Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our tutors have been carefully vetted and are subject matter experts in their field. They are passionate about education and supporting your child.
Allison Doering
25 + Years of Elementary School Teaching
I embarked on my educational journey at Rollins College, earning a BA in Elementary Education. Seeking further expertise, I pursued master's coursework at the University of Colorado, Boulder. With over 30 years of teaching experience, I have had the privilege of instructing a wide range of grade levels and subjects. I have taught special education, preschool, second, fourth and fifth grade homerooms and sixth-grade math. I've had the opportunity to engage with students at various stages of their academic development. Additionally, I had the incredible chance to teach English to elementary students at an elementary school in Japan for two and a half years, immersing myself in a vibrant cultural exchange. As a tutor, my greatest joy comes from getting to know my students on a personal level and tailoring my instruction to their specific needs. I believe that every learner is unique and deserves a personalized approach to learning. By fostering a supportive and engaging environment, I strive to create a space where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring new concepts, and achieving their academic goals.
Jill Johnson
30+ Years in education and administration
Jill Johnson has found her passion and purpose in educating children for over thirty years. During her extensive career she has developed a comprehensive skill set to support students on their academic journey. Jill has experience as a K-5 classroom teacher, reading interventionist, math specialist, TAG ed coordinator, ESL, special educator, PS-8th grade Learning Specialist and Head of Elementary School. Jill is a dedicated tutor who finds joy in supporting children to unlock their potential through scaffolded support and positive encouragement. She is committed to helping students gain confidence and grow their skills in reading, writing, math and executive function.
Brett Rubenstein
25 Years teaching High School and Middle School Science
B.A. Environmental, Population & Organismal Biology
M.S. Biology
Licensed Colorado Teacher (Secondary Science)
I've been a science educator for most of my professional career, teaching middle and high school science in both independent and public schools, and have worked as an independent tutor for a number of years. Prior to teaching, I was a research biologist (physiological plant ecology) with the US Geological and Kansas Biological Surveys. As an educator and parent of two teenagers, I understand the importance and value of real-world learning, curiosity, relationships and am committed to the social-emotional development of adolescents. My tutoring process is highly individualized. We will start with discussing goals, what has worked for your learner and what hasn't, and we'll come up with a plan for success. I've worked with many different types of learners in my teaching career and meet learners where they are. I work in support of them and their teachers to bolster understanding, test taking skills, homework/lab work support, etc. My passion for the subject and content knowledge helps learners make real world connections. I love to ski, and have coached U8-U14 athletes including my own kids who have grown up ski racing, while trying to find time to continue to race competitively in the USSA Alpine Masters. In addition to skiing, I enjoy mountaineering, cycling, kayaking, nature photography, vegetarian cooking, and watching college athletics. I live in Centennial, CO with my family (Carolyn, Jackson and Piper), our two rescued chocolate labs (Bode and Hazel), our cat (Roxy), and cornsnake (Fang). Courses taught: AP Biology, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, Conceptual Physics, Middle School Science. Available online and in-person in the Denver area.
Benji Billman
BA in Mathematics from University of Toledo
BE in Education with a focus on Mathematics from University of Toledo
16 years in education
13 years Private Tutoring experience
Benji Billman has been in education for 16 years, most of which he has taught mathematics at the middle and high school levels. He has taught math courses from 6th grade through pre-calculus, in addition to teaching three years of AP Statistics. His passion for education is grounded in Socratic methods, in addition to helping students make connections to the 'why' behind each mathematical hurdle. As a teacher, his joy comes from making students comfortable and confident in their mathematical pursuits. Benji began working with children in college, as a summer camp counselor. After beginning college as an Electrical Engineer, he realized his love was working with people and enjoying his love of mathematics. He went to the University of Toledo, where he double majored in Mathematics and Education. Out of college, he got a job at a high school in Bellefontaine, Ohio, before moving out to Colorado in 2011. From there, he spent 11 years working in Douglas County as a middle school math teacher, in addition to working four years as a middle school Principal. Three years ago, he relocated to Boulder County where he teaches high school mathematics at Dawson School. Benji has been working as a private tutor with students since 2011, and enjoys helping students see the easier way to do math problems. His passion is making visual sense of number relationships and equations with students to build a relationship with math.
