College Counseling for High School Students Expert Guidance. Personalized Planning. Real Results. With over 25 years of experience guiding high school students through the complex world of college admissions and post-secondary planning, I now offer private college counseling services designed to help students confidently take the next step toward their future. As a seasoned school and current career counselor, I specialize in helping students: Build strong academic and extracurricular profiles Identify best-fit colleges and career pathways Navigate dual enrollment, pre-apprenticeships, and technical training options Prepare and submit competitive college applications Develop standout résumés and personal statements Understand and meet financial aid and scholarship deadlines Explore industry-recognized certifications and alternative post-secondary opportunities

My approach is practical, strategic, and tailored to each student's goals—whether they’re aiming for a top-tier university, a specialized trade program, or a more affordable local option. I’ve worked with students from all academic backgrounds and am well-versed in helping families make informed, confident decisions. I’ve also had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association and on the Counselor Advisory Boards of the University and Penn State University.

When I’m not at school or volunteering in the education community, I love spending time with my three children. I’m an avid traveler and photographer, always looking for the next great adventure (and the perfect shot). I’m also a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fan—black and gold runs deep in my blood! Whether I’m working with students or exploring the world with my camera, I believe in the power of connection, growth, and giving every student the tools they need to succeed.

I am passionate about helping students find the sweet spot of the intersection of success and joy. I believe that all students develop according to their abilities, informed by their efforts, and strengthened by their disposition toward life. I have spent 17 years in public education working with students (and their families) as they navigate their school careers and begin their journeys after high school. Having served as a school counselor and administrator, my areas of interest and expertise are: - adolescent and emerging adult development - improving parent and child relationships - helping students understand themselves - helping parents understand their students - career exploration and planning - postsecondary planning - navigating the transition to adulthood

I hold degrees from the Pennsylvania State University's Schreyer Honors College (BS with Honors in Human Development and Family Studies), the University of North Carolina - Greensboro (MS in Counseling and Educational Development), Duquesne University (MS in Educational Leadership), and the University of Pittsburgh (EdD in Education Leadership). I have completed coursework toward these degrees from George Washington University and Carnegie Mellon University. I love to learn and continue to refine my skillset and knowledge base!

Mostly, I enjoy getting to know students and the ins and outs of their lives, forging relationships with parents, and dreaming big about the future together. I can't wait to meet you.

Krystal is a seasoned high school English teacher with over 20 years of experience, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She specializes in Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition and also teaches dual-enrollment college-level English through a College-in-the-High-School program.

As a College Board-trained AP Exam scorer, Krystal has evaluated over 1,000 essays and earned an “Exceeds Expectations” rating for her thoroughness and accuracy.

In addition to her classroom work, Krystal is a passionate college essay coach. She has helped students gain admission and win scholarships at top-tier universities including Harvard, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon. Her coaching focuses on crafting powerful, authentic essays that showcase each student’s unique voice and potential.

Whether she’s guiding a classroom discussion or mentoring a student through a personal statement, Krystal brings clarity, compassion, and results-driven support to everything she does.

Emily Rose Dunker has served as assistant principal at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School in the Pine-Richland School District for the past two years. Mrs. Dunker previously served as associate and acting principal at Carlynton Junior-Senior High School, as a 10th grade communications teacher at Freedom Area High School and taught 10th and 12th grade English at North Catholic High School. She has experience with the Pine-Richland School District, having completed her principal internship at Wexford Elementary in 2019.

Mrs. Dunker has held roles as crisis team leader and SAP team leader. As acting principal, she is especially proud of her work creating a dedicated room to help students refocus on learning as well as the implementation of new systems and processes in the junior-senior high school.

Mrs. Dunker earned a B.A. from Saint Mary’s College and an M.Ed. in secondary education and English from Duquesne University, and received K-12 principal certification through the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in educational leadership at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Andrew is a practicing teacher and historian of modern European and global history. He completed his BA in history at Lewis and Clark College (2001, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and his PhD in history at Rutgers University (2011).

He is an associate professor of history at the University of Memphis, where he also directs the history graduate program. He is the author of several articles and two forthcoming books on decolonization in France.

In addition, he has served for the past seven years as a reader on both the AP European and AP World exams. He lives in Memphis with his family and in his spare time is a soccer fanatic.

Mr. John-Henry is currently teaching Philosophy at Duquesne University’s Honors College while pursuing a Doctorate in Philosophy. He earned an M.A. in Religion from Yale University in 2020 and holds a B.A. from St. John’s College in Annapolis, where he completed a double major and a double minor.

