Our Team
Nice to meet you 🙂
We are passionate about teaching, mentoring, and helping students of all ages. Get to know us a bit below, and feel free to introduce yourself—we love hearing from parents and students alike.
Leadership
Oliver Lee | B.A. Psychology, Princeton University | Founder
Oliver Lee has been tutoring since his sophomore year of high school, when he was selected to teach at the Writing Center at the Gilman School. In addition to his private tutoring work, he has taught at The Princeton Review, Yale University (summer sessions), and the University of Florida. He started Principia in 2016 with his co-founder and wife, Elaina, and is proud to have helped hundreds of students achieve their test prep goals, win international writing competitions, and gain admission to their top-choice schools.
Offerings: College Consulting, College Essays, Admissions Consulting, Creative Writing, Test Prep (SAT/ACT)
Elaina Mercatoris | M.F.A., University of Florida | Founder
Elaina Mercatoris is a graduate of Allegheny College, where she was the editor-in-chief of The Campus newspaper and The Allegheny Review. She completed her masters from the University of Florida (M.F.A in Writing) where she was assistant editor of the Journal for Undergraduate Research. She has taught at the University of Florida and the Santa Fe Learning Lab and specializes in reading & writing development as well as TJ/SSAT prep. Her poetry and essays have appeared in Subtropics magazine, Compose Journal, Natural Bridge, and Cosmopolitan online.
Offerings: Admissions Consulting, Essay Writing, College Essays, Private School Essays, Test Prep (SSAT, HSPT, TJ)
Anna | B.A. Literature Education, University of Northwestern | Director of Instruction & Master Instructor
Anna is a certified English Language Arts and ESL teacher who taught middle school English full-time in Minnesota and Chicago before joining Principia. She delights in igniting her students’ curiosity through literature, helping students develop their own unique writing voice, and continuing to expand Principia’s reading and writing resources. Anna is also a published author and has written two nonfiction books for middle grade readers.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, SSAT, TJ, HSPT), Reading/Writing, Creative Writing, College Essays, Private School Consulting, ESL, Organizational Skills
Soula | M.P.S. Publishing, George Washington University | Director of Operations
Soula is a graduate of Elon University’s journalism department and has also completed an MPS in Publishing from George Washington University. She was a college editorial intern at SAGE Publishing, the lead writing center consultant at Elon’s Writing Center as well as contributor for the Alamance Living Magazine and The Times-News. She is fluent in Greek and passionate about Greek culture — in her free time, she enjoys reading books, visiting independent bookstores, traveling, and spending time with her dog.
Stephanie | M.F.A. in Creative Writing, UMass-Amherst | College Consulting Manager & Master Instructor
Stephanie is an experienced, energetic tutor and admissions coach, with extensive teaching and curriculum development experience at the high school and college levels. She holds a M.A. in English Literature from Seton Hall as well as an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and she has also worked as an admissions coach for highly competitive STEM and BS/MD candidates.
Offerings: Admissions Consulting (Private School, College, and Medical School Consulting), College and Private School Essays, SAT/ACT Prep, Creative Writing, Writing Contests
Rob | B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Virginia| STEM Coordinator & Master Instructor
Rob received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia. He has worked as a tutor and teaching assistant during high school and college in math, science, test-prep, and math competitions. He is passionate about developing students' interest in math and science through real-world applications. In his spare time, he enjoys soccer, chess, and card games.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, SSAT, HSPT, TJ, AMC, AIME), AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, Math through Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra
Haley | M.S. in Conflict Analysis & Resolution, George Mason University | Humanities Coordinator & Master Instructor
Haley holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution with a concentration in Peacebuilding. Her research includes peace education, narrative analysis, and community-building. She worked as a director for an arts education start-up throughout college and is excited to share her interdisciplinary passion with students. Through her experiences as an academic and teacher, Haley embraces the opportunity for reciprocal learning. Outside of teaching, she loves photography and reading.
