See. Learn. Do.
Meet our tutoring team
President and Lead Tutor
Sam Leewood
The founder of Leewood Learning, Sam has over 18 years of one on one tutoring experience. He brings a fun and creative approach to working with students of all ages. Sam takes pride in finding out what clicks with each student, no matter what type of learner they are. By finding a student’s baseline and then building from the bottom up, Sam is able to help his students see the light and truly know why, not just how, problems are solved.
Sam currently resides in the Bucktown neighborhood with his wife, Lily. His hobbies include cooking, woodworking, yoga, playing piano, and playing basketball.
Education
DePaul University
Bachelor's in Mathematics, 2007
University of Illinois at Chicago
Master's in Civil Engineering, 2011
Math, science, and test prep tutor
Emily Schafer
Emily is a Midwest native from Grand Rapids, MI. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.E. in Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience and from Northwestern University with a M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. Emily's research as a scientist is in the field of bioelectronics, combining the worlds of materials science, electrical engineering, and biology to make new medical devices. She loves sharing science far and wide with all types of people - she even hosts a science podcast and runs an outreach program giving science talks at local senior homes!
In her free time, Emily enjoys being outdoors (backpacking, camping, kayaking, you name it!), reading, and playing with her cats, Olly and Kickflip.
Education
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience, 2018
Northwestern University
PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering, 2024
Math and Test Prep Tutor
Malia Hu
Malia is an alumna of Northwestern University (2014) and the Kellogg School of Management (2016). She was a double major in theater and economics at Northwestern and earned an MS in Management Studies from Kellogg. After working for a few years as a media planner in digital advertising, where she supported some of the largest B2B and B2C business portfolios, she returned to her roots as an artist. Malia has been teaching standardized test prep since 2019 and loves helping students gain confidence with material as well as recognize and reach their goals. She especially loves making math a more approachable subject for students.
In her free time, Malia enjoys exercising, trying new recipes, and searching for the best ramen in Chicago.
Education
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Economics, 2014
Kellogg School of Management
Masters in Management Studies, 2016
Math and test prep tutor
Lisa Scott
Lisa grew up in Kansas City, MO, where she discovered her passion for teaching and mentoring while working as a Teacher's Assistant and eventually Assistant Director at Summer at Barstow. Lisa also has an undying love for traveling and learning about the past, which only deepened while she pursued her PhD at the University of Chicago and lived in Prague, Czech Republic, while doing research as a Fulbright Fellow. Since completing her PhD, Lisa has focused on her own academic and popular writing, tutoring, providing childcare, and trying not to forget the languages she's learned.
In her free time, Lisa plays go and volunteers with the American Go Association. She also takes every opportunity to visit new places, and is proud to say that she's been to five new countries in the past two years.
Education
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Arts in History, 2009
Masters of Arts in Teaching, 2010
University of Chicago
Master of Arts in History, 2011
PhD in History, 2018
Math and test prep tutor
Mi Kang
Mi grew up in southern Texas and graduated with a B.B.A. in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin. Throughout grade school, she tutored and assisted classes in math, reading, and SAT prep. After graduating from undergrad, Mi relocated to Seattle where she worked in the tech industry as a Project Manager and taught yoga. In 2019, Mi started grad school at Northwestern University and graduated with her M.F.A. in Acting in 2022.
Mi has been working as an actor and immerses herself in educational spaces to continue to learn and grow and help others on their journeys as well. In her free time, Mi enjoys practicing yoga, spending time outside, reading, and writing.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor’s of Business Administration Finance 2012
Northwestern University
Masters in Fine Arts Acting 2022
Math, science, and test prep tutor
Maggie Swerdloff
Maggie is a Chicago transplant from the tropical coast of South Florida. She studied at New College in Sarasota, Florida where she received a bachelor's degree with a concentration in Chemistry. Her interests in nanoparticles and biology led her to a lab at Northwestern University, where she spent time creating nano-sized devices for drug delivery and fell in love with the city of Chicago. Maggie moved to Chicago in 2017 to start her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern, where she currently works in the Center for Bionic Medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. As part of her journey towards a PhD, Maggie spends her time in the lab trying to better understand why everyday distractions can be detrimental to people who walk with prosthetic legs, and hopes to improve their walking ability by using advanced bionic leg technology.
When she's not in lab, you can find Maggie sailing and riding her bike along the shores of Lake Michigan, climbing up (and down) rock walls at the bouldering gym, watering her 1000 houseplants, or in a variety of random artistic pursuits from making ceramics to strumming on her ukulele.
