Orange County Manager of Instruction

Hello and welcome to the Orange County/San Diego region!

As the Manager of Instruction for this region, it is my job to recruit, train, and develop the most talented instructors in the test prep industry. Although this can be challenging at times, I am confident that the Revolution instructors here are the best and brightest. All of our instructors are graduates of top universities and have scored in the top 95% percentile on the ACT and SAT. In addition to their impressive credentials, all of our instructors are amazing individuals with charismatic personalities and the ability to help your student succeed!

I hope that you enjoy perusing the instructor bios below, and I look forward to helping your student succeed on his or her upcoming exam!

Best,
Jill

HOMETOWN:Broomfield, CO
COLLEGE:Biola University

ABOUT ME:
Oh hi there. I come to Orange County by way of a suburb of Denver, Colorado. It's a pretty square state, but we have more mountains out there, four seasons, snow, and we survive on less oxygen. I came to sea level to pursue an education at Biola University in La Mirada. La Mirada translates to "the look." I still don't get it. Anyway, it's four years since I moved to The Look, and it was a four years well spent. I was able to host a campus comedy/talk show, backpack through the desert, and take some incredible classes too. I even did some stand-up comedy (really marginal stuff). Now I'm armed with a BA in English Literature, a 1996 Toyota Corolla, and a beard. I believe in the power of narrative and of your story and my story, old stories and stories not yet told. I also enjoy hiking, backpacking, fly fishing, and mountain biking. My goal is to pursue graduate school and eventually teach full time. I'm also interested in the education gap and the unfortunate truth that the quality of education can be determined by economic boundaries. For now, I'm just happy to be here.

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
Lots of things want to label themselves as a revolution, but most of those things are the too trodden, beat a dead horse kind of recycled ideas that ultimately amount to a gimmick. Sometimes they have a marketable theme song. That's cool I guess, but Revolution Prep actually strives to be different in order to be better. I'm thrilled to work for a company that cares about its students; the tests don't. I say let's attack these tests with our full selves (but without the busy work), and let's even have a good time while we're at it. Seriously, that's what I'm here for.

HOMETOWN:Orange County, CA
COLLEGE:University of California, Irvine

ABOUT ME:
Hm. The story of Ryan. Rather than get too long-winded, I'll just break it down into random facts. I studied English Literature at UCI, but also spent a lot of time studying Creative Writing, getting an extra emphasis in that. I'm a former improvisational comedian. I was a four-year performer and eventually captain for UCI's award-winning comedy troupe, "Live Nude People! (with clothes on)". I'm a big fan of writing, performing, and directing so I'm still using my free time to pursue that career, hopefully going to film school in the next year or two. Aside from that, I practice Kung Fu. My favorite color is white (with red as a very close second). I'm quite tall and not great at basketball. The first book I ever read was the encyclopedia, so my knowledge of useless trivia is unrivaled. I have been called "lazy," but I prefer the term "relaxation enthusiast." I'm a pretty decent cook, and if I can't hack it in the film/writing/theater world, I'll be very happy to become a chef. I am, however, a terrible dancer.

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
Teaching for Revolution allows me to do two things that I love: help people and make a fool out of myself for the greater good.

HOMETOWN:San Clemente
COLLEGE:Chapman University, Biola University

ABOUT ME:
I recently graduated from Chapman with a double major in Political Science - International Relations and Spanish. Since I love school so much, I am now pursuing my M.A. Christian Education from Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. One day, I see myself living someplace in either Africa or South America working in some form of humanitarian assistance focusing on women and children.

My fondest memories of growing up include either being covered entirely in sand, sleeping in a tent someplace in the Sierra Nevada mountains, or relaxing on a boat in the middle of the ocean. I love everything about the beach: sun, sand, surf, and soft-served ice cream! I enjoy spending my free time hiking, reading, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), riding my bicycle, and traveling every chance I get. My guilty pleasures include indulging in a soy caramel macchiato, eating at Chipotle, and watching Glee. I am currently training to run a marathon in order to raise money to bring clean water and sanitation projects to the Ndola region of Zambia, Africa through Active:Water.

