Our Tutors

As Director of Operations, Hailey handles all things “Mindfish” from developing new student curriculum to orchestrating day to day operations.

Originally from Amherst, MA, Hailey graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina State University - ranked #1 in her department. As part of her studies, she completed glaciology research at the University of Alaska and taught and developed a new set of courses at North Carolina State University. Since graduating, Hailey has taught at the University of California, Berkley and the University of Colorado, Boulder. With 10 years of experience under her belt, Hailey specializes in math, physics, study skills, and remedial reading strategies. Hailey also conducts independent assistive technology consultations for students with IEP’s or 504 plans.

As an educator with double deficit dyslexia and auditory processing disorder, Hailey is intimately aware of the difficulties that face students with learning disabilities. While she was remediated at a young age and has learned to compensate for her disabilities, Hailey worked through countless years of SPED classes and IEP meetings. For this reason, she has dedicated much of her education to understanding the neuropsychological underpinnings of students with learning disabilities, and how to leverage that research into deliverable study strategies.

When Hailey isn’t at Mindfish, you can find her hitting the slopes, aggressively discussing the newest science fiction releases, or hanging out with her cats.

Location: Mindfish Boulder
Expertise: ACT, SAT, GRE, SAT Subject Tests (Math I/II, Physics), AP/IB Classes (Physics, Calculus AB/BC), School Subjects (remedial reading, remedial math, Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus), custom programs for students with accommodations, & assistive technology consultations.

Jonathan Saffold graduated as high school valedictorian at Yokota High School in Japan and has been tutoring students since 2002. He went on to study at MIT for one year before transferring and graduating from Creighton summa cum laude with a degree in chemistry in 2009. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing soccer, and traveling. Due to his father’s work for the government, he grew up in several different places, but Japan was his favorite place to live by far. When working with students, Jonathan’s goal is always to get a student to master a subject to the point where they understand it and can teach it to someone else. Always do your best is a mantra he lives by.

Location: Remote
Expertise: ACT, SAT, GRE, SAT Subject Tests (Math I/II, Chemistry, Biology), AP/IB Classes (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AB/BC Calculus), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus)

Helen Terndrup recently relocated to Idaho to open a Mindfish Test Prep office in Boise after several highly successful years with Mindfish in Denver. She is now available for in-person, one-on-one SAT and ACT prep tutoring with students in Boise and around the world via Skype. Helen has scored in the top 0.5th percentile on both the ACT and the SAT and has an expert understanding of standardized tests and how to succeed on them. A National Merit Scholar, Helen graduated magna cum laude from Carleton College in Minnesota and received her Master’s degree from Brooklyn College in New York. She has previous teaching experience at both the high school and college level and enjoys working with students of all backgrounds and aptitudes. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and hiking, and she’s hard at work on her second novel.

Location: Mindfish Boise
Expertise: ACT, SAT, Essay Writing, SAT Subject Tests (Literature, Math I), & School Subjects (English).

Tenzin Dolkar (“Tendol” to her friends) grew up in Erie, CO, and studied English and Pre-Med at Williams College. After graduating, she spent a year in Boston doing research on child language and developmental psychiatry. Her work with students is informed by a consideration of the many factors that impede academic achievement and prevent students from performing to potential. In the past she has tutored high school and college students in various subjects such as writing, math, and chemistry. Tendol enjoys watercoloring and being amongst books and trees.

Location: Mindfish Boulder
Expertise: ACT, SAT, LSAT, SAT Subject Tests (Literature, Math I/II), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus)

Lead ISEE/SSAT trainer, experienced SAT / ACT tutor, master’s student in Media Studies

Sophia Matuszewicz grew up in Denver, graduated from Bowdoin College in 2015 with a degree in French literature, and was awarded a university lectureship in France the following year. An avid traveler, she has been a resident of Cameroon, France, and most recently, New York City, where she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Media Studies at Queens College, CUNY. She is a passionate student of language, literature, and communication, and loves helping her students engage with the written word. Through her work with Mindfish, Sophia has coached many students to near-perfect test scores. She works with students across the country via Zoom and also has particular expertise working with younger students working towards success on the ISEE and SSAT. In her free time, Sophia enjoys immersing herself in pop culture, podcasts, and expanding her gastronomic horizons.

Location: Available for remote tutoring anywhere!
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Literature, US History, World History, French Language), AP/IB Classes (United States Government and Politics, Comparative Government and Politics, United States History, World History, European History, Human Geography, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, French Language and Culture), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry).

