Founder & CEO

Maria Ferzola Lipiros

BS, Mathematics & Chemistry, University of Scranton; Secondary Mathematics, Drexel University; Finance & Accounting, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Why I TEACH: Whether helping to increase a child’s confidence in Math, supporting a student to finally reach their goal score, or learning that someone we mentored just received an acceptance to their dream college, I truly couldn’t imagine doing more important work than positively impacting another person’s life through education. At TEACH, we believe every child deserves access to a quality education that supports their dreams. Growing TEACH has allowed our team to fulfill our mission of expanding access to tutoring for students who wouldn’t otherwise have that access.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching:  I am always exploring all of the incredible things Philly has to offer with my family. Some of our family’s favorites include the Please Touch Museum, catching up with local friends in Liberty Lands park, feeding the birds at the Philadelphia Zoo, or having brunch at Honey’s followed by a long walk. If it’s a really great weekend, we stop for ice cream at Franklin Fountain and curl up with new books at home (for both me and the kids!).

My favorite food is: I love all food in general, but some favorites are sushi, pizza, pasta, cotton candy grapes, burrata, and ice cream!

President

Sara M

MBA candidate at Villanova University; BA in Classics & Hispanic Studies, University of Pennsylvania

Why I TEACH: I believe every student deserves access to a high quality education, so I am proud to be part of a team that enables that for so many students. I was lucky in my own education to have teachers who instilled in me a love of learning and gave me confidence that I could tackle things that initially seemed impossible. While my role is more behind the scenes, I am driven by ensuring my work ultimately helps more students build that confidence and love of learning.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I’m happiest spending time with friends and family! I love trying new restaurants or activities in Philly, finding a nice hike nearby, taking on a fun cooking project, or just cuddling up with a good book on the couch.

My favorite food is: lasagna and soft serve twist

Director of Finance

Jeanette B

BSc in Mathematics, University College London, England

On the weekends when I’m not working: You can find me tending to my veggies in the garden, cooking and baking in the kitchen, foraging for wild mushrooms in the woods, or enjoying the lakes and mountains with my family.

My favorite food is: This is an impossible question, because I love food. I love anything Mediterranean or ethnic, especially Ethiopian food! Oh, and whipped cream.

Director of Instruction and Development

Ania B-W

BA in History, SUNY Geneseo; MA Modern European History, Brown University; ABD Modern European History, Brown University

Why I TEACH: I come from a long line of academics and life-long learners. My family has instilled in me not only a love for learning but also taught me its value. Additionally, I recognize that education serves as a gateway to a better future, that sadly many do not have access to. Working with students provides me an opportunity to pass that love of learning to the next generation.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I love to travel! Whether it is domestic or international, discovering new cultures has always been a passion of mine. When I am not traveling, I love spending time with my husband and two kids. We are an active family, so on most weekends we like to go to the zoo or a museum and spend time together. And when I do get a moment to myself, which is rare, there is nothing better than a great book!

My favorite food is: Middle Eastern food or cheese and charcuterie

Associate Director of Programming

Marian D

BS in Management, The Pennsylvania State University – Smeal College of Business
MS is Education, The University of Pennsylvania – Graduate School of Education

Why I TEACH: I love working with students as a tutor because it gives me the opportunity to focus all of my energy on helping a person reach a new level of understanding. I believe learning can be fun, interactive, and engaging; and I enjoy finding creative ways to solve problems and explain answers.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On the weekends you can find me with family, at church, or hanging out with friends. In my free time I paint portraits, bake cakes, and work on growing my small business – KakeMi 90 Second Cake.

My favorite food is: anything french fries!

Associate Director of Operations

Owen S

Rowan University, B.S. Chemical Engineering (Class of 2018)

Why I TEACH:   I’ve always had a passion for education and first started peer tutoring in high school. To me, the most rewarding experience was to see my students not only perform better academically, but to also gain confidence in their own abilities and believe in themselves! I am grateful to have had many excellent teachers and mentors throughout my academic career, and I always value the opportunity to pass along my knowledge and skills to any student that needs it.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching:   When the weather is nice I’m usually out riding my bike around the city or rock climbing! Indoors, I’m probably trying to gather friends to play something from my ever-growing collection of board games. I also love going to music concerts and frequently am making a new themed playlist – I always enjoy discovering and sharing new music!

My favorite city/place in the world is:   Philly will always be one of my favorite cities since it holds so many wonderful memories for me! Even before I lived in Philly, I was always finding a reason to visit the city such as my first ever live concert at Union Transfer or as a kid taking a field trip to The Franklin Institute, Philly has always felt like my home.

Anna G

BS in Economics and Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana; Masters degree in Math Education, City College of New York

Why I TEACH: I was a teacher in New York City for 14 years and recently relocated to Philadelphia to be closer to family. I’m especially passionate about helping students realize that all people can understand and enjoy mathematics and helping students believe in their potential and find the courage to keep trying in the face of challenge.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I enjoy cooking, throwing pottery, playing outside with my kids, and reading.

My favorite food is: Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

Ashlee G

Becca S

Beth D

Temple University, BA Strategic and Organizational Communication

Why I TEACH: Ensuring students have support to create a postsecondary plan and access to whatever their goals are!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Eating donuts, running races and reading books.

My favorite city/place in the world is: sitting on the beach in Avalon, NJ

Crystal N

I earned my undergraduate degree from Shippensburg University, which is a BA in Human Communications with a minor in Psychology.  I then went on to pursue my graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, which is an M.S.Ed in School and Mental Health Counseling.

