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.
Chris Bonfilio
Sarah Campbell
Sarah holds both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English, as well as a Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University. She has enjoyed working as an educator for over 30 years. Sarah's priorities include fostering enthusiasm for learning, treating students with respect, and watching their growth in self-esteem as they master relevant skills. Her experience includes private and public classroom teaching and tutoring in elementary through high school, covering a variety of subjects and skills, including Time Management, Organization, and Study skills. Teaching in these venues has given Sarah the opportunity to work with students of varied learning styles, strengths, and challenges. Sarah has undergone specialized training for and has experience teaching students with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, emotional difficulties, and other learning differences. She also brings experience in preparing students for the verbal and essay portions of the SAT. Sarah recently moved to California where she loves spending time with her daughters and their families, as well as exploring the wonders of the west coast.
Patrick Clark
Patrick holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Santa Clara University and is working toward his Master of Science in Education at Cal State East Bay. He has worked in the education field as a teacher and administrator for 20 years. Patrick enjoys teaching and tutoring in language arts, AP humanities courses, speech, critical thinking, and standardized test preparation. Passionate and committed, he loves nothing more than seeing students attain academic excellence and achieve their dreams. Before working in education, Patrick worked as a technical writer for several Bay Area tech and biotech companies, as well as for NASA. He thinks teachers should not merely teach but raise capable, global, and humanistic leaders for the 21st century and beyond. Patrick believes every student can overcome any obstacle and maximize his or her potential.
Alisa Dietz
Alisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in Liberal Studies from Cal State University, Hayward. She has more than 12 years of experience working with children in classroom and individual settings. Alisa has worked as an elementary educator, teaching everything from English to math and science in grades kindergarten to six, as well as tutoring in middle school settings and providing Time Management, Organization, and Study skills support. She enjoys teaching children who have learning challenges such as ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders, and autism. Alisa tailors her lessons to each child and loves teaching creatively, by using everyday objects to make learning fun and relevant for young people.
Chrissy Elgersma
Chrissy earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Wisconsin-Madison, then earned her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Goddard College in Vermont. She worked as an English teacher and English Department Chair in Chicago, Illinois for nine years. Chrissy also ran the Academic Resource Center at Buffalo Grove High School in Illinois for two years, tutoring and mentoring students with ADD, ADHD, and other learning challenges. She has been with Meyers Learning Center more than three years, during which her expertise in teaching Time Management, Organization, and Study Skills has empowered many students to reach their goals. Using students’ interests to create personal connections with the material, Chrissy fosters metacognition, which allows them to understand how they learn best so they can employ tools to help themselves. In addition to teaching, Chrissy loves to take walks, play African drums, read, and write.
Ashley Estes
Ashley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal and Civic Studies from Saint Mary’s College of California. She also earned her Masters of Art Degree in Teaching and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Saint Mary’s College. For the past seven years she has taught in several elementary school classrooms, ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade. Throughout her classroom experience, Ashley has worked with students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and students along the high functioning end of the Autistic spectrum. In addition, she brings experience working with a diversity of learning styles, customizing her teaching to individual student needs. Ashley aims to create a safe learning environment in which students can be challenged, have hands-on experiences, and experience success. She has a passion for teaching and learning and hopes to pass that love of learning on to all of her students.
David Finley
David earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With over 20 years experience as a tutor and classroom teacher, he has tutored nearly every academic subject including standardized test preparation and college admissions, and has worked with ages ranging from elementary school children to graduate students. In addition, David teaches Time Management, Organization, and Study skills as an integral part of his instruction with students. He has experience teaching many kinds of learners—from students seeking extra academic enrichment to those who struggle daily with school. He has worked closely with students who have ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, auditory and visual processing difficulties, executive functioning challenges, Asperger’s, anxiety, and depression. Passionate about knowledge and devoted to artistic expression, he has also taught musicianship, theory, repertoire, and improvisation on guitar and mandolin to kids and adults alike. David considers himself a constant student and able improviser, striving to remain flexible and responsive to the changing needs of his students.