With six years of teaching experience across various levels, from 7th grade mathematics and AP Physics to university-level courses, Mr. John-Henry has also accumulated six years of tutoring experience. He has been with his current tutoring company for 2.5 years and has a diverse background that includes roles as a coach, outdoor educator, and dorm parent.

He has a strong passion for tutoring and excels with students of all ages and skill levels, particularly enjoying working with high school students and student athletes.

Mr. Connor received his Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Archaeology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the spring of 2014. Upon graduating, he worked as an archaeological field technician for a Pittsburgh-based archaeological survey company.

After some time in the field, he attended Slippery Rock University and received his Master of Education degree in 7-12 Social Studies Education in the spring of 2016.

He started teaching at North Allegheny Senior High School in the Spring of 2017. Since being hired at North Allegheny, he has taught grades from 8th to 11th in various topics, including US History, Government and Civics, and European History, and is currently in his third consecutive year teaching AP Human Geography.

Ms. Natalie is currently a high school Social Studies teacher who has experience teaching AP European History, AP Psychology, U.S. History, and Economics.

Natalie graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in History with a minor in Secondary Education and Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and a M.A. in History with a primary focus in European History and secondary focus in U.S. History from Northern Illinois University.

Natalie is blessed to have turned her passions into a career and is looking forward to the opportunity to spread her joy for history with others!

With 12 years of teaching experience, I am passionate about guiding students through the fascinating world of psychology! My approach focuses on making complex concepts both engaging and accessible, ensuring students grasp core concepts while developing critical thinking skills.

My approach focuses on making complex concepts both engaging and accessible, ensuring students grasp core concepts while developing critical thinking skills.

I am committed to helping students succeed on the AP Psychology exam by providing tailored support and creating an interactive learning environment.

Alexander is an experienced science teacher and tutor. He has taught at all levels, from introductory to University, with a special emphasis on AP.

He has experience teaching in both public and independent schools, domestically and internationally, and was previously the leader of the Chemistry Department at Austin High School.

He loves breaking down complex topics into understandable steps and engaging learners to make science fun. Outside of teaching, he loves to cook, watch movies, and be outside with his dog, Rocky.

My name is Brendan, I hold both an Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems and a Bachelor's in Computer Science.

I am an experienced tutor who has worked both in-person and remotely with students both traditional and nontraditional with Computer Science and Mathematics topics. I bring experience, leadership, and passion to the workplace and I'm glad to be here.

Lenny has 30+ years of Educational Leadership and experience. Mr. Lenny's experience includes 30 years of teaching Social Studies, English Language Arts, and STEM.

He also was a seven-year Superintendent and Executive Principal. He retired and recently moved to Pittsburgh and owns an Educational Consultant Business to help districts resolve complex educational issues in California.

He has a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Degree in Educational Leadership along with a Masters of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Literacy, Social Studies, and English Language Arts.

After completing his B.S. in Bioengineering, Jacob worked at Nike as a polymer engineer, before leaving to get his Masters in Education. He spent the next 10 years teaching AP Physics and AP Chemistry in high school, with his AP Physics 1 students averaging a whole AP point better than the national average over that time. Over the last 4 years, he has honed this ability into online tutoring, where he has successfully coached dozens of students to 5s on AP exams, and As a classroom teacher, Jacob's AP Physics pass rate was double the national average and his "5" rate was roughly 5x the national average.

Jacob is known by his students for his ability to break down the material and get to the heart of problem solving in the courses he teaches. His experience with CollegeBoard extends into being a reader for AP Physics. In tutoring sessions, students have said Jacob is good at figuring out where they are at in their understanding of the material, and giving them the tools and lessons they need to succeed.

Outside of teaching math and science, Jacob was an avid swimmer and water polo player. He won state in several events in his Junior and Senior years, then went on to play water polo in college for four years. In his free time, Jacob still enjoys sports and general athletics, and spending time with his growing extended family and friends, and being the best cat dad he can be.

Jacob earned the following degrees: B.A. in Bioengineering, Oregon State University & M.A. in Teaching, University of Portland Portland

Mr. Azzam is a full-time professor at a local community college in California. With 25 years of experience, he has been teaching Math and Engineering courses throughout his career. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics, as well as a PhD in Engineering Mathematics.

Noelle is a motivated and hard-working educator with nine years of teaching and leadership experience. Growing up in rural Alaska and Jakarta, Indonesia and teaching in Singapore and Hong Kong, has broadened her perspective of diversity and culture.

