Meet Our Tutors
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
– William Butler Yeats
Robert Simpson, M.Ed., B.S.
History & Social Studies, AP Prep, Writing, and Organization & Study Skills
Rob recently received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the Churchill Center, Churchill College, Cambridge U.K. Rob has earned a M.Ed. in Social Studies from West Chester University, a Post Master’s Certificate in Modern European History from Villanova University, a B.S. in Marketing from Drexel University, has taught Social Studies for 30 years at Penncrest High School, and is certified to teach four Advanced Placement (AP) courses. He has served as an AP exam grader and redesigned curriculum for several courses at Penncrest High School including AP European History, AP Economics and AP Psychology. Rob’s knowledge of content, state and College Board assessment tools, and classroom experience brings an arsenal of tools to help students develop study skills, organizational techniques, and passion for history. Personally, Rob is a man of many interests and great passion who easily connects with young people. In his free time you can catch Rob discussing philosophy, playing music, traveling, cooking or surfing.
History & Social Studies, AP Prep, Writing, and Organization & Study Skills
Rob recently received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the Churchill Center, Churchill College, Cambridge U.K. Rob has earned a M.Ed. in Social Studies from West Chester University, a Post Master’s Certificate in Modern European History from Villanova University, a B.S. in Marketing from Drexel University, has taught Social Studies for 30 years at Penncrest High School, and is certified to teach four Advanced Placement (AP) courses. He has served as an AP exam grader and redesigned curriculum for several courses at Penncrest High School including AP European History, AP Economics and AP Psychology. Rob’s knowledge of content, state and College Board assessment tools, and classroom experience brings an arsenal of tools to help students develop study skills, organizational techniques, and passion for history. Personally, Rob is a man of many interests and great passion who easily connects with young people. In his free time you can catch Rob discussing philosophy, playing music, traveling, cooking or surfing.
Carol Taylor, M.Ed.
Reading, English, History, Study & Organizational Skills
Carol earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Eastern College, her M.Ed. as a reading specialist from Arcadia University, and a K-12 Principal’s Certification from Villanova University. Carol has many years of experience working with gifted students in the Haverford Township School District and from these students, she has learned to “think outside of the box” when working with students of all ages. Carol’s teaching and personal experiences have been with students of varying ability levels. Helping students succeed brings Carol great joy. In her free time, Carol is an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan, loves to read, and enjoys all aspects of family life.
Reading, English, History, Study & Organizational Skills
Carol earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Eastern College, her M.Ed. as a reading specialist from Arcadia University, and a K-12 Principal’s Certification from Villanova University. Carol has many years of experience working with gifted students in the Haverford Township School District and from these students, she has learned to “think outside of the box” when working with students of all ages. Carol’s teaching and personal experiences have been with students of varying ability levels. Helping students succeed brings Carol great joy. In her free time, Carol is an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan, loves to read, and enjoys all aspects of family life.
Sean Martin, M.S.
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Sean earned both his BS in Physics (2012) and his MS in Transformative Education and Social Change (2017) from West Chester University. He started his educational career in Los Angeles while tutoring for Ellen Richards Education in 2008 and afterwards decided to pursue a career as an educator. He has over 10 years of experience as a one-to-one tutor in subjects such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and SAT and ACT prep. For the last 5 years, he has taught AP Physics C (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) and Honors Physics at West Chester East High School.
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Sean earned both his BS in Physics (2012) and his MS in Transformative Education and Social Change (2017) from West Chester University. He started his educational career in Los Angeles while tutoring for Ellen Richards Education in 2008 and afterwards decided to pursue a career as an educator. He has over 10 years of experience as a one-to-one tutor in subjects such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and SAT and ACT prep. For the last 5 years, he has taught AP Physics C (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) and Honors Physics at West Chester East High School.
Ruth Engelman, B.A.
All levels of Latin and Ancient Greek, AP European History, and AP
World History
Ruth graduated from Brown University in 2025 with a B.A. in Classics, a B.A. in Judaic Studies, and an honorary B.A. in Archaeology. She previously attended the Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, PA, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2021. Ruth is currently based in Los Angeles and enjoys reading at the beach and crocheting in her free time.
