MEET OUR EXPERT INSTRUCTORS

Darrin graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern University with a B.A. in theatre and minors in history and dance. In his ten years of tutoring, Darrin has been delighted to support his students towards their goals. He has experience tutoring the SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, SHSAT, TOEFL, GRE, and academic subjects (including AP and IB courses), as well as providing executive functioning support. His students have been accepted to elite high schools around the country, and have matriculated at prestigious universities such as Yale, Brown, Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, Wesleyan, Rice, USC, and Bocconi (Milan). He believes in systematic approaches when working on standardized testing and brings his warm and light-hearted nature to each tutoring session.

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“We are immensely grateful for the exceptional support and guidance provided by Darrin during our son's preparation for the SHSAT. Darrin demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring our child's success on the test. Darrin not only clarified complex concepts but also instilled confidence and a sense of purpose for our son by creating enthusiasm and focus during each tutoring session. As parents, we appreciated Darrin's open communication and regular updates on our child's progress. He took the time to understand our son's learning style and adapted his approach accordingly, ensuring a personalized and effective tutoring experience.” - Stefanie S, Brooklyn parent

Gillian graduated with a degree in Education from Bucknell University and is in the process of receiving her Master's degree in Special Education from Hunter College. Gillian has been tutoring students from the age of 5 (learning how to read) through college--and even adults going back to school--for the last decade. One of her recent middle school students was barely passing math, and it was close to the end of the marking period, but after a few intensive sessions, he was able to pass with flying colors! Gillian believes in an individualized learning approach, which combines playing to a student's strengths, while being cognizant of his or her areas of improvement.

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“Gillian has been an instrumental part in our daughter's growth and self confidence in math for the past year. Gillian is kind, patient and always available if additional help is needed around quizzes or tests. She is also great at communicating with school teachers in order to provide our daughter with the specific help she needs.” - Shirly S, Park Slope parent

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“We're extremely thankful for Gillian's support of our middle schooler's math achievements this year which have grown greatly. In only a few months our child has improved her grade to an astounding 91% which is a huge improvement from where she was, varying from 71% to 81% last year, and with the summer off. Our child was able to start the year with a bang and has steadily increased in confidence and performance thanks to Gillian's ability to help guide her, nurture her math critical thinking skills, her ability to distill concepts and her warm and fun personality.” - Vida S, Fort Greene parent

Jeannie graduated from New York University with a B.A. double majoring in Biology and Journalism and received her Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University. As a proud native New Yorker who went through the NYC school system herself, Jeannie deeply understands the transformative power of academic mentorship. Her tutoring journey began in 2020, when she started helping elementary school students navigate math during the pandemic. She later worked as an Academic Writing Specialist at Columbia University to help first year Master’s students refine their writing. Jeannie’s background in journalism fuels her approach to tutoring. She listens carefully, asks thoughtful questions, and builds genuine connections with her students. Jeannie is highly committed to each student’s progress, customizing her teaching to fit their individual learning goals. Outside of tutoring, Jeannie enjoys immersing herself in historical fiction novels, capturing the world through her camera lens, and exploring new cities.

"Jeannie is an incredible tutor who goes above and beyond in every session. She takes the time to explain things clearly and patiently, making sure I truly understand the material. Her teaching style is so creative and personalized. she always finds ways to make learning engaging and relevant to my interests. What really sets her apart is her expertise not just in grammar, but also in helping with tone and delivery. As a second-language speaker, I sometimes struggle to sense the tone or nuance in my writing, especially in professional settings. But Jeanie has an amazing ability to pick up on exactly what I’m trying to say and guide me in expressing it more effectively. She understands where I’m coming from and always offers practical, thoughtful suggestions. - Former Student

Jessica grew up in the UK then Weston, CT and went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton, where she was an English major. She takes pride in helping students of all ages achieve their academic goals in a variety of areas, including admissions tests (SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, SHSAT, and more), college and high school application essays, writing enrichment, and humanities. Since 2018, she has had the privilege of working with 100s of students, guiding them toward success in test preparation and admissions essays. Her approach is grounded in mentorship, an ethic shaped by being the oldest of four sisters. She is deeply invested in each student’s growth, tailoring her teaching style to their unique needs and aspirations. Outside of tutoring, she enjoys reading, writing, running and hanging with her cat, Jonesy!
 

"Marlowe got her SSAT scores back today. She did great! She raised her math score from 73% to 87% in 4 weeks of tutoring with Jess. Amazing! Her total score went from 92% to 97%. She is thrilled. Thanks so much for connecting us with Jess. She went above and beyond even tutoring Christmas week while she was abroad. We are so appreciative!" - Parent of SSAT student

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"I want to thank you for all you have done with both children! I hope that you are still tutoring next year so that you can work with Caelan again…I know that Curran credits much of his success to you!" - Parent of ACT student

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"After an unhappy freshman year, my daughter was very nervous about the transfer application process but Jessica put her totally at ease. She was consistently kind and professional along every step of the way and showed much expertise in brainstorming and drafting essays. Though my daughter ended up with several great transfer options, she got into her dream school – Tufts! We are so grateful to Jessica for her help in making it happen!" - Parent of college student

Jon was born in the desert city of Phoenix, Arizona, but has spent much of his adult life in NYC, where he now considers himself a "Brooklyn Boy." He has his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in Theater Studies, and proudly has his MFA in English from Long Island University: Brooklyn Campus. His love of Junior's Cheesecake aside, Jon gained a passion and the training to tutor and mentor young students at LIU: Brooklyn, and has since gone on to teach English on both the high school and college levels, as well as to tutor students both in group settings and one-on-one. He is excited to join Andersen Education to continue to inspire and help students thrive.

