New York Metro Instructors
Natalie Arellano
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
College: Columbia
About Me:
I'm a graduate student, so I spend most of my time reading long, dense articles (just like on the SAT!). Also, I just bought a bike (you'll probably see me riding it on the way to class).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because I actually think that standardized tests can be fun to take (really!). Hopefully after this course, you'll think so too.
Alexandra Ayoub
Hometown: Lafayette, CA
College: University of California - Berkeley
About Me:
After graduating from UC-Berkeley in 2005 with a BA in Anthropology, I came to terms with my deep love of teeth and torture and decided to pursue dentistry. While I help get people ready to tackle the SAT, I'm getting ready to tackle the DAT...I guess you could say I'm a standardized test junkie.
I love Cal football (GO BEARS!), sunny days, traveling the world, dessert, live music, mafia movies, wearing flip flops, and the sentence completion sections of the SAT...seriously.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I really love Revolution's values as well as their approach to the dreaded SAT. Not only is this job incredibly rewarding, but it's fun and requires no uncomfortable attire.
And besides, where else can one work with great people, help students achieve their goals, and perform in front of a captive audience?
Raphael Brancato
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
About Me:
I spend most of my time fishing, snowboarding, playing ice hockey or baseball, and simply hanging out because I'm sure whichever medical school I end up going to next year will be foolishly insane...
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because they have way better posters than all of the other dudes...
Kimberly Chalmers
Hometown: Queens, NY
College: New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
About Me:
I was born in Texas and lived there for three awesome months until my family moved to Woodside, Queens. I went to Hunter College High School, and then to NYU for film and television production. My two biggest passions are travel (I've been to four of the seven continents), and children's entertainment (my day job is as an Associate Producer at Nick Jr). Some fast facts: I am half Chinese and half British; I have eight younger siblings; I am engaged to be married; I love all kinds of food; my favorite sport is women's gymnastics; and I have never paid for a haircut. Also, I know everything about the Beatles. Seriously.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Ever since I first packed up a backpack, grabbed an umbrella, and broke into an elementary school at the age of two so I could see what it was like, I have had a passion for learning and education. And it may sound silly, but the great score I eventually got the SAT's opened doors to many experiences that changed my life! I teach because I want to help others to reach their own goals, and I really believe that education is THE key to all achievement.
David Fier
Hometown: Lake Grove, NY
College: Northeastern University
About Me:
I'm a recent graduate of Northeastern University, having successfully completed a dual-major degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. I'm a huge fan of video games, music (I play electric bass, piano, and viola, just to name a few), and intramural sports when I get the chance.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Having taught with Revolution Prep for almost a year now, I think I can safely say that I teach because of the impact I get to have on the students. I find that not only am I able to teach them the material specific to the standardized tests, but I'm also able to share with them my ever-increasing array of life experiences and really connect with them on a more adult level than they're used to. I see my role not as a means to an end, but more as a bridge for that awkward gap between the high school mindset and that of college-bound student. While I suppose I could attempt to make that connection with any test preparation company, I truly believe in what Revolution Prep is doing for these kids, and I'm proud to be a part of it!
Jeffrey Gardner
Hometown: New York City
College: Binghamton/NYU Law
About Me:
I can complete the Sunday Times crossword puzzle! I have been: a lawyer...bass player...Restaurant Owner and Manager....having a child has definitely increased my interest in teaching. The images from the Hubble Telescope simply boggle my mind. I am glad, however, that there is not an astronomy section on the SAT.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I truly enjoy the challenge of connecting with today's teens, and I love when they GET it! I also am thoroughly impressed with Revolution's whole concept and mission.
Josh Garfinkel
Hometown: Merrick, NY
College: NCC/Hofstra
About Me:
Being an alumnus of Nassau Community College and Hofstra University, I'm a hometown hero in the making.
Favorite Ice Cream: Dulce de Leche
Favorite Baseball Team: NY Mets
Favorite SAT section: Critical Reading
Favorite TV Show: Jeopardy
Have pets?: No
Want pets?: Yes
Favorite Movie: Star Wars
Favorite Painter: Goya
Favorite Shoes: Vans
Last played on ipod: Led Zeppelin
Favorite Author: Hemingway
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
The SAT is fun!! No, that's not why... I possess an abundance of fun and need to lighten my load. I thought it would be nice to lend some to the SAT and Revolution Prep is the perfect way to do it.
