The
Tutors & Friends
Family
Tutors & Friends began with a simple yet profound passion for education. I, Alex, started tutoring in high school in 2014, and my wife, Sarah, shared that passion through her college tutoring. As we saw the impact we could make, we decided to build something larger together. In 2019, we expanded our team with our first additional tutors, and in January 2020, Tutors & Friends was officially born. Since then, we've had the honor to work with over 80 dedicated tutors and have had the privilege of serving more than 600 students.
Our journey is driven by a heartfelt commitment to providing the highest quality support and genuinely putting our students’ needs first. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in each student’s life and are excited to continue this journey with you, helping you reach your full potential and achieve your dreams.
Alex & Sarah Stein
Hello! We’re Sarah and Alex, the founders of Tutors & Friends. Our mission is to uplift future generations through mentorship and education, creating opportunities for growth and success. We’re deeply passionate about making a positive impact in students' lives. When we're not working, we enjoy spending time with our beloved toddler, Lola, and striving to make the world a better place for her and others. We look forward to helping students reach their full potential and making a difference together!
Irelin Walters
Hi! I’m Irelin Walters, a Literatures in English major at UC San Diego with a deep love for reading, writing, and public speaking. I’m passionate about helping students grow as confident, thoughtful communicators-whether that means crafting a strong essay or diving into a complex text. My goal is to spark that same excitement for language and literature in others while building the skills they need to succeed. When I’m not tutoring or studying, you’ll find me at concerts, enjoying beach days with friends, or exploring new food spots around town.
Safiyya Patel
Hi! I'm Safiyya, a fourth-year general biology student at UCSD with aspirations to attend medical school in the future. My passion for the sciences is matched by my love for dancing, fashion and design, and watching films. In addition to my studies, I tutor subjects like biology, human anatomy and physiology, and Spanish. I'm dedicated to helping students find their own path to understanding and success. Feel free to reach out with any questions or let me know what learning styles work best for you—I'm here to support your learning journey!
Spencer Cheng
Hey! I'm Spencer, a recent graduate of UCSD, double majoring in History and Political Science. I plan to attend law school next year, combining my interests in history and politics with a legal career. I tutor math, history, and English, and I'm passionate about helping students grasp challenging concepts. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, playing volleyball, and making music. My favorite part of tutoring is the moment when everything clicks for a student. I look forward to working with you soon!
Erin Hausmann
Hello! I'm Erin, a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma, pursuing a Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics (I'm passionate about Algebra!). I've taught 12 college-level math courses, including college algebra, elementary statistics, pre-calc & trig, and business calculus. I enjoy working one-on-one with students and am known for being patient, kind, and supportive. In my spare time, I love baking, French cuisine, running, rock climbing, and going on adventures with my family!
Troy Oliveira
Hi, my name is Troy Oliveira! I'm a recent graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. I've been tutoring a wide range of subjects since I was 16, with a special focus on computer science, which became my specialty at 18. In addition to academics, I'm an avid volleyball player, having competed for the MIT varsity team and currently competing on the professional beach volleyball tour. I'm excited to share my knowledge and experience with you!
Owain Williams
Hey there! I'm Owain, a second-year student at UCSD on the path to earning a degree in Mathematics. I specialize in math, physics, and computer science, and have several years of experience helping students master challenging concepts. I find it incredibly rewarding to see students conquer new material and gain confidence in their abilities. I'm passionate about making learning a positive experience and look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals!
Shreya Redlam
Hi! My name is Shreya, and I'm currently pursuing a career in the dental field. I recently graduated from UCSD with a major in General Biology and a minor in Global Health. I tutor math and enjoy helping students understand and excel in the subject. In my free time, I love watching horror movies and reading. I'm excited to share my knowledge and passion for learning with you!
Lauren Wolff
Hi! My name is Lauren and I recently graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a degree in Microbiology. In college, I worked as a chemistry TA for 2 years, and have also been apart of several research labs - studying HIV, blood clotting, and RNA therapies! I love science, and especially love helping people learn it! I hope to attend medical school in the future. In my free time I like to rock climb and watercolor!
Kailen Stewart
Hi! I’m Kailen Stewart, a senior mathematics major at Point Loma Nazarene University, currently pursuing my teaching credential to become a middle and high school math teacher. I’m passionate about helping students truly click with the concepts they’re learning—and making math a fun, approachable experience along the way. Outside the classroom, I enjoy surfing, photography, and getting lost in a good book. I’m excited to get to know you and can’t wait to dive into some math together!