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
Education is powerful and life changing. The SAT is terrible. However, with the right tools and tricks, it can be conquered.

HOMETOWN:Brea, CA
COLLEGE:New York University

ABOUT ME:
Although from beautiful Southern CA, Laurel moved all the way across the country to attend New York University in the heart of NYC. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Laurel became one of the senior student staff members for NYU's Office of Undergraduate Admissions and was also a Freshmen RA. Now Laurel uses these experiences to help her students understand what schools' admissions offices are looking for and, hopefully, give it to them!

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
I was lucky enough to get into and attend my dream school, and I love helping students move one or two steps closer to starting their own college journeys. Additionally, I am really motivated by Revolution's social mission and belief that quality test prep should be available to everyone. I find it such a pleasure to help make that possible.

HOMETOWN:Yorba Linda, CA
COLLEGE:University of California, San Diego

ABOUT ME:
A graduate of UC San Diego with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I have developed a great appreciation of the richness of life. I am an eternal optimist, a motivator, and someone who values the importance of respect. I have been exposed to an incredible diversity of individuals over the last ten years, and feel that I have truly embraced different cultures, As a continuous learner, I commit myself to being open and receptive to all points of view, and feel that I thrive in situations which push me out of my box and allow me the opportunity to see the beauty of the world.

During my proud four years at Troy High School, I discovered my love for politics and public speaking. As a member of the distinguished Warrior baseball team, I was blessed with the privilege of playing with a group of dedicated and motivated athletes who were among my closest friends.

Challenged by the new opportunity that college presented, I feel that I truly flourished as a member of the Revelle College family at UCSD. A school that promotes "Renaissance Scholars," I ran with the chance to earn a well-rounded education, participating in and leading a number of organizations and causes, and seeking out once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

I try not to concern myself with what lies ahead, but always set meaningful goals for what I aspire to become. My loftiest and most cherished goal is that of being President of the United States, which I sincerely believe I will once day achieve.

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
Revolution is built on a solid foundation, and the course material really works to build a students' confidence in the test. Revolution is a fair and welcoming company, both to work for and to study with. I am proud to be a part of the team of instructors at Revolution Prep.

HOMETOWN:Placentia, CA
COLLEGE:Cal State Long Beach

ABOUT ME:
I was born and raised in Orange County, California. Water polo and beaches defined my high school, along with a mostly parental-chosen, rigorous honors/AP curriculum. Deciding I had had enough of sunshine and freeways I decided to attend UC: Santa Cruz for undergrad work, but, I was ever drawn back to my sun-drenched, grid-locked homeland. As a former English major I find words and writing to be interesting playthings, however my true passion is medicine. I'm currently finishing the grueling pre-reqs in anticipation for the grueling 4+ years of physician training. As a doctor I hope to teach and help people and families for the rest of my life.

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
With academics and extra curriculars and just being kids, high school students don't have a lot of time to jump through the very important and super imposing SAT hoop. However, Revolution Prep's methods to the madness are the best I've ever seen, and its an absolute joy to spend time with high school kids and help them attain their college dreams. Upon mastering the ideas taught in RevPrep courses I soon found that many of them applied not only to standardized tests, but to such lofty things as reading a dense organic chemistry book or successfully getting through an electromagnetism exam. Teaching these skills with the immediate goal of getting into college via a good SAT score, as well as the long term effects of increased skill as a student is a reward in its own right.

HOMETOWN:Los Alamitos, CA
COLLEGE:UCLA

ABOUT ME:
Now this is a story all about how my life got twisted upside down and I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there and I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air.

