San Diego Metro Instructors
Grace B.
Hometown: Blue Springs, Missouri
College: University of Missouri - Kansas City
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I was born and raised in a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. I lived there for 27 years prior to moving to San Diego. I studied at the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri - Kansas City where I finished my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies and my graduate degree in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Higher Education/Student Affairs. I have worked in Higher Education Administration for over 8 years as a Leadership Programs Coordinator, Student Activities Coordinator, and currently the Assistant Director for UCSD Express to Success Programs where I teach interpersonal communication, professional communication, and public speaking skills to undergraduate and graduate students.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I truly believe in the mission of Revolution Prep. I love the work that I do with this company. Working to help high school students be successful on the SAT in order to be successful in college aligns with the work at do at the University in which I help students be successful in college in order to succeed in future endeavors beyond college.
Lauren B.
Hometown: San Diego
College: UCSD
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
After I graduated from UCSD, I taught high school English for five years. I am currently a graduate student in Theatre Arts at SDSU.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
UCSD was the college of my dreams. The city, the campus, the students, the professors - it was a perfect fit. I want to help the students of San Diego attend the colleges of THEIR dreams by clearing one of the major hurdles - the SAT.
Robin B.
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
College: UC San Diego, Pennsylvania State University
Resides in: San Marcos, CA
About Me:
I graduated from UCSD in 2005 with a degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry and a minor in Cognitive Science. While there, I played lacrosse and worked as a tour guide, bus driver, lifeguard, and research assistant, among other things.
After college I worked as a research chemist in an organic chemistry lab, which is maybe the nerdiest job ever. I am such a huge nerd that I have my name on a journal paper and a pending patent from there. After working in organic chemistry for a while, I got married and had a wonderful baby named Cassidy. So now I am a full time mom, part-time SAT/ACT instructor/tutor.
I have played softball, volleyball, water polo, and swim, and I have coached the last two. I love most kinds of music; punk rock is my favorite genre though. I love shopping and burritos. If you are in my class, sorry, you will hear about burritos at least a dozen times. I get hungry in the evening. I speak English, Spanish, and German. I think Stephen Colbert is hilarious, and I have a dog named Janet Reno.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love teaching, and I want to see anyone who wants to go to college get in somewhere that they love.
Roisin C.
Hometown: Jacksonville Beach, FL
College: The Florida State University
Resides in: Jacksonville Beach, FL
About Me:
I graduated from The Florida State University with a degree in Exercise Science and minors in Physics and Math. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach high school Physics to some of the most intelligent, interesting people I've ever met. I left teaching to pursue an opportunity in a company with a grand and crazy group of friends and never would have left if I hadn't fallen in love with a Navy pilot. They're just so handsome in their uniforms! Since we came out here I have been looking for an inspiring way to get back into the fields a 60-hour work week forced me to leave behind. I now coach a new swim team, complete with adorable six year olds, and have taken advantage of San Diego's fantastic Community College system to learn to dance. I love to swim, run, lift, dance, play poker, cheer for the Chargers (and the Jags), cook, watch college football, shop for funky clothes and read anything I can get my hands on. My perfect days always end with my sweetheart and the true love of my life, my 110 pound shilo shepard, Apollo.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I discovered Revolution Prep after my old job burned down (I'm not kidding!) As a high school teacher in Florida, I saw student after student freak out about their multiple responsibilities. I think Revolution is a great way to take at least one of those pressures off your back. The SAT can be confusing, but Revolution has found a way to weave through it successfully so you can focus on your true loves. Which is why we're here in the first place, right? So you can go to college and study whatever makes your socks roll up and down?!
Robin C.
Hometown: Lexington, Massachusetts
College: University of California - Berkeley
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I was born in Pittsburgh, raised in the Boston area, and attended college in California. I have spent the bulk of my adult life meeting new people, experiencing new places, and immersing myself in other cultures. I feel that it has provided me with a unique perspective on how things work, both in a literal and figurative sense. I feel that that perspective allows me to connect more readily with my students and ultimately makes the difference in how enthusiastic they are about the material. My hobbies include reading, writing, traveling, following and playing sports, and playing the guitar.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love teaching because it provides an avenue for me to interact with young people in a meaningful way. I believe that everyone has a story to tell and it is the role of the instructor to bring that story to the forefront -- to make it shine.
Johnathan C.
