Washington Dc Metro Instructors
Nasheed Amin
Hometown: Bloomsburg, PA
College: Cornell University, Georgetown University, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
About Me:
I am a recent graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylania (state school in the boonies of PA, where I grew up...). I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do upon graduating high school (cure cancer, save the world, etc). But as you will see, I took a roundabout way of getting there, as I went from majoring in Biomedical Engineering/Pre-Medicine to graduating with Political Science and Mathematics degrees (haha yeah, figure THAT one out...). When, what I affectionately like to call, "My Undergraduate Tour," was winding down, and I still did not know what I wanted to be when I grew up, I told everyone that I was joining the circus. Cmon, don't hate... the circus can totally be cool...
My friends' little siblings frequently utilize my above average pool of knowledge regarding colleges and my myriad of experiences to help guide the difficult college application process. I hope you feel free to use me as a resource as well - I've attended a small private, a large private, and a medium sized public school in 2 states and a District- and honestly, what DIDN'T I major in?
I currently work at the NIH as a patent and licensing paralegal in the Cancer Research Branch of the Office of Technology Transfer. (like, I help scientists get credit for their discoveries with patents so pharmaceutical companies can license their technology and develop/distribute vaccines/drugs... for example, have you heard of Gardasil? Yeah, that was ALL me. What can I say, I'm kind of a big deal. People know me. Just kidding.
Anywho, I look forward to attending law school in the future. Until then, in my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, arbitrarily changing my life plans regularly, traveling, cooking, movies, reading books that weren't assigned for homework(!) and watching sports. (I'm gonna have to warn you... I'm a die-hard Philly fan...)
But for now, I look forward to meeting all of you and hopefully, I will get to make this stressful period of your lives just a little bit easier. :-)
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because the SATs are like SO hot right now... everyone is doing it. I want to be BFFs with everyone who takes the SATs, because I am just too cool for school.
Ok, maybe not. Sorry if that was creepy, and if you haven't seen the movie Zoolander, because then you're like... derrr?
In all honesty, I've been tutoring since I was I was a freshman in high school and I love helping kids grasp tough, dry concepts through innovative, logical ways. SATs aren't fun. But, I genuinely feel that Revolution Prep prepares students in the most bearable, cost-effective way.
Nafeez Amin
Hometown: Bloomsburg, PA
College: Bloomsburg University/Johns Hopkins
About Me:
Previously owned and operated a small business; currently a financial analyst in Rockville. Pursuing a Master's in Finance from John Hopkins in the evenings. Love following and playing all types of sports--especially soccer, basketball, and rugby. Favorite meal: Cheeseburger, cheese fries, and a cherry coke.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Teaching's a good thing. It's very fulfulling.
Lauren Andersen
Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland
College: University of Maryland- College Park
About Me:
I'm a fifth-year Psychology and French student at University of Maryland (meaning I'm an overachiever who loves college- college rules!). One day after I actually graduate, I plan to be either a psychologist or a teacher. In the meantime, I study, teach for Rev Prep, play tennis, sing in the choir, and speak French. My picture was taken during my semester abroad in the south of France: )
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because I love teaching and I get to do it for a company that delivers results but has a conscience- they offer affordable services to EVERYONE, even those who can't afford a yacht.
Adeolu Bakare
Hometown: Harrisburg, PA or
College: University of Pennsylvania
About Me:
As you can see above, I grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I still love the Burg, but since leaving home I've developed a taste for big cities. I went to college in Philadelphia, worked in New York for two years and then went to law school in New Orleans. The bouncing around was not accidental, I enjoy traveling and seeing new places. (FYI, all of you students make sure you go abroad in college, you heard it here first.) I spent both of my summers during law school in DC and decided to stay here because of the culture and diversity in this city. Ok, moving onto interests. I love to eat, thats the first thing my friends would tell you about me. I can also cook, I watch top chef and I dream about owning a restaurant someday. I'm really into basketball, I'm the guy reading about the NBA preseason when everbody else is getting ready for baseball playoffs. I like my entertainment, books, movies, music, and tv shows (Heroes anyone?). As far as visual art, I'm into photography but not much for paintings or sculptures. Exercise is also important to me, running and basketball are my main outlets. If you have any other questions about me let me know! I am approachable and looking forward to meeting the students and parents that have chosen Revolution to meet their SAT prep needs.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I like to teach but I have other career interests. Revolution Prep allows me to help kids as a teacher without giving up my day job.