Meagan Fowler
Meagan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Special Education. She holds a California Professional, Clear Special Education Credential in the area of Mild/Moderate Disabilities. She has taught in a Special Day Classroom for nine years, working with students with emotional and behavioral difficulties, learning disabilities, Executive Functioning disorder, cognitive impairment, ADHD/ADD, and autistic spectrum disorders. Meagan has also worked in a therapeutic residential treatment center for boys for 10 years and with mainstream learners in tutoring settings for years. In addition to providing all types of subject-specific tutoring, Meagan has taught Time Management, Organization, and Study skills to students at MLC for over five years. She is a dedicated, patient, and knowledgeable educator who believes in instilling a passion for learning in students by helping them recognize their strengths as well as providing them with encouragement. Meagan loves teaching and is committed to helping students succeed. She and her husband recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
Lizette Hibbert
Lizette is originally from South Africa where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Counseling and Guidance, as well as a further degree in Educational Psychology. She holds a British teaching credential. Lizette lived and worked in London for 8 years before moving to the United States. While in London, Lizette taught in mainstream and special needs settings. She has experience working with children of many ages, cultural backgrounds, physical and cognitive abilities. Lizette excels not only in supporting children with learning difficulties, but also in working with children who are at or above grade-level, providing enrichment work for their learning. Through building self-esteem and creating opportunities to succeed, Lizette believes it is possible for each child to reach his or her potential.
Dennis Jamison
Dennis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa, with a double major in Sociology and Social Work. He also holds a Master of Religious Education degree from Unification Theological Seminary in New York. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at West Valley College teaching a combination of classes, with a focus on United States History, Government, and contemporary political affairs. For seven years, Dennis has tutored students in Language Arts, Humanities, AP coursework, and standardized test preparation (ACT, PSAT, SAT). He has worked with students of many nationalities and ages, from kindergarten to college levels. Dennis has successfully taught students who have ADD/ADHD, Autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, Executive Functioning Disorder, Hashimoto’s Disease, and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder. He also volunteered for years as a youth coach while raising his three children. Dennis' teaching begins with a basic respect for the individual, striving to build a foundation of trust with each student. He also identifies students’ strengths and weaknesses in learning, generates a suitable strategy for their academic growth, and helps them appreciate the value of a sound work ethic in their studies.
Peggy Kahn
Peggy holds a Master of Arts degree from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas (Austin). She brings 40 years of teaching experience in Language Arts. She has taught all high school grade levels and multiple courses, from introductory English to American Literature, to Writing for College. She also worked with groups of students after school to prepare for the rigors of SAT and AP exams. Peggy served as the chair of the English Language Development program for ten years. She brings an enthusiasm for education to her relationships with students, creating lessons that focus on each student’s unique learning abilities. Peggy understands the importance of working together with parents and teachers to ensure the tutoring experience makes a difference in the student’s academic success.
Amy Kurzeka
Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of San Diego, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Notre Dame de Namur University, and a Multiple Subject/CLAD Teaching Credential from San Diego State University. She taught middle school Language Arts and History for eight years in the Bay Area. While working in schools, Amy served as a Mentor Teacher, Community Service Director, and Special Projects Coordinator. She has also tutored students ranging from ages eight to eighteen with diverse learning needs, for more than eight years. Amy believes that all students can become academically successful and independent. She loves teaching students specific strategies to create a toolbox from which they can draw for years to come. Amy recently left the classroom to merge her two passions, education and service, through curriculum consulting for youth service and philanthropy. Outside of her work, Amy enjoys cycling, oil painting, and watching HGTV.
Stacey Leisch
Stacey holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Santa Clara University and a California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. She has primarily taught upper elementary and middle school students throughout her teaching career. Stacey has taught students with a wide variety of abilities and needs, including students with ADD/ADHD. She believes that while all students may learn in different ways, every student can succeed if given the right tools. Her goal is to give students the means to be independent, successful learners who can approach any challenge with confidence. Stacey is relentless in finding methods that will help each student soar.
Dave McCormick
Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Liberal Studies from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Linguistics from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. He has eight years of experience teaching English, including three years as a junior high language arts teacher and five years teaching English as a Second Language to adults and children. Dave has also guided students in standardized test preparation, as well as Time Management, Organization, and Study skills. In addition, he brings experience in teaching students with Asperger’s, ADD/ADHD, emotional difficulties, and other learning differences. Dave uses his background in language arts, social sciences, and the humanities to connect with each student's individual interests. Modeling his own affinity for the joys of life-long learning, Dave shows students how to tap into their unique interests and perspectives to make education relevant and meaningful.