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Jennifer Gartner
Hometown: Scotch Plains, NJ
College: Boston College
About Me:
I am the oldest of 4 children. I grew up in New Jersey. I graduated from Boston College, where I studied Elementary Education and Theater. At BC, I swam varsity my Freshman year and then quit for the Theater. I love to travel and after graduation, I backpacked with my best friend around Europe for 8 weeks. When I got back I started more school at The Circle in the Square Theater Conservatory. I finished this 2 year program in May. I currently spend my days auditioning, taking extra classes and teach and tutor after school and at night. My favorite subject in school was biology, my least favorite was history. I have too much energy for my own good, love the beach, the theater, reading and anything having to do with friends or food :)
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution Prep because I love teaching. Pretty simple. I am a nerd and I love teaching :)
Erin Glynn
Hometown: Staten Island
College: Seton Hall University
About Me:
I graduated from Hunter College in May 2008 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in English. I am currently attending Seton Hall University to obtain my M.A./Ed.S in Professional Counseling. I love to learn and express myself creatively. I enjoy music, painting, drawing, and reading. I also love to run, dance, swim, and play tennis when I have the time!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
My interest in working with Revolution Prep lies in the fact that I greatly enjoy working in an academic setting. I love to learn, and love helping other people learn. I believe that learning can be made fun and interesting, and I hope to make students preparing for the S.A.T. feel the same. I remember preparing for the S.A.T. and realize how important it is to have a knowledgeable and fun tutor to help you. I also believe that getting a college degree is vital in today's society, and it would bring me great satisfaction to think I helped someone achieve their goals by getting into college.
Alan Haimowitz
Hometown: Sonoma County, California
College: UC Berkeley
About Me:
I've traveled to India, Cuba, and Nepal, lived in my car, and don't care for electric shavers or trans fatty acids.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because the SAT is quite possibly the most annoying, self-righteous, bureaucratic hoop that any student must jump through in order get on to the better things in life.
Roger Herman
Hometown: Rye Brook, New York
College: Fordham University and New York University
About Me:
I attended Fordham University as an undergraduate and received my degree in Math, before attending New York University to pursue my graduate degree in education. I was a member of the National Teacher Corps back in the 1960's. I remained in teaching for ten years, and then moved into the field of substance abuse counseling, responding to a great need I found in the course of my teaching. I wound up counseling both adults and adolescents. I promised myself to get back into teaching before my retirement, and I have managed to accomplish that. I feel that Revolution Prep is a great way for all my career goals and accomplishments to come together.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I found myself responding in a positive way to Revolution Prep's goal of teaching all those students who wanted to be taught, regardless of income. Since my contact with Revolution Prep has begun, I've found both the people and their computer creations to be excellent. So I have high hopes of doing some real good with the company.
Maia Josebachvili
Hometown: Great Neck
College: Dartmouth College
About Me:
After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I spent two years working on Wall Street as a derivatives trader. I left Wall Street to pursue my own business and I currently own and run an adventure travel company based out of New York City.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution because I love the energy of the company and my fellow teachers. Everyone I work with feels passionately about improving the students' scores and that's exactly the kind of environment I want to be a part of.
Stephen Kaliski
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
College: Davidson College
About Me:
I moved to New York to pursue acting and directing. I'm a huge fan of the stage as well as an unabashed Anglophile; England produces most significant forces in my life, such as Shakespeare, Ian McEwan, Harold Pinter, and Harry Potter. I love to travel, and I've spent [studious] time in Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, and of course, the United Kingdom. My favorite herb is basil, and I'm a pro on Nintendo Wii bowling and tennis, where I play as Bruce Springsteen. Go Mets, Panthers, and Bobcats!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep has earned my love, respect, and participation because of its admirable goal of adding some spice to one of life's most off-putting enigmas, the SAT.
Daniel Kerr
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
College: Cornell
About Me:
I believe firmly that if you try to get to know her or him, every person in the world is complex and interesting, and I trust that I am no exception. There is so much to know about anyone that I am at a loss to proceed. I suppose I'll just go with it. I try to look at things from as revealing a perspective as I can. I try to divine the true nature of things to further my understanding of the world, to become wiser as a result, and, ultimately, to use my knowledge and wisdom to help others.
This brings me to the single most powerful force operating in my mind. I have a sense of what is the best for all people involved and a sense of fair play. It is a burning need inside me to help fix things that have gone wrong and to restore the balance. If I see an injustice or someone hurt, my mind whizzes through possibilities of ways to affect the situation. If I am rendered powerless to assist, by whatever circumstances may be, I certainly feel bad about it. I feel like I always have the best interests of everyone else in mind, and not so much regard for myself. This seems even to me to be ridiculously altruistic and self-promoting. But even if this is the case, believing it probably brings me closer to my goal than if I would deny it outright.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I discovered a passion for teaching in high school, leading me to study the language with great precision and attention to detail, linking whatever linguistic phenomena I observed to their modern English manifestations whenever I could. This gave me an appreciation for the subtleties and tricks that the SAT writers use in all three and I thoroughly enjoy passing this on to other people so that they may be demystified.