Michelle Bauer
Hometown: Fremont, CA
College: Lewis & Clark College
About Me:
I am a fifth generation California girl, born and raised in the Bay Area. I have wandered around a bit since I left the Golden State, and I have lived in such exotic climes as Oregon, Minnesota, and France. What I have learned is that Oregon is quite green and rainy, Minnesota is quite cold and has many lakes, and France is profoundly and deeply French. I have taught students of all types: from Japanese chefs to Brazilian nanotechnologists, from kindergartners to retirees. I love teaching and I love learning. I am currently taking classes in French and Psychology at MPC, just for the pleasure of expanding my knowledge base. I only wish I had time for more! My hobbies include cooking, sewing, hiking, and watching bad TV. I must admit that I was addicted to the OC for an entire season, although now I have broken free of its spell, largely due to the fact that my TV only gets one channel.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Believe it or not, I really like taking tests! I also enjoy cracking tests, almost as much as squirrels like cracking nuts, or sea otters enjoy cracking abalone shells. I will show you how to crack nuts too! (Disclaimer: there are no juicy food tidbits in the middle of the SAT)
On a more serious note, a good score on the SAT is a powerful tool. It can help you to get into a great school and put you on the path to a fantastic college experience and a career you love. This is a crucial period of time in a student's life, and I want to help ensure that it is succesful for each and every one of my students.
Eve Cary
Hometown: Shingle Springs, CA
College: Georgetown University
About Me:
I grew up in a super small town in California and came to the East Coast for college. I'm currently working at a research institute, where I do work on China. When I'm not prepping for SAT lessons, I enjoy watching television (I didn't have cable growing up, and I'm still sort of amazed and the range of programming), eating snack food, studying Chinese, shopping online, and going for long walks on the beach.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because I hate the SAT! Just kidding! Actually, I really like test taking, oddly enough, and I want to take away the fear in standardized testing: it doesn't have to be scary! I love teaching because I love to see the "I finally get it" look on students' faces, and knowing that I helped that happen.
Rondolph Codlin
Hometown: Hyattsville, Maryland
College: University of the District Of Columbia
About Me:
am a senior in college, majoring in Mathematics. I enjoy playing lots of pool in my spare time, and I also enjoy my odd encounter with video games. I tend to be a stickler for details, but I also love looking at the big picture, and am an encourager by nature!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
love to teach! Revolution Prep's comprehensive approach to the SAT allows me to effectively teach students how to prepare for, and succeed at the SAT. Its always a great experience seeing students eyes light up as the realise.. 'this wasn't as hard as I thought!'
Shana Creech
Hometown: Roanoke, VA
College: University of Phoenix (MA); Roanoke College (BA)
About Me:
I enjoy dancing (-love the latin ballroom dance styles!) and photography (-love black and white) I also play alto saxophone and flute. I like to learn and challenge myself to figure out the best way to teach to different learning styles. I majored in Spanish as an undergrad and then earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Management (managing companies, not closets). I am a human resources consultant by day and I look forward to coaching you!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I am impressed with the Revolution Prep program and I live for the "Ah-ha, got-cha" moments!
Alexandra Czap
Hometown: Cromwell, Connecticut
College: University of Connecticut
About Me:
Though I graduated UConn majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology, I am far from your average science nerd. I love shoes, shopping, and fashion and I’m a sucker for anything pink or sparkly. Before starting medical school, I decided to move down to the DC/Maryland area for a few years to help cure cancer for the National Cancer Institute. Besides alleviating the pain of countless cancer victims, in my spare time I enjoy training for marathons, cooking, traveling abroad and anything else that will keep me as busy as possible, since I hate to stand still. I'm energetic, a complete perfectionist, and the eternal optimist.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
After working at an Undergraduate Admissions Office for several years, I have come to realize the enormous power of the SAT in a student's application. Through Revolution Prep, I am able to help a student get into the college of their dreams, something which helps me sleep at night.
Tyna Dao
Hometown: Murrieta, California
College: UC Berkeley
About Me:
I was born and raised in California and recently moved to Maryland to work for the FDA. At the FDA I perform bioinformatics research to develop human adverse effects models to predict drug toxicity. I am currently applying to dental school. I spend my free time eating delicious foods and playing tennis.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I need the teaching experience for graduate school.
Clarissa Driban
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
College: University of Wisconsin
About Me:
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin in May 2007 with a double major in Journalism and Spanish. I recently moved to DC and am working for a public relations firm. I love traveling, running and relaxing with friends.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I want to help students conquer those tricky SATs!
