San Francisco Bay Area Manager of Instruction
Welcome to my region.
There's something for everyone in the Bay Area and I am so proud of the fact that my instructors reflect that diversity. Our region is made up of Bay Area natives and non-natives alike, from professional musicians to all-star college athletes and researchers.
Even more importantly, our instructors' broad skills and life experiences make them ideal mentors for however you learn best. Maybe you only understand faulty modifiers when they're a clue in SAT Jeopardy? Or maybe ratios make sense when the relationship is between two of your teacher's handmade chocolates? Our region isn't just comprised of master test-takers, but of master teachers, as well.
But you don't have to take just my word for it -- go ahead and read more about them:
- Graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from USC
- Admitted to USC as a Trustee Scholar (a full-tuition, merit-based scholarship)
- National Merit and AP Scholar
- Recipient of USC undergraduate creative writing prize
- Previously was a writer for and Assistant to the Editor in Chief of Wired magazine Email Maren
San Francisco Bay Area Instructors
Maysville, OK
Univ. of Oklahoma - B.A; Harvard Divinity School - M.A. ; University of Virginia - Ph.D. Candidate
A recent transplant to San Francisco, I enjoy experiencing everything the bay area has to offer. When not teaching or reading, I like to spend my time on a climbing wall, hiking, tide-pooling, hanging in the park, cooking vegetarian feasts, hearing live music at a great SF venue or dancing the night away with friends.
The goal of education is an idealistic one: to improve the world through improving the minds of those who live in it. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to pursue an education. For their own enrichment and, hopefully, the benefit of all. Many who want a higher education, however, are intimidated by standardized tests, feel unprepared or are hindered by financial need.
Rocking the SAT's or ACT's is one small but critical step in achieving your academic goals (getting into that dream school, winning that scholarship). Standardized test-taking is a skill that can be taught and learned. I love to teach, so why not teach the thing that helps open doors and gives students more freedom about where to continue their own education? And, c'mon, who doesn't want to add a few hundred points to that score??
Philadelphia
University of Chicago, CA College of the Arts
I have taught or tutored for eleven years, in non-profits and privately, so I really like helping students learn. I am nerdy enough to see what's interesting in school but aware of what can be excruciatingly boring. I went to a college famed for being a grind, majored in Philosophy, and miraculously emerged with gainful employment.
I also went to art school (California College of the Arts) for an MFA, so I make art when I am not seeing movies, riding my bike, reading, watching football, or picking up waffles at my local farmers market.
Because I love the idea of helping students beat a test that inspires so much fear and stress. Because I need a productive place to put my energy. Because my friends don't want to hear me explain when to use the Pythagorean theorem.
San Mateo, CA
University of California, Santa Barbara
I'm a witty guy, that's what people keep telling me. I love jokes, puns, unexpected movie references, and keeping people on their toes. I live in San Francisco, in one of the frequently sunny parts. Yes, they exist.
I live, breathe, and sometimes eat music. I was born with a harmonica in my left hand and a tuba in my right. Naturally, I fell off the right side of the delivery table. Since then, I've tried to limit myself to holding one musical instrument at a time (I sing and play guitar, piano, mandolin, banjo, bass guitar, drums, lute and a few others).
And yet somewhere in all that music-making I found time to study political science at UC Santa Barbara. We just had an election-year, so I'm enthralled by all that has been going on lately.
Oh! Back to the music. You can check out my debut album on iTunes by searching my name there. I also perform my music all over the Bay Area, join one of my classes and I'll tell you all about it!
What else... I've done my share of acting, singing and dancing for theatre, and I'm a big-time sports nut. In other words, I can talk to you about whatever you want. I drive a Toyota, and I have a soft spot in my heart for old Toyota trucks where on the back all the letters have been scratched off except "YO". All this and more is just a call to Revolution away!
These sorts of tests have a reputation for being boring, but preparing for them doesn't have to be! I want you to get to have the great college and life experiences that I've had, and something like the SAT shouldn't stand in your way. That's where I come in!
And hey, this way I get to be part of a revolution! What's not to like?