Kai Abel
Hi! I’m Kay Abel-Mayorga, a third-year Chemical Engineering student at UC San Diego. My passion for chemistry began in high school. I now love helping students deepen their understanding of this complex and fascinating subject. Beyond academics and tutoring, I enjoy playing guitar, hitting the beach, playing spike ball with friends, bowling, and watching mystery/thriller shows. I’m excited to work with you and help you master chemistry!
Amanda Collins
Hello, I’m Amanda Collins! I am a second-year molecular & cellular biology student at UC San Diego with the hope to pursue a career in the field of biotechnology postgraduate. I have loved all areas of STEM from a young age, especially mathematics and biology and enjoy helping others find shared passion and confidence in these subjects. When I’m not attending classes or tutoring, I enjoy cooking and going to the beach, as well as, I love to road bike and sail, and am apart of both club teams at UCSD!
Claire Phillips
Hi! My name is Claire and I am in my fourth year at UCSD, where I am studying physics and math. I primarily tutor mathematics and physics. My favorite part of tutoring is being able to help students strengthen their skills and feel more confident in their knowledge and classes. When I have free time, I enjoy spending time at the beach, doing puzzles, and reading great books.
Sarah Hsu
Hi there! I’m Sarah Hsu, a mechanical engineering student at San Diego State University with an emphasis in bioengineering. I’m passionate about health and rehabilitation, and I hope to pursue a career in the medical device or prosthetics field. I specialize in tutoring math and physics and love helping students build confidence as they tackle challenging concepts. Outside of school and tutoring, I enjoy trying new foods, crocheting, hanging out with friends, and staying active at the gym. I’m excited to support you on your academic journey and help you reach your goals!
Mia Sevidal
Hi! I’m Mia Sevidal, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at San Diego State University with a deep love for math that began in high school. I’m passionate about making math more approachable and helping others unlock their potential to reach their academic goals. Beyond tutoring, you can find me exploring thrift stores, hitting the running trails, enjoying movies and concerts, or hiking in nature. I’m excited to get to know you and support you on your journey to mastering math!
Henry Rose
Hi! I’m Henry Rose, a fourth-year Bioengineering student at UC San Diego, soon to begin my Master’s degree here as well. I’m passionate about math and science and enjoy breaking down complex concepts into simple, approachable steps. Whether it’s math, science, or test prep, I’m here to help you build confidence and reach your goals. Outside of academics, I play soccer for UCSD’s club team, enjoy running, and love exploring new restaurants around San Diego!
Estevan Bahro
Hi, I’m Estevan! I’m currently a fourth-year student at UCSD majoring in Human Biology, with a deep passion for science and helping others understand complex topics. My love for sharing knowledge is what drives me toward a career in medicine. Beyond biology, I have a strong interest in psychology and the social sciences, which broadens my approach to understanding how we learn and grow. When I’m not tutoring or hitting the books, I enjoy hiking, working on my car, and exploring new travel destinations. I’m excited to support you on your academic journey and help you succeed!
Natasha Bisarya
Hi! I’m Natasha, a recent graduate from UCSD with a degree in Public Health and a passion for education. I’m currently on the path to pursuing a career in medicine, and I bring a strong foundation in science to every tutoring session. Whether it’s General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Biology, my goal is to help students build confidence, master challenging concepts, and achieve academic success. What I love most about tutoring is creating a supportive environment where students feel empowered to ask questions and tackle complex problems. I strive to make learning engaging, approachable, and tailored to each student’s unique needs.
Andrew Hagen
Hi there! I’m Andrew, a senior Applied Mathematics student at UCSD with a passion for helping students excel in math at all levels. I find it incredibly rewarding to guide students toward achieving their academic goals by not just understanding the material, but truly mastering the key concepts. I pride myself on breaking down challenging problems into manageable steps to build both confidence and competence. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy watching basketball, staying active at the gym, and spending quality time with friends. I’m excited to work with you and help you conquer your math challenges!
Athira Rajiv
Hello! I’m Athira, a recent graduate from UCSD with a degree in Public Health and a minor in Data Science. My academic background includes extensive coursework in statistics and calculus, which has given me a strong foundation in mathematical concepts. I’m passionate about helping students not only succeed in math but also build lasting confidence in their abilities. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than guiding a student from initial uncertainty to genuine mastery of a topic. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy soaking up the San Diego sun at the beach, discovering new coffee spots, and unwinding with a good movie. I look forward to helping students thrive in their academic journey!
