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Learn About Our Instructors

Our academic mentors & coaches

Our instructors are the backbone of our education services. They come from a wide breadth of educational, professional, and life experiences, which enables us to best meet the unique needs of each student. We call our instructors ACADEMIC MENTORS and ACADEMIC COACHES because they do much more than just teach content. Our mentors and coaches go above and beyond to help each of the students they work with – providing the flexibility and empathy each student needs. These are not your run-of-the-mill tutors! Learning isn’t just about who’s the smartest teacher in the room. Quality instruction is about who is the person who has the expertise and also knows how to engage a student in their learning and help students to overcome hurdles so students can thrive!

Meet Our Academic Mentors & Coaches

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Erika C., CEO

Subject I love teaching the most: STEM

Fun Fact: I backpacked around the world!

 

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Marisa B.

Subject I love teaching the most: Reading

Fun Fact: I LOVE riding my bicycle all over New York City.

 

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Scott N.

Subject I love teaching the most: Math

Fun Fact: I’m a gamer with a growing content creation channel, I love math and spreadsheets, I have two cats, I write poetry, and I have a degree in Finance

 

 

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Kristin D.

Subject I love teaching the most: Elem. Math

Fun Fact: I’m a classical violinist!

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Leah E.

Subject I love teaching the most: English Reading & Math

Fun Fact: I love watching wrestling!

 

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Max R.

Subject I love teaching the most: Science

Fun Fact: I’m writing a book!

 

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Daniel T.

Subject I love teaching the most: Elementary ELA & Math

Fun Fact: I love complex Lego!

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Maia F.

Subject I love teaching the most: Biology & Chemistry

Fun Fact: I’ve visited 30+ countries!

 

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Laura L.

Subject I love teaching the most: English Language Learners

Fun Fact: I have 4 dogs & 2 birds!

 

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Charlotte R.

Subject I love teaching the most:

Spanish

Fun Fact: I have 6 crazy dogs!

 

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Ash S.

Subject I love teaching the most: 

History

Fun Fact: I have written a historical fiction novella, Assumptions!

 

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Harrison C.

Subject I love teaching the most:

Math

Fun Fact: I can play handbells!

 

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Mason W.

Subject I love teaching the most:

ELA & Math

Fun Fact: I love to knit and crochet!

 

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James B.

Subject I love teaching the most: 

English

Fun Fact: I love to crochet, knit, art & playing the violin! 

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Rida H.

Subject I love teaching the most:

 Math & Science

Fun Fact: I LOVE to paddleboard!

 

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Peter N.

Subject I love teaching the most:

Math & ELA

Fun Fact: I am a huge Baltimore Ravens Fan!

 

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Lisette L.

Subject I love teaching the most: 

Early learner skills

Fun Fact: I’m a very proud Disney fan!

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Harshini B.

Subject I love teaching the most:

Math

Fun Fact: I theater & live performance!

 

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Allison K.

Subject I love teaching the most:

Science!

Fun Fact: I’m a competitive figure skater!

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Ivy B.

Subject I love teaching the most: 

Math!

Fun Fact: My favorite superhero is Spiderman!

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Kylie K.

Subject I love teaching the most:

Math!

Fun Fact: I am a college athlete!

 

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Make learning treasured!

Find out why we are more than just tutoring!

Fun Fact: We love helping all kids learn!

 

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Archi

Subject I love teaching: 

Math, ELA & Science

Fun Fact: I am studying to be a dentist!

 

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Interested in becoming an academic mentor?

Contact us to find out more!

Fun Fact: Our academic mentors love helping students thrive, and they love being a part of our Brain Bodega “village!”

 

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Thoroughly Vetted

Each of our mentors has been vetted via a rigorous interview process which helps us understand who they are and where their expertise lies, so we can match them with the student who needs their expertise and who will most likely connect with them.

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Background Checks

Our academic mentors and coaches are from the U.S. or legally approved to work in the U.S. while living here in the states, has undergone a background check & has reviewed Virginia’s mandatory reporting training, so we know we’ve done our best to keep your children and teens safe. 

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Hand-Selected For You

What makes us different is that we handpick the academic mentor or coach that we think is the right fit for your child or teen, taking the burden of guessing off your shoulders. We’re not perfect, but we’ve become pretty good at this, and we’re grateful to all the families who have trusted us to make the right decisions for their students.

What Our Partners & Parents Have To Say About Us

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"Thank you. Grateful for our partnership. "

– Amy G., Exec. Director of ASK

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We had a board meeting tonight and I told everyone how above and beyond your tutors go for our kids.

— Renee W., Managing Dir. Cool Kids Campaign

"It is a true testament to the mentors when they can have the kids excited to meet for sessions. They were a tremendous help for my kids when they really needed it." - Kitty L. (Parent)

"(My child's) connection w/Marisa is amazing! Marisa makes her feel at ease and makes learning fun for (her), which helps a lot. And her patience and excitement is contagious." - N.L.

"We are very happy with the help we get from Brain Bodega. The kids love their mentor. They have fun while learning." - Helene K.

"The Brain Bodega has officially saved us this year. I don't think (she) would have been able to fully understand or succeed in Algebra 2 if it wasn't for Erika and Scott being there for her every step of the way, making sure she was on track and absorbing the content." - Elizabeth S. (Parent)

"I can not say enough about how far Devin has excelled this year in Algebra. I owe it all to Brain Bodega and Caitlin - she is great and when Devin gets confused she knows how to get his attention back in most cases most of his teachers do not have that patience but she gives him that and more." - Dawn B. (Parent)

"[Our] tutor, Grace, has been amazing for my daughter. She helps her with math and ELA. We can see major differences in her attitude and understanding of math and English. We are so happy to have Grace as a tutor!" - Rita M. (Parent)

"... we feel so fortunate to have found your services. My daughter would be in a very different place emotionally and academically right now without your support. My sincere thanks!" - D.J. (Parent)

"Love the concept and all the instructors were VERY nice and related well with my child. This program REALLY helped, especially when the world went virtual. Thank you." - Shawn F. (Parent)

"Erika and Marisa are consistent and dedicated to their work in helping students be the best they can be in and out of school. I am grateful for their partnership over the last few years." - Terra L. (Parent)

"Erika has gone above and beyond to help my child and has made a difference in subjects she was poor in." - Krystal S. (Parent)

"We are so thankful to Brain Bodega and our son's tutor, Avery!! She has made it possible for him to keep up with his class while in treatment and has helped him tremedously! She is patient, kind and fun. She has been so very helpful in keeping him on track at school, and helping him complete very challenging literacy and math homework. She has helped him to tackle complicated reading topics and write more developed answers to his literacy questions. We are so very grateful!!!!!! Thank you!!!!" - (Parent)

Ready To Get Started?

Give us a call at 804-404-6580