Meet The English Language Arts Department

Hannah Haines
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Kinder - 12th
Educational Background ● Bachelors Degree Qualifications: ● Current educator at Cathedral Catholic ● Former teacher at St. Johns Contact Information ● (619) 431-2401 ● hannahghaines@icloud.com Subjects Proficient In ● Math ● ELA Bio Hannah Haines is an experienced educator with a strong background in teaching a wide range of subjects. With teaching experience at Saint John School and currently at Cathedral Catholic High School, Hannah is passionate about helping students reach their full potential. This summer, she is dedicated to bridging academic gaps and preparing students for a successful school year ahead through personalized, results-driven tutoring.

Kristen Herrera
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Kinder - 5th
Educational Background ● Bachelors Degree Qualifications: ● I have been a teacher in the diocese for 10 years. I have also been tutoring during the summer for 6 years. I am a passionate leader who likes to find the best way to reach all students. Contact Information ● (619) 246 - 8700 ● ktroin2@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● Writing ● Math Bio Hello! My name is Kristen Herrera. I am the Vice Principal and 1st grade homeroom teacher at St. Columba Catholic. I am a wife and mother of two children. I have been teaching for 10 years and I am happy to help in anyway I can.

Theresa Confer
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Kinder - College
Educational Background ● Bachelors Degree Qualifications: ● Certified ELA teacher with tesol certificate Contact Information ● (570) 398 - 2934 ● theresaclueless@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● ELA Bio I am a former public school teacher and former military police officer. I currently homeschool my own children and work as a private tutor. I also own a wedding planning company. I taught 8th grade English in a public school setting with a variety of ability groupings. I also currently teach English as a second language . I began teaching ESL in 2017. I worked as a substitute teacher for 3 years. I worked as a wrap around for Students with Autism for 2 years. I was also a preschool teacher for 2 years. I love empowering students to take ownership of their studies. I love literature and teaching students to write critically about literature as well as creatively. I am not a fan of exams. I prefer project based assessments. Every student learns differently and can showcase learning in various ways. If you do not see a listing for a time that works for you, my availability is listed below. Feel free to request a class within this time frame. Available : M-F 6:30AM -8:00AM CT Mon 4:00PM-8:00PM CT Tues 3-4pm CT Sat: 6:00AM-9AM CT 7pm-9pm CT Sun: 6PM-8PM CT

Jacki Reynolds
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Kinder - 5th
Educational Background ● Masters Degree Qualifications: ● CT certified elementary education and special ed Contact Information ● (475) 366 - 7438 ● jaclynareynolds@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● ELA ● Phonics ● Math (K - 5th) ● Algebra (9th) Bio Hello! I am a certified special education (PreK-12) and elementary education (1-6) teacher. I have taught for the past 8 years. I have been a high school special education teacher, a middle school special education teacher and a 3rd grade teacher. I have been a virtual tutor for students in ELA and math in grades PreK-9th and an ACT/SAT Test prep tutor as well. I love being goofy with my 3 kiddos (1, 7, 17) and making copycat recipes. I find joy in having coffee, cupcakes or French fries! When I was growing up, I did competitive dance, pointe, played 3 instruments in concert band and jazz band, was in the drama club, mathletes and the town softball team.

Megan Burris
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Kinder - 5th
Educational Background ● Bachelors Degree Qualifications: ● Tour for Professional tutors of America for many years. English and entry Spanish. Contact Information ● (209) 200 - 3500 ● burrisashlock2@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● Writing ● Reading ● English Bio Hi everyone, my name is Megan. I’m currently a high school teacher and was a professional tutor for many years in California. I’m open to all subjects and taught mentally disabled. I speak English, Spanish and some sign language.

