Our tutors and experts are dedicated professionals.
MEL SABELLA (Advisory Board)
Mel Sabella is a Professor of Physics at Chicago State University and the former Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering Studies. His interests focus on improving STEM education for underrepresented students through investigations of student learning and outreach to local communities on the Southside of Chicago. This work focuses on identifying and leveraging the resources, strengths and culture of the community he works with. Currently, Sabella is a PI on a collaborative National Science Foundation (NSF) grant with the University of Colorado-Boulder, Boston University, and George Mason University that focuses on the International Learning Assistant Model. He is also the Co-PI on an NSF S-STEM Project that provides different types of support for students majoring in Chemistry or Physics.
Sabella earned his PhD in Physics Education Research from the University of Maryland in 1999. After attending the University of Maryland, he began a position as a postdoctoral research associate with the Physics Education Group at the University of Washington.
He has published papers on physics education in the Physics Teacher magazine, the Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings, the Physics Education Research Supplement to the American Journal of Physics, the Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education and was invited to write a chapter of a textbook titled "Thinking in Physics". He is also a coauthor on a paper in Effective Practices in Preservice Physics Teacher Education: Recruitment, Retention, and Preparation. He is a current member of the AAPT Committee on Diversity and the Physics Education Leadership Organizing Council and has previously served on APS Committee on Minorities, the APS Forum on Education, and the AAPT Committee in Physics Education Research where he served as Chair. In 2008, Sabella co-organized the Physics Education Research Conference which focused on Diversity in Physics Education Research and in 2014 he co-organized the Gordon Research Conference: Physics Research and Education where the focus was the intersection of Biology and Physics. He is heavily involved in the Learning Assistant Alliance and has hosted a regional LA Workshop and has assisted in the International LA Workshop.
Mel Sabella is a Professor of Physics at Chicago State University and the former Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering Studies. His interests focus on improving STEM education for underrepresented students through investigations of student learning and outreach to local communities on the Southside of Chicago. This work focuses on identifying and leveraging the resources, strengths and culture of the community he works with. Currently, Sabella is a PI on a collaborative National Science Foundation (NSF) grant with the University of Colorado-Boulder, Boston University, and George Mason University that focuses on the International Learning Assistant Model. He is also the Co-PI on an NSF S-STEM Project that provides different types of support for students majoring in Chemistry or Physics.
Sabella earned his PhD in Physics Education Research from the University of Maryland in 1999. After attending the University of Maryland, he began a position as a postdoctoral research associate with the Physics Education Group at the University of Washington.
He has published papers on physics education in the Physics Teacher magazine, the Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings, the Physics Education Research Supplement to the American Journal of Physics, the Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education and was invited to write a chapter of a textbook titled "Thinking in Physics". He is also a coauthor on a paper in Effective Practices in Preservice Physics Teacher Education: Recruitment, Retention, and Preparation. He is a current member of the AAPT Committee on Diversity and the Physics Education Leadership Organizing Council and has previously served on APS Committee on Minorities, the APS Forum on Education, and the AAPT Committee in Physics Education Research where he served as Chair. In 2008, Sabella co-organized the Physics Education Research Conference which focused on Diversity in Physics Education Research and in 2014 he co-organized the Gordon Research Conference: Physics Research and Education where the focus was the intersection of Biology and Physics. He is heavily involved in the Learning Assistant Alliance and has hosted a regional LA Workshop and has assisted in the International LA Workshop.
