Meet Our Expert Teachers

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Ellen Armstrong, Owner

Ellen Armstrong is the owner and operator of Armstrong Tutoring. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Armstrong held a Florida Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6–12, Mathematics Grades 5–9, Elementary Education Grades 1–6, and Gifted Endorsement. She has 7 years of experience as a classroom mathematics teacher in South Tampa, 5 years of experience as an education consultant for one of the largest school districts in the nation, as well as two local universities, and over 12 years of experience as a mathematics tutor. As an education consultant, she has mentored dozens of classroom teachers, designed and presented numerous in-service workshops for educators, and created curricula and assessments used in the school system. Mrs. Armstrong’s familiarity with all aspects of education is what allows her to evaluate and recruit the most qualified and effective teachers.

Highly Qualified, Experienced Teachers

All

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Mr. Alvarez - Mathematics

Mr. Alvarez teaches elementary school math, middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Liberal Arts Math, Math for College Readiness, Advanced Topics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, SAT Math, ACT Math, and ACT Science. He has been teaching mathematics since 2004. Mr. Alvarez has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Engineering from the Higher Polytechnic Institute of Havana, as well as a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas. He has a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and Physics Grades 6–12. Currently, Mr. Alvarez teaches math courses at a high school in Tampa.

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Mrs. Bowden Montero - English Language Arts

With over 35 years of experience, Mrs. Bowden Montero excels in teaching reading, writing, and language arts, including AP Language and Composition. A tutor for Language Arts, PSAT, SAT, ACT, SSAT, and HSPT prep, she holds a Bachelor's in English Education and a Master's in Exceptional Child Education of the Gifted from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Bowden Montero held a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate for English Grades 6–12, with endorsements in gifted education and ESOL. She's been Teacher of the Year at both Hillsborough High School and USF and holds a National Board Teacher Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult Language Arts. Beyond the classroom, she contributed as a College Board reader/scorer for the AP English Language and Composition exam, mentored National Board Certification candidates, and led educational workshops. She was a writer for the AP Language curriculum and mentored interns and emerging teachers, embodying dedication to education's advancement.

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Mrs. Brink - Biology and AP CS Principles

Mrs. Brink teaches Biology, AP Biology, and AP Computer Science Principles. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Science and Chemistry from Otterbein College in Ohio and holds a Florida Professional Teaching Certification in Biology Grades 6–12. Mrs. Brink has many years of experience as a middle school and high school teacher, as well as experience as an AP Biology reader/scorer with the College Board, a science content creator, and a mentor for AP teachers.

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Ms. Coffey - Social Studies

Ms. Coffey teaches Geography, World History, Psychology, AP Human Geography, and AP Psychology. She has been a classroom teacher since 2009. Ms. Coffey has a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies with a minor in History from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, a Master of Arts degree in International Studies from Claremont Graduate University in California, and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University in Virginia. She is currently teaching social studies courses at a high school in Virginia.

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Dr. Collins - Science

Dr. Collins teaches most science courses, including AP Biology and AP Chemistry. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, a Master of Education in Administration, and a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine. Dr. Collins holds both a principal and a science teacher certification. She was a high school science teacher for 8 years, an IB administrator for 6 years, and has been an assistant principal since 2019.

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Mr. Ferguson - Mathematics

Mr. Ferguson teaches Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis, Pre-Calculus, and AP Statistics. He has been a high school math teacher since 2006. Mr. Ferguson has a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics with a minor in Math from the University of North Florida, a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida, and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Measurement and Evaluation. He has a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and currently works at the University of South Florida.

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Mrs. Florez - Mathematics

Mrs. Florez tutors Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus. She has been a high school math teacher since 2014. Mrs. Florez has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Tampa and has a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6–12. Mrs. Florez currently teaches math courses at a high school in Tampa.