All levels of Latin and Ancient Greek, AP European History, and AP
World History
Ruth graduated from Brown University in 2025 with a B.A. in Classics, a B.A. in Judaic Studies, and an honorary B.A. in Archaeology. She previously attended the Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, PA, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2021. Ruth is currently based in Los Angeles and enjoys reading at the beach and crocheting in her free time.
Kurt A. Engleka, Ph.D.
Biology
Kurt received his B.S. in Biology from Pennsylvania State University and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from George Washington University. Currently, Kurt teaches in courses for first-year medical and graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania covering topics in cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology. He conducts research within the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology also at the University of Pennsylvania and is involved in the laboratory training of graduate and medical students. Kurt is author or co-author of multiple research publications, including reviews and book chapters. Kurt and his wife reside in Wallingford, PA with their two sons. Kurt tutors high school students enrolled in AP Biology and also individuals planning to complete the SAT Subject Test in Biology.
Biology
Kurt received his B.S. in Biology from Pennsylvania State University and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from George Washington University. Currently, Kurt teaches in courses for first-year medical and graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania covering topics in cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology. He conducts research within the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology also at the University of Pennsylvania and is involved in the laboratory training of graduate and medical students. Kurt is author or co-author of multiple research publications, including reviews and book chapters. Kurt and his wife reside in Wallingford, PA with their two sons. Kurt tutors high school students enrolled in AP Biology and also individuals planning to complete the SAT Subject Test in Biology.
Courtney Rindgen, B.A.
Mathematics
Courtney received her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas in 1995. Her degree focus was Mathematics and Business applications. After working as a sales manager for several years, Courtney earned her teaching credential in California in 1997. While student teaching, she began private tutoring in high school mathematics. After teaching upper level and AP mathematics and physics in both California and her home state of Texas, Courtney taught at Lower Merion High School before leaving to stay home with her two sons. She now works exclusively with high school students one on one. In her free time, Courtney enjoys reading, gardening and exercise.
Staci Gillespie, B.A.
Elementary Education, Reading, Organization & Study Skills Support
Staci received her B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading at Purdue University in 1993. She worked as an elementary school teacher for eight years in New Jersey prior to moving to Pennsylvania. Staci is starting her ninth year as a teacher at St Faith Preschool and Kindergarten. Staci has been active in a book club for over 10 years and, in addition to tutoring, enjoys running and watching her four children at their various sporting events in her spare time.
Elementary Education, Reading, Organization & Study Skills Support
Staci received her B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading at Purdue University in 1993. She worked as an elementary school teacher for eight years in New Jersey prior to moving to Pennsylvania. Staci is starting her ninth year as a teacher at St Faith Preschool and Kindergarten. Staci has been active in a book club for over 10 years and, in addition to tutoring, enjoys running and watching her four children at their various sporting events in her spare time.
April Forgeng, M.Ed.
Writing, English, SAT Prep, and Organization & Study Skills
April received her B.A. in English and a certificate in Women’s Studies from Dickinson College and went on to earn her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s University. She has also earned her teaching certificates in Literature (K-12) and Mathematics (7-9). April’s experiences range from volunteering for Philadelphia Reads to interning at NBC Channel 10 and working for TV Guide magazine. After several years in public relations, April taught for the School District of Philadelphia in both elementary and middle school.
She is currently a member of Haverford High School’s English Department where she teaches English Literature and Creative Writing. When she’s not busy teaching and tutoring April enjoys reading, writing, and long-distance running.
Writing, English, SAT Prep, and Organization & Study Skills
April received her B.A. in English and a certificate in Women’s Studies from Dickinson College and went on to earn her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s University. She has also earned her teaching certificates in Literature (K-12) and Mathematics (7-9). April’s experiences range from volunteering for Philadelphia Reads to interning at NBC Channel 10 and working for TV Guide magazine. After several years in public relations, April taught for the School District of Philadelphia in both elementary and middle school.
She is currently a member of Haverford High School’s English Department where she teaches English Literature and Creative Writing. When she’s not busy teaching and tutoring April enjoys reading, writing, and long-distance running.
Benjamin Danson, M.A.
History, AP Gov., Writing, SAT II, SAT
Ben received his undergraduate degree from Middlebury College and a Masters degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. He has 15 years of experience teaching US History, and currently teaches the AP US History and AP American Government and Politics classes at Penncrest High School in Media, PA, where he also serves as the Social Studies Department Chair.