Why I TEACH:  I enjoy teaching and learning from the students I serve.  I believe, as an instructor, my students and I are a team and we work as such.  I love to see my students grow and develop as individuals and expand their creativity and mindsets in ways that can serve as change agents in this beautiful world.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching:  I enjoy listening to music, and exploring the outdoors by way of exercising or hiking.  Additionally, I love to watch a good documentary or read an interesting piece of literature that provokes critical thinking.

My favorite city/place in the world is:  The Pretty Place located in SC.

Lead ELA Instructor & Senior Content Specialist

Dalea R

BA in Literary Studies and the Creative Arts, American University of Paris, MFA in Fiction, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, M.Ed. in Secondary English, Carbini University

Why I TEACH: I love getting the opportunity to work with students face-to-face and seeing the drastic progress they can make in a short time, with focused work and dedication. I love that I get to be a part of students’ success stories, and watching them succeed and reach their goals!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I have lots of hobbies, so on a given weekend, you can find me playing roller derby with my team, the Hooligans, or rock climbing with my friends, or hanging out at home playing board games!

My favorite food is: sushi and charcuterie

Elle O

Evan K

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from University of Delaware

Geneva S

B.S. in Biology, Temple University

Why I TEACH: I teach because I believe knowledge is a gateway to opportunity and there is always something that can be learned and unlearned.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I love traveling. Seeing and exploring new places is a must and hopefully there is good food as well.

My favorite city/place in the world: Barcelona, Spain

Jordan P

Joseph S

BA in Political Science, University of Pennsylvania and MA in Sociology, Princeton University

Why I TEACH: I started my career in education as a high school math teacher, and I fell in love with the work. Watching kids mature, chase big goals, and step into adulthood was extremely fulfilling, and I jump on any opportunity to support kids in their journeys. One of my proudest moments was starting a college trunk party program with my students in Arkansas that has raised lots of money and sent dozens of college-bound seniors off to campus with laptops, dorm room essentials, and school supplies. In the classroom, I love growing students’ confidence in math and helping them realize it’s a skill that can get them paid and allow them to better understand how the world works.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I’m playing pickup basketball, reading, cooking, watching the Eagles, or hanging out with my wife and dog.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Philly!

Kieran M

B.A. in Biology, Illinois Wesleyan University & M.Ed in Secondary Education, Temple University

Why I TEACH: I teach because every child deserves to succeed, no matter who they are. Seeing the growth in my students during the school year and beyond is truly rewarding, especially in a discipline as intimidating as science. It led me to believe wholeheartedly that science is for anyone.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching:  You’ll find me enjoying time with my wife and son, cooking, outside, or playing games.

My favorite food:  Roti Canai

Mary C

Miki P

Penn State University, BA, Sociology, Minors- Japanese, International Studies; Saint Joseph’s University, MS, Elementary Education; Chestnut Hill College, MA, Educational Leadership

Why I TEACH: It is an honor and such a reward for me to witness students work hard, deepen their knowledge, and feel more confident in their learning. Teaching is always a unique and interesting journey!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Doing yoga, exploring the city, gardening

My favorite city/place in the world is: Nowhere specific, but I love being in nature, especially the woods

Molly M

“BS Communications and Creative Writing, University of Miami
MS, Urban Education, University of Pennsylvania”

Why I TEACH: I teach because great teachers changed the trajectory of my life. I teach because learning is an act of liberation. I teach because our students deserve teachers who love and believe in them. I am privileged to be even a small part of my students’ journey to success.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: You can find me on the weekend playing with my child, serving at church, or curled up with a book.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Philadelphia is my home and the home of many of my favorite people. It’s real and raw and full of creativity.

Nikitta H

Penn State B.A Elementary Education; Saint Joseph’s University M.A Organizational Development and Leadership

Why I TEACH: I teach to inspire a love of learning, build strong foundations, and create meaningful connections with students. Helping children grow into confident, capable learners is what drives me every day.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me enjoying family time with my husband and son, sneaking in a little retail therapy, or getting lost in a good audiobook.

My favorite food is: Mac and cheese/Sweet potatoes equally!

Rachel A

MA in Teaching with a Concentration in Secondary Mathematics, Relay Graduate School of Education; BS in Civil Engineering, University of Maryland College Park

Why I TEACH:  I teach because I love helping students realize that math is for anyone who is willing to engage with it – and it can even be fun!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching:  I dance, read and crochet.

My favorite food is:  sushi.

Rieko C

Bachelor of Performing Arts in Vocal Performance, University of the Arts

Why I TEACH: I teach because I was raised in the presence of many remarkable teachers who helped me to be all that I am today. It is a gift that I have the opportunity to pay it forward and create any kind of positive impact on young minds who deserve to have the encouragement to be all that they can be.

My favorite food: my Mom’s Japanese curry

Sadia C

Stephanie B

Tara A

Tyrone N

B.S. in Elementary Education with Certification in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Alabama; M.Ed. in School Counseling and Education Specialist degree with emphasis on adolescent counseling from the University of West Alabama; Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Professional Studies at Holy Family University

Why I TEACH: I teach because I believe in the transformative power of education to uplift, inspire, and empower. Every student deserves access to opportunity, a caring advocate, and the support to reach their fullest potential. Through both teaching and school counseling, I have been privileged to guide students through challenges, celebrate their milestones, and prepare them for life beyond the classroom. Teaching is my way of helping young people believe in themselves and their future.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On weekends, I prioritize self-care by unwinding with my favorite TV shows. Nothing beats the nostalgia of classic 90’s sitcoms—they bring comfort, laughter, and a sense of familiarity that helps me recharge for the week ahead. I also enjoy cooking, traveling, singing, and attending theater performances—activities that enrich my personal life and rejuvenate my passion for service.

My favorite food is:  My favorite food is seafood—especially a perfectly seasoned shrimp and crab boil. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, fellowship, and tradition.