Hometown: Middletown, CA
College: Cal Poly- San Luis Obsipo
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I'm currently studying to get my Master's Degree in Education and have my Chemistry and Business teaching credential. I spent two years as a Mathematics major before switching to Marketing Management while at Cal Poly. I like to spend my free time at the beach, hiking, messing around on the computer, or catching a movie with my wife.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Education has always been a core value in my life. I believe college is one of the best periods in a person's life. Revolution Prep has the tools to help bridge the economic barrier to higher education we've developed as a society. Working with Revolution Prep gives me the opportunity to help students get into the schools that might have otherwise been out of their reach, and give them skills they can take with them long after they take the SAT or ACT.
Nicole E.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
College: University of California, Santa Barbara
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I grew up in San Diego, spoiled by great weather and beautiful beaches. During high school I worked as a tutor and conquered the SAT ;). After graduation I moved from one awesome beach city to another, and entered the Honors Program at UCSB, where I am about to enter my senior year as a double-major in Psychology and Business-Economics. In Santa Barbara I continued to work as a tutor for private families and special needs children, except during a short period of time in which I was a member of the phone sales department of an advertising company (mistake!). In my spare time I'm either at the beach, cooking with friends, or looking for new music. And if I ever get the opportunity to head out for a weekend road trip you can bet that I'll be packing :).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
After extensive experience in tutoring (including working for a Kaplan company for several years...shhhh, don't tell...) I came across Revolution Prep. I was thrilled to finally find a company that shared my passion for teaching and took an innovative approach to beating the SAT!
Paul F.
Hometown: Escondido, CA
College: UC Irvine
Resides in: Escondido, CA
About Me:
I just graduated from UCI with a degree in biomedical engineering, and right now I'm one of the many lucky individuals searching for a full-time job! Ideally, I'd like to end up doing research and development on orthodepdic surgery or dental implant devices.
I love staying active, and I've played soccer since I was tiny and continued playing through college. I also play tennis, surf (poorly), and train jiu jitsu.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
In college, I tutored for a year or two, and found that I really love to teach! After I graduated, I explored my options for pursuing this passion further, which led me to Revolution Prep.
The instructors are great, and everyone truly cares about the students' success!
Abigail H.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
College: University of California, Santa Cruz
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I graduated summa cum laude from UCSC June 2008 with a dual degree in politics (international concentration) and economics. My favorite college activities included beach volleyball, spelunking, and hiking. I love to learn, and I want to go to graduate school, preferably for as long as possible, so this fall I plan on applying for various degree programs; hopefully I�ll be accepted for a economics phD program with a concentration in Development Economics. In addition to working for Revolution, I intern as a research assistant for a non-profit that works on reforestation and development across the globe. I can quote any episode of the Office or Arrested Development verbatim, I love to read, I love taking my golden retriever Hobbes to dog beach. For my last meal, I want aloo matar paneer, naan, a sweet lassi, and a samosa with tamarind sauce, hopefully from my favorite hole-in-the wall restaurant in Mission Valley. Junior year, I studied abroad in la bella Italia and developed a severe addiction to gelato and traveling. I'm still not quite sure what I want to be when I grow up.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution has an amazing corporate philosophy and a tremendously effective student-centered program. The SAT plays such an important role in college admissions, and having the right teacher (me!) and the best test-taking strategies can make all the difference. I want every high school student to have the opportunity to attend their dream college like I did!
Andrew I.
Hometown: Citrus Heights, CA
College: U.C. Irvine
Resides in: La Jolla, CA
About Me:
Born and raised in Citrus Heights, a suburb of Sacramento, I didn't venture far from my home town until college. I attended U.C. Irvine where I graduated with degrees in Criminology and Psychology thinking I would go on to join the FBI.
I know what you're thinking. " Those majors don't sound important for teaching. So what makes this guy qualified to teach anyone?" Well the answer is that while in college I started working with kids during annual lacrosse summer camps that my team held as fundraisers. I went on to be the head coach of a local middle school team and discovered a passion for working with young people as a teacher, coach, and mentor. I decided that crime fighting wasn't a good fit for me and, due to my experiences as a coach, I changed my focus to teaching.
I have recently completed the teaching credential program at San Diego State and hope to become the world's greatest teacher.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
The SAT is a major road block for students to navigate in order to go to college. I teach for Revolution Prep because they represent the best of the best. By making a contribution to Rev. Prep. I want to be a guide for students in the most productive way possible. I want to hone my skills as a teacher and mold students into the best test takers they can be.
