Our team of tutors is ready to help with your academic needs
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
Andrea
Welcome to Kay Tutoring! My name is Andrea, and I am the President and Founder of Kay Tutoring, a premier education and admissions consultancy based in Minnesota. I earned a Master’s in Education from the University of Minnesota, a B.A. in History from Yale University, and graduated cum laude from The Blake School. I am also a credentialed social studies teacher. Starting out as a volunteer tutor, I discovered my passion for education and tutoring in 2000. My professional tutoring career began in 2006 when I provided formal academic and test prep tutoring.
Kay Tutoring specializes in helping kids meet their overall goals regarding school, test prep, college applications, and essay writing. While I am incredibly invested in helping my students achieve academic success, I strive to make personal connections with all of my students through their interests, realizing that each student is more than just a letter grade or a test score.
I am skilled at helping college applicants prep for interviews and write stand-out admissions essays. I have worked with students on their applications for over 16 years. I have a unique and qualified perspective, having seen the other side of the college application process as an Interviewer for Yale University. I am able to bring this wealth of experience every time I take a student through the college application process.
Fun facts: I played NCAA Division I Varsity Basketball at Yale, ran Kay Tutoring from San Francisco for six years before moving back to Minnesota in 2012 and re-opening in Minnetonka, and was an avid dog volunteer for five years at the San Francisco SPCA. I named Kay Tutoring after my maiden name, "Kay." I live with my husband, two daughters, and dog in Plymouth, Minnesota.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mallory
Hello! I’m Mallory, the Executive Director of Kay Tutoring and, before that, the Director of Education and a senior English language arts instructor for the company beginning in 2016. I have always been invested in education. I graduated at the top of my high school class with a 3.97 GPA and then went on to earn a 4.00 GPA, summa cum laude highest honors, and a bachelor’s degree in English, secondary education, and communications/journalism from The University of St. Thomas, all on a scholarship. While there, I also co-founded the university’s women’s club volleyball team, which is still active today! I recently completed my master’s degree in information science and concluded those graduate studies with a 3.972 GPA.
While I have always been dedicated to my own education, I am even more committed to the education of my students—I make a point to stay current on the latest educational topics, with a particular interest in neuropsychology’s growing understanding of learning differences and the ever-evolving college admissions landscape. I am a Minnesota licensed secondary ELA teacher with years of experience teaching middle and high school students in both the classroom as well as one-on-one. I have tutored students of all levels in a variety of ELA areas, including the following: regular and honors English Language Arts, AP Literature & Composition, AP Language and Composition, ACT English, ACT Reading, ACT Essay, SAT Reading & Writing, PSAT Reading & Writing, and college essay and application writing. This experience helps me when creating plans for new students and pairing them with tutors—because I myself was a classroom teacher and tutor for years.
I believe that the most valuable asset one can obtain in life is a quality education. Education is what creates successful, mindful, intelligent, and proactive citizens. It is for this reason that I have dedicated my life to the vocation of teaching so as to equip future generations with the tools necessary to build a better world for everyone. I adore tutoring and Kay Tutoring because working one-on-one with students allows for maximum growth with measurable results. I am passionate about the work our tutors do and use my up-to-date knowledge of teaching practices to ensure our tutors engage their students and foster active participation in their own learning.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing piano, walking my dog, and playing volleyball.
DIRECTOR
TUTOR
Claire
Hi! My name is Claire. I attended Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, where I participated in theater productions and choir. Following my passion for education, I majored in education and minored in theology education at Saint Catherine University, where I graduated with a 3.8 GPA. I have classroom teaching and tutoring experience with grades K-8 at both private and public schools and continue to stay up-to-date on current pedagogy and teaching methods.
During college and postgraduate, I tutored pre-kindergarten through middle school students in math, English, science, and social studies. While tutoring, I prioritize incorporating students’ interests into the course material to make it engaging and interesting for each student. I love that tutoring allows me to create personal connections with each student, and I adore reigniting their excitement for learning.
Currently, I work at Kay Tutoring as the Director and tutor elementary and middle school students. Before coming to Kay, I worked as the recruitment and hiring manager for College Nannies and Tutors. Additionally, I have worked as a dance instructor at my mother’s studio for over ten years, teaching various dance styles to all ages. I have also worked as an administrator for my husband’s family-owned ice cream shops since 2016. Having helped grow two family-owned businesses over the last 6+ years, I bring to Kay Tutoring my intimate knowledge of small business operations.
In my free time, I enjoy baking, DIY home projects, crafting, and frequenting dog-friendly restaurants with my dog, Honey.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Jenna
Hi! I'm Jenna! I am from Lino Lakes, MN, and attended Centennial High School, where I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and high honors. I was a competitive dancer growing up, so most of my time was spent in the dance studio. I also participated in choir and club sports. I attended college at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and received my bachelor's degree in psychology and neuroscience. While in college, I participated in many leadership opportunities through being a mentor and TA for incoming first-year students interested in healthcare and mentoring students exploring different options in their college major and career goals. I am currently back at my alma mater pursuing my Doctorate of Occupational Therapy and hope to specialize in pediatrics and neonatal care.
Before joining Kay Tutoring, I immersed myself in healthcare roles as a PCA and rehabilitation aide, driven by the desire to make a difference. Joining Kay Tutoring allowed me to explore my passion for teaching and learning in new and exciting ways. Looking ahead, I envision a career blending academia with clinical practice. In addition to working at Kay Tutoring, I also work as a direct care professional for a group home. I am passionate about advocating for the disabled community and working towards more inclusive environments.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing pickleball, cooking, running, and traveling whenever possible!
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Kaylee
Hi, I’m Kaylee, and I’m honored to join the Kay Tutoring team as the Assistant Director of Education! Although I was born in Minnesota, I spent most of my life living in sunny South Carolina, where I began my education journey at Clemson University. After completing my first year in college with an emphasis on Secondary Education, I became intensely interested in family dynamics and how they impact education, ultimately leading to my decision to transfer to the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, where I instead focused my studies on Family Social Sciences. With nearly a decade of experience as the leader of several early learning centers, I became adept at helping students master the foundational skills necessary to propel them forward in more advanced curricula.
