Our Tutors
Specialties
Math Tutors
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Arnav Chevula
Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Precalculus, Trigonometry, AP Calculus (AB & BC), Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra
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Colleen Cooper Russell
Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus
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Dayle Block
Grammar and Middle School Math, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry
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Dayna Schwartz
Elementary Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry
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Kent Meyers
Pre Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Middle School Math
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Sophia Cinquemani
Middle School Math
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Sophia Posner
All levels of math through Multivariable Calculus/Linear Algebra
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Sun Lee
Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, IB Analyses and Approaches Years 1 and 2
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Susan Dluz
Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Precalculus, Basic Calculus
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Vince Thomas
Math, all levels through AP Calculus AB/BC
Science Tutors
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Arnav Chevula
AP Computer Science, AP Physics (B and C)
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Roderick Mobley
Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Physics (1st year, non-calculus based), IB exam prep
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Sabrina Tran
Chemistry
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Sophia Cinquemani
Biology
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Sophia Posner
All levels of Physics, Python
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Susan Dluz
Biology, Chemistry, Basic Physics, Anatomy and Physiology
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Vince Thomas
Physics (freshman & AP); sophomore Chemistry
Language Arts Tutors
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Jennie Bilodeau
English Language Arts - phonemic awareness, phonics, reading - (reading fluency, reading comprehension)
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Kim Burman
Essay Writing, College Essay Writing, Composition, Language Arts
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Linda Hecht Karmin
College Entrance Essay Writing Guidance
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Margaret Egan
Essay Writing, College Essay Writing, AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature, English Language Arts & Reading Comprehension (grades 6-12)
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Sabrina Tran
Essay Writing, College Entrance Essay Writing, College Applications Process
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Sophia Cinquemani
English (Writing and SAT prep)
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Colleen Cooper Russell
Grammar
World Languages Tutors
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Beatrice McKenna
French
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Carmen Gomez-Fiegl
Spanish, AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature, AP Italian Language, Spanish IB exam (ab initio, SL and HL), Italian
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Sophia Cinquemani
Spanish, French
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Tess Considine
French
ACT, SAT, and IB Test Prep Tutors
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Arnav Chevula
ACT and SAT Prep
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Carmen Gomez-Fiegl
Spanish IB exam (ab initio, SL and HL), Italian
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Dayna Schwartz
ACT Prep for Math and Science
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Roderick Mobley
IB exam prep
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Sophia Cinquemani
SAT Test Prep for Reading and Writing
Executive Functioning Tutors
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Barb McDonagh
Executive Functioning
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Tess Considine
Executive Functioning
History and Social Studies Tutors
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Arnav Chevula
AP U.S. History, AP Economics, and AP Government & Politics
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Jennifer Egan
Social Studies, History, AP U.S. History, DBQs
Music Tutors
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Marie Cinquemani
Music, AP Music Theory
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Sophia Cinquemani
Music
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Tess Considine
Songwriting
Barb McDonagh
Specialties: Executive Functioning, which spans: Emotional Control, Sustained Attention, Response Inhibition, Task Initiation, Planning and Prioritization, Organization, Time Management, Goal-Directed Persistence, Flexibility
Hello, I am Barb! I am part of the Executive Functioning team at Blockhead Tutoring. I love working with individual students and adapting to their styles of learning and helping them grow! Executive Functioning can mean several things to different people. At the end of the day, Executive Functioning is a method of tutoring that helps students turn into the best version they can be. Tutoring gives me the opportunity to help others accomplish their goals.
Everyone has tried different methods for organization, discipline, and time management in order to accomplish their goals. I help students and adults with these methods, trying new ones that work, and also offer accountability. I have not only observed many different ways to organize tasks and goals but applied them to my own life. I found that it is so important to utilize a person (a tutor) that instills confidence in a student and acts as a partner and friend to help instill accountability in the things we do.
My tutoring journey began when I decided to pursue my Masters in Teaching after spending several decades in business working at law firms and a consulting company. So, I have seen a thing or two when it comes to multitasking, time management, and planning! My journey then led me to working at a company that focused on helping adults who needed additional support in accomplishing their goals using Executive Functioning skills as a tool.