Jess J.
Hometown: Washington D.C.
College: University of Virginia
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I grew up in Virginia overlooking Washington DC. I went to the University of Virginia and loved every minute of it! Believe it or not I would trade places with you and go back and do it again in a heart beat. Wahoo-Wa! No one will know what that means except those that went to UVa, however, thats why we love our Alma Maters! After college I moved to Philadelphia and got my Masters in Biomedical Engineering. Grad school was great, but it was time to trade my snow boots for year round flip flops, luckily the biotech industry allowed me to do exactly that here in San Diego!
*When Jess isn't tutoring he is working hard as a biomedical engineer at Illumina, loves playing basketball, thinks that he can write a book like Chuck Klosterman, and has a borderline unhealthy love for UVa, the Redskins, and the Red Sox*
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
College was one of the best times of my life! I think everyone deserves to go to the school they want, and the SATs should never hold anyone back!
Naomi L.
Hometown: San Diego!
College:
Resides in: Escondido, CA
About Me:
I can't whistle to save my life, but I generally manage to survive in spite of that. I'm in my last year as a journalism major and plan to go on to grad school eventually, as my brain tends to atrophy whenever I'm not learning something new. I'm a crazy philosophy nut, I spent a summer living, traveling, and studying in Costa Rica, I committed orthopedic surgery on myself in an emergency, and convinced my younger brother he could fly. Twice. Things I love include discovering abstruse facts that I will never have any practical purpose for, any word with an absurd number of syllables, hole-in-the-wall coffee shops, sushi, live music, Coronado, and the beach. Things I could live without include allergies and jammed printers. Also, monochromatic meals.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Besides Revolution's fantastic strategies and social mission, I love helping others succeed, and I love high school students. No one should have to go into the SAT without a game plan (or without having met super cool instructors like me). Besides, I love a challenge. It doesn't get more challenging than making a group of students laugh when we're talking about functions.
Nicholas L.
Hometown: Denver, CO
College: Bowdoin College
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I'm relatively new to San Diego, having moved here to start a new business with a good friend. Before SD I spent four years in LA coaching women's lacrosse at UCLA and doing a grad program there. Growing up in Colorado and going to undergrad in Maine, I can unequivocally say I'm best suited to sunny SoCal! I've also lived/traveled in Chile, Australia and Europe but I still have a lot to see and learn!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I strongly agree with the way Revolution Prep teaches valuable critical thinking skills that will be valuable long after you ace the test.
Angela L.
Hometown: Camarillo/El Centro, CA
College: University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I recently graduated from college with a biology degree and am planning on becoming a high school biology teacher. I am currently applying to schools and working part-time. For fun, I like to ballroom dance, play point-and-click room escape games online, and watch "Jon & Kate plus 8."
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I want to help students improve their scores, easing some of the stress that comes with being pre-college students, and thereby help them be happier people. I find teaching to be rewarding, and I enjoy getting more teaching experience as I plan on becoming a high school biology teacher. I also really like the fact that Revolution Prep cares about its students, and that its courses are accessible to more students due to its lower costs. In short, I teach for Revolution Prep because I believe in its purpose, and because it's a place where I can help both others and myself.
Mia L.
Hometown: Jenkintown
College: University of Virginia
Resides in: Chula Vista, CA
About Me:
I grew up right outside of Philadelphia, and went to college at the University of Virginia where I played field hockey and majored in Biomedical Engineering. I had a great experience, and after I graduated in 2007, I went to the Netherlands to play field hockey semi-professionally for two years. I am currently training with the US national team at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I am a big believer in hard work - I want to help those who are willing to put in the time and effort achieve their goals.
Elizabeth M.
Hometown: San Diego
College: New York University
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I was born and raised in sunny San Diego and made the decision to venture off to the east coast for college. In New York, I experienced everything from riding subways and buying winter clothes, to seeing Broadway shows and living in Chinatown with 5 other girls in an apartment the size of your closet. Additionally, I landed my dream job working at TIME magazine. After three and a half years I graduated Magna cum Laude from New York University with a BA in English and American Literature. Since then I have moved back to San Diego and cannot get enough of the sun! And in case you were wondering, my interests include dancing (especially modern and hip-hop), gymnastics, reading, running, and the beach. And things that I want to accomplish in my lifetime include learning how to surf, learning how to play a musical instrument, and traveling the world!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
The three and a half years I spent in college were the best years of my life. I went to the college of my dreams and had the time of my life. As such, I want to help others go to the colleges of their dreams too! No standardized test should ever get in the way of a life-changing experience. Let me help you achieve your college goals!
