Our Tutors
Myles Múnera-Keating - Head Tutor
Myles graduated early from Stanford University with a BS in Mathematical and Computational Science, concentrating on statistics and machine learning. His deep enthusiasm for numbers and probability, coupled with talents in writing and standardized testing, makes him a versatile educator who supports students across a wide array of domains—from math and science to the humanities to college applications. Myles’s approach is not only about helping students master content; he coaches them through developing the effective learner habits essential for academic success.
Bringing an incredible breadth and depth of knowledge to the table, Myles has a unique ability to demystify even the most challenging subjects, making learning both accessible and enjoyable. He equips students with executive functioning skills they can rely on both in and out of the classroom, fostering a mindset and skill set that enables them to engage meaningfully with material, manage their workload, and thrive.
While Myles tutors in many subject areas, his favorite kind of engagements involve working closely and holistically with students experiencing significant emotional and academic challenges.
When not tutoring, Myles can be found capturing the beauty of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden through his camera lens or exploring Park Slope with his wife Mariana and adorable dog, Mochi.
Kayla Kirk
With 1000+ hours of tutoring under her belt, Kayla is an experienced educator whose students get real results. Kayla followed her passion for the performing arts to Brown University, where she earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies, and the other in Modern Culture and Media. Kayla developed her fun-loving approach to education while working as a STEM teacher at a summer camp, where she taught classes on topics like coding and robotics.
Having undergone several years of boring math tutoring during her own middle school years, Kayla strives to make tutoring as simple and enjoyable as possible. Kayla relishes the opportunity to connect academic material to her students’ specific interests. When she’s not tutoring, Kayla enjoys performing stand-up comedy, playing guitar, and hanging out with her cat.
Holly Lyne
Holly specializes in interview preparation and application essay editing. She believes in the power of a positive mindset, always paying attention to details, and practicing new skills to build your confidence.
Holly has unique insights into the holistic admissions process used by selective academic institutions. She started her admissions career as an interviewer for her alma mater, Bowdoin College, from which she graduated cum laude with a major in English and a minor in Art History. Holly was a Varsity Women's Cross-Country Captain. Following Bowdoin, Holly was an Admissions Officer at Phillips Exeter Academy for two years, where she interviewed hundreds of students and evaluated applications for one of the most selective private schools in the world. Holly was also a dorm faculty member and loved getting to know her students outside of the classroom.
Beyond tutoring, Holly is an avid reader and loves being in nature (bonus points if it's in Maine!) and time with family, friends, and dogs.
Matthew Ruehlman
I teach confidence.
Tutoring is so much more than a test score for me. My students often struggle with so many of the demons we all face in high school – comparison traps, planning skills, general self doubt, and I help students bust through all sorts of barriers like this while also getting scores up. Usually, I find students actually have all the skills they need to be successful – they often just need someone to help them realize what they can already do. It's how Zane went from a 23 to a 33 on the ACT. It's how Zoe got a perfect score on the reading section. And it's all joyful.
I have 4,000+ hours of tutoring experience, and have worked extensively with students with various learning differences and IEPs.
Destinee J. Cooper
Destinee is a certified middle & high school chemistry teacher with Gifted and Talented and AP Chemistry Endorsements. She earned her Masters in Teaching of Chemistry from Stanford and is pursuing a PhD in Engineering and Science education. She is a National Science Foundation fellow and continues to pursue and publish research in science education.
Having both written chemistry curricula and taught chemistry to students across all grade levels in middle and high school, Destinee knows how to help students build a strong science and math foundation and set them up for success in chemistry and the sciences more broadly.
Jonathon “Jack” Alcantara
Jack Alcantara is a high school science teacher from Chicago, IL. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Biology and teaching certification in Biology and Chemistry. Jack has taught a wide range of subjects including AP Biology, Environmental Science, and Physics.
In addition to supporting students in and out of the classroom, Jack also coaches wrestling. He has coached athletes as young as five and as old as eighteen. In 2022-2023, his team earned a conference championship in the Chicago Public League Blue West Division.
