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Our Team

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Are you tired of working with big chain tutoring companies? Do you ever feel frustrated that your child is matched with an endless supply of inexperienced college student tutors? 

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At Thinque Prep, our tutoring team consists of just nine (yes, nine!) tutors who not only have over 100 years of combined experience in education, but also work as full-time educators. 

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We are proud to exclusively employ professional educators who have advanced degrees in their respective fields - read their bios below and you will see! 

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Even our admin dream team have worked in the K-12, California Community College, and Cal-State systems!

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At Thinque Prep, education is not just a job. It is our life!

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Joey

Head Counselor + Test Prep Expert

Former application reader

Perfect Score Tutor: 

SAT: 1600 & ACT: 36

Member of IECA, HECA, NACAC, WACAC

B.A Communications, Northwestern University

Hello, students and parents!

I'm a test preparation expert and personal guide for students in high school pushing hard to achieve their goals - and setting them up for success in their next stage in life. As a college counselor, test-prep guru, and educational cheerleader, I don't just dole out sagely wisdom and send students home to study; I  talk them through the task, whatever it is.

Subjects Taught: 

College Counseling & Essay Support

Math up to AP Calc AB/BC

AP Physics (1, 2, & C)

SAT/ACT STEM & Humanities

AP US History

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Sam

Academic Coach + Test Prep + Essay Expert

College Writing Professor for 8+ Years

Professional Tutor for 10+ Years

B.A and M.A in English, Cal State Fullerton

Hello there! My name is Sam. I’m an English professor, a multi-subject tutor, and an essay coach here at Thinque Prep! I’m passionate about helping students gain confidence in their academic journey, whether they’re converting fractions or writing a college admissions essay! I tutor students of all ages, and my specialty is the Humanities. I am a huge Star Wars fan and a general Sci-Fi geek. When I’m not at ThinquePrep, I can be found catching up on Netflix or reading a good book with my two cats.  

Subjects Taught: 

College Essay Support

SAT/ACT Humanities

AP Lang, AP World, AP HUG

Math up to Algebra 2, Spanish 1-3 

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Hiro

Academic Coach + Test Prep Expert

Academic Instructor for 10+ Years

Test Prep Tutor for 10+ Years

B.A. Econ & Theatre, Northwestern University

Hello! After 10+ years of teaching at various test preparation companies, I'm grateful to have found my home at Thinque. I teach students what they need to be truly familiar with the SAT and ACT, without the extra unhelpful fluff that other companies provide. I also teach math; I love to see the 'lightbulb' moment when that concept that's been bugging students for weeks finally 'clicks.' I don't really like long walks on the beach, but invite me to Panda Express and I'll be there!

Subjects Taught: 

Math up to Calc AB/BC

High School Humanities & STEM

STEM & Humanities for SAT/ACT

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Max M.

Academic Coach + Test Prep Expert

Private STEM Tutor for 5+ Years

Test Prep Tutor for 5+ Years

B.S Physics, UC Irvine

Hi! I'm Max, Thinque Prep's resident Calculus whiz! If something involves math, I could spend hours geeking out about it. I tutor every stage of math, from basic arithmetic to multivariable calculus. As someone who's tutored in a variety of settings -- after school programs, the UC system, and SAT/ACT courses -- I am familiar with how difficult math can be for students. My priority is making math easy (and maybe even fun!) for all students. I enjoy anime and critiquing the physics of sci-fi movies.

Subjects Taught: 

Math up to AP Calc AB/BC

AP Physics (1, 2, & C)

SAT/ACT STEM

Basic Comp. Sci.

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Luke

Academic Coach + Test Prep Expert

Private STEM Tutor 

Test Prep Tutor 

B.A, Mathematics, B.A. Biochemistry

M.S. Applied Mathematics, University of Colorado, Boulder

Hello - I'm Luke! I have over 20 years of experience teaching all types of STEM classes. From teaching Mathematics at the college level, to working with small SAT/ACT, LSAT, and GRE student groups, I have helped students in a plethora of learning environments. I am excited to help Thinque Prep students on their journey towards STEM mastery.

Subjects Taught: 

Honors & AP Chem, AP Physics 1 & C

AP Stats, High School Math

SAT/ACT

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Max B.

Academic Coach + Test Prep Expert

Private Language Tutor (French & Spanish)

Test Prep Tutor 

B.A, Linguistics Cal State Long Beach

Hello, I’m Max B. I have been a tutor for over 7 years. I’m here to help you make sense of concepts, learn the steps for problems, and get to know the patterns in problems—the more questions you have, the better! Learning is my greatest passion, and to aid others in acquiring skills and knowledge my life’s work. To paraphrase Descartes, “I Thinque, therefore I am”. Outside of the classroom, you’ll find me studying languages (Mandarin and German at the moment), drawing, and practicing yoga. 