Nikko received a Master’s degree in creative writing and music composition from New York University, and has worked as a writer and arts educator for over ten years. He began tutoring in 2018, working with students in multiple subjects through middle and high school, and specializes in ELA/writing and math from basic algebra to calculus.

Nikko believes there is a path to success for every kind of learner. One of his most consistent students, with whom he started working with as a sophomore, began with comprehension issues, test anxiety, and general dread for any major assignment. That student recently graduated with a 4.0 in his senior year and accepted early admission into his first choice school. Today’s students face academic pressures that can often get in the way of real learning. In his sessions, Nikko works with students to find individualized solutions to those challenges: building confidence in problem areas, and mastery in the subjects they’re passionate about.

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“Nikko did a great job! He was very well mannered, professional, and prepared.” -Rick J, Lower East Side parent

"Our son worked with Nikko for a year and we absolutely loved him. He was patient, flexible, kind, and creative. He picked up quickly on our son’s strengths and challenges and was able to respond helpfully to both. Thanks to Nikko’s support, our son reached his target score on the Regents. We highly recommend Nikko!"  - Brooklyn parent

Sammi is a dedicated and passionate educator with a deep-rooted love for science and mentorship. As a proud native New Yorker who went through the NYC public school system herself, she understands firsthand the transformative power of academic guidance and the importance of building students' confidence along their learning journeys. Sammi graduated with a BS in Chemistry from Boston College and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Chemistry with a research focus on electrochemistry and battery innovation. With six years of tutoring experience spanning middle school through college-level coursework, Sammi brings both depth of knowledge and approachability to every session. Students consistently describe Sammi as patient, warm, and encouraging—a tutor who creates a safe space for questions and growth. Her students don’t just experience academic improvement; they also become more confident and independent learners who take pride in their progress. Whether you're preparing for an exam like the SHSAT, ISEE/SSAT, PSAT/SAT, or ACT, or struggling with complex coursework in algebra, chemistry, or physics, Sammi meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity, curiosity, and confidence.​

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"Sammi is literally the best tutor I've ever had. Chemistry used to completely go over my head, and now I actually feel like I get it. She never makes me feel dumb for asking questions and always finds a different way to explain things if I'm stuck. Working with her made it SO much more manageable and I got an A in the class! Sammi is super smart but also chill and encouraging. 10/10 recommend." - Chemistry student 

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"Sammi worked with our son on SAT prep and it was a highly productive experience. She was always prepared, organized, and goal-oriented, and she struck a great balance between pushing him and supporting him. She helped him raise his score by 180 points, which made him a competitive applicant at several top-tier schools. We're truly grateful for Sammi's support; her guidance made a real difference in our son's progress and success." - Brooklyn parent 

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“My son wanted to go to Stuyvesant, but his initial practice test scores were not high enough. I told him that if he really wanted to work hard to get in, I would hire a tutor to help him out. Sammi was absolutely incredible. She gave my son the tools he needed to do well. He really appreciated her engaging personality and her teaching methods. He got into Stuyvesant! We are so happy!” - Queens parent

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Sami is an experienced, creative tutor who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Shenandoah University in 2020. During her time at school, she worked as a peer tutor and fell in love with helping her students connect to course material and improve test scores. After moving to New York in 2021, Sami began her journey as an independent tutor, working with students in grades K-12 on Test Prep, Math, English, Reading, Writing, Study Skills, and Music Theory. Sami's students have been accepted into rigorous private schools, seen a drastic improvement in academic performance, and become more confident learners. Beyond tutoring, Sami has worked with children of all ages as a voice teacher, childcare provider, and camp counselor, and loves working with folks on the Autism spectrum. 

Sami encourages her students to stay curious, and her work produces lifelong learners. When she isn't tutoring, Sami writes music for theatre, TV, and film, and performs in various venues around the city. She has been known to write songs for her students to use as study tools and loves bringing her creative chops to the tutoring space. 