Khaled Allen graduated with an International Studies degree from the University of Chicago, where he was on the Dean’s List for all of his 8 semesters. After a stint teaching English in South Korea, he has now been teaching test prep for Mindfish for three years and has the distinction of helping several students achieve perfect or near-perfect scores on the the SAT and ACT. Khaled recently became a Project Manager with Mindfish and took over the development of our curriculum. His book The Right Way to Take the SAT will be online and on bookshelves soon! Khaled is a strong advocate of the life of the mind and of the innate connection between mental and physical health. In his free time Khaled can be found blogging on any number of intriguing topics or coaching physical fitness and natural movement classes.

“Khaled is a GREAT tutor and person.”
(KB, parent)

Location: Mindfish Boulder
Expertise: ACT, SAT, GRE, ISEE, SSAT, SAT Subject Tests (Literature, Math I/II, Biology, Physics), AP/IB Classes (Biology, Physics, Psychology, Computer Science, Calculus AB/BC), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Multivariable Calculus)

Brenton Weyi is a writer and social entrepreneur. He graduated with honors from Whitman College and earned degrees in Philosophy and History, as well as minors in math and world literature. He has several years of tutoring experience, and has always integrated academic service into his life regardless of context: from his small college campus to his time as a writer for an Asian philosophy school in Thailand. With a deep belief in the power of words and ideas, he founded a startup that works with villagers in Central Africa to create lasting change through providing microlending systems and facilitating the fair trade of resources. He has also been published in various literary journals and popular websites. He can often be found dancing through the streets of Denver.

“He got a 34 on his ACT! You are a great teacher, Brenton. Eric was lucky to have you.”

Location: Mindfish Denver
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Math I/II, Literature), & School Subjects (History, English).

Kori Gouge attended the United States Coast Guard Academy where she studied engineering, management, and political science. She transferred to Ohio University where she earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in outdoor education and recreation. She went on to pursue her TEFL in Guadalajara, Mexico. Upon her return to the U,S., she taught ESL and entered the world of test prep, teaching SAT, ACT, GMAT, and GRE. She then pursued her Master’s degree in International and Intercultural Communication at the University of Denver. She worked in the non-profit sector upon graduation teaching high school students college and career preparation classes. Her love of teaching then took her to Villahermosa, Mexico and then on to San Jose, Costa Rica where she tutored students in preparation for the SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, SSAT, TOEFL, and AP tests. Her work in career preparation, professional development and tutoring inspired her to pursue her professional coaching certification. She now combines all of her loves through running her own coaching business helping impact entrepreneurs grow their businesses, teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver, and guiding high school students to perform their best on the ACT and SAT. In her free time, you will find her trail running in the beautiful foothills of Denver, losing herself in great literature and planning her next big adventure.

Location: Mindfish DTC
Expertise: ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE, ISEE, SSAT, SAT Subject Tests (Spanish Literature and Language), AP/IB Classes (English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, Spanish Language and Culture), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry)

Augie Bennett grew up in Denver, Colorado and attended East High School before moving to Madison, Wisconsin to study biochemistry. Bored with the details of cholesterol synthesis, Augie decided to focus on neurobiology; to him, serotonin metabolism was much more interesting. After working in an Educational Psychology lab his junior year that focused on the acquisition of abstract math, he enrolled in the Language and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, and graduated in 2019 with a passion for investigating the mind. He is now back in Denver applying to graduate school in cognitive neuroscience and intends to study educational games and the neurocircuitry of reward processing. Augie has tutored biology, chemistry, and math pre-algebra through calculus. His interests include playing soccer, reading, and eating.

Austin Kellogg is a basketball coach and standardized testing instructor with 8 years of experience teaching the SAT and ACT. He earned his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 2012 and is a current MBA candidate at the Leeds School of Business at CU Boulder. His students have seen consistent and impressive results through their hard work and focus, with former students going on to attend top-ranked universities and competing in Division 1 athletics. Austin's teaching style reflects the discipline and dedication to developing self-motivated young adults that characterizes his coaching philosophy. He focuses on the strategic challenges of the test and developing students' confidence in their abilities to succeed through targeted, deliberate practice. In his free time, Austin enjoys travel, playing basketball, and enjoying all the fantastic food to be found around Boulder.