Upcoming course:
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Mountain View HS
SAT course - begins July 6, 2010
Enroll View schedule
New York City
Harvard University (B.A.) & SJSU (M.A.)
I was born & raised in New York City, then attended college at Harvard University, which was a great experience! After graduating from college I received a travel fellowship which allowed me to circumnavigate the world, stopping in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa along the way! After my travels I moved to California, and I am happy to call it home now. I am currently a graduate student at SJSU, in the Critical Research Academy within the College of Education. I love riding my bike around sunny San Jose, cooking delicious meals, hanging out with my dog, learning new things and discovering interesting works of art & architecture!
I believe that the SAT should not be an obstacle for any student's college admissions process. This test is entirely formulaic, so I want to help reveal the formula for students so they can conquer it. College was an incredible experience for me, and I want to help students get in to the school of their choice. I also have a number of years of teaching experience working with high school students, and really enjoy working with them!
Upcoming courses:
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Kings Academy
SAT course - begins July 6, 2010
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Santa Clara Location (Woodcrest Hotel)
SAT course - begins July 8, 2010
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San Jose, CA
University of Southern California
Hi! My name is Cody, and I just finished my degree this past May at the University of Southern California. First generation USC Trojan, baby! I received my degree in business administration with a split emphasis in Management and Organizational Relations and Entrepreneurship. I'm a sports junkie - love the A's, 9ers, Sharks, Warriors and my USC Trojans. I've got great stories about football games so don't be afraid to ask. Also love indie rock and the concert scene.
I'm originally from San Jose, and I'm so stoked to be home! The past few years in LA were a complete blast, but I'm ready to come back and take the Bay Area by storm.
It's a company with a social conscience - I like the fact that the company is willing to financially support anyone who cannot afford the cost of the classes. I also like helping students achieve their dreams, helping them get into the schools they want to go to. After all, someone helped me get to USC.
Upcoming course:
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Silver Creek HS
SAT course - begins July 6, 2010
Enroll View schedule
Los Gatos, CA
Yale
I grew up in sunny California and went to Harker for 14 years (Jr. Kindergarden through 12th grade - they call us "lifers"). I love playing volleyball, especially on the beach which is where I hope to have a house one day. I travel a lot, and spend most of my summers in Turkey visiting friends and family. My next big expedition will be a tour around the UK with my best friend Laurie. I graduated from Yale in Computer Science and Graphic Design, and after going to graduate school I want to start my own design firm in SF with a few friends. In my free time I hang out with friends, read X-Men comics, and watch lots of TV shows. I am completely obsessed with the San Jose Sharks.
I know how hard it is these days for high schoolers to get into college. I helped guide my sister through the application process, and seeing how much I positively influenced her experience, I want to do the same for other high schoolers. Revolution Prep is a great company to work for too; they really care about helping their students and making sure they perform to the best of their abilities. Hopefully I can help students achieve their goals by conquering this test.
Upcoming course:
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Silver Creek HS
SAT course - begins July 6, 2010
Enroll View schedule
Ojai, California
UCSB (BA); Antioch (MFA)
I was born in Ojai, CA, and escaped as soon as I could. I changed my name, got healthy, exercised, and became a new person at college. I received my BA from the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara in their Literature emphasis. It's an honors college, but it was worth all of the hard work. Since then, I have been accepted to several MFA programs for writing Creative Non-Fiction, and have decided to do a low residency program at Antioch Los Angeles. I learn at every opportunity, and teach at the drop of a hat. I've taught every grade from pre-school to highschool, except sixth. It just never came up.
I teach for Revolution Prep because they pay attention to teachers and recognize that we who stand in front of the classroom have more to do with the success of students than a suit who sits in a smokey room. With the curriculum they have provided and the freedom they offer, there is no end to what a good educator can help his students achieve.
Upcoming courses:
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Stevenson School
SAT course - begins August 6, 2010
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Santa Cruz HS (Louden Nelson Community Center)
SAT course - begins August 16, 2010
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Sebastopol, CA
California Polytechnic State University
Hello and Welcome! Rather than put you through the pain of reading a page of objective third-person narrative, stereotypical humor, and hyperbole I will give it to you straight, like a Supercuts haircut in the mid 90s.