As an enthusiastic educator, I firmly believe that the success of a student relies heavily on the support system they have access to during their instructional years. While attending school, I devoted myself to helping disadvantaged students in the K-12 field achieve academic success through campaigning literature drives and academic coaching. My main goal at Kay Tutoring is to make sure all students are happy with their level of achievement and academic outcome; in order to achieve this, I believe that it is vital to recognize each student as an individual with unique qualities that can be tailored to help propel them forward in their school work and career.
In conjunction with the other members of the Kay Tutoring business team, I help pair students with tutors, write student plans, find new tutoring talent, address parent/student/tutor concerns, create marketing campaigns, and many other things, as is the nature of small business work!
Outside of my work with Kay, I find an immense amount of joy through teaching and spending time with my own children, Miles and Opal. Being a parent and educator are two of the most rewarding things that I can dedicate my time to, but, in my free moments, I also love to read, bake, and hike the most challenging trails I can find!
ASSISTANT
PROCTOR
Christina
Christina is a Minnesota native who attended school in the Wayzata area. At Orono Senior High School, she participated in the National Honor Society and Long Lake Rowing Crew. She completed several AP classes and exams with an average high school GPA of 3.8 and AP test scores of 5/5.
From there, Christina landed an athletic scholarship on the Division I Women’s Rowing Team at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. On top of her rigorous course load as a science major, Christina spent 20+ hours each week at rowing practice and competitions. Despite a challenging schedule, she remained dedicated to her studies and received the Academic All-Big Ten Selection University of Minnesota Award. She also took on the role of President of the Lutheran Student Fellowship at The University of Minnesota. Christina hosted and organized various student and volunteer events through this student group. After graduating from the U of M with a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology and a Minor in Neuroscience, she secured a position as a Medical Scribe and Assistant at a pain clinic where she worked for two years.
Christina is currently working for Kay Tutoring as a test proctor, administrative assistant, and tutor. Christina is available to tutor biology, neuroscience, and psychology. Working with high school and college-level students, new rowers, and new scribes in the past has fostered a passion in her for mentoring and teaching. She believes that investing time into the education of future generations is both an honor and a privilege. In addition to working for Kay Tutoring, Christina engages in cardiac rhythm analysis for Medtronic Medical Device Company. She enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors with her husband and puppy in her spare time. She expresses her creative side through crochet, sewing, bracelet weaving, and other hand-crafted products, which she sells on Etsy and at local markets.
TUTOR
Abe
Hello! My name is Abe, and I’m honored to be part of your learning journey. Originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, I graduated from Highland Park Senior High School before pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Minnesota. My passion for education led me to tutor in the Twin Cities, where I’ve been tutoring students for years, both during and after my college experience.
My love for reading, the English language, and science developed during my own education, and I’m committed to fostering that same passion in my students. I believe this is key to creating an engaging and enthusiastic atmosphere for learning and subject retention. In math and science, a strong bedrock of foundational knowledge is essential to understanding more complex and challenging concepts. Simultaneously, I strive to help students learn key test-taking and time-maintenance strategies that allow them to reach their highest possible score, grade, and learning goals. My ultimate desire is to inspire kids to become the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and artists.
At Kay Tutoring, I support students in ACT test prep, chemistry, physics, and math. While my primary field of study was chemistry, I originally pursued physics and math in undergrad because I find them equally as interesting. I’ve spent several years tutoring students of all ages in regular, honors, and AP chemistry, math, and physics. I’ve also written and published many high school chemistry lessons over the years while working in a lab.
In high school, I received a near-perfect score on the ACT English and Reading sections and have gone on to help many students do the same. I’m able to do this because I have spent dozens of hours studying ACTs and techniques for tutoring ACT English and ACT Reading specifically, which has allowed me to instruct on the nuanced elements of English grammar and speed reading strategies. I strive to tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring they feel supported and motivated as they work toward their academic goals. My aim is to not just improve their grades and scores but also help them cultivate a genuine appreciation for the subjects they study.
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy exploring the outdoors through hiking, camping, and mountain biking. I closely follow the Twins and believe our World Series appearance is just around the corner! I’m honored to be a part of Kay Tutoring’s incredible team of tutors and am excited to collaborate with dedicated students and families.
TUTOR
Abhik
Hi! I’m Abhik! I grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C., in Ellicott City, Maryland. After graduating high school, where I was Maryland State Champion in Policy Debate, I attended college at the University of California, Berkeley. At Berkeley, I studied the Political Economy of East Asia and took several years of Korean. While in college, I served in a variety of leadership roles, including Captain of the Berkeley Policy Debate Team, Senior World Editor of the Berkeley Political Review, President of the Bay Area Urban Debate League Bears, and Senior Advisor to the Berkeley Chapter of Project Rishi. While at Berkeley, I also interned in the Office of Policy of the U.S. Agency for International Development, where I discovered my passion for combating global poverty.
After graduating, I lived in South Korea on a U.S. Fulbright Grant, where I conducted research on the startup ecosystem in Seoul in addition to teaching conversational English. While in Korea, I also served as a Staff Editor for Infusion, Fulbright Korea's literary magazine. Upon returning to D.C., I worked at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, where I routinely met with counterparts at the U.S. State Department and the Department of Defense, among others. I have experience writing for a variety of notable audiences, with my work in international development and diplomacy cited in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Foreign Policy Magazine, and the Congressional Research Service. My satirical work has also been featured in McSweeney's Internet Tendency.
Currently, I am a Doctoral Candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I study Development Economics within UNC's Public Policy Department. At Chapel Hill, I have taught coursework at all levels, including graduate classes in microeconomics and public finance, as well as undergraduate courses in cost-benefit analysis, research design, causal inference, domestic labor economics, and the ethical considerations undergirding modern policy debates.
