Ms. Downey is a social studies expert. She earned her BA from Brown University in International Relations and Religious Studies and her Masters from McCormick, a school connected with University of Chicago. She has her teaching credential from NDNU. She spent 20 years teaching high school history at both Los Altos High School and Sacred Heart Prep. She was Los Altos Mason's teacher of the year in 2018 and Wholistic Teacher of the Year in 2017. Her students regularly outperform the global averages on their AP test results: her most frequent score results are 4's and 5's (over 80%). Ms. Downey is trained in adolescent literacy and is currently working towards her reading specialist certificate.
World History
US History
Modern World History AP, European History AP
US History AP, Comparative Government AP
US Government or Civics
US Government AP
History and English for English Language Learners
Coming soon: AP Women's History
With 15 years of classroom teaching experience, Mr. Morris has been a dynamic force in mathematics education. From foundational subjects like Algebra and Geometry to advanced courses like Calculus and Statistics, his versatility in teaching various levels showcases a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Mr. Morris is currently teaching at Caesar Chavez Middle School. Previously he taught at Sacred Heart Prep and for Oakland Unified School District giving him a tremendous range of experiences in the field of education. Mr. Morris works tirelessly to help bring out the best in his students.
Algebra I & II
Geometry
Trigonometry
Precalculus
Calculus AB and BC
Dr. Justin Suran is our English writing expert. He earned his BA from Harvard in English and a Master's in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley before completing a PhD in History. He has extensive classroom teaching experience in both English and History having taught at Sacred Heart Prep, The Stanford Online School, Modesto Community College and at UC Berkeley. Dr. Suran is recognized for his ability to connect with students, creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere that fosters confidence. He believes in tailoring lessons to individual learning styles and providing a supportive and engaging environment that nurtures intellectual growth.
All levels of English
AP Lang and AP Lit
Paper review and revisions
College essay reviews
Spanish
Lise Karna is our Spanish and French language expert. Lise lived in Mexico for over two decades and France for two years. She has 20+ combined years of experience in the classroom, tutoring and translating, including ten years at Sacred Heart Prep in Atherton. With both her experience as a teacher and a mother to three grown children, she understands the pressure of high school. She is a compassionate, rigorous, and compelling teacher.
All levels of Spanish
All levels of French
Chemistry and Physics
Cami Mullerleile is a compassionate and creative educator who empowers students through personalized tutoring sessions. With a background steeped in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and scientific modeling, Cami brings a wealth of practical experience and a knack for problem-solving to every tutoring session. Cami has spent years honing her skills as an independent study credentialed teacher at Visions in Education Charter School in Carmichael, California, where she designed engaging curriculum materials in environmental science. My approach emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, essential for tackling complex problems. My journey includes teaching roles at San Juan Unified School District and Elk Grove Unified School District, where she specialized in physics and chemistry, respectively. These experiences have not only deepened my subject matter expertise but also equipped me with diverse instructional strategies to cater to individual learning styles. Whether you're grappling with physics or deciphering the periodic table. My tutoring sessions are tailored to your needs, fostering a supportive environment where you can thrive academically.
Credentials:
Master of Arts in Secondary Physics, Western Governors University
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, California State University of Sacramento
California Teaching Credential