In short, I got started because Revolution actually called back. I was then enthralled by their mission and superior approach to tutoring the SAT, and that is why I stick with it.
Jemma Lorenat
Hometown: Napa, CA
College: San Francisco State University
About Me:
I grew up with my nose in a book and the lights off, as a result I am extraordinarily nearsighted (but only in the literal sense). I love to discuss infinity, the universe, and the meaning of life. I like popsicles in the summer and hot chocolate with marshmallows in the winter.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep aims to give all students equal opportunities for conquering the SAT. That's fantastic, and I'm happy to be a part of it.
Christopher Lorraine
Hometown: New York, NY
College: Kenyon College, Gambier Ohio
About Me:
When I am not geeking out to books about my favorite topics--natural science (evolution, genetics), 18th century French history, and Psychology--I play guitar and sing in a two-piece band with my wife (who plays drums). We're called The Withholders. When we're not playing music, we're taking care of our brand-new daughter Josephine Rose. I am also currently enrolled in the Graduate Program in Psychology at NYU.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep, to me, is not JUST an awesome SAT Prep Course. The strategies and skills we teach are of course useful for the SAT, but also for college courses themselves, and even on-the-job. I would have loved a course like this when I was preparing for the SAT...
I still love to learn. Teaching this course also keeps my critical-thinking skills sharp. The best part, however, is meeting all my students, hearing their stories, and interacting with them in class. See you soon!
Brandon Lotti
Hometown: New York, New York
College: Yale University
About Me:
I am an aspiring musician and work as a legal assistant in a small real estate law firm. I am considering a transition into teaching as a career, and that's part of why I'm doing Revolution Prep.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because it's fun, and I expect to learn a lot doing it. Also, it's a lot more rewarding than teaching tigers how to cook, like at my old job.
Cori Marquis
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
College: Stanford University
About Me:
No matter where I move, or what else I am doing, I continue to find myself tutoring or teaching in some capacity. Being a pretty huge nerd myself, I place an enormous value on education, and believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn and progress. In teaching for Revolution Prep, I hope to help make it a little bit easier for each desiring student to reach their very own pie in the sky: college! I am so excited to be part of the Revolution!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I just moved to New York City to dance professionally after graduating with a degree in Psychology and Performing Arts in June 2008. When I am not prancing around, I read, explore new places, travel just about anywhere, and do anything that involves being physically active. If and when I finish my dance career, I'll invest my energy in developmental psychology. For now, I am loving New York!
Caroline Marvin
Hometown: Bronxville, NY
College: Yale University
About Me:
I've been an art student in London, a journalist in New York, and a speechwriter in Washington, DC. But, I started teaching four years ago--middle school Math and high school English--and I can't imagine doing anything else. All you need in life is a dry erase marker and a dream!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep makes studying for the SAT easy, effective and fun(-ish). Plus, Revolutionaries are the coolest bunch of nerds I know!
Hannah Mermelstein
Hometown: Glenside, PA
College: Goucher College
About Me:
I am a teacher, an activist, and an aspiring librarian. In college I majored in International Studies, Latin American Studies, Women's Studies and Peace Studies. Since then I have worked as an organizer (and Rev Prep teacher!) in Boston and New York, and have traveled and worked in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because I'm a revolutionary!
And... I love the idea of helping students ace a test that is, unfortunately, a pretty important test! I have always loved teaching, and have a particular knack for explaining Math. In high school I used to take over for my teacher when he was unable to explain Algebraic problems to my fellow students.
Adam Nelson
Hometown: Trumbull, CT
College: Wesleyan University
About Me:
Hello! I studied math and economics at Wesleyan University and have been tutoring math and SAT prep in the city for four years. I live in Brooklyn and also work as a part-time musician - I play guitar and bass but mostly do electronic production. I like to have some fun in the classroom, so come energized!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
My younger sister was never a "math person", and I became her default math tutor for most of her academic life. She often felt frustrated and discouraged by her experiences in school, but somehow she always seemed to understand the material once we went over it together a few times at home. All it took was a little bit of patience and humor, and she was able to relax and approach the subject in a constructive way.