PETER VAN BUSKIRK (College Planning Expert)
College Admission Expert
Author/Columnist
Speaker/Trainer
Thought Leader
College Admission Expert
- Dean of Admission/Chief Enrollment Officer, Franklin & Marshall College (1988-2000)
- Executive Officer, Officer of the Provost, Franklin & Marshall College (2000-2004)
- Vice President for College Planning Solutions, Peterson’s Guides (2005-2007)
- Interviewed by Jean Chatzky on Oprah and Friends
- Weekly blog contributor (“The College Admissions Insider”) to US New & World Report
- “Kids Going to College?” Fine Living Channel TV documentary (technical consultant and featured content expert)
- Education expert for WITF, Inc. (Central Pennsylvania public television) media properties
- Appeared monthly on WBAL-TV (NBC affiliate in Baltimore); interviewed on Fox25 TV (Boston)
- Quoted in media reports related to college access (Wall Street Journal, USA Today, US News & World Report, CNN/Money.com, Family Circle and the Los Angeles Times)
Author/Columnist
- Winning the College Admission Game; Strategies for Students and Parents (2007)
- Prepare, Compete, Win: The Ultimate College Planning Workbook for Students (2014)
- The College Planning Blog (weekly articles)
- Quarterly columnist for Motivos (Spanish/English magazine promoting educational opportunities), American Campus Magazine (distributed internationally); periodic contributor to U.S. News & World Report, The Pennsylvania Homeschoolers’ Newsletter, Central PA Magazine, Next Step Magazine and the College Guide magazine
Speaker/Trainer
- Present interactive, motivational college awareness and admission to high school, summer camp and corporate audiences (more than 1,000 events presented worldwide)
- Lead college application preparation and essay development workshops
- Deliver professional development programming for college access professionals
- Contracted by US Department of Defense to provide motivational programming and professional development workshops to military base high schools in the Pacific
- Created/delivered capacity building content for GEAR UP college access professionals
- Faculty member at College Summit Institute (training for high school personnel)
- Keynote addresses to conferences and professional meetings
Thought Leader
- Founder/convener of the “No Name Conference,” an annual think-tank involving senior enrollment officers and leading college access professionals nationwide
- Conference presenter:
- National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
- National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
- National School Board Association (NSBA)
- National Council for Community and Educational Partnerships/GEAR UP
- National Honor Society (NHS)
- California Charter School Association
- Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
- Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)
- Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
JASON CIANO (Certified Chess Master)
JASON CIANO is a cheerful, fun-loving sports fan who started out with two main passions: bridge and chess. In bridge, he achieved the rank of International Master, and in chess, he can usually be found playing leapfrog with the USCF and FIDE master titles. Chess was Jay’s first love, and over the course of 25 years as a player and coach, he has taught hundreds of children and adults the secrets of the Royal Game. Jason has earned chess certifications that include FIDE National Instructor, USCF Chess Coach Level III, and USCF Tournament Director. He has worked with the NYC school district and has coached both individuals and teams to victories in national scholastic championships and cash tournaments, as well. Jason continues to improve his own chess by studying with Grandmasters Giorgi Kacheishvili and Alexander Stripunski, and he competes in major chess tournaments around the globe.
JASON CIANO is a cheerful, fun-loving sports fan who started out with two main passions: bridge and chess. In bridge, he achieved the rank of International Master, and in chess, he can usually be found playing leapfrog with the USCF and FIDE master titles. Chess was Jay’s first love, and over the course of 25 years as a player and coach, he has taught hundreds of children and adults the secrets of the Royal Game. Jason has earned chess certifications that include FIDE National Instructor, USCF Chess Coach Level III, and USCF Tournament Director. He has worked with the NYC school district and has coached both individuals and teams to victories in national scholastic championships and cash tournaments, as well. Jason continues to improve his own chess by studying with Grandmasters Giorgi Kacheishvili and Alexander Stripunski, and he competes in major chess tournaments around the globe.
TINA VRACHNAS (Certified Elementary Ed and Special Ed Teacher)
Recalling my educational experiences, I am mindful of the significant impact that teachers make on the lives of young people. I realize that the skills and knowledge acquired will be used by young people throughout life. I am a NYSED Childhood Education Grades 1-6 certified teacher (with extensions in both Early Childhood Education and Special Education). I currently have the privilege of teaching students of varied academic levels and diverse cultural backgrounds as a 6th grade special education teacher. Years of experience authenticates my ability to help students grasp current Common Core State Standards in Math and English, along with fundamental skills in Science and Social Studies. I very much enjoy working with students of various ages and helping them improve in all academic subjects. I am passionate in working with them to effectively build their confidence in their ability to achieve academically.
Recalling my educational experiences, I am mindful of the significant impact that teachers make on the lives of young people. I realize that the skills and knowledge acquired will be used by young people throughout life. I am a NYSED Childhood Education Grades 1-6 certified teacher (with extensions in both Early Childhood Education and Special Education). I currently have the privilege of teaching students of varied academic levels and diverse cultural backgrounds as a 6th grade special education teacher. Years of experience authenticates my ability to help students grasp current Common Core State Standards in Math and English, along with fundamental skills in Science and Social Studies. I very much enjoy working with students of various ages and helping them improve in all academic subjects. I am passionate in working with them to effectively build their confidence in their ability to achieve academically.