TJ Alcala
Middle and High School Math
Though I have many academic interests, I discovered my love for math and teaching halfway through my freshman year at Fordham University in the Bronx. My bachelor's degree is in Mathematics and my master's degree is in Adolescent Math Education. Having taught at schools in Dallas, the Bronx, Harlem, and Lafayette, I've discovered that one of my deepest interests in education is learning the different ways that each student thinks about ideas. Every brain works differently, and throughout my time as a teacher, coach, and tutor I've honed my ability to make sense of my students' thinking instead of control it. My tutoring sessions are most successful when my students get meta-- when they're generous with their own ideas, open to helping me understand how their brain responds to content, and willing to reflect on their own experiences as a learner. A zealous believer in the power of experiential education, I coach the canoe and kayak team at Dawson School and lead our 11th graders on their annual canoe trip on the Colorado River. I've designed week-long hands-on learning experiences focused on topics from ethnography and botany in Kauai to hydrology and indigenous approaches to resource management in the Grand Canyon. Outside of school I'm a lover of games and puzzles who would prefer to sleep outside, a musician who loves to build word problems out of his life experiences, and a New York Times Crossword addict who can't get enough of reading "Goodnight Farm" to his 1-year-old son, Milo.
Becky Myers
25+ years teaching high school English
18 years as a certified International Baccalaureate instructor for Higher Level Literature
12 years as a one-to-one tutor
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, so that’s the path I followed unswervingly. I earned my B.A. in Literature (with a minor in history) from Cal State, then moved to Colorado in 1995 to attend the University of Northern Colorado for my teaching license; in 2016, I finished an M.A. in Teaching & Learning With Technology. I love teaching, and the best part is when I get to spend time with students–individually or in small groups–talking about literature, the cultural and contextual underpinnings of a work, the reader’s perception and interpretation, and the author’s use of craft and rhetoric. The hardest part of analysis is breaking down how a writer develops, the text delivers, and the reader interprets meaning, but I find that having a passionate conversation and asking pointed questions allows students to find their analytical voice. I also love teaching the art of writing academically (especially in the humanities) and creative writing. As an IB teacher, I have a lot of experience with helping students to write organized and insightful essays in a timed situation. I find that using micro mentor texts and excerpts is super helpful for students, and I like to use the books, poems, songs, movies, and TV shows that students enjoy to discuss the tools used by artists to influence their audience. In the last few years, I’ve come to love tutoring students in writing college application essays. I enjoy having deep conversations with students to pull out their unique qualities and perceptions, and then helping them to form effective essays that showcase who they are. Again, I like sharing mentor texts that encourage students to use their voices to tell their own stories. I also tutor students in preparing for and improving their SAT test-taking skills. Through practice, the student and I determine which areas need improvement, and then we directly address those areas with minilessons and then more practice. Essentially, what I love about tutoring is getting to know students. I love helping students build on their unique strengths and I am skilled at scaffolding to help them develop where they need support. A personal approach that values who the students are makes the whole process engaging and rewarding for the student and me!
Mark Palmer
B.S. Molecular Biology
B.A. Integrative Physiology
Mark Palmer’s experience in scientific research and teaching science make him the perfect tutoring fit for middle school and high school students who need some extra support. Palmer specializes in chemistry and biology related courses, as well as most science courses offered at the middle, high school, and university level. He focuses his tutoring on in-depth concept understanding which prepares students for classwork and exams. Palmer earned a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology in 2006. After teaching and working as a professional research assistant in the Olwin Lab at CU, he decided to go back to school in 2018 earning a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Physiology.
Gabi Huebler
10+ Years Spanish Instruction
My name is Gabi Huebler. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I came to the US in 1991 and I have lived in the Boulder area for more than 30 years, where my three kids grew up. I have been teaching Spanish for over ten years, trained in the OWL (Organic World Languages) method and Teaching and Methodology at Instituto Mallea, Buenos Aires. I also took psychology courses at the UCA (Universidad Catolica Argentina) and studied tourism at the Instituto Superior de Turismo Perito Moreno in Buenos Aires. I have a passion for teaching children, my first job was teaching English to kindergartners in Argentina. Later I worked in the travel industry for some years, traveling as much as possible. I love learning about different cultures and sharing mine with my students. After being a stay-at-home mom for several years, I returned to my first love, teaching! At different times in my life I have studied French, Portuguese and German and I know what it takes to learn a new language. I want your student to succeed in learning Spanish, but I don’t loose perspective of his/her general well being so I try to create a no-pressure learning environment where he/she will feel comfortable enough to take risks and make mistakes. In addition to teaching I have served in the board of BVGT (Boulder Valley Gifted and Talented) in the capacity of translator and interpreter (English-Spanish) during their talks with invited speakers. I learned so much about these special students and their needs. During my free time I love to stay active playing tennis, hiking in the mountains, taking Zumba or pilates classes. I also love to cook, read and spend time with my kids or with friends.