At Kay Tutoring, I tutor high school and college-level Economics, International Relations, Social Studies, Extracurricular Hook Coaching, and College Essay Writing. Students I have worked with have gained admission to Top 20 programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, including Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Duke University School of Law, Brown University, Weill Cornell Medicine, Dartmouth College, Northwestern University’s School of Engineering, UCLA, Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of California, Berkeley (Go Bears!).
TUTOR
Alex
Hey, I’m Alex! I graduated magna cum laude from American University with a degree in philosophy and am currently an MFA candidate in fiction at Columbia University. My fiction and book reviews have been published in nationally distributed literary magazines, recognized in the Kenyon Review's Short Fiction Contest, and nominated for a 2021 PEN/Robert J. Dau Award for Best Debut Short Story.
I taught high school and middle school English for five years before coming to Kay Tutoring. After college, I taught tenth grade in the Mississippi Delta, where my students taught me how literature and art can be tools of social justice and political change. I then moved to Minneapolis and took a position at KIPP Northstar Academy. At KIPP, I taught in a 5th-grade English Language Arts classroom, worked as a literacy coach and reading specialist, and designed and implemented an original curriculum for the school’s first gifted and talented program. I also coached the KIPP slam poetry team.
At Kay Tutoring, I coach college essay writing and ACT/SAT prep. I have helped students compose successful admissions essays to some of the country’s most selective colleges, including Stanford, Brown, Dartmouth, Tufts, University of Chicago, Yale, Northwestern, Emory, Colorado College, and others. I love to help students rise to meet their potential as writers and test-takers, and I am especially interested in helping students find their voice through the writing process.
My foreign language studies also enable me to tutor all levels of high school Spanish and German, and my executive functioning skills allow me to excel as an academic coach.
I grew up in western Montana, but I currently live in New Haven, Connecticut with my wife, Natalie, and cat, Mississippi.
TUTOR
Brigitte
Hello, I’m Brigitte. Five years after a highly successful Business Day with Andrea Kay as my partner, I graduated cum laude from Blake. I attended Stanford for my undergraduate studies, graduating with honors in Public Policy. After college, I worked as a management consultant and a nonprofit consultant in North America, Europe, and Africa. I then attended the University of California, San Diego for my doctorate in political science and then worked for the Varieties of Democracy Project at the University of Gothenburg for one year before assuming my current position as an Assistant Professor of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
What might be of particular interest to Kay Tutoring clients is that I parlayed my Senior Project at Blake into a career: volunteering in Malawi as an 18 year old turned into a decade of research in Malawi, and I now advises government agencies, aid organizations, and grassroots nonprofits across the country. Having worked as a TA and professor at four universities across the world, my role at Kay Tutoring is to ensure that tutoring services prepare students holistically for the demands of today's college life. I convey my observations as a college professor so that Kay Tutoring can work towards college readiness in addition to college acceptance.
TUTOR
Caitlin
Hello! My name is Caitlin, and I grew up in Minnetonka and attended Minnetonka High School. After graduating, I went on to attend Colgate University in Central New York. While at Colgate, I worked at the Admissions Office, Career Center, and spent two summers conducting history research with my favorite French history professor. In my spare time, I also spent two years working with a Colgate alumni from the Rockefeller Archives, helping him scour the Colgate Archive for information for Colgate’s Bicentennial project.
After graduating from Colgate with my Bachelor’s Degree in History, I went on to work at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) as an Assistant Director of Admissions. As the regional representative for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, I got to know college counselors throughout these states and helped students apply to CMU. I primarily reviewed applications and admitted students for the School of Computer Science, the Tepper School of Business, and the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. I left Carnegie Mellon to pursue my dream of earning a Ph.D. in History, which led me to Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.
For six years, I attended Brandeis University as I earned my Masters Degree and Ph.D. in History. Throughout this time, I worked as an SAT and ACT English, Reading, and Writing tutor, and I worked for a college counseling firm to help students throughout the college application process. I also spent four years as a senior writing consultant at the Brandeis Writing Center, helping undergraduates, graduates, and professors with their writing and publications. Finally, I worked as a teaching assistant and instructor, teaching seven undergraduate history courses on topics ranging from Medieval history, World War I and World War II, and Immigration history. My dissertation focused on Norwegian immigration to Minnesota in the 19th century, examining how Norwegian immigrant women claimed land through the Homestead Act after the forceful dispossession of the Dakota people from their homeland in Minnesota. As the descendant of Norwegian, Swedish, and German immigrants, this topic was both personal and professional, and helped me better understand my own family’s history in Minnesota.
Throughout my years as an educator, I have enjoyed helping students improve their reading, writing, and history skills. Whether that is helping students connect to the material or trusting their perspective and writing voice, I value each student’s viewpoint and I am always excited to learn from the students I teach.
I can’t wait to meet you!
HEAD OF COLLEGE ESSAY & APPLICATION COACHING
TUTOR
Carolyn
Hello, my name is Carolyn. I am a native of central Wisconsin who moved to Minnesota to attend St. Olaf College, where I graduated magna cum laude with Bachelor's degrees in English and Women's Studies, for which I was awarded Distinction upon graduation. As a lifelong writer, I earned my Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing with a focus on fiction from Hamline University and have had two novels published. I began teaching and tutoring all levels of communications and writing at the post-secondary level in graduate school before beginning a writing center at White Bear Lake Area High School. As a tutor for over 16 years, I have returned to the post-secondary world, where I now coordinate tutoring programs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
I began tutoring students on college essays for Kay Tutoring in 2017 because I missed the personal interaction with students. I am now the Director of College Essays and have worked closely with Andrea on developing and shaping the College Essay program into a service that helps students reach for and achieve their college entrance goals. I am dedicated to the writing process, working individually with students through every step and tailoring my coaching and support to help each writer reach their highest writing potential. Students who have worked with me have been accepted at nearly every top institution in the country, including Princeton University, Northwestern University, Dartmouth College, Amherst College, Cornell University, Stanford University, Georgetown University, and Brown University.