I am a Cal Poly alumnus, where I studied in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. There I learned one vital lesson: problems do not exist, but time-sensitive opportunities for creativity do. I am happy if I can be creative every day. Simple things in life such as nature, good conversation, and reading are all lottery tickets for creativity. I tell my students to constantly be on the search for what excites them, to be open, to express themselves. I love expression. I do not love neutrality. Expression is akin to expresso – the essense of coffee. Being an adult is frightening. I have been a professional student and world traveler for the last 23 years and now I am faced with the task of finding a career. To quell my anxiety I have been surrounding myself with small yellow post-its with Confucius quotes, such as, “Choose a job you love and you never have to work a day of your life.” So far that seems to help.
When I am not partaking in well-directed mental exercise or training to be a professional smile-maker, I enjoy avant-garde architecture, high fives, old bicycles, funk music, Sonoma County wines, slow food, and a well-placed punch line.
I am an eternal, hopelessly perpetual student. Teaching allows me to remain in the field of education, which is the only place I want to be.
Sacramento
Stanford University
Here are the key facts about me: I'm a lifelong Northern Californian. I love to read (philosophy, science fiction, "classics", biographies, historical fiction ... anything goes really). I like tossing a frisbee around or biking down to the river. In college I became addicted to Mario Kart 64, Text Twist, and extreme timed chess. And finally, my favorite food is thai or sushi, but I'm not sure which!
The easiest way to improve your chances of getting into the college of your dreams is to improve your SAT score. I teach at Revolution Prep to help students get into the school they want.
Pasadena, CA
Stanford University
I just graduated in 2008 from Stanford, with a major in Human Biology, and spent the fall learning Spanish and volunteering in Guatemala. I encourage everyone to study abroad as much as possible! I hope to go to medical school down the line, but I am currently slogging through prereq chemistry and physics classes to get there...
I'm originally from Pasadena, and although I fell in love with the Bay Area, the LA sunshine brought me back. In my free time I love playing sand volleyball, going to concerts, backpacking, rock climbing, and traveling.
In high school I was fortunate enough to have two awesome SAT tutors who helped me raise my score by more than 250 points. I appreciate the value of SAT prep, and want to help high school students achieve their goals of rocking the SAT. The people are great, the curriculum is (relatively) fun, and the reward of seeings students improve is even better!
Los Angeles
Loyola Marymount (BA), SFSU (MA)
I am 27 and a recent graduate from the San Francisco State University MA program for poetry. I also received a reading certificate from the revolutionary Integrated Reading and Writing program. I write and I read often so to answer your question, yes, I am a literature nerd. I have a B.A. in English from Loyola Marymount University. I also worked for Professional Tutors of America for approx. 2 years teaching reading, writing and math. I am the oldest of two, having 1 younger brother who is currently 25. In my free time (which is not spent dorking out with my favorite authors) I dance, paint, write, go to concerts and generally run amuck in the streets. My favorite color is yellow and every time I see it, it makes me smile. There is something so wonderfully ridiculous about a yellow car. What else? I spent a semester in Barcelona, Spain and I fell in love with that city. I am addicted to travel so I am open to any amazing cities that you want to recommend. I plan on applying for a Fulbright scholarship to teach in Argentina for a year. Anything to see the world and soak up new experiences, right? I am outgoing, chatty and love a good joke. I think that about covers it. If you have questions, I have answers.