She brings a global perspective and strong communication skills to her role as a teacher and coach aiming to make a positive impact on the educational community by mentoring and investing in the lives of students. With expertise in subjects such as World History, US History, Geography, and Ancient Civilization, 

Noelle has taught at reputable institutions both domestically and internationally. Her background includes serving as a Middle School Principal, Middle School Social Studies teacher, AP World History teacher, and AP US History tutor. Noelle demonstrates a commitment to professional growth and creating engaging learning environments.

Results-driven professional tutor and career coach with 5+ years of experience specializing in comprehensive test preparation for standardized exams. Proven track record of guiding students to achieve significant score improvements in the SAT & ACT.

Dedicated to empowering students through personalized coaching, academic support, and career guidance to excel academically and achieve their educational and professional goals.

I recently graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Neuroscience, a minor in Healthcare Industry Reform and Innovation, and a certification in Pre-Health Professions.

My name is Linaarika and I'm based in San Diego, California. I'm currently a language teaching assistant. I'm heavily involved in English language arts as well as all social sciences. I enjoy working with students, and crafting innovative ways to learn.

With nearly 18 years of experience teaching Advanced Level Biology through the Cambridge University External Program, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to my AP Biology tutoring.

My journey into the world of science began in Karachi, Pakistan where I was born and raised, sparking a lifelong passion for understanding the science world. This early enthusiasm led me to pursue a medical degree, and my career has since spanned both clinical practice and education.

I am a graduate of Geneva College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education and a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s Degree in Technology Education.

I have 14 years teaching experience at several high schools in Pennsylvania. During my career I have taught every class from Algebra 1 to my current teaching position of AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC.

In addition to my current teaching position, I am also an AP Calculus Reader for College board and work for the National Math and Science Initiative as a Math coach/consultant providing exceptional teacher trainings and student supports, while also writing curricular materials distributed to teachers around the United States.

I am a dedicated educator with 21 years of teaching experience. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Washington and Jefferson College, with a minor in Secondary Education, as well as a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Teacher Leadership from Walden University. Currently serving as the Mathematics Department Head at Trinity High School, I also advise the Student Council and the Sophomore Class, as well as, serve as the SAT and ACT testing coordinator for the school.

In addition to my professional commitments, I am a proud mother of two boys. My oldest son is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, and my younger son is a senior in high school and will attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall of 2025.

Outside of my work and family life I enjoy staying active through yoga, Zumba, and snow skiing. I also love spending time at the beach and walking my two adorable dogs.

I am a science teacher of 20 years. I am certified in life, earth, and physical science. I have taught every science class 7-12 during my teaching career. I primarily teach AP classes (such as AP biology, AP chemistry, and AP environmental science), honors biology, and honors chemistry classes.

I tutor AP biology in the summer during an intensive 10 week session. I have worked for college board aligning multi-state biology and chemistry frameworks to the preAP curriculum.

I just completed my 20th year of teaching, with 13 years as a college professor and 7 years as a middle school teacher. My areas of expertise are in English, College Success, and Teacher Education.

I hold a Master of Education degree in Integrative Montessori Learning, with 18 additional credit hours in English. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and I now live in Austin, Texas. My two sons are 5 and 7. Life is very busy with two young guys running around nonstop!

After graduating from Westminster College with a degree in Spanish and Secondary Education, I made the life-changing decision to move to San Jose, Costa Rica.

While there, I taught ESL to native Spanish-speakers in both high school and international business settings. Upon returning back to Pittsburgh, PA, I began my teaching career at Baldwin High School, where I have worked for over ten years.

During my time at Baldwin, I have taught Levels I to AP/CHS Level 5. I have also served as a tutor and AP exam reader outside of school.

Hi! I’m Samarth, an AP Statistics tutor focused on guiding students through their coursework and helping them deepen their understanding of key statistical concepts. While students follow a structured learning plan, my role is to support their progress by clarifying difficult topics, reinforcing core ideas, and strengthening their problem-solving skills.

With a strong foundation in electronics and mechanical engineering, I emphasize logical reasoning, precision, and clear explanation. I aim to create a calm, professional environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and gain confidence in their abilities.

My approach is patient, focused, and tailored to each student’s individual learning needs.

I have a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Washington and Jefferson College and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Science Education from the University of Pittsburgh. I have been teaching for over 25 years. I have taught AP Chemistry for over 20 years. I also teach Honors Chemistry and an Introductory Organic Chemistry class.

I have been a language teacher for 30 years, I have a degree, many courses, seminars and experience with all levels and ages. I love my job and always do my hest for students to get the best grade possible.