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Mrs. Greco - Mathematics

Mrs. Greco teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Advanced Topics. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Vanderbilt University. Mrs. Greco holds a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and Business Education. She became a classroom math teacher in 1995. Mrs. Greco is a National Board Certified Teacher with over 20 years of experience as a middle and high school teacher, a math district resource specialist, an education consultant, and a college mathematics and business instructor.

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Mr. Hilleren - Chemistry

Mr. Hilleren has over 32 years of experience teaching chemistry. He has taught at the high school, technical school, community college, and university levels. Mr. Hilleren has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Bemidji State University in Minnesota and a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. In 2013, he received the Wisconsin Kohl Fellowship Award, which is given to a very limited number of teachers each year for demonstrating teaching excellence and innovation in the state of Wisconsin.

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Ms. Keller - Elementary and Special Education

Ms. Keller has been teaching elementary school for over 20 years. She earned her elementary teaching credential at California State University and has a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Psychology. She is an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) specialist, has mentored teachers, and has attended numerous diverse Master’s classes. Ms. Keller is proficient in many elementary curriculums and is an avid believer in Core Knowledge. She is passionate about encouraging students to learn based on their learning styles, elevating their confidence, and inspiring them to reach their full potential.

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Mrs. Labrie - Mathematics

Mrs. Labrie is one of our Math SAT and ACT prep tutors. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Chicago. Mrs. Labrie was the valedictorian of her high school’s graduating class of more than 400 students. She earned a 790 on the math portion of the SAT, the SAT Writing subject area test, and the Mathematics Level II subject area test, as well as a perfect score of 800 on the SAT Chemistry subject area test. Mrs. Labrie was also a National Merit Scholar, which requires placement in the 99+ percentile on the PSAT, and a National AP Scholar, which requires a score of 4 or 5 on eight Advanced Placement tests. Mrs. Labrie has been a tutor since 2003.

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Ms. Liccio - Mathematics

Ms. Liccio teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Liberal Arts Math, and Math for College Readiness. She has over 10 years of experience as a math tutor, 13 years of experience as a math teacher, and over 17 years of experience in Administration. Ms. Liccio has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, both from the University of South Florida. She also has an Educational Leadership and Mathematics Grades 6–12 Florida Teaching Certificate.

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Mrs. Lienau - Latin

Mrs. Lienau teaches all levels of Latin I–V, including AP Latin. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Greek and Latin as well as a Master of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Mrs. Lienau was a Latin, English, and Greek teacher in the state of Maine for 30 years. In addition to being a classroom teacher, she has also written and published an AP Latin textbook.

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Dr. McDowell - Study Skills

Dr. McDowell is one of our study skills experts. His academic journey includes the attainment of a Master of Science degree in Communication, coupled with a distinguished Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. With a tenure spanning back to 2012, Dr. McDowell has made remarkable contributions to both the public and private education spheres. Since his start in education, he has been committed to student success, encompassing areas such as accommodations and academic support. Throughout his career, Dr. McDowell has taught courses at the university level, which entail utilizing resources, gaining academic skills, emotional intelligence, time management, motivation, organization, and other skills necessary to be a successful student. Presently, he serves as the Director of Student Accessibility and Academic Support at the University of Tampa, where he continues his dedicated mission to empower students to overcome academic challenges and excel.

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Ms. Mousseau - Social Studies

Ms. Mousseau teaches social studies courses, including AP US History, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Microeconomics. She has both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree in Social Studies Education from the University of South Florida. Ms. Mousseau has been a social studies teacher since 1999 and has a Social Studies Grades 6–12 Florida Teaching Certificate. She is a member of the Global Schools Project at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions at the University of South Florida. Ms. Mousseau has been a presenter at both the Florida Council for Social Studies and the National Council for Social Studies conferences. She is also an AP grader for APUSH and teaches at an IB high school in Tampa.

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Mrs. Panas - Mathematics

Mrs. Panas teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, and SAT Math prep. She has been teaching mathematics since 2019. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester and a Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Syracuse University in New York. Mrs. Panas has New York, California, and Virginia teaching certificates in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and is currently a mathematics teacher for a private school in Virginia.