Lynn McNeil
Lynn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Multicultural Studies from Arizona State University. She brings over 15 years of teaching experience with students of all ages, from kindergarten through adult. Prior to joining MLC, Lynn directed a learning center in San Mateo county for four years. Her specialties include teaching reading, Language Arts, and time management, organization, and study skills, in addition to other subjects. She has taught a wide range of learners, including those with learning differences, mainstream and high achieving students, and ESL students. Lynn believes that the acquisition of knowledge by itself is not enough to move a student forward, but knowledge coupled with the belief in oneself is the most powerful gift. Whether it’s honing comprehension skills, writing a cogent essay, or learning the life skills of time management and self-organization, all subject matter is an opportunity to develop personal competency. Outside of tutoring, Lynn enjoys volunteering as a reading mentor, hiking, and cooking.
Andrew Merrell
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Lewis & Clark College. He brings eight years of experience teaching students of various grade levels and abilities in multiple subjects, with special emphasis on math, biology, chemistry, and standardized test preparation (SAT and ACT). Andrew is passionate about tutoring, because he understands how key concepts can be easily missed in a one-size-fits-all classroom setting. Encouraging curiosity and self-confidence in learning, Andrew views challenges as opportunities for growth. He values students’ uniqueness and enjoys helping them gain mastery over concepts that once seemed difficult. Andrew is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution at Stanford University. Outside of tutoring and research, Andrew enjoys trail running, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, and reading.
Jennifer Mo
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a Master of Arts degree in Children's Literature from the University of Reading, both with honors. She has ten years of experience teaching critical reading and writing to kids of all ages and maintains an ongoing interest in children's books. Jennifer has also coached students in standardized test preparation (including SAT and AP test preparation), Time Management, Organization, and Study skills, and Spanish. Additionally, she has worked with students with Asperger’s, NLD, Executive Functioning difficulties, ADD/ADHD, dysgraphia, depression, and anxiety. In her spare time, Jennifer is an enthusiastic naturalist, book reviewer, and amateur potter. She believes that interesting subject matter and individualized instruction are the keys to effective, engaged learning.
Liz Mogin
Liz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cognitive Science and Mathematics from Wellesley College and a Masters of Education in Elementary Education from Boston College. She also earned a certificate in Special Education from the University of California. Liz has been teaching for 18 years in Silicon Valley, mostly in middle school math. Throughout her career, Liz has worked with many students with learning differences, such as ADD/ADHD, hearing impaired, Autism Spectrum Disorders, auditory and visual-spatial processing disorders, Executive Functioning disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and emotional difficulties. She teaches time management, organization, and study skills within her lessons, as these skills apply across academic subjects. Liz partners with her students to understand and leverage their unique ways of learning while teaching them to self-advocate. Outside of teaching, Liz explores her creative side by running a Destination Imagination program, cooking, and sewing. She is an avid reader, traveler, and life-long learner.
Carole Ng
Carole holds an Honors Bachelor of Science degree from Australian National University. She earned her teaching credential from San Jose State University and has been teaching mathematics in public schools for several years. Carole has taught a diversity of math levels and classes, from basic math skills through Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Statistics. She also coaches students in SAT and AP math-related exam preparation. Carole’s students have ranged from mainstream academic learners to students with challenges such as Executive Functioning, AD/HD, autism, Asperger’s, dyslexia, depression, and anxiety. Carole motivates students to learn by using technology, hands-on activities, and games when possible. Her top teaching priorities include practical skill-building along with nurturing a love of learning, two key fundamentals for lifelong learners.
Michelle Oppenheimer
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Women's Studies from Hunter College, City University of New York and a Master of Arts in American Civilization from Brown University. She currently teaches middle school Core (Language Arts and Social Studies) and Writer's Workshops at South Peninsula Hebrew Day School. Prior to teaching middle school for the past eleven years, Michelle home-schooled her children for sixteen years. Michelle has extensive experience teaching to the student, to different learning styles and to a diverse student population. Inside and out of the classroom, she has used modifications and accommodations to support and effectively teach students with a wide variety of learning differences. She has also successfully incorporated time management, organization, and study skills teaching into her middle school curriculum and individual student tutoring. Michelle is passionate about education and reaching students as unique individuals. Outside of teaching, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and is currently working on a collection of short stories.