When I discovered Revolution Prep, I was instantly drawn to it because the teaching style and philosophy it fosters are perfectly in sync with my own, and with the lessons I learned working with my sister (and all of the other students I've taught since). The Revolution curriculum is great, the people are wonderful, and I'm excited to be part of the team!
Robert OBrien
Hometown: Ronkonkoma, NY
College: SUNY Stony Brook
About Me:
I am currently a junior at Stony Brook University, studying History, with the intention of becoming a Social Studies teacher. Right now I am training in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. My boxing is terrible but I think my grappling is okay. Just don't mess with me if you are wearing a thick jacket, because I have teh jud0!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
When I was in high school, I was taking standardized tests left and right. Regents exams, AP exams, the SAT, SAT II subject tests, you name it, I was probably taking it or studying to take it. It sucked. I just sat in my room studying for hours. I know what its like to be under that kind of pressure and I want to be able to help people through that same situation.
Sydney Painter
Hometown: Albany, CA
College: Fordham University -- Lincoln Center
About Me:
I've traveled to six continents and around the world.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
To change the world!
Jenny Paul
Hometown: Dallas, TX
College: Brandeis University
About Me:
I am a crraaaazy New York actress! I love to sing, tap dance, and play volleyball in my spare time. I like wheat thins, Honey Nut Cheerios, Will and Grace, and I LOVE the Gingerbread latte at Starbucks. Since it costs wAAAy too much money, I found a way to beat the system. Okay here's the formula: If I order a Gingerbread Latte with soy, it costs $4.75. If I order half a cup of coffee with a shot of Gingerbread, it costs. $1.70. + Half a cup of soy milk and nutmeg on the bar (for $0) = for a total of $1.70 instead of the outrageous and extremely lame $4.75!!! I also like Facebook, (Facebook me!) and hanging out with anyone that has any ounce of interesting in them!!! Yay Revolution!! Wooo!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I want to help y'all (yes, I'm from Texas) kick the SAT's you know what!!!
Sam Pitt-Stoller
Hometown: Great Neck, NY
College: Binghamton University
About Me:
Sam hails from the legendary state of New York. As a child, his first words were "SAT prep." His second words were, "I regret my choice for my first words." His final words will be "I hope my Revolution Prep profile was funny." He enjoys playing and listening to music, eating a GOOD slice of pizza, and writing autobiographical information in the third person. Sam and his friend once ate an entire box of Coco Pebbles in one sitting. It was good. He was in California for a year and liked it, but now he's back in New York! Thank you and goodbye.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I enjoy teaching things to people and Revolution Prep gives me the chance to do just that! How perfect! I love the idea of teaching and learning things in a fun and stimulating way. I hope to spend much of my life teaching and Revolution Prep should prove to be a great start!
Alexander Prokop
Hometown: Florham Park, NJ
College: NYU
About Me:
I'm a junior at NYU studying philosophy and music.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I think I connect with high school kids so well because I still look like one of them!
John Ruby
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
College: New York University
About Me:
I'm from Kansas City originally. I chose to come to New York City because it's the best, most diverse place in the world. I like long walks through the city, and by that I don't mean walking from Lincoln Center to Penn Station. I mean all day walks, from Inwood to the Battery, from Chinatown to the Rockaways, up and down the Bronx River, or all the way down Greenpoint and Roosevelt Avenues from the East River to Flushing and beyond. I love what the city really is: not a taxi ride, but where the taxi drivers live. I prefer East Broadway to West Broadway, and Sunnyside to SoHo. I moved here from Kansas City only 7 years ago for school, but New York has quickly became home.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution Prep because I like to help students see how much easier the SAT can be if you learn how to take it. The College Board is trying to trick you! See past the tricks and you can get the score to get you to college, the best years of your life, where *you* can decide where you're going. That's why I'm here.
Daniel Sachs
Hometown: Bala Cynwyd, PA
College: Duke
About Me:
A few facts: I work for a non-profit legal services organzation in Brooklyn; I was once hit by a small bus; I'm learning blues piano; I root really hard for the Philadelphia Eagles; I will go to law school, eventually; and I will drop whatever I'm doing any time Ferris Bueller's Day Off is on TV.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I like seeing kids get the "aHA!" moment and I like helping people get the knowledge they need to achieve their goals.
Brad Sajeski
Hometown: Oakdale, NY
College: Connecticut College
About Me:
I love to be active. I played three sports through high school and I still play soccer and ice hockey. Over the summer I like to swim, waterski, jetski, and in the winters I ski and snowboard whenever I can. Hockey is my favorite sport, I am a huge Islanders, Yankees, and Giants fan.