Luisa Paredes
Hi! I'm Luisa, a fourth-year Molecular and Cell Biology student at UCSD, also pursuing a Master’s in Biology. My love for science drives both my academic journey and my passion for helping others succeed in chemistry, biology, and math. I aim to make learning not just effective but also enjoyable by fostering a positive, engaging atmosphere where students feel empowered to reach their goals. Together, we’ll make mastering these subjects a fun and rewarding experience!
Bowie Krawczyk
Hi everyone! My name is Bowie, and I’m a senior at Brown University studying cognitive neuroscience on the pre-med track. I’m also the captain of the varsity swimming and diving team. Although I feel confident in my study habits now, I used to struggle with self-doubt and often felt like I wasn’t as smart as my peers. That experience shaped how I tutor. I care deeply about helping students build confidence and enjoy learning. No matter where you start, I’m here to support you and help you find the strategies that work best for you. With the right mindset and support, I truly believe you can achieve anything.
Samantha Chan
Hi, my name is Samantha Chan! I graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Mathematics. With over seven years of experience, I specialize in tutoring math and science and love helping students build confidence through personalized lessons. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy baking matcha desserts, solving Japanese jigsaw puzzles, and exploring new restaurants.
Crew Fritsch
Hi! I'm Crew Fritsch, a San Diego native and 2023 MIT graduate with a bachelor's degree in Physics. While at MIT, I was a member of the varsity sailing team, balancing the rigors of academics with competitive athletics. Now, I’m proud to give back as a sailing coach, sharing my love for the sport with the next generation. Whether it’s mastering algebra, diving into calculus, or exploring the wonders of physics, I’m committed to making learning both engaging and accessible.
Austin Nguyen
Hi! I’m Austin, and I graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. I tutor math at all levels, from middle school through college, and I love helping students build a strong, intuitive understanding of math and science. My goal is to make these subjects exciting and accessible by connecting concepts to real-world applications. I’m always happy to share insights from my experience as an engineer to support your learning. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, tennis, and DIY projects. I look forward to helping you succeed.
Adi Vij
Hi, I’m Adi! I’m a second-year Computer Science major at Northeastern University with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence. My passion for computer science inspired me to deepen my math skills, and I love helping students gain confidence in problem solving across computer science, math, and English. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy playing basketball, programming, and going to the gym. My goal is to make learning enjoyable and to support students every step of the way.
Jeffrey Villador
Hi everyone! I’m Jeffrey a graduate of California State University, Northridge, with a B.S. in Pure Mathematics. I’ve been teaching high school math for six years and now work in boarding school education, where I also coach students for math competitions. I love guiding learners toward deeper understanding and confidence in problem-solving, blending patience, clarity, and encouragement to help them not just learn concepts but truly master them. When I’m not teaching, you can usually find me on the jiu jitsu mats revisiting my wrestling roots, hiking new trails, playing Apex Legends on my Xbox, and spending time with my two Yorkie siblings, Darla & Mocha.
Gabe Spitzer
Hi, I’m Gabe Spitzer! I’m a fourth-year Economics and Public Policy student at the University of Ottawa, and I discovered my passion for tutoring during the pandemic. Since then, I’ve loved helping students build confidence and understanding in math and science. Outside the classroom, I compete on the varsity rowing team, and I also enjoy biking, cooking, and backpacking. I’m excited to not only tutor but also mentor students, and to help them feel proud of their progress and achievements.
Natalie Torres
Hi, I’m Natalie! I’m a Math major at Cal State Fullerton with a concentration in Statistics and a passion for data science. I love showing how math connects to the real world and how problem solving skills can be applied beyond the classroom. When I’m not working with data, you can usually find me playing Minecraft or exploring new music. My goal is to make math more approachable, engaging, and fun for every student I work with.
Honieh Hemati
Hello, I’m Honieh! I recently graduated from UCSD with a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering, specializing in Bioinformatics, and I plan to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience in the future. My goal is to make science and math not only understandable but also interesting and enjoyable, fostering the confidence needed to excel in and beyond the classroom. I tailor my approach to each student’s learning style, ensuring lessons are both engaging and effective. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy spending time at the beach, painting, and practicing yoga.
Aran Punniamoorthy
Hi! I’m Aran. I’m a senior at UC San Diego studying Bioinformatics, where I combine my love of computer science and biology. I’ve applied my skills in research at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and as a software engineer, but what I value most are the mentors who showed me that real learning is about curiosity, problem solving, and growth. I feel lucky to have had that guidance and hope to bring the same encouragement and support to my students.