Hi, my name is Rae Freudenberger and I am an adrenalin-aholic. I have been sky diving, bungee jumping, hang gliding and even white water rafting! By virtue of all of those amazing experiences I found one irrefutable truth: nothing gives me the rush that I crave quite like the SAT. The second that I walked out of that test, I was hooked. Nothing fills your body with a sense of the fragility and ephemeral nature of life like having to swallow your stomach back down from up in your throat and that "I am almost verging on wetting my pants" brand of fear. I sought after that adrenaline high in every corner of the globe. I mean, let's face facts. Sky diving is like 50 seconds of free fall followed by a leisurely float to the ground. The SAT is over 3 hours of prime adrenaline pumping panic. Drawing this painful conclusion left me little choice in life. I spent the next years of my life hunting the SAT like wounded prey. I took it more times that I can recall. They all bleed together in a toxic dream of sheer wonder and liveliness. After spending all of the money that I had to my name taking the SAT, I fell into a slump. I couldn't get my fix. I started stalking practice exams just to get a taste of the thrill and to live vicariously through the students. Cue Revolution Prep. I stumbled onto a practice testing site for Rev Prep and found the assigned classroom. I sat outside pressing my face to the glass in longing. The proctor noticed me there. After the exam he approached me, and my broken heart (and empty wallet) appealed to his empathy. He gave me a number to call, a number that changed my life: 1-877-REV-PREP. The rest, as they say, is history.
Carmel, CA
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
I was born in Carmel and spent four and a half great years at Cal Poly studying Kinesiology. Most people don't know what that is, or even how to pronounce it, so for all you wondering out there: it is the study of the movement of bones and muscles. I absolutely LOVED my education, however, as my career counselor so kindly pointed out, I am basically unemployable without grad school! So, grad school here I come...While in college, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in the Czech Republic and travel around Eastern Europe, which is very different than Western Europe if you have been there..definitely "Czech" it out :) I love art, reading and anything outdoors. I love kids and have spent my time doing everything from summer camps and swimming lessons to tutoring and coaching.
I think that any student who has a strong desire to go to their first choice school can make it happen. The SAT is an integral part of gaining that acceptance letter. Revolution Prep has designed a solid program that I am proud to promote and share with all students, regardless of financial status!
Davis, Ca
U.C. Davis
I've lived in Northern California all my life. I grew up in the Bay Area, moved to Sacramento before Junior High, and even went to school at UC Davis. I graduated with a major in Animal Biology (I've always loved animals) and a minor in Philosophy ( I also love a good debate), but my current career pertains to neither. Since my sophomore year of college when I discovered Lindy Hop, I've spent nearly all of my time performing, competing, teaching, and social dancing. Currently I teach at local, national, and international swing dance workshops, which has allowed me to travel to places like Korea, Australia,Sweden, France and Germany. In my free time I also enjoy making jewelry and perfumes, glassblowing, and reviewing old SAT math problems :)
Besides the idea of finally making good use of my pricey college education, I'm here because I love teaching. Teaching dance allows me to break down complex moves and fundamentals so that they can become accessible to the average person, and I want to do the same for the SAT. Once you see beyond all the smoke and mirrors, the SAT becomes far less intimidating. I love that Revolution prep tries to bring this perspective to everyone with endless scholarships, motivated teachers and a solid strategy for success.
San Carlos, CA
UCLA
I'm a conscientious, determined, motivated, assiduous English teacher by day; easygoing, lazy, novel-reading, Grey's Anatomy-watching, lounge around in sweats gal by night. I love reading, I love writing, I love grammar, and I love math - really! I always have! And, oddly, I love taking tests. Taking a test makes me feel like I have a purpose, like my brain is working at a higher than normal capacity, like the results of my test will somehow have a significant impact on the world at large. Did I mention that I have a penchant for hyperbole?
I love Revolution Prep. I hate the idea of the SAT - a test craftily designed to trick, trap, and frustrate poor, unsuspecting college-bound students as they try to improve their chances for having successful futures. So, with my training as a Revolutionary and with my fellow Revolutionaries by my side, I storm the trenches and bring supplies in the form of strategies. The College Board may have won a battle or two, but we, you and I, will win the war.
Santa Cruz
UC Berkeley
I grew up in Santa Cruz and loved spending a few hours at the beach after class in high school. After high school, I knew I wanted to go to school somewhere I could wear flip flops year round, so I stayed in California. I had a knack for math, but enjoyed art, so this beautiful combination of math and creativity lead me to engineering. I studied mechanical engineering so that I could design and build awesome products, especially sustainable ones! I loved Cal - the classes, the people, the city, the basketball games. Last summer, I did a summer internship in Hungary - it was amazing to live in a different country and now I have friends all over the world. Since I love to travel, this works out really well for me. Since graduating, I moved to San Francisco and am excited to have a new city to explore. I also like to eat (if you have a favorite restaurant, let me know so I can check it out!), as well as cook delicious meals. I like doing stuff with my hands - sewing, sketching and gesturing wildy when teaching.