Lynn Fischer
Masters in Math Education
Lynn tutors all all levels of math, including Calculus. She has been tutoring for 33 years after getting a Masters Degree in Math Education from Stanford University. She taught at Palo Alto High School and Menlo School in California before beginning her tutoring career. Lynn has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and Design from Stanford University. She worked in the Energy Management business before teaching and tutoring. Because of her engineering background, she offers tutoring in physics. Lynn is also a professional photographer and would love to teach photography to any interested students. Lynn moved to Colorado in 1995 and has four grown children who all have come back from college to live in Colorado. She loves to be active – golfing, swimming, hiking and biking (on an e- bike!) She also love taking photos both of the pretty Colorado scenery and portraits of families and people.
Joseph Patrick Lawlor III
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering
Joseph tutors all levels of math and some math based sciences such as chemistry and physics. Joseph has been tutoring for 4 years and has developed a unique niche for students to find joy in mathematics. He offers optional intermissions within tutoring sessions to learn juggling which refreshes the attention span, enhancing focus and enthusiasm for the process of learning math. He uses his own beginner friendly form of “team juggling” to help all ages and abilities access the benefits of the juggling lessons. Joseph is experienced in creating curriculum based on the expectations of the Boulder Valley School District. He has helped students excel on standardized tests and advance to higher level classes by introducing new concepts and leading them to mastery. He creates challenges to encourage students to think critically and can make this process engaging by incorporating intermittent juggling lessons. Inspired by learning at his family’s dance school, Joseph became certified to teach Cecchetti Ballet and Stott Pilates. While gaining his degree at University of South Florida, he taught more than 100 people how to juggle while president of a university organization that was the learning ground for many movement skills. Joseph continues to embrace his love of movement by practicing yoga, acro yoga, volleyball and trail running with his dog daily in the nearby mountains. Joseph is confident that his balanced teaching strategy of practicing a bit of embodied movement while gaining mastery of mathematics is a great way to help students find or enhance their joy of math.
Allie Sherry
Speech-Language Pathologist / Dyslexia Specialist
Reading and Writing Support
Executive Functioning Support
Allie is a nationally certified speech-language pathologist who has over 20 years of experience working in school districts, subacute care facilities, and private practice. She’s worked in all areas of speech pathology, both medical and educational, giving her a strong foundation of the principles of language acquisition and an understanding of how they translate to reading and writing. Allie became interested in dyslexia and alternative teaching methods when her own children’s neurodiversities created significant barriers to connecting with lessons in traditional classroom settings. This led her to seek additional training on alternative learning styles and interventions to address the needs of students who are out-of-the-box learners. What works for one will not automatically work for all. Allie is currently the Assistive Technology Director for Thompson Schools and she loves connecting with students through her private practice in Boulder, Colorado. Her areas of specialty include dyslexia evaluation and diagnosis, individualized multi-sensory dyslexia treatment, assistive technology training and education for students with identified learning disabilities, and parent coaching through all aspects of the IEP, 504, and ALP writing process. She is Orton Gillingham Certified and has extensive training in phonological awareness and morphology through the UNL Barkley Speech-Language and Hearing Center. Allie is a member of the International Dyslexia Association, the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, and CHADD (the leading resource on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). When she is not working, Allie loves hiking, spending time with her family, and fostering dogs through Mile High Canine Rescue. Her dogs Pearl and Piggy do not appreciate the company but have chosen to keep their current residence for the time being.
Lorie Shetter
Elementary French
Madame Shetter loves all things French…the language, the culture, the history, the art and the food! She has a BA in French Literature from UCF in Florida and is Licensed by the Colorado Department of Education to teach K-12 French. She specializes in elementary French and has worked at Boulder Country Day School since 2002 teaching elementary and preschool French. Her philosophy is to make learning French fun by supporting grammar lessons with French songs and language learning games.