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Ms. Plourde - Mathematics

Ms. Plourde teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. She has been teaching mathematics since 2009 and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from the University of South Florida. She has both Florida and Texas teaching certificates in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and is currently working as an instructional coach and teaching mathematics at a middle school in Texas.

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Ms. Reynolds - Science

Ms. Reynolds teaches Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Space Science, AP Physics, and AP Environmental Science. She is also one of our Study Skills experts. She has been a high school science teacher since 2002 and also has two years of experience as an Academic Achievement Specialist for her school district. Ms. Reynolds is certified in 6–12 Science and K–12 School Leadership. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Ms. Reynolds is currently teaching science at a high school in Texas.

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Mrs. Sietz - English Language Arts

Mrs. Sietz is an accomplished educator who instructs various English Language Arts classes, including AP English Language and AP English Literature. Additionally, she possesses expertise in SAT/ACT preparation and provides guidance to students in crafting their college application essays. With a teaching career spanning since 2001, Mrs. Sietz holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Michigan and a Master of Education degree in Secondary English Education from DePaul University. She has crafted curriculum materials for all English courses and serves as a national evaluator for both AP English Language and AP English Literature. Currently, Mrs. Sietz is a certified high school English teacher in Michigan, holding a Professional Teaching Certificate.

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Mrs. Tedeschi - Mathematics

Mrs. Tedeschi teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and SAT/ACT prep. She has been teaching mathematics since 1997 and has 20 years of experience as a high school math teacher. Mrs. Tedeschi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, a Master of Education degree from Fitchburg State College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Principalship from American International College. After a career in electrical engineering and then teaching high school for 20 years, Mrs. Tedeschi is now working part-time as a mathematics tutor.

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Mrs. Torres - Spanish

Mrs. Torres teaches all levels of Spanish, including IB and AP Spanish Language & Culture. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Communication and a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development. Mrs. Torres has been a Spanish teacher since 1990 and has over 30 years of experience teaching Spanish to all grades. She holds a teaching certificate in the state of Florida and is also National Board Certified. Mrs. Torres is currently teaching Spanish at a high school in Florida.

Math

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Mr. Alvarez - Mathematics

Mr. Alvarez teaches elementary school math, middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Liberal Arts Math, Math for College Readiness, Advanced Topics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, SAT Math, ACT Math, and ACT Science. He has been teaching mathematics since 2004. Mr. Alvarez has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Engineering from the Higher Polytechnic Institute of Havana, as well as a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas. He has a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and Physics Grades 6–12. Currently, Mr. Alvarez teaches math courses at a high school in Tampa.

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Mr. Ferguson - Mathematics

Mr. Ferguson teaches Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis, Pre-Calculus, and AP Statistics. He has been a high school math teacher since 2006. Mr. Ferguson has a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics with a minor in Math from the University of North Florida, a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida, and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Measurement and Evaluation. He has a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and currently works at the University of South Florida.

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Mrs. Florez - Mathematics

Mrs. Florez tutors Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus. She has been a high school math teacher since 2014. Mrs. Florez has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Tampa and has a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6–12. Mrs. Florez currently teaches math courses at a high school in Tampa.

A woman with blonde hair and wearing a purple shirt.

Mrs. Greco - Mathematics

Mrs. Greco teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Advanced Topics. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Vanderbilt University. Mrs. Greco holds a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and Business Education. She became a classroom math teacher in 1995. Mrs. Greco is a National Board Certified Teacher with over 20 years of experience as a middle and high school teacher, a math district resource specialist, an education consultant, and a college mathematics and business instructor.

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Mrs. Labrie - Mathematics

Mrs. Labrie is one of our Math SAT and ACT prep tutors. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Chicago. Mrs. Labrie was the valedictorian of her high school’s graduating class of more than 400 students. She earned a 790 on the math portion of the SAT, the SAT Writing subject area test, and the Mathematics Level II subject area test, as well as a perfect score of 800 on the SAT Chemistry subject area test. Mrs. Labrie was also a National Merit Scholar, which requires placement in the 99+ percentile on the PSAT, and a National AP Scholar, which requires a score of 4 or 5 on eight Advanced Placement tests. Mrs. Labrie has been a tutor since 2003.