The SAT can be beat! Everyone should have a chance to go to college and not let a dumb test stand in their way. I want to help people do well on the SAT so that they can choose the college they want to attend.
Columbus, GA
Furman University, Hope College
I graduated college in 2008 with a B.S. in chemistry, and am not afraid to admit that I am a chemistry nerd.
I was born and raised a Southern gentleman in Columbus, Georgia, home of AFLAC and the "Best Krystal's Burger in America - 2004." I love music, food, and sports. If you feel up to the challenge, I will gladly take you on in a watermelon-eating contest. Just give me a time and a place!
Life is rewarding, like getting 10% off your purchase when you finally give in and activate a Macy's credit card after a 5-minute flirt-fest with the attractive, well dressed girl at the register. Then, there's the reward that can never be discounted: helping someone learn. My first role as instructor came in college, when I was "tricked" into tutoring a bunch of middle schoolers in advanced geometry. Sure, I was proficient in math. But, teach? And middle school kids? No way. Anywho, after some shifty cajoling from my friends, I drove myself through bitter, near-freezing temperatures (remember, this is in South Carolina) at 7 AM to the nearby middle school. Was it worth braving the unforgiving elements and the rarely-seen sunrise to teach these kids? Absolutely. In the 35 minutes I spent with them, I became enamored with the "ah-haaa"s and "ooooooh, that's what that means"s. Since then, I've taught and tutored people of all ages. I know that my students can not only learn concepts and apply them in their homework and tests, but they gain the confidence to continue learning and achieve their goals. With Revolution Prep, I can extend my love for teaching into the still-harrowing world of standardized exams. I couldn't be happier with Rev Prep's philosophy and dedication to success. So, with that, I would like to let my friend Arsenio Hall close with somewhat-pertinent words: "Let's get busy!"
Ann Arbor, MI
University of Michigan (BS), UC Davis (MBA)
I received my Bachelors Degree in Statistics and my Masters in Engineering from San Jose State University. I also received my MBA from University of California Davis. I have been tutoring for years and really enjoy it!
When I'm not spending quality time with my wife and 3 y.o. son, I'm playing ice hockey, golf, or riding my motorcycle along the California Coast. My family loves to travel, and look forward to our annual pilgrimage to Maui.
I teach for Revolution Prep because of the outstanding people. Revolution Prep people are bright, energetic, fun, and hip. They are passionate about teaching; and care about the students' success. I enjoy shaping the minds of our future leaders.
Benicia, CA
University of California at Berkeley
I consider myself very lucky. I have traveled extensively; the things I have seen range from some of the grandest landscapes in the world as I hiked in the Himalayas to the indescribable poverty in the streets of Calcutta. These experiences give me a degree of perspective that helps me relate to many different types of people.
My interests include snowboarding, kitesailing, good fiction, guitar, and going on road trips with friends.
I recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Economics. These four years have been some of the most memorable in my life, and I have met so many people that I can barely walk a block without seeing someone I know. But, sadly, now it's time to transition out of the academic lifestyle I've gotten so used to, and what better way is there than teaching with Revolution Prep?
Monterey
Princeton University
I spent four amazing years at Princeton University studying Sociology, Music, and Religion, among other things. Princeton is one of the most beautiful places! There is such a rich history of learning and discovery. It wasn't hard to be creative in an environment like that. While at Princeton, I was able to take a number of research trips to Australia (hooray for research grants). My time there was phenomenal; Australia is truly like no other place in the world! But don't be fooled by all this talk of research and the Ivy League. :) I have the heart of an artist. I love music, art, films, photography, etc. I am a classically trained singer (although I prefer to sing less classically these days). I play the piano and guitar, and I have been writing songs since I was ten. I love taking pictures of flowers and landscapes, and I have even been in a few short films, commercials, and ad campaigns. All of that aside, I think that at the end of the day there is always something to learn, always room to grow, and always a way we can share our knowledge with others! That's why I have always loved tutoring!
