English, Reading and Writing

Alex

Math, Science, English and French Specialist

Biography

My name is Alex, and I’m currently a Master’s student in Microbiology & Immunology at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. While I’ve been in Montreal for the last five years, I still call Wayne, PA home. I attended Radnor High School, where I played baseball and was part of the Model UN Team. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Honors Microbiology & Immunology in 2023, and have since begun a Master’s degree in the same field. I primarily teach science, mathematics, and writing. Additionally, I am fluent in French and can also teach this subject!

Why I teach?

I teach because I’ve been in those shoes—not too long ago, actually—facing tough assignments, feeling stuck, and sometimes just needing someone to break things down in a way that makes sense. Being a recent university graduate, I know how helpful it can be to have someone who’s been through it and can share tips, shortcuts, and a bit of encouragement. I want my students to feel like they have a guide who gets it, someone who’s there to celebrate the small wins and help them tackle the tricky parts without feeling overwhelmed. Seeing those moments when things finally start to make sense is the best part of what I do.

Fun facts

I am a dual citizen of the US and France

I grew up in Boston, and am a huge Celtics fan

I love to ski, and my favorite mountain is Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia

Bianca

Special Education and Writing Specialist

Biography

Hello! I’m Bianca and I have been working in special education for over ten years. I spent most of my career teaching in a high school aged autistic support classroom. Here I placed an emphasis on activities of daily living, while tying a functional curriculum to the state standards. These past two years, I have been working with learning support and emotional support students in an online setting. Special Education is a huge part of my life, but my first passion is in writing, and I earned my B.A. in Professional Writing in undergrad before going on to earn my teaching certifications. In addition to my Special Education experience, I am also certified to teach English at the secondary level and have been tutoring in this content area for several years.

Why I teach?

I teach to empower students and offer opportunities to find their passion. I didn’t study education in my undergraduate program, but I found my into it shortly after graduating. Of course, it became a huge passion and quickly turned into my career. I want to offer students ways to explore all possible avenues for their future and passions. Meeting students where they are and presuming competency are just some of the core philosophies I use with my students.

Tutoring has offered me a wonderful opportunity to work with a wide range of students whether it’s writing their college essay, conquering grammar basics, or working on functional writing skills that apply to work readiness. I can’t wait to help students meet their full potential this school year!

Fun facts

I was a competitive gymnast for all of grade school!
I love hiking, knitting, and crocheting.

Corinne

Math, Science and Language Arts Specialist

Biography

Hello! My name is Corinne. I am from Malvern, PA and graduated from Villa Maria Academy High School in 2020. I am thrilled to be back in Chester County after graduating with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with minors in Chemistry and Theatre Arts this past May. The arts and sciences curriculum at Pitt provided me with a solid foundation in both STEM and humanities courses which I am so excited to share with my students. I am now in the process of applying to medical school in the hopes of one day becoming a pediatrician.

Why I teach?

I have experienced first-hand the power tutoring can have in boosting a student’s confidence both academically and personally. In my time as a tutor, I have worked with students from middle school to college in subjects including chemistry, mathematics, biology, English, and more! I enjoy adapting with each student’s unique learning style to best engage with the material. I love collaborating with students to help them build the tools they need to achieve their academic goals!

Fun facts

I am involved in community theater at SALT Performing Arts in Chester Springs
I studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland
My favorite holiday is Halloween

Joanna

Elementary, Special Education and Reading Specialist

Biography

My name is Johanna (Joey) and teaching is my passion! Working with children has always been something that brings me joy. In the beginning of my career, I fulfilled a teaching certification in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and taught as a Learning Support teacher in a general education middle school setting. After a break from the field to stay home to raise my own children, I have recently returned as a reading support teacher in an elementary school. My experience has been broad in all educational settings as well as with different student populations.

Why I teach?

I believe every child deserves to learn and aim to help them find their full academic potential!

Fun Facts

I have twin 14 y/o boys and a 16 y/o daughter
I have two cats
I love all Philly sports
I love the show Wheel of Fortune
My kids play a total of seven sports!

Katharine

English Specialist

Biography

In 2015 I moved to Wayne, Pennsylvania from Chicago. One of the hardest parts about moving was leaving my job teaching high school English. The students, staff, and parents were incredible and I enjoyed every second of it. I taught reading classes to freshman students who scored below grade level on their entrance exams. The class aimed to develop reading strategies, advance study skills, and create lifelong readers. I also taught English, Popular Literature, and Debate to high school freshman and sophomore students.

Why I teach?

I knew I was going to teach from as young as 8 years old. I remember asking for a chalkboard and a grade book for Christmas instead of the usual toys my friends wanted. I think even at a young age I wanted to make a difference. To me, teaching is the best way to make an impact on society as I shape hearts and minds and guide children to grow into creative, engaged, and empowered thinkers.

Fun Facts

I skydived over the Swiss Alps.
I lived in the United Kingdom for 8 months.
The Cubs winning the World Series made my life complete.
If I were not a teacher, I would be a yoga instructor.
Although I had two bodyguards in my classroom at all times for my first teaching job, I still welcomed meeting the challenge of reaching students in that environment.

Katie

Elementary and Reading Specialist

Biography

Hi! My name is Katie. I live in Wayne and have two children, a daughter in 10th grade and a son in 8th grade. I attended Penn State University where I obtained my Elementary Education degree and obtained my Masters in Reading at Gwynedd Mercy College. I taught 3rd grade for one year and 5th grade for six years. Once I had my children, I began private tutoring in reading. I also taught a supplemental kindergarten program for those attending half day kindergarten. My family and I love to go to Vermont and we love to travel! We have two dogs that love to play and get exercise.

I have always known I wanted to teach. Growing up, I loved baby sitting and spending time with children. My love for reading has prompted me to work with children to develop this skill, and also to encourage the enjoyment of reading in the process. I am always downloading new books on my kindle and reading is definitely my number one hobby!