Simon Byrne
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Jr. High - College
Educational Background ● Bachelors Degree Qualifications: ● TEFL Contact Information ● simon@teachmenative.net Subjects Proficient In ● English Language ● English Literature Bio I am a TEFL-qualified English language educator with extensive experience teaching learners at B1–C1 levels across a range of contexts. My areas of specialization include General English, Business English, Travel English, and exam preparation (e.g. Cambridge and IELTS). I adopt a communicative, student-focused approach, underpinned by the latest methodologies in English language teaching and adult education. My lessons are practical, engaging, and tailored to individual goals—whether learners aim to improve fluency, succeed in interviews, travel with confidence, or pass high-stakes exams. I have taught both teenagers and adults, including professionals from various industries, expatriates, and international students. Key areas of expertise: Business English: Professional writing, interview preparation, CV development, meetings, and presentation skills General English: Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency for everyday communication Travel English: Practical language for global travel, cultural situations, and real-world interactions Exam Preparation: Structured guidance and strategies for Cambridge, IELTS, and other proficiency exams Based in Poland and formerly resident in the UK, I teach primarily online, offering flexible learning to students across Europe and beyond. I bring to the classroom not only linguistic expertise but also professional insights from previous roles in manufacturing, education, and intercultural settings. My teaching philosophy is grounded in clarity, empathy, and the belief that language opens doors—to careers, cultures, and new opportunities.

Muhammad Nadeem
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade High School
Educational Background ● Masters Degree Qualifications: ● Post Graduate Diploma in English Language Teaching Contact Information ● imharisnadeem@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● English Language ● Literature Bio I am serving at a Cambridge School, teaching English Language and Literature to O level/IGCSE.

William Rosser
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Jr. High - College
Educational Background ● Masters Degree Qualifications: ● Public Educators License (Illinois State Board of Education, 2017), QTS (2021), Certified ESL/Bilingual Educator, Certified ELA Educator, Certified Social Sciences Educator, M.S.Ed Educational Leadership (2023), M.Ed Secondary Education (2017) Contact Information ● (670) 788 - 8464 ● res.rosser@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● English Language Arts ● English Literature ● ESL ● AP English ● US History ● World History Bio Dynamic educational leader with 10+ years of experience in secondary education and administration across international settings. Proven track record of elevating academic performance through strategic vision and implementation of innovative programs. Strong background in middle/high school operations with expertise in fostering academic excellence, social-emotional development, and college/career readiness in multicultural environments. Experienced in U.S. and British curriculum frameworks, including AP and Cambridge programs, with demonstrated success in leading diverse faculty and student populations.

Maureen Okorie
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Kinder - High School
Educational Background ● Bachelors Degree Qualifications: ● TEFL Contact Information ● maureenokorie60@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● English ● Math Bio As a certified TEFL teacher, I have worked with students from different cultural backgrounds, both in one-on-one and small group settings. My teaching experience includes helping young and adults learners improve their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through interactive and personalized lessons. I create warm, student-centered environment that encourages communication and builds confidence. Using digital tools, games, storytelling, and real-life situations, I adapt each lesson to fit the learner’s need. I turn each class into a space where growth feels natural and learning is fun.

William Borda
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Kinder - College
Educational Background ● Bachelors Degree Qualifications: ● TESOL Certification in language teaching as a second language. Also PYP MYP with IB curriculum experience. Contact Information ● wborda319@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● ELA Bio Certified ELA teacher with TESOL certification. I have been teaching English for 25 years. Teaching. from elementary grades up high school in bilingual private schools, also with working in teaching projects with district schools. Teaching experience in IPC PYP and MYP curriculum. Also teaching ESL programs in university levels. Very creative dynamic and excellent class management.

Sumaira Zaheer
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Jr, High - College
Educational Background ● Bachelors Degree Qualifications: ● CELTA ● KAGAN Contact Information ● simizaheer@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● English ● Social Studies ● Humanities ● IELTS ● TOEFL ● GAT ● SAT Bio Professional certified teacher with over 15 years experience in higher and K-12 education!

Racel Baisa
Tutor
Tutoring Levels: Grade Kinder - 12th
Educational Background ● Masters Degree Qualifications: ● Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) Contact Information ● rosalesracel@gmail.com Subjects Proficient In ● English Bio Racel R. Baisa is a seasoned English educator with over 13 years of diverse teaching experience and a proven track record in promoting academic excellence and student well-being. Currently serving as the Head of Wellbeing, she combines deep pedagogical expertise with a strong focus on creating inclusive, engaging, and student-centered learning environments. Her instructional approach is rooted in current educational research and emphasizes real-world application of English language and literature. She skillfully integrates technology and cross-curricular strategies to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and communication among students. In her leadership role, Racel has spearheaded school-wide initiatives that enhance staff collaboration, strengthen school culture, and support the holistic development of learners. Passionate about diversity, inclusivity, and student voice, she is dedicated to ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and empowered throughout their educational journey. Racel thrives in innovative and values-driven school communities where character development, emotional growth, and academic achievement go hand in hand.