Education
New College of Florida
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, 2017
Northwestern University
Ph.D. Candidate for Biomedical Engineering, 2022
Multiple subject and test prep tutor
Yuchi Chiu
Yuchi is a proud alumnus of Northwestern University (2014) and Dominican University (2016). Upon graduating with his Masters in Special Education, he taught high school special education for six years, both in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. During this time, he also sought to understand the education system as a whole by completing educational policy internships, serving on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Councils, coaching volleyball, and advising male-identifying students through various mentorship programs. In 2018, Yuchi was honored with the SPED Teacher of the Year award by his school as well as the Unsung Hero Award by Educators for Excellence.
Outside of the classroom, Yuchi works as an actor and musician and has combined his passion for education and the arts by serving as an acting instructor and coach. In his free time, he enjoys bartending, exercising, traveling with his friends and family, and trying to teach his dog how to actually return toys while playing fetch.
Education
Northwestern University
Bachelors in Communication Studies, Double Major in Commercial Music, 2014
Dominican University
Masters in Special Education, 2016
English and writing tutor
Julia Levit
From a very young age when she would look forward to going back to school each summer to help her teachers set up their classrooms, Julia knew she wanted to be a teacher. As such, Julia is currently a 10th grade English/Literature teacher at Pritzker College Prep. She was previously a Learning Specialist for five years. She is now in her twelfth year of teaching and has experience working with grades 6 - 10 in various subjects. Even though she loves the energy and daily excitement of teaching her classes of fantastic students, Julia also enjoys working one-on-one with students in order to help them persevere through difficulties and find personal growth and success.
Julia finally lives with her fiancée in Lakeview after ten years of long distance dating. They have two amazing cats, Ernie and Bert. In her free time, Julia can be found dancing, lifting weights, trying new restaurants, attending costume parties, traveling, going to concerts and sporting events, and reading.
Education
DePaul University
Bachelor's in Secondary Education, 2005
DePaul University
Master's in Special Education, 2012
University of Phoenix
English as a Second Language Endorsement, 2015
Test prep, math, English, and history tutor
Carl Alexander
Carl Alexander is a California native who has had the pleasure of finding new roots in Chicago. He studied at a History Black College or University (HBCU) Morehouse College where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in music performance. Carl relocated to Chicago in 2015 to pursue a masters degree in voice & opera at Northwestern University. Carl first started tutoring when he was in high school and continued to tutor his peers throughout his college years along with tutoring high school AP English and History. When helping students with math, Carl believes anyone can learn how to push through what may seem like unbreakable walls because he found ways to do so himself when he was younger.
Outside of the classroom, Carl works as a photographer and musician and has combined his passion for education and the arts by leading a very successful high school a cappella program. In his free time, he enjoys taking a trip to a movie theater or museum, traveling, and cooking with his friends.
Education
Morehouse College
Bachelor of Arts in Music, 2015
Northwestern University
Master of Music in Voice & Opera, 2017
Math, Spanish, and test prep tutor
Jose Cervantes
Jose is a Chicago native, born and raised on the west side of Chicago. He attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA and graduated with a Bachelors in Sociology and Spanish/Portuguese. During his time at Emory, Jose developed a strong love for the Portuguese language and immersed himself in a 6 month study abroad program in Lisbon. Post-graduation, Jose decided to move back to Chicago and work with a non-profit on the west side of Chicago helping provide services and tutoring for low-income, black and brown students. He is currently a high school Special Education Classroom Assistant in Humboldt Park working with diverse learners of various academic/social levels.
In his free time, Jose enjoys spending time on his own with his cat, Nina, and playing video games on his Nintendo Switch. He loves to explore the city with friends and take bike rides along the lake shore.
Education
Emory University
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish/Portuguese, 2019
Math and test prep tutor
Mackenzie Gray
Mackenzie grew up just north of Boston, MA. She was a competitive gymnast until high school when she transitioned to track and field. She attended The Governor's Academy which is the oldest boarding school in the country. Her passion for math and science started when she was young and extends far beyond the classroom. She remembers her excitement when she completed her first independent robotics project and continues to find joy in puzzles of all varieties: jigsaw, sudoku, logic, crossword, etc! She completed her Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University in 2021. In addition to the required coursework, she chose to take additional courses exploring the fields of robotics, prosthetics, wearable technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. She moved to Denver in 2022 to begin a job at a health tech startup and is now planning to return to academia to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on the use of sensory feedback and control for prosthetic devices.
Outside of work and academia, Mackenzie enjoys exploring local trails on foot and by bike as well as browsing the multitude of art and farmers' markets.
Education
Northwestern University
Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering, 2021
Math and test prep tutor
Joaquin Pratt
Originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, Joaquin moved to Chicago at the age of 5 and has called it home ever since. Joaquin attended Harvard University where he studied Economics and was a tutor and Teaching Assistant for several college courses, as well as a mentor in an after-school program for inner-city students. After graduation, he decided to continue his work with education by joining Teach for America and earning his Master's degree in Special Education. He spent 3.5 years teaching Geometry and Algebra 2 at UIC College Prep, but he recently made a career shift and is currently a Senior Analyst in eCommerce Supply Chain at Ferrara Candy Company.