Outside of my professional world of words, I also spend time on my own writing and love to curl up with a good book. As a long-distance runner who has completed twenty marathons and dozens of half-marathons, I also spend a great deal of my free time hitting the pavement in my running shoes. I live in Blaine with my husband, two children, and two dogs.
TUTOR
Christian
Hi, I’m Christian! I am a born-and-raised Minnesotan who specializes in ACT/SAT Reading/English tutoring, academic literature and language arts tutoring, and academic coaching. I came to Kay Tutoring after serving as a high school and middle school English teacher for the past 5 years. I especially love connecting with my students both in-person and online by making sessions fun and engaging.
I grew up in Richfield and graduated magna cum laude from Winona State University with a degree in Communication Arts and Literature and a secondary ELA Minnesota teaching license. Fueled by my passion for writing, reading, and helping others, I have taught over 1000 students at the Circle of Life Academy in White Earth, Prior Lake High School, Faribault Middle School, and Insight School of MN. Thanks to my variety of teaching experiences, both in-person and online, I am adept at teaching the nuances of English grammar, advanced reading comprehension, literary analysis, and vocabulary development to students on all platforms.
I live at the edge of Crystal and New Hope with my wife, newborn daughter, and one-year-old Holland lop bunny. I enjoy everything nerdy! My hobbies include video gaming, watching movies and TV shows, reading books, and listening to music. I spend my days enjoying my family and finding time for a bit of gaming or football. I am also a diehard Vikings fan and love almost every Minnesota team. Skol Vikings!
TUTOR
Cole
Hello—my name is Cole! I am originally from the Mankato area of Southern Minnesota. While studying at Nicollet High School, I maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking CIS courses, working part-time, and participating in various extracurricular activities. I was in the National Honor Society, Math & Science Club, first chaired alto saxophone, volunteered at the Humane Society, and TAed for math and science teachers, which was when I first discovered my passion for tutoring.
After high school, I studied at The University of Minnesota, where I completed my undergraduate degree in biology. I’ve always been passionate about science and the environment. I got to spread the word during my time as a campus sustainability leader and volunteer educational outreach coordinator for a regenerative agriculture organization. During the school year, I worked as a pharmacy and research lab tech but spent summers and winter breaks assisting teachers at a child development center. While the pharmacy and lab positions allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained from my courses, nothing brought me greater fulfillment than tutoring and teaching math and science content, especially to my own peers. I know from personal experience how good it feels to have a difficult concept finally click into place in one’s mind, so when tutoring my own students in STEM, I aim to help them achieve that same sense of accomplishment.
Since I first began working in education, I’ve had the opportunity to demystify science for students from a variety of age groups: from pre-K to college. I strongly believe that every student has a unique learning style and their own challenges to contend with, so I am here to meet students where they’re at and, hopefully, make science concepts more accessible. While I primarily teach biology to Kay Tutoring students, I also work as an academic coach because I know motivation and organization aren’t intrinsic in everyone—some students need help figuring out how to manage school and finding the motivation to get hard work done. Whether it be for science, math, or executive functioning coaching—I’m looking forward to meeting you!
When I’m not tutoring biology, you can usually find me out on a run, reading a good book, walking my dog, attending concerts, creating botanical art, and—in general—spending as much time in nature as I can!
TUTOR
Eric
Hey all! My name is Eric, and I grew up in Edina, Minnesota. I graduated from Edina High School and then went on to attend Augsburg University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry while tutoring in chemistry labs. I continued on to earn my Master’s in Education at Augsburg University and have been teaching high school chemistry ever since.
For Kay Tutoring, I tutor chemistry and ACT Science. Outside of science tutoring, I am also an academic coach who helps students with executive functioning and study skills. While my primary passion is science education, I also enjoy helping students help themselves by working on effective planning, study techniques, time management, and other skills essential to success as a student.
Even as a high schooler, I loved helping other students better understand scientific concepts. Now, as an educator, I love to help students see problems from different perspectives, and I am driven by observing the “lightbulb” moments of realization. I also believe that teaching students to be better learners is the most important skill to pass on since knowing how to learn is not an inherent ability.
When I have time between school and work, I love to go to the movies and play board games. As a native Minnesotan, I also try to get out to the Minnesota lakes as much as possible during the summer and watch the Vikings on Sundays with my family. Skol!
TUTOR
Erin
Hello! My name is Erin, and I was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota and graduated from Roseville Area High School. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education with an emphasis in Specific Learning Disabilities. I furthered my studies by obtaining my certificates in Emotional Behavioral Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities. My studies took me abroad to Scotland, where I lived for three months and learned about Scotland’s education system while teaching elementary students in the classroom. This experience expanded my beliefs in education and my approach to teaching more holistically. Upon graduating, I accepted a full-time position at Wayzata High School as a Special Education teacher, where I taught for several years. While there, I co-taught Algebra 2 and a class on executive functioning skills.
I take pride in working one-on-one with students to support their academic, emotional, and vocational goals. I believe it’s essential to build rapport with the students and families that I work with, maintain communication, and provide a positive learning environment. I am extremely passionate about supporting my students and providing them with the tools to be successful in and out of the classroom!
At Kay Tutoring, I am an academic coach, as well as a tutor for elementary and middle school students. I have years of experience working with elementary-aged students one-on-one, in small groups, and in typical classroom settings. I enjoy seeing the progress my students make toward their goals, as well as engaging them in their learning. I believe all students can learn and be successful individuals given the appropriate support!
In my personal time, I enjoy reading, running, playing soccer, and baking! I have participated in multiple half-marathon events, and it’s a life goal of mine to one day compete in a full marathon. I also enjoy coaching children ages 2-7 years old in soccer and seeing them develop.