“I got 400 points higher on my SAT! Austin was a great teacher.”
(DM, student)

Location: Mindfish Boulder
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Literature, US History, World History, Math I), AP/IB Classes (United States Government and Politics, Comparative Government and Politics, United States History, World History, European History, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus)

Sean Bjork graduated from St. Olaf with a degree in Mathematics and concentrations in Education and Asian Studies. He has extensive experience tutoring both independently and through learning centers.A longtime competitive runner, Sean contributed to winning four State Championships while running high school track and cross country in his hometown of Stillwater, Minnesota. While at St. Olaf College, he became a three-time All-American and competed in six National Championships. Sean’s interests include game theory, nutrition chemistry, Taoism and public education.

Location: Mindfish Denver
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Math I/II, Biology, Chemistry), AP/IB Classes (Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB/BC, Statistics), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Multivariable Calculus)

Laura Stamp grew up in Casper, Wyoming before attending Williams College where she studied geology and biology and competed in Division I Nordic skiing. She graduated cum laude, and went on to receive her Master's in geology from CU Boulder. She has extensive tutoring experience: at Williams she served as a peer tutor in biology, chemistry, geology, and as a teaching assistant in geology, and she has taught in the CU geology department for the past three years. Outside of school, she spends most of her time training for ultra-running and ski mountaineering competitions, cooking, and listening to podcasts.
Location: Mindfish Boulder
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Biology, Math I/II), & School Subject Tutoring (Algebra, Geometry)

Grant Emrie grew up in Golden, Colorado and graduated with a B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University. While at Duke, Grant was a member of the Men’s Varsity Track and Field Team, specializing in the Long Jump and Triple Jump. After graduating, Grant returned to Colorado to work as a Mechanical Engineer for Lockheed Martin, working on the Avionics, Power, and Wiring team for NASA’s Orion Program. Grant is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Systems Engineering at the University of Denver. In his free time, Grant enjoys soccer, snowboarding, and exploring the outdoors.

Location: Mindfish DTC

Expertise: SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests (Math I/II, Physics), AP Classes (Calculus, Physics, English Literature, English Language)

Mac Wetherbee graduated from Tulane University, cum laude, with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics. He has Master’s degrees from the University of Denver and the University of Colorado Boulder. He taught college Political Science classes for four years, and presented several papers at academic conferences. He also worked for two years as a high school math teacher, teaching Algebra I, Algebra II, and AP Statistics. He has tutored many high school and college students, and has helped numerous students improve their standardized test scores. In his free time, Mac likes to read, golf, and hang out with his dogs.

Location: Mindfish DTC
Expertise: ACT, SAT, GRE, SAT Subject Tests (Math I/II), AP/IB Classes (Statistics), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry)

Sarah Belmear graduated from Vanderbilt University in May 2018 with a double major in Economics and Political Science. During her time in Nashville, she received Dean’s List honors numerous semesters and served on multiple campus organizations’ executive boards. She will be continuing her education at the University of Denver as she pursues a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. As a former Mindfish student, she is familiar with the expectations and benefits of utilizing their test prep strategies. She is devoted to uniting her love for learning with helping others recognize their strengths and attain their goals. In her free time, Sarah likes to hike fourteeners, golf, read mystery novels, and play with her golden retriever.

Location: DTC
Expertise: ACT, SAT, GRE, SAT Subject Tests (Math I/II), AP/IB Classes (United States Government and Politics, United States History, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus)

Susan Bassow grew up in Denver, and started tutoring math as an 8th grader, even tutoring kids older than she was. She has a AB from Princeton and a PhD in Biology from Harvard specializing in global climate change. Her doctoral dissertation was on the impacts of climate change and increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide on temperate forests. Following her doctoral work, she accepted a Fellowship from the American Association for the Advancement of Science to focus on science and policy concerning climate change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP.) After having kids, Susan’s interests shifted, and she became a “non-traditional academic,” so she could stay at home with her kids. She has since kept herself quite busy with a variety of activities including blogging for Mama PhD, running school Science Fairs, managing after-school math programs, and volunteering in schools, including at the high school Post-Grad office supporting students through the college application process. In her “free” time, Susan enjoys watching her kids play soccer and music, traveling, compiling photo montages, and making others’ days a little brighter.