History, AP Gov., Writing, SAT II, SAT
Ben received his undergraduate degree from Middlebury College and a Masters degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. He has 15 years of experience teaching US History, and currently teaches the AP US History and AP American Government and Politics classes at Penncrest High School in Media, PA, where he also serves as the Social Studies Department Chair.
Alana Mellor, M.Ed.
History, AP Government, Writing, Organization & Study Skills
Alana received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Rochester, NY. After internships with the British House of Commons in London and the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., she spent a few years working in Pennsylvania State Government. In 2004, Alana earned her M.S.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, she has been a member of the Social Studies Department at Haverford High School where she teaches classes in European History, World History, and Government. Alana has worked privately with students of all ages, and especially enjoys helping students with research, essay writing, note taking, and AP test preparation. Alana resides in Oreland, PA with her husband and daughter. In her free time, Alana enjoys reading, running, and going to the beach.
History, AP Government, Writing, Organization & Study Skills
Alana received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Rochester, NY. After internships with the British House of Commons in London and the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., she spent a few years working in Pennsylvania State Government. In 2004, Alana earned her M.S.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, she has been a member of the Social Studies Department at Haverford High School where she teaches classes in European History, World History, and Government. Alana has worked privately with students of all ages, and especially enjoys helping students with research, essay writing, note taking, and AP test preparation. Alana resides in Oreland, PA with her husband and daughter. In her free time, Alana enjoys reading, running, and going to the beach.
Erin Mormile, M.Ed.
Organization & Study Skills, Reading Specialist
Erin received her B.S. Elementary Education from West Chester University in 2004, Teaching Certificate in Special Education in 2005 and went on to earn her M.Ed. in Reading from West Chester University in 2010. Erin started working for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit in 2006 as a Special Education Teacher. She continued her career working at Colonial School District. In her free time you will find her outdoors with her two sons, Michael and Anthony.
Organization & Study Skills, Reading Specialist
Erin received her B.S. Elementary Education from West Chester University in 2004, Teaching Certificate in Special Education in 2005 and went on to earn her M.Ed. in Reading from West Chester University in 2010. Erin started working for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit in 2006 as a Special Education Teacher. She continued her career working at Colonial School District. In her free time you will find her outdoors with her two sons, Michael and Anthony.
Thomas Furmanak, B.S.
Biology, Chemistry & Mathematics
Thomas Furmanak graduated from Ursinus College in 2010 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in biostatistics. Tom is currently earning his M.S. in Microbiology and Biochemistry from Thomas Jefferson University. Additionally Tom is the Senior Biology Laboratory Coordinator at Delaware County Community College. At the college he works directly with the faculty in Biology and Chemistry to improve, develop and expand the curriculums. Tom also mentors and tutors multiple science students at the DCCC to help them cope with the rigors of college and ensure their success in the science program.
Biology, Chemistry & Mathematics
Thomas Furmanak graduated from Ursinus College in 2010 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in biostatistics. Tom is currently earning his M.S. in Microbiology and Biochemistry from Thomas Jefferson University. Additionally Tom is the Senior Biology Laboratory Coordinator at Delaware County Community College. At the college he works directly with the faculty in Biology and Chemistry to improve, develop and expand the curriculums. Tom also mentors and tutors multiple science students at the DCCC to help them cope with the rigors of college and ensure their success in the science program.
Colleen Pompetti, M.A.
Chemistry & Biology
Colleen received her B.S. in secondary education with chemistry certification from West Chester University in 1999. She began her teaching career at Coatesville Area Senior High School, where she taught all levels of Chemistry and Environmental Studies for 4 years. In 2002, Colleen received her M.A. in Teaching from Marygrove College. She has been a private tutor since 2007, working with students to improve their academic performance in chemistry and biology. Colleen is currently a chemistry and forensic science teacher at Haverford High School.
Chemistry & Biology
Colleen received her B.S. in secondary education with chemistry certification from West Chester University in 1999. She began her teaching career at Coatesville Area Senior High School, where she taught all levels of Chemistry and Environmental Studies for 4 years. In 2002, Colleen received her M.A. in Teaching from Marygrove College. She has been a private tutor since 2007, working with students to improve their academic performance in chemistry and biology. Colleen is currently a chemistry and forensic science teacher at Haverford High School.