Ali earned Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of Michigan in English Language and Literature, as well as Modern Hebrew Language. She earned her Masters degree in Social Work at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Ali graduated with distinction from both universities. Washington University selected her as an Outstanding Practicum Winner in her clinical graduate work with families. She has taught young people with a wide range of learning strengths and challenges in educational settings for over 10 years. Her extensive experience teaching time management, study, and organizational skills to students from elementary to college levels has prompted parent groups, schools, corporations, and the National Tutoring Association to host Ali as a featured speaker. Ali’s teaching focuses on helping students realize and leverage their unique assets while confronting weak areas with practical tools and a supportive, caring attitude. She owns and manages Meyers Learning Center with Adam Meyers. Ali is also a cancer survivor and writer. Outside of her work life, Ali loves to run, read, and frolic with her children.
Ali Zidel Meyers, Executive Director
Adam Meyers, Executive Director
Adam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, and Masters degrees in Business Administration and Information Management from Washington University in St. Louis. He was awarded a Scholar in Business scholarship from Washington University’s Olin School of Business. Adam has enjoyed working with kids as a mentor, coach, instructor, and tutor over the past 10 years. He provides a flexible and supportive learning environment while holding kids accountable. Tapping into the unique talents, interests, motivation, and learning style of each student is a cornerstone of Adam’s approach. Seeing himself first and foremost as his students’ advocate, he encourages them to enjoy learning and to grow from the tools, skills, and strategies he teaches. Adam joined forces with his wife Ali to create and develop Meyers Learning Center (MLC) to meet the needs of a larger number of students than they were able to accommodate individually. He places the highest priority on hiring staff that is well-educated, has diverse and extensive experience, and shares MLC’s core educational philosophies. Adam rejuvenates by reading, traveling, taking photographs, exploring nature and playing with his two children.
Purvi Bhagat, Director of Education
Purvi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from Drew University (New Jersey) and a Masters Degree, with Magna Cum Laude distinction, in Elementary Education from Mercy College in New York. She strongly believes in MLC’s philosophy of “Teaching the Whole Student,” which originally drew her to join the company in 2006. Before moving to California, Purvi had the privilege of spending two years teaching at a public school in the Bronx through NYC Teaching Fellows. Before joining the MLC team, Purvi directed a tutoring center in Milpitas, where she supported students of diverse learning needs in a range of subjects. She believes in creating a positive, confidence-building learning environment where students are constantly engaged. When not working for MLC, Purvi enjoys exploring new restaurants, learning languages, dancing, and, most of all, spending time with her family.
Chris Bonfilio, Assistant Director of Education
Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara and a California Teaching Credential (Elementary for Life). She brings a passion for teaching and helping students find a way to unlock their potential. Chris spent 10 years as a classroom teacher and recently worked for three years as an education director for a Bay Area learning center. There, she actively managed student educational programs and consulted with parents on a regular basis. In addition, she incorporated Time Management, Organization, and Study skills into her teaching in both classroom and individual settings. She has worked with a diversity of students, including those with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, and Asperger’s syndrome. Chris finds ways to maximize each student’s strengths by modifying instructional methods to suit individual needs. Building confidence is essential in learning any new skill, and Chris has the ability to do this with sincerity and warmth. She believes in every student’s capacity to learn and grow.
Ray Osofsky, Assistant Director of Education
Ray holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Davis and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Santa Clara University. He has taught various subjects including math, science, writing, and standardized test preparation in classroom and tutoring settings for the past seven years. In addition, he has taught Time Management, Organization, and Study skills to students from middle to high school levels. He also developed, coordinated, and continues to support a local mentorship program for under-achieving high school students (since 2002). Ray brings a deep passion for helping students overcome obstacles to learning and exploring new paths toward educational achievement. He works toward finding the keys to the desire and ability for success within each student, while keeping the process lively. Ray has taught students with attentional difficulties, reading challenges, auditory processing, autistic spectrum disorders, and emotional difficulties during his tenure as a tutor and teacher. Prior to working in education, Ray enjoyed a career in engineering. He loves fostering educational and life success among students. Ray is married and is the proud father of two grown children who are college graduates.