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Ms. Liccio - Mathematics

Ms. Liccio teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Liberal Arts Math, and Math for College Readiness. She has over 10 years of experience as a math tutor, 13 years of experience as a math teacher, and over 17 years of experience in Administration. Ms. Liccio has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, both from the University of South Florida. She also has an Educational Leadership and Mathematics Grades 6–12 Florida Teaching Certificate.

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Mrs. Panas - Mathematics

Mrs. Panas teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, and SAT Math prep. She has been teaching mathematics since 2019. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester and a Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Syracuse University in New York. Mrs. Panas has New York, California, and Virginia teaching certificates in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and is currently a mathematics teacher for a private school in Virginia.

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Ms. Plourde - Mathematics

Ms. Plourde teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. She has been teaching mathematics since 2009 and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from the University of South Florida. She has both Florida and Texas teaching certificates in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and is currently working as an instructional coach and teaching mathematics at a middle school in Texas.

A woman with glasses smiling for the camera.

Mrs. Tedeschi - Mathematics

Mrs. Tedeschi teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and SAT/ACT prep. She has been teaching mathematics since 1997 and has 20 years of experience as a high school math teacher. Mrs. Tedeschi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, a Master of Education degree from Fitchburg State College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Principalship from American International College. After a career in electrical engineering and then teaching high school for 20 years, Mrs. Tedeschi is now working part-time as a mathematics tutor.

Science

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Mrs. Brink - Biology and AP CS Principles

Mrs. Brink teaches Biology, AP Biology, and AP Computer Science Principles. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Science and Chemistry from Otterbein College in Ohio and holds a Florida Professional Teaching Certification in Biology Grades 6–12. Mrs. Brink has many years of experience as a middle school and high school teacher, as well as experience as an AP Biology reader/scorer with the College Board, a science content creator, and a mentor for AP teachers.

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Dr. Collins - Science

Dr. Collins teaches most science courses, including AP Biology and AP Chemistry. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, a Master of Education in Administration, and a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine. Dr. Collins holds both a principal and a science teacher certification. She was a high school science teacher for 8 years, an IB administrator for 6 years, and has been an assistant principal since 2019.

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Mr. Hilleren - Chemistry

Mr. Hilleren has over 32 years of experience teaching chemistry. He has taught at the high school, technical school, community college, and university levels. Mr. Hilleren has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Bemidji State University in Minnesota and a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. In 2013, he received the Wisconsin Kohl Fellowship Award, which is given to a very limited number of teachers each year for demonstrating teaching excellence and innovation in the state of Wisconsin.

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Ms. Reynolds - Science

Ms. Reynolds teaches Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Space Science, AP Physics, and AP Environmental Science. She is also one of our Study Skills experts. She has been a high school science teacher since 2002 and also has two years of experience as an Academic Achievement Specialist for her school district. Ms. Reynolds is certified in 6–12 Science and K–12 School Leadership. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Ms. Reynolds is currently teaching science at a high school in Texas.

Social Studies

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Ms. Coffey - Social Studies

Ms. Coffey teaches Geography, World History, Psychology, AP Human Geography, and AP Psychology. She has been a classroom teacher since 2009. Ms. Coffey has a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies with a minor in History from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, a Master of Arts degree in International Studies from Claremont Graduate University in California, and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University in Virginia. She is currently teaching social studies courses at a high school in Virginia.

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Ms. Mousseau - Social Studies

Ms. Mousseau teaches social studies courses, including AP US History, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Microeconomics. She has both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree in Social Studies Education from the University of South Florida. Ms. Mousseau has been a social studies teacher since 1999 and has a Social Studies Grades 6–12 Florida Teaching Certificate. She is a member of the Global Schools Project at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions at the University of South Florida. Ms. Mousseau has been a presenter at both the Florida Council for Social Studies and the National Council for Social Studies conferences. She is also an AP grader for APUSH and teaches at an IB high school in Tampa.