I’ve also spent five years working with small groups and individual students as a reading interventionist and also a special education assistant.
Beatrice McKenna
Specialties: Language Arts (French)
Bonjour, I am Béatrice and I am a French native speaker! Although I currently reside in the south of France, I have been teaching and tutoring French in the Chicago area for most of my life. I am very fortunate to be able to call both the United States and France my homes.
I strive to make our time together as engaging as possible and I use authentic sources to give relevance to the material students encounter in the classroom. I believe that students must feel that our work is fulfilling and a source of tangible growth. I am here to help them reach their goals! As a tutor, I meet language learners at whatever level they are at and support them in very specific ways. I help students discover their area of strength as language learners so we can both utilize these strengths to the fullest and gain confidence at the outset.
My current focus is in mentoring new language teachers. I see it as my life’s work to help students expand their horizons and know that they can include their French skills and their knowledge of francophone culture in their future professional and personal lives. Together, we work methodically, focusing on whatever skill is most needed - writing, reading, speaking or listening.
For the past 15 years, I have been teaching all levels of French at North Shore Country Day school - from French 1 to AP French (prep to the AP language and culture exam). I’ve gained in-depth knowledge of the concepts students need to master in order to move with confidence and success from one level to the next. I’ve also been in charge of developing a student exchange program with a high school based in St Malo (Brittany).
Carmen Gomez-Fiegl
Specialties: Spanish, AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature, AP Italian Language , Spanish IB exam (ab initio, SL and HL), Italian
Hi, my name is Carmen Gomez-Fiegl and I am from Spain! I have lived in the US for over 20 years, where I have had the opportunity to teach at renowned educational institutions such as The University of Chicago or The North Shore Country Day School. In addition to teaching Spanish at different levels, including AP Spanish Language and AP Literature, I have led the foreign language department, transforming its entire framework into a proficiency oriented program. These opportunities have been rewarding over the years and have formed me as an educator.
I believe that learning and teaching are expressions of an intrinsic human feature: that of being open to other beings. The job of the teacher is to aid the student in developing both a positive attitude toward learning and a confidence in the self. When the two come together in the teaching space, miracles can happen. In this great process, I see my role as facilitating learning: creating the conditions necessary for learning to take place, setting the right environment, capturing and focusing student attention, laying out clear and attainable goals; fostering active yet conducive participation, assessing achievements, and providing ongoing feedback.
As a professional, I feel my obligation to embrace and reflect the values and spirit of the educational institution that I work for. In this specific case, Blockhead Tutoring’s commitment to the education of the person is a perfect statement of my goals as well, as an educator, as a thinker, and as a member of the human community.
Colleen Cooper Russell
Specialties: Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Grammar
I have been tutoring math for more than 10 years. My experience includes working with students of a wide-range of abilities and talents -- including Honor students, special needs, and ESL. Communication is my true love -- in a previous life, I was a writer and editor. With students, I focus on translating academic jargon into plain language. I turn "mathy talk" -- so prevalent in textbooks and classrooms -- into understandable English. I consider it the highest compliment when a student says: "Well, that wasn't so hard. Why didn't my teacher just explain it that way?"
Dayle Block
Specialties: Grammar and Middle School Math, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry
My tutoring journey began when my fellow teachers asked me to tutor their own children in math subjects. Then parents of former students asked me to tutor their younger siblings. In 2018 I left the classroom to focus exclusively on tutoring. In 2019, I founded Blockhead Tutoring to make good tutors accessible to students in all subjects, to meet the needs of each student who is amazingly different.
During nearly 20 years in the classroom, I taught math to students of diverse ages and backgrounds: from Pre-K to high school, students with special needs, students specializing in performing arts, and students in a college preparatory curriculum. What I learned is that each student, regardless of age or background, needs information explained in a different way. There are multiple ways to teach even the most basic math concepts.
Tutoring gives me the opportunity to provide individualized instruction in a way that works for each student. This is the premise on which I founded Blockhead Tutoring.