For my career, I chose to be a high/middle school biology teacher. I've always loved science and sharing what I know with others. My favorite hobby is keeping salt water reef tanks filled with beautiful fish and live corals.
I'm open to trying just about anything and I can talk about just about anything.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
This course WILL help you. And I will do everything to make sure I figure out how to help you. Big tests can be scary, but there really isn't any need for them to be.
Fametta Sawyer
Hometown: Reston, VA
College: American University, New York University
About Me:
I used to be fascinated with elephants. Then, for a time, it was flamingos. Now my interests include audio engineering (my major), watching obscure movies and medical procedures on TV, and daydreaming about the day when I will have enough time, space and moxie to take apart an entire saxophone and put it back together in working order.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep takes an innovative approach to standardized test preparation and uses strategies that are both simple and highly effective. Also, I like to participate in activities that require me to use the word "Pythagorean."
Brett Siddell
Hometown: Dennis, Massachusetts (Cape Cod)
College: Univ. of Southern California
About Me:
I grew up on a pile of sand called Dennis in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I attended a ridiculous coat-and-tie prep school which inspired me to go to school in California and stop getting haircuts. I went to school at the University of Southern California where I majored in English with a minor in the performing arts. I now use these skills in the Big Apple to perform my own one-man show. Well, its only stand-up, but that's what I tell my mom.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love to teach, and the other Revolutionaries are an incredible group of people.
Aubrey Sinn
Hometown: The Midwest
College: New York University
About Me:
I love chocolate.
Oh, you want more than that? Hmmm... Well, I have been to Canada, the Czech Republic, and South Africa, but not Mexico. The first Broadway show I saw was "The King and I". I enjoy cooking but it's always the first thing to go when I get busy. I could watch "Clueless" a million times and not get bored. I learned to snowboard last winter and surf last summer (just don't ask how good I am at either). My favorite band is Barenaked Ladies and my favorite color is purple. And, secretly, I thought one of the Critical Reading passages in the most recent SAT I took was really interesting...
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I get a little excited when I outwit a particularly nasty SAT question - and at Revolution, no one thinks that's weird!
Megan Stubbendeck
Hometown: Williamsville, New York
College: Binghamton University, University of Virginia
About Me:
I love to travel. When I was a kid I decided that I would visit all 50 states. I haven't succeeded yet because I discovered that traveling out of the country is even more fun. In college I got the chance to live in Paris, France (one of the many cool things about college) and I've made my way through Greece, France, England, Spain, Italy, and India. When I'm not trekking around the world, I spend most of my time watching TV shows that my mom says will rot my brain. Hasn't happened yet. Moms aren't always right.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
When I was in high school, I thought the SAT's were long, hard, and boring; and they have only gotten longer, harder, and more boring. I teach for Revolution Prep because I want to show students that the test is not as impossible as it might first seem.
Katharine Woods
Hometown: Vernon, CT and San Francsico, CA
College: Harvard University (BA), USC (MS)
About Me:
I've career jumped a bit. I've worked in biotech labs, was a paleontologist for a few years, spent a while as a geochemist and field geologist for the government (where I worked on the global warming problem, amongst others), moonlighted as an EMT and a community health worker, and all the while spent time teaching and tutoring on the side. I've taught classroom and one-on-one with students ranging from kindergarten to graduate school over the years, and quite enjoy continuing to do so while pursuing my latest career endeavor -- medical school. In my scant free time I enjoy reading, scrabble, music, and trying to travel as much as I can.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Call me crazy, but I didn't mind the SAT's so much in High School. It just seemed like a giant puzzle to me. So, a few years after taking them myself, I started helping other people figure out the puzzle...after living in a half dozen places in the last 10 years, I ended up in NYC a few years back, and then found my way here to Revolution where I'm happy to help even more people crack the game that is the SAT.
Michelle Young
Hometown: Setauket, New York
College: Harvard
About Me:
I started out as a pretty standard Asian-American girl - I played the piano, cello and studied hard. When I got to Harvard, I realized that my passion was for art and fashion so I majored in the history of art and went on to work in the corporate offices of Abercrombie & Fitch, J.Crew and Calvin Klein as a merchandiser. Like you, I am currently working on going to school - but graduate school this time. In my spare time, I play cello for a rock band and a classical orchestra, work at the Greenwich Village Historical Society, and co-run a startup fashion line.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love meeting new students and following their progress not just in the classroom but after as they take their exams, get accepted to colleges and more!