemistry, and French. Donny put his tutoring skills to work during college, volunteering to help ex-convicts achieve their high school equivalency and teaching English at a school in France. He has also traveled extensively in Europe and Asia and plays guitar in a band in Brooklyn.
Scott Ross
Subjects tutored: English (Writing Skills, Test Prep, College Essays), Organizational Skills
Scott holds an Ed.M. degree in Educational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, as well as a B.A. in Psychology from Reed College, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and won two awards for his academic performance. Scott has extensive experience as an educator in a variety of contexts, including special education, alternative schools, service-learning programs, wilderness education, and community colleges. As an academic coach, Scott is especially skilled at helping students to understand their own academic strengths and develop more strategic, proactive approaches to their schoolwork. In his free time, he enjoys travel, art, music, playing guitar and drums, cooking and eating great food, and generally being outside.
Chirag Hirawat
Subjects tutored: Math (K-12), Economics
Chirag was born and raised in New York City, but attended an elite boarding school in India from 7th through 12th grade. He is currently pursuing degrees in International Relations, Math and Business at NYU. As he excelled in the classroom, Chirag found a passion for tutoring his fellow classmates during high school. Following his success with individual tutoring, he began to lead study groups of 5-6 fellow students focused on core concepts and critical math techniques. Chirag now brings that same enthusiasm for helping his classmates to his lessons with Private Prep’s students.
