Monterey Bay Instructors
Marika Anderson
Hometown: Carmel, CA
College: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
About Me:
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.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
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!
Katherine Braun
Hometown: Kenosha, WI
College: U of Wisconsin,Monterey Institute of Int'l Studies
About Me:
I grew up in Wisconsin, commonly known as the land of cheeseheads and cows, or America’s Dairyland. I went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison and triple majored in Political Science, French and International Studies. During my time there, I studied abroad in France, something I highly recommend! After college, I went back to France and taught English to middle school and high school students. That experience helped me realize how much I enjoy teaching and led me to my current studies – a Masters Degree in TESOL. In my free time I enjoy exploring this beautiful area, traveling and running.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
First of all, I love teaching. Revolution is great because I can help contribute to students’ success on the SAT. I enjoy giving students the step ahead that I wish I had when I was getting ready for college.
Terra Eggink
Hometown: Northern California
College: UC Santa Cruz - BA, UC San Diego - PhD
About Me:
I live between Santa Cruz and Monterey, surrounded by strawberry fields. I have two dogs that like to sleep most of the day and occasionally chase cats, squirrels, and lizards. I like to surf, although I'm not very good. I also love to snowboard, which I'm better at. If you're reading this, you'll probably be in my class; I can't wait to meet you. Soon you will be a master of the SAT!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Sure, it's a cliche, but young people do have the power to change the world. I'm inspired by the process of teaching, and learning from, such powerful people.
Cj Hayes
Hometown: Ojai, California
College: UCSB (BA in Literature); Antioch (MFA)
About Me:
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.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
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.
Jordan Johnson
Hometown: Agoura, CA
College: Indiana University
About Me:
I'm a teacher, a student, a musician, a swimmer, a runner, a programmer, and at least several dozen other things. I sing with a barbershop quartet and other vocal groups. I practice t'ai chi. I'm fluent in Spanish, and easily amused.
I finished my BA in Spanish and computer science at Indiana in 2000, but I studied clarinet there as well. Working for the university, I developed an award-winning payroll, scheduling, and time clock system now in use by IU's student computing lab consultants. I loved Bloomington.
Now that I'm in the Bay Area, though, I love it here, too. I teach, and have more fun at it than I have with any other job.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
To pass on the knowledge and experience my own teachers have given me, and to help open up opportunities for my students. I want my students to go to schools that challenge their outlook on life and let their individual talents, backgrounds, and values find expression.
Also, teaching is fun!
Laurel Ruhlen
Hometown: Kansas City, KS
College: MIT
About Me:
I'm a physics graduate student at UCSC.
I went to college at MIT, where I studied physics, dabbled in literature, and learned how to knit items of questionable aesthetic value.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
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!