I look forward to working with you at Kay Tutoring!
TUTOR
Grant
Hello! I’m Grant, and I can’t wait to work with you! A little about me: I graduated from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities with a 3.943 GPA and Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering. While there, I was awarded 5 different merit-based math scholarships in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and was on the Dean’s List. I’m local to the Twin Cities, having grown up in Eden Prairie and attended Eden Prairie High School, where I participated in Eden Prairie Community Education’s FIRST robotics programs. I took all of my high school’s AP exam offerings for math (AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Statistics) as well as a variety of humanities APs. These experiences have given me insight into the rigorous expectations of AP classes and what AP students I tutor are going through.
For Kay Tutoring, I support students in middle school math, algebra I, geometry, algebra II, regular calculus, honors calculus, AP Calculus AB and BC, regular high school statistics, college statistics, AP Statistics, regular high school physics, honors physics, AP Physics, and college physics.
I’ve worked as a tutor and mentor for years, with a range of experiences: I’ve run STEM summer camps for 3rd-8th graders, tutored high school and college math, worked as a teaching assistant (TA) for undergraduate students at the U of M, and am currently the head mentor for a high school Robotics team. Though I work as an engineer, I have a passion for teaching, tutoring, and mentoring that compels me to tutor math and coach Robotics students outside of my full-time engineering job. My proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C++ gives me the ability to support computer science students, as well. I am versed in both online and in-person tutoring, though I prefer in-person tutoring due to the opportunity it provides for connection and rapport building with students.
Outside of working as an engineer and tutor, I love coaching Eden Prairie kids of all ages in Community Education robotics programming. When I’m not doing that, you’ll find me out on the golf course (weather permitting)!
TUTOR
Ingy
Hello! My name is Ingy and I’m the Executive Lead of Kay Tutoring's Math Department. In addition to tutoring ACT Math and ACT Science, I also tutor the following subjects: math for grades K-12 (including AP Calculus AB and BC, IB Math as well as through all levels of math in higher education. Outside of math tutoring, I’m also an academic coach, who helps students with executive functioning and study skills.
I graduated magna cum laude from the International School of Choueifat in Egypt, which is part of the SABIS network of schools, which includes the International School of Minnesota. My school recruited me into tutoring at the young age of six through the school’s peer tutoring program. I found it to be so enjoyable that I continued on with the program through graduation. After graduating, I matriculated into the University of Minnesota (3.6 GPA), where I immediately began working again as a tutor in all levels of math and chemistry while earning my degree in mathematics and actuarial science. I tutored and taught all four years there, which included serving as a Talented Youth Teaching Assistant through the MathCEP program (UMTYMP) where I taught pre-calculus to middle school students. I also became a Level III Certified Master Tutor through the College Reading & Learning Association.
My two years of experience as a Community Advisor and President of the Women in Mathematics Association helps me show high school students how their math and/or ACT/SAT studies are relevant to college coursework, as well as the importance of developing excellent study habits as a high schooler to ensure college success.
I am currently completing my Masters Degree in Mathematics for Teaching at Harvard University. My brilliant instructors have helped me examine different teaching styles and revisit familiar math topics from a new viewpoint, adding even more skills to my toolbox that I can bring to students.
Fun facts about me—I loved model UN and pediatric volunteer work as a high schooler. I’m also an avid traveler. I’ve been to over 20 countries with no plan of stopping there!
TUTOR
Jesse
Hey there—I’m Jesse! I graduated with a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Before that, I graduated from Luther college with a 3.97 GPA and degrees in mathematics and physics. There, I was a member of the National Math and Physics Honor Societies. Before college, I took on an extremely rigorous course load during my time at Winona High School, so I know what it’s like for teens today to try and juggle it all.
I am the head of the STEM department at Kay Tutoring. I tutor students in Test Prep (ACT - math and science, SAT - math), all levels of high school and college math, and all levels of high school and college physics. I also assist students with executive functioning and study skills through academic coaching, as well as general biology support for struggling students. I’ve been tutoring for over five years, which has refined my ability to break down complex concepts in a way that students can identify with, using real-world analogies to make science and math exciting! I plan to educate full-time for my entire career as I feel math and science instruction are my calling. Part of my ability to relate to kids comes from growing up with six younger siblings. I find the energy and creativity of the next generation to be fascinating, and I feel so lucky to influence the future leaders of America. I’ve spent several summers working at various summer camps with a wide variety of youth, including working at family camps, working as an overnight counselor for a youth camp of children on the autism spectrum, to working as an outdoor youth adventure counselor in Big Sky Montana.
Outside of tutoring, I like to volunteer at the Animal Humane Society by walking dogs. I’m also an avid ultimate frisbee player, rock climber, and volleyball player. I captained an ultimate frisbee team for 2 years at Luther and play club volleyball year round. In high school, I played the trumpet in the jazz band, did all-state orchestra, competed on the knowledge bowl team, was on the swim team, and did NHS. To this day, I’m a huge sports fan (Twins, Lynx, Wolves), and take great pride in being a Minnesotan and Packers fan! Go Pack Go!
TUTOR
Julie
Hello, I’m Julie. I grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, where I attended the nation’s oldest public school, Boston Latin School, and graduated with a 3.85 GPA. I moved to Minnesota to attend St. Olaf College, where I graduated with a 3.7 GPA, a B.A. in English, and a Minnesota state teaching license in Communication Arts and Literature. I went on to receive a 4.0 in her M.Ed in Curriculum and Education at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. After working at Prior Lake High School for a number of years, I moved back to Massachusetts and currently teach at Sharon High School.