WILLIAM KROEGER (English & Writing Tutor, SAT | ACT | SHSAT Exam Prep Instructor)
Hi, my name is Bill Kroeger. I am a PhD candidate in the field of English Literature, so I am a lifelong student, scholar, and writer (Stuyvesant HS, BA-Carleton College, MA-SUNY New Paltz, currently pursuing PhD at Oxford University). I have taught and tutored students of all ages and levels of preparedness. Educationally, my goal is to find a student’s strengths and needs for improvement, and then implement appropriate scaffolding of instruction directed toward enabling him/her to achieve by objective standards. Focused emphasis on building step-by- step skills for writing and test-prep can help make daunting challenges manageable. I am a certified HS English teacher, and I also have experience teaching college composition, as well as middle school English and Writing. Whatever you (or your child’s) specific needs, I feel confident we can develop an approach that will work for you.
Hi, my name is Bill Kroeger. I am a PhD candidate in the field of English Literature, so I am a lifelong student, scholar, and writer (Stuyvesant HS, BA-Carleton College, MA-SUNY New Paltz, currently pursuing PhD at Oxford University). I have taught and tutored students of all ages and levels of preparedness. Educationally, my goal is to find a student’s strengths and needs for improvement, and then implement appropriate scaffolding of instruction directed toward enabling him/her to achieve by objective standards. Focused emphasis on building step-by- step skills for writing and test-prep can help make daunting challenges manageable. I am a certified HS English teacher, and I also have experience teaching college composition, as well as middle school English and Writing. Whatever you (or your child’s) specific needs, I feel confident we can develop an approach that will work for you.
ALEXANDER HO (Robotics Consultant)
Alexander Ho attended Francis Lewis High School and was a member of their Robotics team for 3 years. During his years in robotics he took part in both FRC and FTC. He was captain of a FTC team during his junior year and was the lead manufacturer (robot builder) during his senior year. Alexander attends University at Buffalo and plans to become a mechanical engineer. He enjoys watching shows online, building computers, and discovering new things.
Alexander Ho attended Francis Lewis High School and was a member of their Robotics team for 3 years. During his years in robotics he took part in both FRC and FTC. He was captain of a FTC team during his junior year and was the lead manufacturer (robot builder) during his senior year. Alexander attends University at Buffalo and plans to become a mechanical engineer. He enjoys watching shows online, building computers, and discovering new things.
MANDEEP SINGH (Robotics Consultant)
Mandeep Singh is a former captain of First Tech Challenge Robotics team 3006 and 3017. He has been involved with Robotics for three years and describes it as "an amazing experience". Says Mandeep, "Robotics has inspired me to continue learning more about programming and work towards a degree in computer science. I also enjoy gaming and outdoor sports. Building robot is my favorite hobby."
Mandeep Singh is a former captain of First Tech Challenge Robotics team 3006 and 3017. He has been involved with Robotics for three years and describes it as "an amazing experience". Says Mandeep, "Robotics has inspired me to continue learning more about programming and work towards a degree in computer science. I also enjoy gaming and outdoor sports. Building robot is my favorite hobby."
PETREA WHITTIER (English & Acting Tutor, SHSAT Prep)
I am a recent graduate of Muhlenberg College where I double majored in English and Theatre. With my English degree, I can confidently conjugate "lie" and "lay" and keep them separate, and with my theatre degree, I can explain to your child why they're different. When I'm not teaching kids about subject verb agreement, I am likely performing on a stage in and around the New York City Area. This last year, I worked as both an actor and teacher for the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, where I acted in educational productions for middle and high school students, and I also led classes teaching students how to perform and understand Shakespearian text. In the past, I have taught kids ages 6 to 18 everything from basic reading and writing skills to advanced literature analysis.
I am a recent graduate of Muhlenberg College where I double majored in English and Theatre. With my English degree, I can confidently conjugate "lie" and "lay" and keep them separate, and with my theatre degree, I can explain to your child why they're different. When I'm not teaching kids about subject verb agreement, I am likely performing on a stage in and around the New York City Area. This last year, I worked as both an actor and teacher for the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, where I acted in educational productions for middle and high school students, and I also led classes teaching students how to perform and understand Shakespearian text. In the past, I have taught kids ages 6 to 18 everything from basic reading and writing skills to advanced literature analysis.
ELLEN BARYSHEV (Computer Graphic Design, Web Designer)
I am a graphic and web designer and college professor, teaching web design, graphic design, drawing, painting and studio design. I studied academic art and graphic design at the Kiev Institute of Graphic Design in Ukraine and graduated with a degree in design. After moving to New York, I received a BA in multimedia design. I have extensive professional work and teaching experience in Kiev and New York.
I am a graphic and web designer and college professor, teaching web design, graphic design, drawing, painting and studio design. I studied academic art and graphic design at the Kiev Institute of Graphic Design in Ukraine and graduated with a degree in design. After moving to New York, I received a BA in multimedia design. I have extensive professional work and teaching experience in Kiev and New York.