Holly Lerner
30+ Years Elementary Teaching
My name is Holly Lerner. I moved to Colorado in 2016 and I have three adult children. I enjoy hiking, walking my golden retriever, and spending time with family and friends. I am a devoted elementary teacher with over three decades of experience shaping young minds in both California and Colorado. Teaching has been my lifelong passion, and I have had the privilege of witnessing countless student’s growth and development throughout my career. My journey in education began at Wheaton College, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree alongside a degree in Early Education. Eager to expand my knowledge and enhance my teaching abilities, I pursued further education at Pepperdine University, where I achieved a Masters in Education with a focus on teaching students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. From a young age, I knew that education was my calling, and I have dedicated my life to inspiring and nurturing the love of learning in my students. My teaching experience spans from various subjects, including reading, mathematics, and social studies. I am adept at providing support and enrichment to my students, whether in whole group settings, through personalized small group sessions, and one on one tutoring. Outside the classroom, I have also lent my expertise as a tutor, helping students reach their full potential by providing individualized guidance and support. My commitment to education extends beyond the confines of the school, as I believe in the power of learning to transform children’s lives. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the profound impact that a dedicated teacher can have on a child’s life, and it’s the responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly. My goal is to foster a positive, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where every child can thrive academically.
Our Junior Team
Meet our junior team members. Each member has been carefully selected based on their academic excellence and investment in helping other students succeed.
Ellie Doering
Ellie Doering recently graduated from Niwot High School completing the IB diploma programme and will be a freshman at Boston College in the fall. She is planning to major in psychology and minor in computer science. Psychology has piqued her interest but she is also passionate about sciences and mathematics. At Niwot High School, she completed HL Chemistry, SL Applications and Interpretations, Honors Pre-Calculus, and SL Biology. Ellie enjoys helping other students learn and love academics and drive them to explore new subjects. Throughout high school she created a free tutoring program for young students to have a safe place to understand their struggles in mathematics and combat them with problem solving. Ellie attended a three week summer program at Columbia University studying college level neuroscience. She loves adventures outdoors, quiet activities, volleyball, skiing, and trying new foods and activities.
Haley Touhig
Haley Tuohig is a rising junior at Northwestern University, double majoring in Biology and English and American Literature on the pre-medical track. She enjoys the breadth of learning these disciplines offer and prioritizes the accumulation of skill and knowledge required by upper-level college courses. This necessary developed skill set enables her to tutor in both the STEM and humanities fields. Additionally, the relative recency of her pre-college education will enhance her ability to relate to students and their coursework. Haley graduated in 2021 with honors from Fairview High School and attended Boulder Country Day School from preschool through 8th grade. At Fairview, she completed AP/IB classes in Biology, English Language, English Literature, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, US History, and World History. At Northwestern, she has completed courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and various biology and English classes. Outside of class, she enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring Chicago, skiing, rock climbing, and playing music.
May Congdon
May is a talented young professional who has woven teaching, training, and human empowerment into all aspects of her work experience. She grew up north of San Francisco. During her 8th - 12th grade years, she served as a volunteer tutor at a local nonprofit with children ages 6-12. May saw that her work as a tutor transcended academics to include mentorship and human connection; as she supported growth in reading, math, and study skills, she found that showing up for the student with compassionate awareness of their unique needs and experience made the greatest impact. May graduated from Williams College in 2017 with a Bachelors in Women’s and Gender Studies. Her interest in the medical field led to a role as a bilingual English/Spanish health educator in a clinic, where she further developed her skills in interpersonal communication, tailoring the presentation of complex medical information for each unique patient in an easy-to-understand way. She advanced to take on additional responsibility as a staff trainer for new employees. During the pandemic, May worked as a project manager for a nonprofit providing professional development and educational programs for the nonprofit community. May managed tech support and ensured smooth operations for Zoom-based online courses during a complex and challenging time. Through these programs, she enjoyed witnessing the growth and development of entry-level employees training to become managers, and staff rising up to Executive Director, through the power of inspiring instruction, group skill-building practice and human connection in a supportive learning environment. May’s passion for learning and literacy and her admiration of the creative minds of young people has led her back to youth tutoring with the Doering School. In her free time, May enjoys playing golf and swing dancing.