As a teacher, I enjoy not only the daily opportunities to help students find connections to the literature they are analyzing but also the daily opportunities to help students become more clear and cohesive in their writing. I am excited to bring this to my ACT tutoring as well as my general English tutoring by giving students the practical knowledge needed to succeed on their tests and helping them see the relevance of their academic writing. I also understand that most students aren’t exactly excited about ACT prep, so I ensure my lessons are fast-paced and engaging.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy biking to find new places to explore, taking classes to engage with my community and to learn new skills, and, of course, finding new books to read and enjoy. I have also spent time coaching rowing, judging and coaching speech and debate, and serving as the staff advisor for my school’s literary magazine, Euphony.
TUTOR
Kaden
Hello! I’m Kaden, and I am super excited to get to know you! A little about me: I grew up just west of the Metro in Hutchinson, Minnesota, where I graduated summa cum laude with a 4.2 GPA and the College Board’s AP Scholar with Distinction award. After high school, I was fortunate to earn a full scholarship as a Questbridge college match to attend Haverford College in Pennsylvania where I graduated with honors in English and a minor in Global Asian Studies. I then continued to pursue English at the University of Iowa where I earned my Master’s degree and am currently working towards my PhD. While I absolutely love literature, I also enjoy studying history, geography, and linguistics. I find that these subjects are interdisciplinary and go naturally together.
At Iowa, I taught courses in first-year Rhetoric and Composition and in General Education Literature. I believe that writing and reading are some of the most valuable skills to cultivate critical thinking and become a well-rounded person! To me, the most fulfilling part of teaching is instilling a sense of confidence in my students and breaking through to that “lightbulb” moment when the reading becomes clear to them. I enjoy the individualization possibilities of tutoring; working one-on-one with students allows me to really tailor my instruction to what works best for that student and best helps them reach their personal writing and learning goals. I love to learn and can’t wait to share my passion for English with you!
At Kay Tutoring, I am available for English and Language Arts course support and tutoring, including Honors English, AP Literature & Composition, AP Language & Composition, and AP Seminar. In addition, I work with students on ACT/SAT/PSAT preparation on the English, Reading, and Writing sections.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I also enjoy practicing and teaching karate, playing video games and TTRPGs, spending time with my cat, and watching women’s sports (especially the Lynx, Frost, and Aurora—go Minnesota!). I’m looking forward to getting to know you and helping you on your path to success in the English Language Arts!
TUTOR
Kacey
Welcome to my bio—I’m Kacey! I am an elementary education teacher whose passion for inspiring life-long learners was ignited as a young adult. I tutored in elementary schools as a highschooler and taught children's robotics classes throughout college, which eventually culminated in my pursuit of Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, where I graduated with a 3.92 GPA.
I taught for the Anoka-Hennepin district for three years as a kindergarten and first grade teacher and was appointed Grade Level Team Lead in my third year due to my strong leadership skills. I led all the classroom instruction and also met with students in small groups or individually to tailor curriculum to meet their specific needs.
At Kay tutoring, I tutor students in K-5 math and reading. I understand how to work with students to best prepare them to exceed Minnesota grade level standards, and I pride myself in making learning both fun and approachable for every student.
My love of teaching carries into my spare time as well! I am a certified yoga teacher, and I nanny small children to ensure they meet developmental milestones. I can usually be found with a book in my hand or trail hiking while listening to audiobooks. I love books in any form!
TUTOR
Karen
Hello! I am Karen. I look forward to meeting you! For the past 26 years, I have been fortunate enough to be working in the field of Education. Sixteen of those years as a Learning Specialist, three years as an Accommodations Coordinator, and five years as a Director of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). I recently returned to my roots as an educator and went back into the classroom in a teaching capacity. I enjoy having the ability to connect with and instruct students of all ages and abilities on a regular basis.
I began my journey as an educator at Luther College, where I majored in Elementary Education with a focus in Learning Differences and Disabilities. I am licensed as a K-6 Elementary Education teacher, and I hold a number of education licenses, including K-12 Mild to Moderate Mentally Impaired, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I completed my Master’s in Education at Hamline University, and I returned to Hamline to complete my Director of Accessible Education Administrative license. In the next few years, I hope to begin my journey towards my Doctorate.
I was in high school, when I had my first experience with tutoring. As part of the Key Club at Eden Prairie High School, I helped out at an afterschool program in Minneapolis. As a high schooler, I was also able to combine my love of music with teaching and taught flute lessons to beginning flute players. I continued to work with young musicians throughout my time at college. When I began my career as a teacher, I also tutored students beyond the school day. I worked at Sylvan Learning Center, Huntington Learning Center, and also had a number of families I tutored regularly.
I believe all individuals, given the right tools and support, can be successful. At Kay Tutoring, I provide these tools and support through Executive Functioning Coaching, ADHD coaching, and Homework Help for students in grades K-8. My goal, with all students, is to build a trusting relationship, so I can meet the student where they are at and individualize instruction to maximize learning.
When I am not teaching or tutoring, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my husband, two daughters and three cats (Hullabaloo, Kerfuffle, and MizMoo). Art and music remain an important part of my life, so I am constantly learning new mediums to express myself. My current focus is silversmithing and felting. I also enjoy traveling. As my family is from England, I was able to travel to many European countries, but I have also traveled to Asia, Australia, South America, and all across the United States and Canada. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story!
Karl
TUTOR
Hey, Karl here! I can’t wait to get started with you! A local to Minnesota, I was born and raised in the West Metro and have been teaching and tutoring students for the past 10 years. A graduate of Orono High School, I attended The University of Iowa for my bachelor’s, majoring in English and Theatre. After living in New York City for three years, I moved back home to earn my Master’s in Instruction from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. I hold an active Gr. 5-12 Communication Arts and Literature license in Minnesota and am currently in my eighth year of classroom instruction.
My passion for fostering student growth and helping students achieve excellence is demonstrated every day in my commitment to teaching grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing skills, literary analysis, and other pillars of the English language arts (ELA). Beyond the 5th-12th grade literature and language arts curriculum, I have a passion for ACT/SAT/PSAT test prep. Beginning with my own experience preparing for college, I have enjoyed studying for these exams myself and found fulfillment in helping others earn higher scores to unlock more college doors and opportunities in the future. I have been tutoring college admissions test prep in the West Metro for the past decade, and I look forward to helping you achieve your specific testing goals as well.