Ray Osofsky
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.
Kathy Phillips
Kathy holds Doctorate and Masters degrees in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a California Standard Teaching Credential. She brings a deep commitment to supporting young people to be their best. Her experience ranges from working with elementary to college-age students with a diversity of learning needs, including ADD/ADHD, autism-spectrum disorders, Executive Functioning Disorder, and other learning and emotional challenges. A former elementary school teacher, teen parent educator, and college professor, she has more than 25 years of teaching and counseling experience with young people. Kathy recently retired as Executive Director of an award winning youth development program serving youth ages 5–22 and their families. She is also the President of the Friends of the San Francisco Independent Living Skills Program, an organization that supports educational opportunities for emancipating foster youth. Kathy believes that learning must be grounded in a profound respect for the learner, his or her strengths, experiences, needs, interests, cultural background, abilities and learning style. Her approach is not just to impart knowledge and skills but to empower young people to think critically, act to their fullest potential, and make learning their own.
Heather Renfro
Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of San Diego, a Master of Arts degree in Education from Stanford University, and a certificate in Educational Therapy. She was a high school classroom teacher for 10 years, teaching everything from standard literature classes, to English for language learners, AP courses, and resource classes. Trained in working with students with learning differences, as a resource teacher Heather coached her students in time management, organization and study skills. She is sensitive and responsive to different learning styles and believes that individualized instruction can help students identify their unique set of talents to overcome their difficulties. Heather has also taught in capacities beyond the traditional classroom, including swimming instruction, outdoor education, and two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Lindsay Riccoboni McBain
Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, a Master of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction, and a multiple and single subject credential from Santa Clara University. She has over seven years of teaching experience, ranging from private tutoring to math intervention support and summer school teaching. Lindsay has taught a diversity of students, including those with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and Asperger’s. She brings a detailed understanding of curriculum, state standards, school expectations, and the needs of students in many grades. Lindsay aims to provide a challenging, interactive environment that encourages students to reach their potential. Her goal is to instill the love of learning within each student while creating meaningful educational experiences. She also emphasizes time management, organization, and study skills throughout her teaching. When Lindsay is not tutoring, she pursues her own passion for lifelong learning.
Phillip Roberts
Phillip holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of California, Davis. He has over 14 years of experience working with children. His teaching career started at the Santa Clara Office of Education and continued with one-on-one tutoring, serving high-achieving junior high, high school, and college students, as well as those with learning differences such as ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, auditory and visual-spatial processing disorders, Executive Functioning disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and emotional difficulties. He brings experience in standardized test preparation (SSAT, SAT, ACT, AP, ISEE, and HSPT) and has taught Time Management, Organization, and Study skills as an integrated portion of his curriculum for the duration of his teaching career. Phillip partners with his students to discover how they learn best, empowering them to take control of their education. He strives to help students become their own advocates and shape their learning to achieve personal goals. In addition to tutoring, Phillip is a coach for USA Climbing and has climbed all over the world. Phillip also enjoys kayaking, martial arts, and road biking.
Kim Seeger
Kim earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development, Multiple Subjects Credential, and Master of Arts in Elementary Education from San Jose State University. She also received specialized training in the Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop Model, a program created by the renown Teachers College at Columbia University in New York. Kim has several years of teaching experience in elementary school, in addition to long-term substitute teaching experience in other grades. She has taught a diverse population of students, many of whom have learning differences and strives to find what works specifically for each child. Kim created an after-school homework program for struggling students and designed and taught a program for struggling readers, helping increase their skills and confidence in a short amount of time. Kim has always taught her students to be organized, how to learn, and how to manage their time in order to be successful learners both in and out of the classroom. Outside of teaching, Kim enjoys taking her dog for long walks and traveling on family vacations.
Ali Zadmehr
Ali earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has been tutoring math and sciences for the past 6 years, teaching fifth to twelfth graders and college students. Ali has also taught AP, SAT, SAT II and MCAT standardized test preparation. His tutoring work with junior high, high school, and college students has incorporated organization and study skills as well. Ali enjoys working one-on -one with students, helping them improve their grades and learning. He moved to the United States from Iran as a teenager. Ali’s experiences through this transition inform his approach to supporting students in a positive, empathic way and relating lessons to their everyday lives.