Joaquin lives in the Noble Square neighborhood, and on his free time enjoys traveling, working out, playing baseball and cooking. He always welcomes any recommendations for fun activities or restaurants in Chicago!
Education
Harvard University
Bachelor of Science in Economics, 2019
Relay Graduate School of Education
Master’s in Special Education, 2021
Math and test prep tutor
Pauline Johnson
Originally from Los Angeles, Pauline found a passion for teaching and educational equity while pursuing a career in software engineering. After graduating from the University of California, San Diego, Pauline gained experience as a high school Computer Science instructor through the Microsoft TEALS Program, where she taught Intro to Computer Science in the Los Angeles Unified School District. With over 10 years of tutoring experience across pre-K to high school, Pauline has always prioritized empowering students to reach their full potential.
Outside teaching, Pauline is currently a Senior Software Engineer in the Bay Area. In her free time, she enjoys video gaming with her husband, traveling, and spending quality time with Nova.
Education
University of California, San Diego
BA in Political Science, 2017
Math and test prep tutor
Arianna Fearing
Arianna is a dedicated and experienced educator, originally from the breathtaking landscapes of Door County, WI. Growing up, Arianna developed a love for nature, often spending her time at the beaches in the summer and cross-country skiing throughout Peninsula State Park in the winter. From the age of 3, Arianna was certain that she was going to become a teacher when she grew up, and she spent her teenage years as a camp counselor, a student teacher in an elementary classroom, and volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. Her passion for education never wavered, and she went on to earn a BA in Education from Lawrence University and an M.A. Ed. from St. Catherine University. Additionally, Arianna has an AMI Primary Montessori Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota, emphasizing her dedication to fostering holistic and individualized learning experiences.
Arianna currently resides in Sacramento, CA, and is a Consultant in the Policy office of the Child Care and Development Division for the California Department of Social Services. After work, you can find Arianna embracing her creative side, often working on an art or sewing project. She also enjoys taking dance and fitness classes, visiting art museums, spending time with her nephews, and taking day trips to the ocean.
Education
Lawrence University
Bachelor of Arts in Education, 2019
St. Catherine University
Master of Arts in Education, 2022
Test prep, English, and math tutor
Jina Lee
Originally from Los Angeles, Jina attended Northwestern University where she majored in Communications with a minor in Film & Media Studies. Upon graduation, she joined Teach for America and served as a Pre-K teacher for Chicago Public Schools for 3 years while earning her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Erikson Institute. While she is no longer in the classroom, Jina remains a passionate advocate for educational equity and engaging students through multimodal learning to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Jina is currently back in LA and enjoys reading, running, attending concerts, watching movies with friends, taking dance classes, and going to the beach whenever possible.
Education
Northwestern University
BA in Communication Studies, Minor in Film & Media Studies
Erikson Institute
MS in Early Childhood Education, Bilingual & ESL Endorsements
Math and test prep tutor
Antoinette Fang
Antoinette (they/she) grew up in Seattle, WA and graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Chicago. Antoinette’s tutoring and teaching career started in high school, where they tutored early learners in preschool on foundational math and reading skills. In the years following, she gained a diverse range of teaching and tutoring experience, guiding students in subjects ranging from health and wellness to calculus. They are passionate about educational justice and was involved in social psychological research that seeks to develop effective educational interventions that increase the participation and success of women, girls, and other marginalized genders in STEM.
Antoinette is hoping to begin an MD/PhD program in the near future and eventually practice clinically as a pediatrician. Along with clinical practice, they also want to continue conducting interdisciplinary research that promotes equity and justice across the healthcare system.
In her free time, Antoinette enjoys crocheting, watching Chinese TV shows, drinking coffee, and cooking.
Education
The University of Chicago
Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics, 2023
Math, science, and test prep tutor
Anna Pietrantonio
Anna is originally from the East Coast, but has lived in the Midwest for the past 4 years. After graduating from Amherst College with a degree in chemistry, Anna moved to Milwaukee to teach high school math and science through Teach for America. In her second year of teaching, Anna earned her Master's in Secondary Education at Marquette University. She currently resides down the street from the Obamas in Hyde Park and teaches biology at Chicago Bulls College Prep.
In her free time, Anna enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring the restaurant scene in her new hometown and taking advantage of the free trial of any exercise class she can get her hands on.
Education
Amherst College
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, 2014
Marquette University
Master of Secondary Education, 2016
Math, science, and English Tutor
Adam Timaji
Adam grew up amid the horse farms of Lexington, Kentucky, where he first found a passion for teaching as a high school music instructor. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida with a Bachelor's of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a focus in Astronautics and a minor in Human Factors Engineering Psychology. When he wasn't building and launching rocket projects or doing homework on rides at Disney World, he and his classmates would take over a lab and cooperatively teach and tutor each other for tests and projects over the course of each semester.