Beyond ELA skills and test prep, I love helping students develop a school management style that helps them thrive. Organizing, planning, managing time, studying, and other executive functioning skills don’t come naturally to everyone, but everyone can be taught to be an all-star student. That’s why I’m also an academic coach. Tutoring allows me to reach students in a way my classroom teaching doesn’t: one-on-one, customized instruction built on a strong foundation of the kind of rapport that can only be gotten from individualized teaching and learning.
For Kay Tutoring, I support students in middle and high school English Language Arts courses as well as ELA enrichment and remediation; ACT English and Reading; Digital SAT Reading and Writing; SAT Essay; Digital PSAT Reading and Writing (PSAT-8/9, PSAT-10, PSAT/NMSQT); middle school standardized testing (CogAT, MCA, SSAT, ISEE, CTP-5); and academic (executive functioning) coaching.
In my personal life, I enjoy taking care of my two boys, keeping current with prestige cinema, watching football (Skol!), and searching for the best bagel in Minneapolis. As a writer, I have co-authored the lyrics to songs that have over 100 million streams on Spotify, and I am working on a novel. For fun, I attend local pub trivia once a week; my focus lately is geography. I can’t wait to get to know you and your interests!
Kyle G
TUTOR
Hi there! I’m Kyle. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where, for high school, I attended Berkeley Carroll. Higher education sent me to another city, Baltimore, Maryland, where, as a student at the liberal arts college Goucher, I graduated with a BA in English literature and psychology. After college, I moved back to NYC and got my MFA at Columbia University with a concentration in fiction writing.
Since I TA’ed my first English class, I’ve had a passion for working with students on their writing. While at Columbia, I had the opportunity to teach a course on English literature and writing stories myself, facilitating literary discussions and providing well-measured feedback on the writing students produced. I believe the key to unlocking a student’s writing potential is a careful balance between encouragement and being challenged. My goal as a writing coach and educator is to push students to exceed their limits as thinkers and writers. There is no better feeling than seeing students surprise themselves with their newfound writerly capacities and the stories inside of them.
At Kay Tutoring, I coach students on their personal statements for the common app, coalition app essays, supplemental essays, University of California PIQs, activity statements, transfer essays, boarding school applications, and more! I also offer writing support for English Language Arts courses. I love this work because writing about oneself is challenging, but every student has a compelling story to tell that just needs a little coaching to shine through on their application essays. Teaching students the art of writing and storytelling is my favorite part of application essay season.
In my personal life, I enjoy writing, reading, and biking around New York. You can also find me at my local basketball court working on my mid-range jump shot.
TUTOR
Kyle S
Welcome to my bio! My name is Kyle, and, though I’ve tutored math students for over 12 years, I still feel the same level of enthusiasm for tutoring today as when I first started. I feel so lucky to have found the unending joy of helping students learn the subject that I love and respect so much. I find it especially rewarding to adapt to the varying needs of students and help them succeed in achieving their unique potential and personal learning goals. I tutor all levels of K-12 regular, honors, and AP math for Kay Tutoring, as well as SAT Math, ACT Math, and ACT Science. I am also passionate about academic coaching—a service that allows me to aid students in executive functioning, planning, study skills, and general student-life management.
My experience tutoring math began at Mathnasium Learning Center in Grand Rapids, MI, which made me their Lead Math Tutor in 2012, Assistant Center Director in 2013, and Center Director in 2014. In addition to assessing students, training tutors, and overseeing learning plans for elementary, middle, and high school students, I continued to tutor all levels of middle and high school math one-on-one. I first discovered my passion for math tutoring in 2011 by tutoring part-time while earning my Master of Education in School Counseling degree at Grand Valley State University, where I graduated with a 3.96 GPA. After this experience, I dedicated myself to tutoring math full-time, and the rest—as they say—is history!
During the summer of 2020, my wife, our cat, and I moved to Jakarta, Indonesia for my wife’s work, and I’ve continued to tutor math via Zoom. When I’m not tutoring, I try to get outside. Playing Spikeball with my friends on the beach in Bali and riding a motorbike through the jungle on one of the many beautiful islands are just some of the thrills I enjoy while living abroad!
TUTOR
Mabel
Hello, I’m Mabel! I am from Argentina, where I attended Universidad Nacional de Córdoba for my bachelor’s degree in Translation. I then came to Minnesota to pursue a master’s degree in speech communication at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I lived in Belgium for 12 years, where I learned to speak French. While there, I enjoyed volunteering at St. John's International School, leading activities with teachers and parents, and volunteering as a Spanish teacher to high school students in preparation for their IB Spanish exam. Once I returned to the United States, I joined The International Spanish Learning Academy, where I gained a passion for tutoring. I am also currently a French instructor for the French Alliance.
My goal for students is to enhance their cultural awareness and sensitivity to customs and cultural differences in language teaching. I take pride in bringing out the best in people while encouraging dialogue on furthering oneself and fostering equity and social change. For Kay Tutoring, I support students in regular k-12, honors, and AP French and Spanish courses.
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy spending time with my husband, traveling, trying foods from different cultures, and exploring the arts and nature. When possible, I love spending family time with my three adult children.
I am so excited to share my languages, knowledge, and experience with you. I can't wait to get to know you and your interests!
TUTOR
Nathan
Hey, I’m Nathan! I tutor all levels of English, including AP Language & Composition and AP Literature & Composition, the SAT Subject Test in Literature, and ACT/SAT/PSAT Test Prep in the verbal sections. I also support students in academic coaching and am a college essay and application writing coach. Among the students I have tutored, many have matriculated at top public and private institutions around the country, including the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, Oberlin College, Vanderbilt University, Middlebury College, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I am a Minnesota native who grew up just down the road in Delano. I earned my B.A. in English literature with a writing focus from Gustavus Adolphus College before entering into a career as a print journalist. After working for several local papers, I made my way to Washington, D.C., where I wrote for a political blog and gained a penchant for traveling and learning about other parts of the U.S. as well as global cultures.