Dayna Schwartz
Specialties: Specialties: ACT Prep for Math and Science, Elementary Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry
Hi, I’m Dayna. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Applied Statistics, both from DePaul University. I have several years of experience tutoring students as young as first grade and as old as adult continuing education students, with the majority of my time spent working with students in middle school and high school. I tutor students in elementary math, algebra, and geometry.
What makes the tutors at Blockhead Tutoring so unique is our motto: “We tutor the person, not the subject.” What I love about this is how it illustrates the importance of what I do: I help your student gain the confidence in the math they need in order to be successful by motivating and inspiring them based on their interests. Tutoring math is where my passion, interests, and skills intersect, and there is nothing more gratifying than when one of my students is successful with mathematics!
Jennie Bilodeau
Specialties: English Language Arts - phonemic awareness, phonics, reading - (reading fluency, reading comprehension) writing - (spelling, grammar, creative writing, narrative writing)
I have worked with children for as long as I can remember. After graduating from college with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education (with an English minor), I became a classroom teacher and have taught preschool, kindergarten, and first grade; in addition to tutoring students in the areas of reading and writing. I am also certified in ESL. I am so grateful for the impact these kids have had on me and the love of learning I have been able to share with them.
I believe each and every child has the potential to be the best at whatever they put their minds to! My continuous goal is to help instill a passion, a drive, and a love of learning. Watching a child grow and thrive, becoming motivated to learn, and increasing their confidence, is what I love most about helping children. I love making a positive and meaningful impact that will hopefully last a child's lifetime. I look forward to working with your child(ren) and thank you so much in advance for the opportunity!
Jennifer Egan
Specialties: Social Studies, History, AP U.S. History, DBQs
Hi, I’m Jennifer. I am a veteran teacher of 19 years and counting. I attended graduate school in Chicago at DePaul University and received my Master's degree in Secondary Education. I have spent many years teaching team-taught classes with a special education teacher. Moreover, I have experience working with English Language Learner (ELL) students in a social studies class designed to support their expanding skills and abilities. I am a social studies teacher (and history geek) with experience teaching geography, sociology, world history, economics, U.S. history including AP U.S. History. I have completed the official training to teach AP U.S. History as well as training with the document-based projects (DBQs), questions that are a part of the AP exam.
I am highly skilled in using student-centered learning supported by a metacognitive approach. This method allows students to become aware of the strategies and supports that are best for their learning. Moreover, I am very adept at using discipline-specific literacy skills to engage students in reading comprehension strategies. The core belief of my teaching philosophy: As an educator, I am the facilitator of learning and my students are the producers of the product. When students are the producer, it allows them to take ownership of their learning. It is when students are owners of their learning the opportunity to learn expands exponentially.
Kent Meyers
Specialties: Pre Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Middle School Math
I tutor all ages in Maths through Pre-Calculus. I have been tutoring for three years, and only wish I had begun this adventure sooner. It’s my personal belief that Math does not have to be an intimidating topic! I believe that gaining confidence in Math carries over to all areas of learning throughout a student’s life, due to its very logical and structured nature. As a tutor, nothing is more satisfying than witnessing the light bulb moment of “I got this!”
After a career in Finance, I have discovered a true passion for helping the younger generation navigate life’s continuous learning challenges. I always enjoyed mentoring younger colleagues during my years in business.
I welcome the opportunity to work with you and your children.
Kim Burman
Specialties: Essay Writing, College Essay Writing, Composition, Language Arts
Hello everyone, my name is Kim Burman. I am passionate about reading and want to ensure every student has the foundational skills needed to be a strong reader. Whether the student needs extra help with phonics or comprehension skills, I will tailor lessons that meet the needs of your child, building a strong foundation and confidence in reading. After all, at Blockhead Tutoring, we tutor the student, not the subject.
I’m currently completing a Masters of Arts in Literacy Education and will continue in education as a Reading Specialist. I taught primary grades for several years in Chicago. I look forward to working together!
Linda Hecht Karmin
Specialties: College Entrance Essay Writing Guidance
Hello everyone, I am Linda Karmin! I have been providing guidance on college essay writing for the past 6 years! The process of writing college essays can seem overwhelming! But, with a little help, the students realize they each have a unique story to tell. The way I help students write is through brainstorming. I guide them through how to tell their story to make their unique passions and interests come alive through the written word.