College is an incredible experience, on every level, and I think that all students should have the chance to go to the school of their choice! The SAT can give you that 'extra edge' you need to put the power of the "Yes" in your own hands (versus some guy in an admissions office). Revolution Prep has a program that will give you the tools you'll need to get that 'extra edge' on the SAT. Let's face it, who wouldn't want an extra "extra edge" when it comes to college applications?! :)
I love that Revolution Prep believes in every student and desires to see every student succeed. I am proud to be a part of the Revolution Prep team.
Campbell, CA
UC Berkeley
I love drawing, dancing, exercising, exploring, reading, analyzing metaphors, learning about memory and decision-making, and teaching. I tend to go all out in everything I do and make the most out of every minute. I never drive without a book-on-tape. Some of my reads are: the Song of the Bird, the Wind-up Bird Chronicle, and the Black Swan. None of them are about birds. I love house music and house dance. Recently, I've also started practicing yoga. In high school, aside from classwork, sports, and dance, I had a blast with Key Club. At UC Berkeley, I majored in Cognitive Science, but also took a lot of math and art practice courses. I taught SAT classes as part of my Education Minor. I was also a Cog Sci Peer Advisor and a Hip Hop Dancer and Development Chair for the Movement Dance Group. In the past few years I've lived in Chiang Mai, was part of a cutting edge start-up, and have jumped out of an airplane... twice. I've also taught a wide range of classes and have loved every moment of that experience.
I love making a positive impact on young lives and teaching these courses gives me an opportunity to do so. Revolution Prep allows me to work with students in both a group setting and individually, giving me a chance to reach more students with different learning styles. In addition to amazing fellow teachers and staff and the well-designed infrastructure and curriculum, there's a genuine care about the students we serve, and that is my ultimate reason.
Kansas City, KS
MIT, UC Santa Cruz
I'm working on a PhD in Astrophysics at U.C. Santa Cruz. (Black holes are the coolest things ever!)
I went to college at MIT, where I studied physics, dabbled in literature, and learned how to knit items of questionable aesthetic value.
I teach for Revolution for the same reason that I buy groceries at the farmer's market: it's something I'm going to do anyway, so it makes sense to do it with people who aren't evil. Also, it's fun!
Redwood City, CA
Occidental College
I have lived in California all of my life, but I love to travel to other countries. If I'm not traveling then I love to watch foreign movies with English subtitles-not dubbed-and my favorite is Amelie!
Those who can't re-take the SAT, teach it!
Seoul, Korea
Stanford University
I am from Seoul, Korea, and I attended Carnegie Mellon University where I studied biomechanical engineering and math. I then got recruited by GE medical, and they offered me a full scholarship at Marquette University (where Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat went to school). I am currently pursuing my Ph.D at Stanford in biomechanical engineering and I am focusing on lower backbone. As for my photo, I do not actually have any recent pictures, but I still look very similar, I swear.
I came to the US as an exchange student when I was a senior in high school, and I did not know anything about SAT and college application process. I really wanted to attend prep classes, but unfortunately they were very expensive and so I could not afford them. When I saw Revolution Prep's mission statement, I really liked the concept of helping students with a more affordable price.
San Francisco
U.C. Berkeley
I studied history and music in college, and after a few years in the working world following graduation, I decided to change routes and enter the med school track, going back to school to finish all the science prerequisites. I really like working with people, a big part of my desire to be a doctor one day. Maybe out of necessity given my career track, I like standardized testing, and while I don't expect anyone to get warm fuzzy feelings about it like I do, I do hope to make the experience as pain-free as possible.
Revolution Prep is a fantastic company to work for. I've really enjoyed the people I've worked with, from fellow teachers to the founders of the company. I've dealt with other companies as a student (most recently with Kaplan for their MCAT course), and Revolution is one of the friendliest, most dynamic places to be a part of.
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