Jennifer German
Hometown: Bel Air, Maryland
College: Cedar Crest College
About Me:
I have always loved to teach and have made a sincere effort to get out there and help students in whatever capacity possible since high school. I have been a private tutor, worked with the America Reads/America Counts program and also have worked as a teaching assistant. I am currently a graduate student pursuing my PhD in molecular and cell biology at the University of Maryland. I have a real passion for biology but also try and balance out my “science brain” with some more artistic activities. I also love photography, to read (everything from classic literature to contemporary novels) paint with watercolor and bake.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I decided I wanted to teach with Revolution Prep because I think that the approach they take with test prep is more complete that some other prep agencies, but it is also flexible enough to allow for students of all aptitudes. I am pleased to be apart of an organization that helps students to achieve their very best with such a well formulated and proven system.
Kristen Haynes
Hometown: DC (Chocolate City!)
College: University of Maryland, College Park (GO TERPS!)
About Me:
I'm a big-time bibliophile (SAT word!). I love dance, theatre, and art. On the weekends I'm usually out at the movies, trying a new restaurant, or acting goofy with my friends. I'm also a sucker for dogs, a good cup of coffee, and anything related to being a Terp or (former) Penguin. I'm also in a multicultural sorority.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love that we have a social mission attached to our test prep courses. I also really enjoy working with students and seeing everyone succeed on a personal and scoring level.
Ashley Henderson
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
College: University of Virginia
About Me:
At UVA I studied English and Spanish literature. For the past year I have been living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil teaching English, directing an NGO, and butchering Samba. I hope to be back in the protective blanket of higher education, getting my masters, by next fall.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because without proper, neigh, revolutionary, preparation, the SAT can be a wily rascal. Together we will tame the beast into a docile house-trained puppy.
Abby Horowitz
Hometown: Red Bank, NJ (Exit 109, in case you're wondering)
College: American University
About Me:
I’m currently in my fourth year at American University, where I’m studying Communications and Psychology. I spent the first half of 2008 studying abroad in Adelaide, Australia. I’m a huge Billy Joel fan. And most importantly: my life’s ambition is to become a food critic, so if you ever have a few hours to kill you should ask me what I ate for lunch.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I'm a big puzzle person: logic puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, whichever. Taking the SAT is just like doing lots of little puzzles in a row. Revolution Prep is great because it shows you how to apply the skills and knowledge you already have in order to solve each one.
Matthew Johnson
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
College: Bucknell University
About Me:
The things that make me tick include: traveling; scuba diving; watching baseball games; reading; cooking; and eating great food. I look forward to meeting you all and learning more about your interests.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I am motivated to help young people get into the colleges and universities of their choice, so they can experience the awesome personal and educational growth commonly found during the undergraduate years.
Gail Kim
Hometown: Chicago, IL
College: Johns Hopkins University
About Me:
I studied International Relations in college and spent some time abroad teaching ESL, analytical writing, and test preparation. I also worked with a research and advocacy organization dedicated to conflict prevention before returning to the States earlier this year.
Things I like: coffee, the ONE campaign, students who participate, dark chocolate, and my new baby nephew!!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because Revolution Prep helps students reach their goal scores--and then go on to pursue the goals that really matter to them: clean water for the developing world, punk rock for the hungry soul, fame and glory on the Fortune 500... whatever the case may be!
James Kim
Hometown: DC Metro Area
College: University of Maryland
About Me:
Maryland grad '08 and attending law school at AU in the fall. Enjoys: tennis, Haruki Murakami novels, trees, professional sports, sushi, sleep, good music, and Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, among other things.
P.S. I don't look like that --> anymore. I have shorter hair now, so don't be alarmed.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because the SAT is cruel and unusual punishment and I want to help alleviate your pain.
John Mavretich
Hometown: Oyster Bay, NY
College: Christendom College
About Me:
I'm originally from a town right outside of New York City. Currently, I'm living in Front Royal, VA where I'm a college student as well as teacher for Revolution Prep. Living out in the country is definitely an interesting experience- its great to see cows on a daily basis.
To keep myself busy, I like to play sports (rugby, basketball, baseball), hang out with family and friends, and read anything that distracts me from my schoolwork. My favorite TV show is anything that is on the cable news networks (I'm a Political Science major). When I'm done with school (hopefully, this spring!) I'll either be going into psychology or politics...or both if I can't decide. Either way, I want to stay in the DC area- its one of the greatest cities in the world!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Rev Prep allows me to positively influence students' lives by helping them achieve their academic goals.