In 2008, Trevor earned an M.S. in Mathematics from Boise State University, where he taught college algebra. He then attended law school at the University of Notre Dame, where he co-founded the Journal of International and Comparative Law. During his second and third year, he taught math at Ivy Tech Community College. After graduating with his J.D. in 2011, Trevor clerked for a district judge in Reno, NV. Because teaching math is his greatest passion, and despite having a full-time job, he taught night courses at the University of Nevada Reno. He passed the bar in Nevada and in Idaho, but felt his true calling was teaching. He is now completing his final year of a Mathematics Ph.D program at CU Boulder. His dissertation is on computational complexity and he teaches Calculus 3. Since 2001, Trevor has tutored several hundred students of all ages and all skill levels.

Location: Mindfish DTC
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Literature, US History, World History), AP/IB Classes (United States Government and Politics, United States History, World History, Music Theory, Calculus AB), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry)

Peter was raised in Dublin, Ohio, where he played hockey. After achieving excellent scores in the ACT and SAT and becoming a National Merit Scholar, Peter went on to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. There, he became a member of both the Psi Chi psychology honor society and the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society.

While at Miami University, Peter developed a rigorous honor’s thesis study in psychology. As part of this study, Peter developed the study protocol, trained a team of research assistants, oversaw data collection and collaborated with colleagues to write a manuscript that was eventually published in Behavior Modification, a peer-reviewed journal. After this, Peter pursued his passion for learning about the human mind by graduating cum laude and with departmental honors with a B.A. in Psychology.

He believes that a positive and encouraging relationship between tutor and student contributes greatly to success on the ACT and SAT. Outside of his work as a tutor at Mindfish, Peter enjoys spending time with his family and friends, reading about history and science, working out at Orangetheory Fitness, yoga and mindfulness practice and spending time in nature.

“Peter is a pleasure to work with. He is warm, open, and interpersonally engaging.” – Marie Parsons

Location: Mindfish Boulder
Expertise: ACT, SAT, AP/IB Classes (Psychology)

Jeff Chapin recently moved to Colorado from Phoenix Arizona where he was teaching mathematics. He has taught mathematics at Michigan State University, Arizona State University and at college preparatory high schools. Jeff graduated from Michigan State University with an MS in pure mathematics, specializing in symplectic geometry. Jeff is also an elite cyclist who enjoys road biking and mountain biking. He is a category 2 road racer who specializes in criteriums, time trials, and sprinting.

Location: Mindfish DTC

Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP Tests, and School Subject (Math, Physics)

Shira Hecht has her Master's degree from the University of Texas, Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, and she currently works with adolescents in the Denver area. After graduating from Georgetown University, where she studied English and linguistics, Shira lived in Washington, DC, working in media and public relations. Since beginning her Master's degree studies in 2014, she has dedicated herself to working with high school students applying to college. Previously also worked with teenagers at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth summer programs. When not working with students Shira enjoys hockey, hiking, and science fiction.

Location: Mindfish Denver
Expertise: ACT, SAT, GRE, SAT Subject Tests (Literature, US History, Hebrew Language), AP/IB Classes (United States History, Psychology, Art History, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition), & School Subjects (Algebra I)

Bryan Norman graduated from Cornell University in May of 2017, where he majored in Human Biology, Health, and Society and earned a minor in Applied Exercise Science. While at Cornell, he earned Dean's List Honors and was a member of several clubs on campus. Bryan has a passion for learning and is currently working toward his Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and photography.

Location: Mindfish Boulder
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Math I, Biology, Physics), AP/IB Classes (Biology, Physics), & School Subjects (Algebra I, Geometry)

Haleh was born and raised in Los Angeles, and attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where she graduated magna cum laude with a BA in English. While in college, Haleh worked as a writing tutor, and enjoyed helping students with writing in all subjects, from English literature to biology. After graduating, Haleh moved to New York and worked as a forensic case manager with people diagnosed with a serious mental illness who were recently released from the New York City jail system to help them get connected to support in the community. She is currently pursuing a Master's in Forensic Psychology at the University of Denver. Haleh has been doing improv comedy since high school, and believes that the main principles of improv, which are about embracing the unknown, are also helpful as principles for learning.

Location: Mindfish DTC
Expertise: ACT, SAT, Literature & Essay Writing

Caleb Oliven earned a bachelor of science in physics from Virginia Tech. He has experience as a tutor and technical writer and was most recently a corps member of the Climate Reality Project in Austin, TX. Caleb has taught students from preschool level all the way up through college graduates. He is especially adept at helping students who are striving to gain admission to competitive colleges. Over the past three years, Caleb has tutored thousands of hours online. During this time, Caleb has guided multiple students to perfect scores on the SAT, the ACT, PSAT, Physics Subject test, Math 2 Subject Test, and US History Subject Test. By doing so, he has helped students gain admissions into some of the most prestigious universities in the country.