Subjects Taught: 

AP Spanish & French

SAT/ACT ELA & STEM

Math up to Pre-Calc

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Catherine

Lead Administrator + Office Manager

College Writing Professor for 9+ Years

Administrative Assistant for 5+ Years

B.A and M.A English, Cal State Fullerton

Hello, friends! I'm Catherine, and I'm the lead administrator and office manager here at Thinque Prep. As a former writing tutor and current adjunct professor, I'm familiar with the challenges of today's higher-Ed climate. Whether you need help with ACTs, SATs, APs, GREs, or something else, I'm here to listen, support, and connect you with our experts. If you give us a call, I'll probably be the one on the other end! When I'm not at Thinque, I love painting and listening to opera and film scores. I'm saving up money for my cats, Nugget & Noodles, to go to college.

 

Subjects Taught: 

Study Skills & Time Management

English/Composition

SSD/DSS/DSPS Support

Spanish 1&2

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André

Administrator + Digital Content Producer

English-Spanish Translation for 10+ Years

Substitute Teacher for 3+ Years

MFA Filmmaking, Florida State University

Hi party people! I'm André. I'm here to support every student and family that walks through our doors. My duties include scheduling appointments, proctoring practice ACTs and SATs, and assisting Thinque's teaching staff. I came to Thinque with a background in education; I substitute taught, tutored, and provided instructional aid at the K-12 level. I also have a background in film, so I can also be found making videos for our YouTube channel! I am originally from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and I love watching movies, writing music, and any artistic endeavors.

Subjects Taught: 

Spanish 1-4, AP & IB

Chicano/a/x Studies

Film Studies & Analysis

Screenwriting & Creative Writing

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Dr. Alex (Online Only)

STEM Expert

Biology Professor for 8+ years

Postdoctoral Fellow, UCI

Ph.D. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology University of Colorado, Boulder

Alex here! I have been actively involved as a tutor, teaching assistant, or instructor for more than a decade. Teaching is truly my passion, so much so that I spent my graduate career researching how students learn and understand biology. As a postdoctoral researcher at UCI, I continue to conduct research on student success. Here at Thinque Prep I work with students seeking help with math, AP and College-level Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology. If I’m not teaching or conducting research, you’re bound to find me working out at the local gym!

Subjects Taught: 

AP Bio, Micro Bio, College Bio

Kinesiology

Anatomy & Physiology

Math up to Algebra 2

*Nina is only available for ONLINE tutoring

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Nina (Online Only)

Academic Coach + Test Prep+ Essay Expert

College Writing Professor for 7+ Years

Test Prep Tutor for 8+ Years

B.A. and M.A English, Cal State Long Beach

Hi, Internet people! My name is Nina. I'm a college English professor and one of the original test prep instructors and essay coaches here at Thinque Prep. I enjoy medieval history, long hikes in the woods, and catching up on The Bachelor with my cat, Betsy. A longtime tutor in a variety of subjects, I'm passionate about helping students of all ages meet and exceed their academic goals (even if it requires doing coordinate geometry every now and again). I am currently available to help your student achieve success in the Humanities over Zoom.

Subjects Taught: 

College Essay Support

AP US History, AP Lang, AP Lit

SAT/ACT Humanities

*Nina is only available for ONLINE tutoring

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Michael (Online Only)

Academic Coach + Test Prep Expert

College STEM Professor for 8+ Years

Test Prep Tutor for 10+ Years

M.S. Biomedical Engineering, UCLA

Hello! I'm Michael! My educational background and research primarily involves applying chemistry and engineering principles to solving problems in medical technologies. Before I began working for Thinque Prep, I worked in the biomedical industry. Today, I work closely with students seeking help with math, science, and SAT/ACT prep. Overt the years, many students and families have appreciated my straightforward approach, and my ability to demystify STEM. When I'm not helping students on Zoom, I enjoy watching movies and spending time with friends.

Subjects Taught: 

Math up to Calc AB/BC

AP Physics (1, 2, & C), AP Chem, AP Enviro

SAT/ACT STEM

*Michael is only available for ONLINE tutoring

Kind Words from Our Parents and Students

We used ThinquePrep for both admissions and test preparation. This year was a difficult year with the pandemic but Michael and Nina were both there to guide our daughter to a great test score. She improved 150 points and will be using her improved score for her college applications.

—  Terry O., Parent

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