In his free time, Jack enjoys playing guitar, piano, and singing. He also maintains an indoor vegetable garden with lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Emily E Garrison
A graduate of Brown University and Columbia University, Emily specializes in test prep, math, and college applications. With over 7 years of tutoring experience, she approaches standardized tests with the philosophy that the test is a puzzle that can be solved. She works with students to understand that their dream score is not about being 'smart' enough, 'good' at tests, or 'fast' enough at math and reading - it's about approaching their practice with a calm, open mind, being inspired by mistakes rather than discouraged, and believing that they can solve the puzzle.
Emily also teaches in Columbia's University Writing Program, guiding students through analysis, crafting compelling and advanced arguments, and most importantly, how to think like a writer. With a research-based approach to writing, Emily has helped students gain acceptances to their dream schools (UChicago, Penn, Northwestern, UCLA, and more!) and fall in love with their English classes.
When not tutoring, you can catch Emily at every Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and if she can find it, Off-Off-Off-Broadway show in the city.
Edward Popovici, M.Ed.
Edward is an experienced high school math teacher and tutor. He is passionate about teaching and helping students reach their full potential, and has 5 years of high school experience.
Edward graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston University with a dual degree in Economics and Business Administration and Management. He then pursued his JD at Columbia Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. As he transitioned to teaching, he obtained his Master’s in 7-12k Math Education.
Outside the classroom, Edward has extensive one-on-one tutoring experience. He tutors for the LSAT and a wide variety of math classes, from 6th grade to college level Calculus I. Edward himself scored a 5 on both AP BC Calculus and Statistics.
Edward consistently works on his craft. He is a Math for America fellow and is currently taking college level math classes to improve his content knowledge and teaching techniques. He keeps abreast of all new LSAT developments and has helped his students score as high as a 178. Edward himself scored a 177.
Li Murphy
Li has worked with thousands of students across the world as a STEM educator and science communicator. She strives to prepare students for all phases of their academic journey, which often includes working with them to write compelling personal statements and strengthening their interview confidence. Her expertise in the natural sciences, fieldwork, writing, and teaching makes her a great match for students who want their studies to matter to their real life and to the world.
For almost ten years, Li Murphy drove a bus full of microscopes around New York City teaching science. She discovered what got students believing "wow, learning is actually cool." She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Biology and Earth Science and believes that building passion for lifelong learning requires the chance to co-create knowledge. She is currently a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow at Yale School of the Environment. With a background in both scientific research and education, Li helps students understand topics through engaging, real-world examples.
Levi Jennings
Levi Jennings has been an educator and tutor since 2014, working with students aged 7 to 27. After two years of teaching high school math and English, Levi transitioned to tutoring to provide personalized, one-on-one support tailored to each student’s needs. Since 2022, he has balanced his work as both a tutor and a psychotherapist for children and young adults, bringing a unique perspective and tremendous emotional intelligence to his teaching.
Levi specializes in supporting students with anxiety, dyslexia, and other learning challenges, helping them build confidence and achieve academic success. He holds a BA from Stanford University and an MA from Columbia University.
Catherine Root
Cathy is an accomplished mathematics educator with over 12 years of experience teaching middle school and high school students. She is a proud graduate of SUNY Geneseo, with a degree in Mathematics and Adolescent Education.
Currently, Cathy brings her passion and expertise to the classrooms of a community college in Upstate New York, where she continues to inspire and educate the next generation of students.
Cathy’s commitment to her students’ success is evident in her dedication to making math accessible and engaging. She excels at helping students see the practical applications of mathematics in everyday life and encourages them to embrace the challenges and rewards of solving complex problems.
Outside the classroom, Cathy enjoys traveling and cooking with her family. She is always on the lookout for new culinary experiences to share with her two young daughters, who share her love for ice cream and discovering new restaurants.
Joshua Cagatan, Chief of Staff
Joshua earned his Bachelor of Arts in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs (BA-CDA) with a specialization in Spanish and International Affairs, blending a foundation in global relations with effective communication and organizational systems.
With a talent for translating complexity into clear, actionable progress, Joshua combines strategic thinking with practical execution in his work. His career spans diverse experiences across both the private and public sectors, including finance, business development, government and public service roles.
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Joshua continually seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and immersing himself in books on self-development, financial literacy, and cultural criticism. He thrives on building connections between people and ideas, embodying a commitment to continuous improvement and meaningful engagement.
When not on the West Coast, Joshua can often be found traversing the vibrant islands of Southeast Asia, embracing local cultures and seeking out new adventures.