I have a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. I have also worked as a writer and editor in TV and Radio for 15 years in major networks and markets. Let’s build a story together!
Margaret Egan
Specialties: Essay Writing, College Essay Writing, AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature, English Language Arts & Reading Comprehension (grades 6-12)
A passionate English educator of over a decade, I’ve taught everything from Creative Writing to AP English to Introduction to Composition at the college level. As a former English Department Chair, I provided instructional coaching to fellow teachers, helping them grow into more effective educators. I received my Masters in English Education at Columbia University, and have two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in Comparative Literature and one in Spanish Language. I speak Spanish and have extensive experience working with students learning English as a second language. In 2016, I developed a curriculum for writing college admissions essays, and have since guided hundreds of students through the process.
I love working with students in a one-on-one setting. To me, it’s a rich opportunity not for personal growth as well as academic. Helping students feel confident and empowered about their education is the most important work that I do.
Marie Cinquemani
Specialties: Music, AP Music Theory
Every music student has the capability to be successful, whether it is on a personal, academic, or performance level. As a music tutor, I help students achieve success based on their own personal goals. I have extensive experience with high school and college music students, and tutor music theory from introductory levels through AP Music Theory and Jazz Music Theory. I also tutor ear training and piano classes. Let me show you how fun music theory can be!
Roderick Mobley
Specialties: Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Physics (1st year, non-calculus based), IB Exam Prep
Hello! My name is Roderick Mobley. I discovered my passion for chemistry towards the tail end of high school and dove headlong into chemistry and research when I enrolled at Yale University. After my sophomore year I began working for the Wood Group and that set me up with a research position with a pharmaceutical company right after graduation. Though I liked the work I did, I quickly learned that it wasn’t the lab work that piqued my interest in chemistry; it was the problem-solving and the learning the nuances of chemical reactions and planning syntheses that got me excited about chemistry. So when the opportunity to be a long-term substitute chemistry teacher arose, I eagerly took it to figure out what my next steps would be. 20 years later, I am still teaching because I truly enjoy showing others the beauty of chemistry.
I have taught many different levels of chemistry - introductory, honors, and organic chemistry. I have completed the College Board training for AP Chemistry and required workshops to teach International Baccalaureate Higher and Standard Level Chemistry courses, and I currently teach these courses, helping students gain a better sense of how the topics of chemistry are tied together and earn college credit while still in high school. I teach and tutor using the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning philosophy: what is your assertion, what can you cite as proof that your assertion is logical, and what principles can you draw upon from the text and discussions to explain the relevance of the proof and support your claim.
This philosophy also applies to problem-solving: a good understanding of the purpose of each step in a problem allows the student to modify their strategy and solve not just the problem before them but many like it that they may encounter later. This is how I have helped students improve in their coursework and find success on the AP and IB Exams.
Though my specialty is chemistry, I do have experience teaching non-calculus based physics, specifically physics for first-year high school students.
Sabrina Chan
Specialties: Chemistry, Essay Writing, College Entrance Essay Writing, College Applications Process
I currently work at Niles West High School where I am a science paraprofessional and have taught Chemistry. I am a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with my Bachelor’s in Chemistry and a minor in Secondary Education. At UIUC, I have experience as a TA and have worked in the Chemistry Undergraduate Advising Office.
While I have a deep love for science, working with students is where my passion really lies. For me, teaching is about connecting with a student and figuring out how to best help them succeed in their studies and lives. Each student learns and processes information differently, so it is important to me that I tailor my teaching to best reach my students as individuals. As Blockhead Tutoring’s motto says, I am a big believer in “tutoring the person, not the subject.” I think every student has the potential to succeed; they just need to figure out what tools work best for them. I am very excited at the prospect of helping you throughout your education journey.
In addition to teaching, I also love talking about post-high school plans and college. I think the college application process is such an exciting time in a young person’s life, and I would love to help you navigate through that experience.