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"Sami is truly incredible. We are beyond grateful for her and that she will forever be part of our family story. She always leads with kindness and patience, but knows just what to do to keep things on track with her gentle guidance. She is also clearly dedicated to teaching every child at their pace and in a way that resonates with them. We love Sami!" – Brooklyn parent

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“Sami is truly amazing!!  Our daughter is dyslexic and was behind in Math as she made the transition from a specialized to mainstream school.  Sami has helped enable her to succeed in Math and we feel so fortunate to have her in our lives.  She’s also working with her on grammar, which wasn’t a focus at our daughter’s prior school.  She is so patient and engaging – couldn’t recommend her highly enough!” - Brooklyn parent

Serena graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a BS in Neuroscience and Applied Mathematics & Statistics. She specializes in tutoring for the SHSAT, ISEE/SSAT, PSAT/SAT, and ACT, and also has expertise in a variety of mathematics subjects. Albert Einstein once said, "Any fool can know. The point is to understand." Serena not only cherishes the opportunity to share her knowledge and assist students but also values the personal connections she builds with them. While a "one size fits all" approach can work in many contexts, Serena believes it's not suitable for teaching. She finds joy in tutoring, focusing on boosting students' confidence in their academic abilities. Drawing from her background in Neuroscience, Serena understands how students absorb information and customizes her sessions accordingly. She aims not only to help them academically but also to instill a love for learning. Serena employs the Socratic method in her tutoring, involving students actively by encouraging them to ask questions. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter and enhances retention over time. In her free time, Serena enjoys traveling and trying new cuisines.

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"Serena has been an instrumental part in our daughter's self-confidence and growth in geometry. Serena is patient, understanding, and great at communicating with us. She is also flexible with sessions, and accommodates emergency sessions for quizzes/ exams. We love working with Serena." - Fordham parent

"We wanted to get our son a tutor for SAT help. We are so thankful to have found Serena as we have seen so much progress with her. She is extremely professional, punctual, organized, and has a natural gift for teaching. She keeps an open line of communication and makes coordinating effortless. We highly recommend her to anyone looking for a tutor!" - Bronx parent

Steven graduated cum laude from Northeastern University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and minor in Mathematics. He continued his studies at the City College of New York, earning a Master's of Philosophy degree in Chemistry in 2021, and publishing his work in the Reaction Chemistry and Engineering journal. Steven has extensive real-world lab experience: working professionally at Hughes Research Lab in Malibu, CA, and in a graduate setting in the Green Chemistry and Energy Laboratory at the City College of New York. Additionally, he has tutored middle school, high school, and college-level math and science students since 2017. Previous students find Steven's easy-going nature comfortable to work with and note his ability to relate textbook concepts to real-life problems. Steven grew up in Staten Island playing baseball and basketball and is a huge fan of the Mets, Giants, and Knicks. He still plays recreationally in men's league basketball and softball leagues.

"Our son is currently working with Steven for Chemistry and Geometry.  Steven is undeniably an expert in both of these subjects and knows how to break down concepts to digestible and easily-followed steps to meet our son’s needs. Steven has also helped our son to develop stronger study habits, giving him tools he can use independently to help him focus. He is also extremely flexible, as we have experimented with both remote and in person sessions. We feel very lucky to be working with him!" - Brooklyn parent

Tyler is an alumnus of the Yale Writers' Workshop, holds a B.S. in Drama from Syracuse University, and is pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University, where he received the Eloise Klein Healey Scholarship. With over six thousand hours of test prep experience, Tyler brings out the best in his students using a calm, systematic approach to all test sections. He views test prep as an opportunity to teach critical thinking skills in addition to getting a fantastic score! 

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"Just wanted to say THANK YOU! S is a fabulous kid, but without your help and guidance, she wouldn’t have been able to get this far. Thanks for pushing her, recognizing her limits, and keeping her on track." - Katrina B, New Jersey parent

“We had a really positive experience. Tyler is an excellent tutor and he really helped my son. Not only did my son learn a lot from Tyler, but he learned that getting additional help is a privilege with no negative connotation.” - David S, Upper West Side parent

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"We are first-timers to the world of ACT prep. We began this journey thinking our son would thrive in a class test prep setting- boy, were we wrong. From the first meeting with Tyler, we knew that he was exactly what our son needed. My son thrives from the one-on-one attention he receives each week. Tyler is patient, professional, and motivating. He is able to give my son personalized instruction in the areas he needs to focus on the most, and his scores have gone up 3-4 points since beginning his work with Tyler. Somehow Tyler is able to make this whole process manageable, and we have seen a huge increase on our son’s confidence. We absolutely recommend Tyler for ACT prep, and will surely be in touch with him to work with our younger children in the future." - Erica B, Scarsdale parent

"Took another practice test from AP classroom's 2018 MCQs. I got a 92/100. I wanted to thank you for all your past help this month. I know I worked hard but you really helped guide me. Second 90 in a row!” - Sofia B., student who scored a 5 on her AP Psychology exam!

A Yale University graduate and National Merit Scholar, Zina is passionate about empowering students to unlock their potential. Whether it's through career prep or educational access initiatives, she finds deep fulfillment in helping students of all ages find their voice and achieve their goals. Building strong relationships is key – Zina goes beyond test scores and applications, fostering growth as individuals. Her students have secured acceptances to top universities like Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford, often exceeding ACT and SAT benchmarks (30+ and 1500+ respectively). With a College Counseling certificate from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, Zina is constantly refining her skills to better serve her students.