English

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Mrs. Bowden Montero - English Language Arts

With over 35 years of experience, Mrs. Bowden Montero excels in teaching reading, writing, and language arts, including AP Language and Composition. A tutor for Language Arts, PSAT, SAT, ACT, SSAT, and HSPT prep, she holds a Bachelor's in English Education and a Master's in Exceptional Child Education of the Gifted from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Bowden Montero held a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate for English Grades 6–12, with endorsements in gifted education and ESOL. She's been Teacher of the Year at both Hillsborough High School and USF and holds a National Board Teacher Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult Language Arts. Beyond the classroom, she contributed as a College Board reader/scorer for the AP English Language and Composition exam, mentored National Board Certification candidates, and led educational workshops. She was a writer for the AP Language curriculum and mentored interns and emerging teachers, embodying dedication to education's advancement.

A woman with long hair wearing a red sweater.

Mrs Sietz - English Language Arts

Mrs. Sietz is an accomplished educator who instructs various English Language Arts classes, including AP English Language and AP English Literature. Additionally, she possesses expertise in SAT/ACT preparation and provides guidance to students in crafting their college application essays. With a teaching career spanning since 2001, Mrs. Sietz holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Michigan and a Master of Education degree in Secondary English Education from DePaul University. She has crafted curriculum materials for all English courses and serves as a national evaluator for both AP English Language and AP English Literature. Currently, Mrs. Sietz is a certified high school English teacher in Michigan, holding a Professional Teaching Certificate.

World Language

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Mrs. Lienau - Latin

Mrs. Lienau teaches all levels of Latin I–V, including AP Latin. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Greek and Latin as well as a Master of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Mrs. Lienau was a Latin, English, and Greek teacher in the state of Maine for 30 years. In addition to being a classroom teacher, she has also written and published an AP Latin textbook.

A woman with blonde hair wearing a necklace.

Mrs. Torres - Spanish

Mrs. Torres teaches all levels of Spanish, including IB and AP Spanish Language & Culture. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Communication and a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development. Mrs. Torres has been a Spanish teacher since 1990 and has over 30 years of experience teaching Spanish to all grades. She holds a teaching certificate in the state of Florida and is also National Board Certified. Mrs. Torres is currently teaching Spanish at a high school in Florida.

Elementary

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Ms. Keller - Elementary and Special Education

Ms. Keller has been teaching elementary school for over 20 years. She earned her elementary teaching credential at California State University and has a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Psychology. She is an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) specialist, has mentored teachers, and has attended numerous diverse Master’s classes. Ms. Keller is proficient in many elementary curriculums and is an avid believer in Core Knowledge. She is passionate about encouraging students to learn based on their learning styles, elevating their confidence, and inspiring them to reach their full potential.

Standardized Test Prep

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Mr. Alvarez - Mathematics

Mr. Alvarez teaches elementary school math, middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Liberal Arts Math, Math for College Readiness, Advanced Topics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, SAT Math, ACT Math, and ACT Science. He has been teaching mathematics since 2004. Mr. Alvarez has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Engineering from the Higher Polytechnic Institute of Havana, as well as a Masters of Public Affairs from The University of Texas. He has a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics Grades 6-12 and Physics Grades 6-12. Currently, Mr. Alvarez teaches math courses at a high school in Tampa.

A woman with glasses and brown hair wearing a blue shirt.

Mrs. Bowden Montero - English Language Arts

With over 35 years of experience, Mrs. Bowden Montero excels in teaching reading, writing, and language arts, including AP Language and Composition. A tutor for Language Arts, PSAT, SAT, ACT, SSAT, and HSPT prep, she holds a Bachelor's in English Education and a Master's in Exceptional Child Education of the Gifted from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Bowden Montero held a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate for English Grades 6–12, with endorsements in gifted education and ESOL. She's been Teacher of the Year at both Hillsborough High School and USF and holds a National Board Teacher Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult Language Arts. Beyond the classroom, she contributed as a College Board reader/scorer for the AP English Language and Composition exam, mentored National Board Certification candidates, and led educational workshops. She was a writer for the AP Language curriculum and mentored interns and emerging teachers, embodying dedication to education's advancement.