Jennifer M.
Hometown: Valley Center, CA
College: California State University, San Marcos
Resides in: Pauma Valley, CA
About Me:
Technical stuff: BA in Liberal Studies; Clear California Teaching Credential. Fun stuff: I absolutely LOVE to go deep-sea fishing! My biggest catch so far was a 56-pound dorado off the shores of Loreto, Mexico - Aah, the memory of the guys' faces when they realized I'd caught the biggest fish of the trip. My next goal is to catch a marlin.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
The strategies really work; the curriculum is brilliant! I am privileged to be able to help students get in to the college of their dreams, opening up opportunities that will last a lifetime.
Jolene M.
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
College: UCLA
Resides in: Vista, CA
About Me:
I spent 4 years loving my life at UCLA and graduated with a B.S. in biology. I teach full time at an all boys military boarding school and really enjoy it. When I'm not teaching, I like to make and decorate cakes, spend time with family or friends, and waste time on wikipedia. I also have 2 dogs that I love spoiling. My pit bull thinks she's a person and sleeps in my bed every night. Even though she looks tough she's actually the wimpiest dog ever (she's afraid of Chihuahuas, trash cans, and exercise balls among other things).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Okay, here is my deep dark secret.....I LOVE THE SAT and most standardized tests for that matter. Since I have a fondness for the SAT, I want to show high school students that the SAT doesn't have to be dreaded or despised. Revolution Prep has lots of tricks and hints up its sleeve that help me convince students that the SAT really isn't that tough and can be mastered with just a little work.
Brianne M.
Hometown: Belmont, CA
College: Boston College
Resides in: La Jolla, CA
About Me:
I grew up in northern California, went to school at BC - Go Eagles - then spent an unfortunate year in New Jersey as an actuary. Luckily I was able to move back to sunny CA in the OC for another actuarial job. Just writing the word actuary makes me want to fall asleep...that being said I am pursuing a degree in Oceanography at UCSD. I love the ocean, was a Division I Varsity Rower at BC, play soccer and have completed my first triathlon! I root for the Red Sox, and anything and everything Boston College!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
College was one of the best times of my life. I've taken many standardized tests in my life (ask me about being an actuary) and know that there are tricks to beat them. Basically I want to stick it to the man!
Brad M.
Hometown: San Diego
College: UCLA
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I received my B.A. in English this last June and am back home in sunny San Diego just living the dream. I love playing basketball, tennis, and ultimate... frisbee of course. I also occasion Morley Field Disc Golf Course for a round of golf's far from classy cousin. I love to open a good book, and then sometimes close it quickly there after. I have a bad habit of wanting to read giant literary beast novels and thus spend months reading a single book. Last conquest: East of Eden. Brad -1......Giant Novels - 0 In conclusion, I would like to run a marathon in the near future. The End.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I firmly believe that going to college leads to immeasurable individual growth and infinite opportunities. With the potential of such an impact, I think it is important to attend a college you WANT to attend--a college or university that fits your needs. The best way to not "settle" on a college is to prepare and rock the SAT's. In my experience, Revolution Prep helps more students achieve their college goals through its affordability and student empathy. RP strives to nurture and provide for the individual needs of its individual students.
Jill N.
Hometown: Stockton, CA
College: UC Davis
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
After graduating from UC Davis I decided to pursue a career in education. I began teaching SAT prep with one of those other test prep companies, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with college-bound high school students. I taught the test for about 4 years as I substitute taught, went back to school to Cal State San Marcos to earn my single subject teaching credential in social sciences, and began my career as a public school educator. I taught US History, Government, and Economics at Carlsbad High School for two years before I was a victim of the budget cuts as a result of being the newest employee in my department. I worked at a charter school in La Jolla as a long term substitute after that, and then I found Revolution! Outside of work, I enjoy running far too many miles, riding my beach cruiser on the beach or the bay, trying out new restaurants, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep is doing test prep the right way. It is so refreshing to be a part of a company that has a great vision for "Revolution"izing education! We teach students life-long learning strategies in addition to helping them rock their standardized tests. My passion has always been education, and I feel fortunate to work for a company that truly values individual students and helps them achieve their goals.