Randall McLeod
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
College: Davidson College (Home of the Wildcats)
About Me:
I'm a small town southerner living in the nation's capital. Raleigh is not a small town, but where I grew up was: Sumter, SC. Sumter is in the middle of the state and is not to be confused with Fort Sumter. It's home to Shaw Air Force Base and is the only place in the United States with all eight species of swan. Exciting, right? It's also the former home of NBA star Ray Allen. That's about it.
I work downtown for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund during the day. I enjoy reading and staying healthy, but don't object to vegging out in front of the tv for Law and Order reruns and Lost, among other shows. I love dogs and cats (as evidenced by the photo) and am unapologetically proud of my Scottish heritage. But don't worry, I am used to people mispronouncing it (the correct pronunciation is "Mc Loud," but I've gotten "Mc Lee Odd" and "Mc Lloyd").
I am a graduate of Davidson College, which is an excellent school, though many people didn't hear about it until we advanced to the Elite 8 in 2008. I'm excited to be teaching the SAT to whoever will listen!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I believe that every student should have the opportunity to take the SAT and take it well. I believe that Revolution Prep offers the best method for learning the SAT and having fun while doing it.
Cristina Melendez
Hometown: Miami, Fl
College: The Institute for the Psychological Sciences 09'
About Me:
A piece of my life: I enjoy being on a mountain, being in the ocean anywhere around the world. I enjoy dancing, barbeques with friends, playing cranium. I enjoy meeting people and new cultures. I enjoy trying new things.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I enjoy meeting new people, and teaching; helping students connect the dots. Often times we know much more than we are aware of, but sometimes we need someone to help us “make sense of it all.” The older I get the more I hear myself say, “man I wish I knew that when I was in high school.” Well I’m not in H.S. but you are, and if I can help you prep for college in any way I’d love to that. College and graduate school are great. You learn a lot about yourself, what your interests are and what you want to study. I look forward to working with you to make the SAT’s one less nuisance on your path to college.
Sallie Spangenberg
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
College: Columbia College
About Me:
I'm a stay at home mom to two little girls and a Marine Corps wife. I was an English major in college and my friends today call me the Harvard English Professor when I edit things they ask me to look over for them! I love NASCAR and college football. One thing people would rarely guess is that I'm a huge Beastie Boys fan!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Taking the SAT can seem like climbing a mountain--scary, overwhelming, and nearly impossible. I want to teach students that the 'mountain' is really a hill that they already know how to climb, I'm just there to coach them to the peak! Once you get the right kind of climbing gear, the trip over the mountain will seem like a stroll in the park and the choices of colleges and scholarship options will open up from a great score.
Danielle Veira
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
College: Emory University
About Me:
I graduated from Emory University in December 2006 and have been working on Capitol Hill in a Senator's office since February. Likes: sleep, pizza, reading, puppies, the color green, orchids, ice cream and shoes. Dislikes: brussel sprouts, calculus, and people who talk to you on the plane when you're trying to sleep.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because...Hello! College is AMAZING and we all have to get through the SAT so that we can make it to the promised land ;o)
Mabel Yu
Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD
College: Univ. of MD & Eastern Washington University
About Me:
I'm a bookworm from birth. After my stint as an English major at UMD, I went on to receive my Master's in Creative Writing from EWU and would, one day, like to publish a book. Some of my favorite authors include Dostoevsky, Haruki Murakami, Ron Carlson, Ann Patchett, Annie Dillard... A culture vulture, I enjoy visiting museums, watching independent movies, attending plays, and listening to indie music. I'm also a college basketball fan and can't wait until March Madness!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I've been tutoring for years and try to infuse energy and imagination into teaching my students, making the material more palatable to them.
Julia Zhang
Hometown: Germantown, MD
College: Washington University in St. Louis
About Me:
I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) with degrees in Biology and Business Adminstration (I know, weird combination). I'm currently working at the NIH doing Project Management and I hope to attend Business school in a couple of years. I'm also looking for hobbies to occupy myself with in my spare time; right now guitar lessons and motorcycle riding are on the top of my list....
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep not only teaches you the all the material you need to know for the SATs, but also teaches you how to prepare for it physically and emotionally (which is half the battle.) It is simply the most comprehensive prep course out there!