My curiosity led me back and forth across the country before I gained admittance to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where I studied literature and earned my first master’s degree in American literature and culture. Afterward, I lived and worked in Guatemala, Alaska, Cleveland, and San Francisco, working as an adjunct professor of composition and rhetoric. I have since returned to Minnesota so that I could complete my second master’s in Secondary English Language Arts Education and formally receive my teaching licensure.
For me, two master’s degrees just aren’t enough! I hope to pursue my Ph.D. in literature in the upcoming coming years. Despite my continued education, I see myself as a lifelong tutor due to the joy that comes from working one-on-one with students to achieve their greatest mastery possible in reading and writing.
TUTOR
Paul
Hello, nice to meet you! My name is Paul, and I look forward to supporting you in achieving your learning goals. I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but my family and I moved to the Twin Cities after spending 7 years teaching at international schools in Turkey, Cambodia, and Costa Rica.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, a Bachelor’s in History and Political Science (graduated with department honors), and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Webster University. I have a Career CPC teaching certification from the state of Missouri and am a National Board Certified teacher. I taught several high school social studies courses in Missouri public schools, ranging from AP World History, AP European History, US History, US Government, Sociology, and Geography. Internationally, I taught social studies courses in the IB program. I have taught at the university level as an adjunct professor for the Webster University School of Education working with undergraduate students in social studies methodology coursework.
After returning to the United States from overseas, I transitioned to a career in higher education at the University of St. Thomas where I was the Director of the ELS Language Center. I now work in the Office of International Students and Scholars as the SEVIS Specialist where I am the immigration support professional for international students studying in Minnesota from all around the world.
Throughout my career, I was awarded the MNEA Rising Star award, the Missouri Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year, and the Rockwood Board of Education Kastner Award. I have presented at numerous professional conventions, including the annual conference of the National Council for Social Studies.
My career as an educator has always centered around the concept of empowerment. I believe that educators are in unique positions in our society to empower students to achieve their life goals and aspirations. Tutoring is an important avenue that allows me to work directly with students and create a stronger foundation on which they can build their academic success.
With my teaching background and my certification in social studies, I tutor a range of subjects at Kay. I support students in a variety of general social studies coursework, as well as in AP social studies courses such as AP World History, AP European History, and AP Micro and Macro Economics. My time spent as an examiner for both the AP/College Board and the IB provides me with the ability to support students in preparation for the rigorous content-based examinations and assessments that they will experience in both programs.
Outside of my professional roles, I enjoy traveling, attending live music events, running, reading, watching films (especially horror films), following the Minnesota United Football Club, and learning about history and politics. I look forward to working with all of the fantastic Kay Tutoring students and families!
TUTOR
Shannon
Hi all! My name is Shannon, and I am a college essay tutor and college counselor for Kay Tutoring. I have extensive experience helping students write compelling, authentic college essays that reveal students’ unique personalities, values, and strengths, as well as advising during the college application process.
After graduating from Benilde-St. Margaret’s high school, I attended St. Olaf College, where I majored in theatre and nearly had a double major in English. After graduating from St. Olaf, I served as a High School Coach with College Possible, where I helped students through the college application and financial aid process. This included a great deal of direct test preparation and college essay and application instruction. In 2017, I returned to St. Olaf and am now an Assistant Dean of Admissions, where I help families navigate the college admissions process, read applications, and travel to meet prospective students all across the country. I also enjoy leading the Senior Fellows Program, which is designed around students who are interested in college admissions careers.
I enjoy theatre directing, running, and traveling in my free time. In college, I studied Spanish in Ecuador, history in Italy, and creative writing in England at the University of East Anglia. Most recently, I combined these passions by running the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromso Norway.
TUTOR
Sofia
Hi! My name is Sofia. I graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University and was named the Class of 2021 salutatorian. I recently completed my MFA in Writing through Columbia’s School of the Arts, where I will continue teaching fiction writing this fall as an adjunct assistant professor. My fiction and criticism appear in Adroit, Quarto Magazine, and The Columbia Review Online.
I have a diverse background in education, from teaching as a gallery educator with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to serving as the Director for Columbia Artist/Teachers, a non-profit that provides cost-free writing courses to schools and organizations throughout the Northeast. For the past 2 years, I have provided college admissions writing and counseling services to students, to which she brought her background in creative writing and her experience as a student interviewer with Columbia’s Undergraduate Recruitment Committee. Whether working with students on short stories or college essays, my priority is always helping young writers find their voices on the page. I see the parameters of college essays as an exciting challenge that can push students to develop their confidence and show off their creativity.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, knitting, and learning new trivia (please tell me your best sports facts). I am also currently working on a novel.
TUTOR
Susan
Hello! As a veteran high school teacher who recently celebrated my 20th year teaching math at The Blake School, I am excited to bring my wealth of teaching experience and passion for mathematics to Kay Tutoring.
Back when I was in high school, I was a National Merit scholar. I then went on to earn my B.A. in Math from Kenyon College and my Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Virginia. Now, having taught both AP Calculus and AP Statistics courses, I am extremely familiar with the rigors of standardized tests and take pride in helping students devise their personal strategies for success on these high-stakes exams. Along with my experience teaching AP courses, I have taught a full range of high school math courses, including various levels of Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics. Additionally, I have even designed my own curriculum for an elective course in Game Theory.
I am thrilled to have the chance to work with students in a one-on-one or small group setting, and I am adept at adapting curriculum to the needs of each individual learner. I love working with students to improve their understanding of math concepts and encourage them to relish in the beauty and power of the subject.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, exploring local parks, and tackling the daily crossword puzzle.