Technically I'm not a prince nor have I ever lived in Bel-Air, but who doesn't enjoy the opening lyrics to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? I have spent the last four plus years Bel-Air adjacent, though, in Westwood attending UCLA. Currently, I'm a "super" senior (5th year) majoring in Psychobiology and completing research in a developmental biology lab to finish up my minor in Biomedical Research. Following my studies at UCLA, I plan on pursuing a career in dentistry. Give me a call at 1-800-DENTIST in five years!

Besides a borderline obsession with all things Will Smith and a newfound appreciation of oral hygiene, I enjoy being able to share my knowledge with students needing a little extra help. In addition to working for Revolution, I'm involved with the No Child Left Behind Program through a free-of-charge tutoring service for K-12 students.

And since no "about me" section would be complete without a list of hobbies here's just a taste: I enjoy watching sports (all things Bruin, the Halos, and most importantly the Lakers), playing basketball, snowboarding, hiking, listening to music, and facebook-ing.

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
From a young age, my parents instilled the importance of education in me. My mom grew up in a very poor area of East LA, but was able to climb the socioeconomic ladder through her attendance to UCLA for undergrad and then San Diego State for her Masters degree. From her experiences, I saw first hand that education truly is the key to better one's life.

When I began looking into test prep companies, Revolution Prep really stood out from the rest. Not only does Revolution provide an exceptional service and product, but it does so at an extremely reasonable price. When I took an SAT prep course from a different company that shall remain unnamed, it cost close to three times what Revolution charges.

Yet, the biggest selling point for me to teach for Revolution, was the company's commitment to provide equal opportunities for any student seeking help regardless of socioeconomic status through scholarships. Last year Revolution gave away over $2 million in scholarships! In the end, deciding to teach for a company that genuinely cares about its students instead of treating them as just another check was one of the easiest decisions I've ever made.

HOMETOWN:Orange, CA
COLLEGE:U.C. Berkeley

ABOUT ME:
I was born and raised in Orange County and recently graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a major in Anthropology. I like to surf, sail, run barefoot, spend time with my daughter, and I have a dream to live on a self sustaining farm somewhere with clean water, good soil, and great waves, but maybe that's just the Berkeley in me talking...

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
College is such an incredible experience that I want to help make college accessible to everyone and ease the application process by showing that the SAT is not as intimidating as it may seem.

HOMETOWN:Diamond Bar, CA
COLLEGE:University of California, Irvine

ABOUT ME:
I like learning things. Boring? Probably. Useful? Definitely. I like to think that particular trait makes me well suited to telling other people what they should be learning too.

I am also going to law school soon. I think that is pretty neat.

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
The SAT is evil. I remember it being evil when I took it the first time, and I still think it's evil now that I've seen it again. My goal is to make it at least slightly less evil for other people to take than it was for me.

HOMETOWN:Bakersfield, CA
COLLEGE:UC Berkeley and CSU Long Beach

ABOUT ME:
I liked getting a Bachelor's degree so much that I am doing it again! After graduating from Berkeley in 2003 in International Relations and French, I worked for a travel guidebook publisher and wrote for a political news organization before deciding to release my inner fat lady diva and become an opera singer. I am currently getting a Bachelor's of Music at CSU Long Beach.

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
I think that everyone should take a formal SAT prep course and Revolution Prep is committed to giving that opportunity to everyone, so we're like peanut butter and jelly, really.

HOMETOWN:Fullerton, CA
COLLEGE:University of California, Irvine

ABOUT ME:
I love foreign languages and the social sciences, which is why I chose to double major in International Studies and French at UC Irvine. I returned to UCI to earn my teaching credential in English and went on to teach in Egypt the following year. During my free time, I enjoy kickboxing, hiking, reading, playing piano, and trying new things.

WHY I TEACH FOR REVOLUTION PREP:
Revolution Prep is unique not only in the way it approaches the SAT, but also in the way in approaches its students. Revolution instructors truly care for their students and are committed to helping them succeed.