Jennifer P.
Hometown: Carlsbad, CA
College: University of California, Santa Barbara
Resides in: Carlsbad, CA
About Me:
I recently graduated from UCSB with BS in biopsychology and plan on attending graduate school in the near future. I am a random, energetic, and social person...I love new experiences and meeting new people. I have an addiction to chocolate and Harry Potter. I kick butt at Scrabble but still can't really figure out Monopoly. I think the original Nintendo was the BEST game system ever. I also enjoy random activities, such as roller blading, cross stitching, and making paper clip chains.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I want to help others figure out what I didn't in high school---that SAT prep doesn't have to be stressful and miserable! I have taken test preparation courses from two other companies and they pale in comparison to Revolution Prep. I am proud to work for such a dynamic and people-oriented company.
Kaitlin P.
Hometown: San Diego
College: UC Berkeley
Resides in: Spring Valley, CA
About Me:
I use my public library card frequently, and I am preparing for a teachers credential in English.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Learning IS fun and I like finding ways to translate that passion to other people (O.k., so I'm a dork, but what else did you expect from a Berkeley grad/SAT tutor?). I gravitate towards other people that appreciate the public library as much as I do. So naturally Revolution sucked me into it's vortex of fun and socially conscious approach to education. That's pretty much it in a nutshell.
Erich R.
Hometown: San Diego
College: University of Southern California
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
Hello!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Love to help people score well on the SAT and ACT.
Mark W.
Hometown: Seattle & Spokane, WA
College: Several
Resides in: La Jolla, CA
About Me:
BA, Comparaive History of Ideas, University of Washington.
MA, Literary & Cultural Studies (English), Carnegie Mellon University.
MLIS, Library & Information Sciences,
University of Pittsburgh.
PhD Student, Communications & Science Studies, UC San Diego.
I'm a nomad and an academic; the library is my second home and I worked as a professional librarian for three years. Obviously, finding (and sometimes reading) cool new books is a passion of mine. Others include singing, travel and gaming.
You can find my UCSD Communication Department profile here: http://communication.ucsd.edu/PeoplePages/MarkWalters.html
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I come from a family of teachers-- both of my parents are retired teachers and my sister is a college administrator.
I have come to realize that all too often, school can be more about stifling, rather than encouraging, intelligence, ingenuity and creativity. I work for Revolution because I love encouraging students to find and follow their passion, and not to let asinine hurdles like the SAT get in the way.
Alexis W.
Hometown: Vernon, New Jersey
College: Stevens Institute of Technology
Resides in: San Diego Unit L, CA
About Me:
I'm a born and raised New Jersey girl. I moved down to Washington, DC after I graduated with a B.E in Biomedical Engineering, and spent a year and a half working for the government as a patent examiner. Hungry for sunny days and the Pacific ocean, I accepted a job offer in the medical device industry out here in San Diego. I am fortunate enough to also work with an amazing group of dedicated people at Revolution Prep. I love to run, hike, cook, read, and prepare math lessons!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I went to Stevens because my SAT scores were high enough for acceptance and also for a scholarship. My SAT scores were high enough because 8 years ago, someone worked with me to help me attend the college of my dreams. I want to do that for you! There is nothing more rewarding than working hard to achieve something, and being able to see the results in just a little bit of time!
Jessica Y.
Hometown: Cerritos, CA
College: United States Coast Guard Academy
Resides in: San Diego, CA
About Me:
I have been a Coast Guard officer for the last 5 years. My "specialty" is ship driving. I have been to Antarctica, the Middle East, Asia and South America through various deployments. I enjoy traveling and have completed solo backpacking trips to Japan and Israel. I hope to travel to Africa in the next few years. I own two large dogs, attend graduate school at SDSU, volunteer as a CASA, recently recovered from my addiction to Hollywood gossip magazines, and love to procrastinate. If you can think of a way to make that latter skill resume worthy please email me! Mahalo!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love the concept of fun learning! I took a SAT prep class in high school. I was taught "tricks" rather than critical reasoning by that poorly structured organization. Instead, Revolution teaches principles that students can apply to tasks outside of the SAT as well.