Adam is currently a Thrust Vector Control Project Engineer at Lockheed Martin Space in Denver, Colorado where he lives with his wife Annalise. They love hiking and exploring the Rocky Mountains, cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats, and swiping through dogs on PetFinder.
Education:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, December 2018
English, math, and test prep tutor
Emily Rosenblum
Emily is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a Spanish minor. She then went on to the University of Pennsylvania for a master’s degree in urban education where she also earned her middle years math teaching certification. After completing her degree, she moved back to the New York City area where she completed her ELL teaching certification at Montclair State University and then a master’s degree in bilingual/bicultural education along with completing the coursework for a supervisor certification at Rutgers University. She loves to teach and enjoys watching students achieve their dreams!
Outside of teaching, she enjoys travel, reading, writing, and running. She has a great friend who also made her a huge fan of bubble tea!
Education
Bryn Mawr College
Bachelor of Science in Sociology, 2014
University of Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Education, 2016
Science, math, and test prep tutor
Andrew York
Andrew grew up in Bath, England and after careers in Real Estate and Photography in London, returned to the West Country where he gained his Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of the West of England (2000) before completing his Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education at the University of Bath (2001). Andrew has taught in a variety of schools including an all-boys public school and a Methodist Boarding School in England, and after moving to Chicago in 2005, the British School of Chicago and Rauner College Prep, where here still teaches Chemistry and AP Environmental Science. Outside of the classroom, Andrew coaches both the boys’ and girls’ rugby teams. Recently, Andrew started his Masters in Educational Leadership at North Park University.
In his spare time, Andrew loves to travel the world and the USA, having visited over 30 of the US State Capitols. He enjoys attending Chicago’s great classical music offerings and continues with his love of choral singing.
Education
University of the West of England
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, 2000
University of Bath
Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education, 2001
North Park University
Masters in Educational Leadership, expected 2021
English and test prep tutor
Emily Holthaus
Originally from Oklahoma, Emily is a long-time resident of Chicago. A career educator who has worked as a Teacher, Administrator, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction and just about everything else in between - Emily just loves teaching and learning in all of its forms. She has designed and overseen curriculum across all disciplines but finds the most joy in working directly with students and watching them grow. Currently, Emily works in the nonprofit world supporting financial literacy and career development programs.
In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her son and husband, baking, touring restaurants across the city, staying active, and working in real estate.
Education
Knox College
Bachelor's in Anthropology and Sociology, 2010
Dominican University
Master’s in Early Childhood Education, 2012
Math and test prep tutor
Kaedi Young
Kaedi grew up in a suburb of Chicago, Northbrook, and graduated from Illinois State University in 2016 with her bachelor's degree in special education and in 2021 with her masters in special education. From a young age, she knew she wanted to follow in her mom's footsteps and be a teacher. She has been teaching at Pritzker College Prep since 2016 in a variety of different roles as a special education teacher. She teaches all aged high school students in all academic areas including history, english, math, science, and executive functioning. She enjoys watching students grow their potential and achieve their dreams!
In her free time, Kaedi coaches cheerleading, running Operational Snowball, traveling, being around family and friends, working out, and watching Netflix.
Education
Illinois State University
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, 2012
Master’s in Special Education, 2016
Math and test prep tutor
Anthony Britton
Anthony is a proud native of Chicago. Anthony has served in education for over 21 years as a math and science teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal director of instruction and principal. He has also served as a professor at North Park University, teaching pre-service elementary math methods courses. He holds his bachelors in middle school math and science education from Central State University and a masters in Educational Leadership from St. Thomas University. Recently, he has shifted gears by starting an organization called The Healthy Teacher where he focuses on supporting the mental well-being of educators and those in the service field, equipping them with strategies that help them overcome and prevent burnout, fatigue and trauma. His overall goal is to take care of the people who take care of the kids.
In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, great food, spending time with the people he loves and binge watching great tv shows.
Education
Central State University
Bachelor’s in middle school math and science education - 2002
St. Thomas University
Master’s in educational leadership - 2016
English, Test Prep, and General Tutor
Jocelyn Maher
Jocelyn grew up on an island 35 minutes west of Seattle, WA and earned her BA in Drama: Performance and Communication from The University of Washington, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Upon graduating, Jocelyn worked as a professional actor for close to a decade in the Seattle area before relocating to Chicago to pursue her MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. She is an award-winning public speaker, monologue coach, and loves working with students to cultivate their potential and confidence.
When she is not acting, or working with clients, Jocelyn can be found cheering on her favorite Seattle sports teams, catching live music, dance or theatre, and smiling at every dog that walks down the street.
Education
University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Communication, June 2012
DePaul University
Masters of Fine Arts in Acting, June 2023