A woman with long hair and brown eyes.

Mrs. Labrie - Mathematics

Mrs. Labrie is one of our Math SAT and ACT prep tutors. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Chicago. Mrs. Labrie was the valedictorian of her high school’s graduating class of more than 400 students. She earned a 790 on the math portion of the SAT, the SAT Writing subject area test, and the Mathematics Level II subject area test, as well as a perfect score of 800 on the SAT Chemistry subject area test. Mrs. Labrie was also a National Merit Scholar, which requires placement in the 99+ percentile on the PSAT, and a National AP Scholar, which requires a score of 4 or 5 on eight Advanced Placement tests. Mrs. Labrie has been a tutor since 2003.

A woman with long hair is smiling for the camera.

Mrs. Panas - Mathematics

Mrs. Panas teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, and SAT Math prep. She has been teaching mathematics since 2019. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester and a Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Syracuse University in New York. Mrs. Panas has New York, California, and Virginia teaching certificates in Mathematics Grades 6–12 and is currently a mathematics teacher for a private school in Virginia.

A woman with long hair wearing a red sweater.

Mrs. Sietz -English Language Arts

Mrs. Sietz is an accomplished educator who instructs various English Language Arts classes, including AP English Language and AP English Literature. Additionally, she possesses expertise in SAT/ACT preparation and provides guidance to students in crafting their college application essays. With a teaching career spanning since 2001, Mrs. Sietz holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Michigan and a Master of Education degree in Secondary English Education from DePaul University. She has crafted curriculum materials for all English courses and serves as a national evaluator for both AP English Language and AP English Literature. Currently, Mrs. Sietz is a certified high school English teacher in Michigan, holding a Professional Teaching Certificate.

A woman with glasses smiling for the camera.

Mrs. Tedeschi - Mathematics

Mrs. Tedeschi teaches middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and SAT/ACT prep. She has been teaching mathematics since 1997 and has 20 years of experience as a high school math teacher. Mrs. Tedeschi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, a Master of Education degree from Fitchburg State College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Principalship from American International College. After a career in electrical engineering and then teaching high school for 20 years, Mrs. Tedeschi is now working part-time as a mathematics tutor.

Study Skills

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Dr. McDowell - Study Skills

Dr. McDowell is one of our study skills experts. His academic journey includes the attainment of a Master of Science degree in Communication, coupled with a distinguished Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. With a tenure spanning back to 2012, Dr. McDowell has made remarkable contributions to both the public and private education spheres. Since his start in education, he has been committed to student success, encompassing areas such as accommodations and academic support. Throughout his career, Dr. McDowell has taught courses at the university level, which entail utilizing resources, gaining academic skills, emotional intelligence, time management, motivation, organization, and other skills necessary to be a successful student. Presently, he serves as the Director of Student Accessibility and Academic Support at the University of Tampa, where he continues his dedicated mission to empower students to overcome academic challenges and excel.

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Ms. Reynolds - Study Skills

Ms. Reynolds plays a crucial role in our Study Skills program. With two years of experience as the Academic Achievement Specialist for her school district and a successful teaching career dating back to 2002, she brings a wealth of expertise to our team. In her weekly sessions, she imparts essential skills such as organization, note-taking, academic reading, test-taking, time management, and effective study techniques. Her holistic approach also includes guidance on preparing for various types of assessments. Her primary goal is to equip each student with the skills necessary for fostering responsibility, independence, and self-sufficiency in their learning journey.

Ms. Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction, reflecting her strong educational background. Additionally, she possesses a Professional Teaching Certificate for Science Grades 6-12 and School Leadership K-12.