Caleb tutors students on a wide range of math concepts from algebra to AP Calculus and teaches STEM subjects including physics. He also enjoys teaching English and language skills. His genuine enjoyment of subjects is contagious and readily transfers to his students. Caleb takes great pride in his ability to help students who were previously impeded from academic growth due to misunderstandings of core concepts. In his students, he fosters a comprehensive understanding of the material as he believes this is far superior to simply ``beating a test.`` Caleb enjoys not only seeing the ``aha!`` moment when a student understands a new concept, but also enjoys learning from the student.

Caleb plays classical guitar and is a mountain biker during his free time. He also dedicates his time to social advocacy and has been a public speaker on social issues.

Location: Mindfish Boulder and Remote Tutoring
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Math I & II, Physics, US History), AP Tests (Calculus, Physics, Chemistry)

Madison Gross grew up in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado, where she took advantage of long winters of skiing and short summers of hiking, backpacking, and camping. In high school, she was enrolled as a full International Baccalaureate student. Madison graduated Cum Laude from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2016 with a degree in Graphic Design. She worked as a designer in Boise for two years during which she started tutoring local high school students to prepare them for their ACTs and SATs. She loved it so much that she returned to school to obtain her teaching credentials and a graduate certificate in secondary education. Madison currently works as the drawing and painting teacher at a local high school. When she's not working, she enjoys traveling (she's trying to visit 30 countries before she turns 30!). This past year she visited Iceland and has her sights set on hiking Kilimanjaro this upcoming summer. Madison also enjoys iced tea, board games, and floating in various bodies of water.
Location: Mindfish Boise
Expertise: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, SAT subject tests (Math I, Math II)

Alex Alford is originally from Dallas, but was an Army brat and grew up all over. After high school, he studied science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and had a short stint as a research scientist at GlaxoSmithKline. Not wanting to be in a lab all day, he transitioned into education and became a licensed secondary teacher. Afterwards, Alex taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics for 7 years in the both US and abroad (Dallas, Dubai, Istanbul and Kazakhstan).

Since moving to the Denver area, Alex has completed a Masters in Education as well as started local small business. In his free time, he enjoys programming, web design, reading and has recently taken up painting and drawing. Alex is also an avid traveller (50+ countries and counting) and is always planning the next adventure.

Despite leaving the classroom, Alex is excited to be working with students again and helping them succeed as they transition to the next stage in their education.

Subjects:

ACT & SAT
IB/AP Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science
SAT Subject Tests for Biology, Chemistry, Math I/II
Location: Mindfish Boulder & Denver
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Math I/II), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry)

Originally from San Diego, Tyler moved to Colorado shortly before high school and attended Kent Denver School. He graduated from Oxford University with First Class Honors in English and Spanish in 2015 and returned to Oxford for a master’s in International Development, which he completed in 2017. Tyler is passionate about global justice issues, and has extensive research and teaching experience--especially in Latin America, where he taught at schools in Guatemala and Chile. He loves reading, running, and cooking, and is currently enjoying refamiliarizing himself with Colorado places and family.

Location: Mindfish Boulder
Expertise: SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests (Literature, Spanish Language, US History), AP/IB classes (Spanish Literature and Culture, Spanish Language and Culture, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, European History, US History), and School Subjects (Spanish, English, History)

Megan received her Bachelor’s degree in international business and economics from the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH, Megan developed a passion for sustainability and environmental conservation that inspired her to pursue a career in the energy sector. To gain more technical expertise, Megan decided to go back to school for engineering. She received her MS in civil and environmental engineering from Stanford University’s Atmosphere/Energy program in 2017. Megan has also been a professional tutor for middle school, high school, and undergraduate students since completing her Bachelor’s degree. Her tutoring experience encompasses ACT/SAT prep, pre-algebra, algebra, trig, geometry, pre-calculus, and calculus, as well as physics and chemistry. Megan’s other interests include running half marathons, connecting with nature, and all-things Harry Potter.

Location: Mindfish Denver & DTC
Expertise: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (Math I/II), & School Subjects (Algebra, Geometry)