Sophia Cinquemani
Specialties: English (Writing and SAT prep), Spanish, French, Music, Biology, Middle School Math
Hi! I’m Sophia. I am a recent graduate of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. My primary academic focus was neuroscience with minors in psychology and French. I also completed a year of undergraduate studies in classical voice at Peabody Conservatory. I currently work as a research assistant at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute where I do MRI segmentation as a part of Alzheimer’s disease research. I speak Spanish and French, and I love learning new languages in my free time. I have experience in tutoring high school and middle school students, as well as being a TA. I am currently at home in Skokie, and I would love to help make learning an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for you.
Sophia Posner
Specialties: All levels of math through Multivariable Calculus/Linear Algebra, All levels of Physics, Python
Hello, my name is Sophia! I tutor Physics, all levels of Math and can help with Python/Computer Science if needed! I am a recent graduate from Brandeis University (just outside of Boston) where I received a Bachelor of Science in both Physics and Applied Mathematics. During my time as an undergraduate, I worked as a Teaching Assistant and a Research Assistant. I also have tutoring experience in both Physics and Math. I am available for tutoring online, where my cat, Little P, loves to make regular appearances. I am a big believer that everyone has the potential to be great at physics and math with the right guidance and I would love to help each student feel more confident in these subjects.
Sun Lee
Specialties: Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, IB Analyses and Approaches Years 1 and 2
Hello everyone, my name is Sun Lee. I'd like to take you on the journey of learning how to problem solve! I discovered my love for teaching after completing a year of high school teaching (between my Doctorate and Masters).
Teaching math is a joyful experience! I get to learn with my students and share their perspectives. I am a firm believer in learning from mistakes and in completing a great narrative in math. For the bulk of my teaching career, I have taught AP Calculus AB and BC and all levels of Algebra (Pre-Algebra to honors Pre-Calculus) for grade levels 4 to 12. I also had been invited to be an AP reader, led middle school math teams for competitive math as their coach, and hosted various math competitions.
My true background is in Physical Chemistry (the study of macroscopic and particulate phenomena in chemical systems) where I earned my doctorate from UC Davis while working at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Susan Dluz
Specialties: Biology, Chemistry, Basic Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Precalculus, Basic Calculus
Since 2014, I have tutored students at a local high school in biology, chemistry, physics, and maths (algebra to basic calculus), from elementary to middle school. I have a PhD in Physiology, and taught for 16 years at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Our three grown boys have taught us a great deal about learning from their ADHD and anxiety diagnoses. So, I know how to tutor the student, and not the subject, perfect for Blockhead Tutoring! When I am not teaching/tutoring, I am spending time training my golden retrievers for field work and agility, and even occasionally dog shows!
Tess Considine
Specialties: French, Executive Functioning, Songwriting
I grew up in the Chicago area and began studying French at 12-years-old. In high school, I did a student exchange program where I met my ex-partner of 7 years. I became fully immersed and fluent in the language through spending a great deal of time in France, speaking French on a daily basis, as well as studying French in middle school, high school, and college. During college, at Belmont University in Nashville, I was a French tutor at the learning center, helping students with course work as well as practicing conversational skills. Since then, I’ve been a freelance instructor in Los Angeles (where I’m currently based), teaching multiple students who attend a private school, Campbell Hall. Being a francophile, it’s such a treat to help students of all ages develop their fluency in such a beautiful language!
Also, for anyone musical, I’m a professional singer-songwriter with a BA in songwriting, and I love to teach songwriting!
Vince Thomas
Specialties: Math, all levels through AP Calculus AB/BC; Physics (freshman & AP); sophomore Chemistry
Hello, I’m Vince. I tutor Physics and all levels of Math through Calculus. I tutor Statistics. I also tutor first-year Chemistry but not AP Chemistry. I am a former engineer and have taught both high school and college students. I work both with students having difficulty with Math/Science and with students preparing for AP exams. I am available evenings and weekends during the school year, and also days during summer. I can meet with you at your home, at my family home in Skokie, or at the Library. My focus is on building your confidence so that you can best succeed when you encounter new Math and Physics problems.