Offerings: History, Government, Reading/Writing, Science, AP Biology, Math, Test Prep (SSAT, HSPT, SAT, ACT, TJ)
Will | B.S. Animal Science/Biology, Michigan St. University | Master Instructor
Will holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Biology from Michigan State University and has completed advanced degrees in both teaching and business. With a diverse teaching background ranging from the public school system to center director at a leading education center, Will brings a personalized approach to every session and prides himself on connecting with students of all ages.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT, TJHSST, HSPT), Math through Calculus, Chemistry (including AP), Biology (including AP), Economics, AP Statistics, History (including AP), Social Studies, Science, AP Environmental Science, AP Government, AP Economics, Executive Functioning, Study Skills, German
Tomaj | B.A. Math + Physics, University of Maryland, College Park | Master Instructor
Tomaj is a professional math and physics tutor and curriculum designer. He has been tutoring high school and college students for over 10 years and has won Teacher of the Year award at a leading education center. In his teaching, Tomaj incorporates simple imagery and analogies to translate the abstract and often elusive concepts of math and science into relatable experiences in the student’s daily life. Tomaj is also an author and a blogger in the field of science and philosophy. He has also written and published a book about quantum physics.
Offerings: SAT Prep, Physics (including AP level), Math through Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Megan | B.A. in Writing and B.A. in Communication - Media Arts and Visual Communication, Houghton University | Senior Managing Instructor
Megan graduated from Houghton University with dual degrees in Writing and Media Arts and Visual Communication. As a previous academic tutor, she has supported students with a wide variety of academic sources and has extensive editing and revising experience. Megan is excited to bring her passion for writing to students of all ages. She also enjoys crocheting, exploring museums, and practicing yoga in her free time.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, SSAT, TJ, HSPT, SOLs), AP Language, AP Literature, AP Seminar, Reading/Writing, Creative Writing, College Consulting, Private School Consulting, Organizational & Study Skills
Doug | B.A. in Environmental Studies (Minor in Mathematics), Worcester Polytechnic Institute| Senior Managing Instructor
Doug holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Mathematics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute as well as a master's degree from George Mason in Interdisciplinary Studies. He channeled his growing concern for the environment while working with NASA on projects through both the Langley Research Center in Shenandoah National Park as well as the Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Over the years, Doug has cultivated a passion for learning, which has inspired him to work with hundreds of students of all ages to help further their own knowledge and passion in the STEM fields.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, SSAT, TJ, AMC 8/10, AIME), AP Physics, AP Statistics, AP Environmental Studies, Economics (including AP), Chemistry, Math through Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra
Marina | M.S. Astronomy and Astrophysics, International University of Valencia| Senior Managing Instructor
Marina graduated from Hofstra University with a major in Mathematics and minors in Physics and Music and also has a master’s degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the International University of Valencia. Having lived in different countries and experienced various schooling systems in public and charter schools, Marina has developed a passion for pedagogy and learning. In her spare time, Marina enjoys playing musical instruments, learning new languages, and baking.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, SSAT, HSPT, TJ, AMC, AIME), AP Physics, AP Chemistry, Math through Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra, Spanish
Lynda | B.A. Comparative Literature, Barnard College of Columbia University | Senior Managing Instructor
Lynda graduated from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature and a minor in philosophy. When she was in high school, she founded an SAT prep website, and she has been tutoring students for the SAT since. She has also taught science programs at elementary schools and helped international students with US college applications. Outside of teaching, Lynda works as a freelance translator, providing translations for a variety of films and TV shows. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and puzzle games.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, TJ, SSAT, HSPT), Math through Calculus, Math Competitions
Zachary | M.S. Neuroscience, Brigham Young University | Senior Managing Instructor
Zach graduated from Brigham Young University with a Master’s Degree in neuroscience, where he focused his research on behavioral genetics of addiction. As a previous academic tutor, he has worked with students on a wide range of subjects, and he has a passion for learning that he is excited to share with students of all ages. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing the drums, and skiing.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, TJ, SSAT, HSPT), Math through Precalculus, Reading/Writing, History (including AP), AP Language, AP Government, AP Human Geography, AP Statistics, Biology (including AP), Chemistry (including AP), AP Psych, AP Research
Amber | B.A. Chinese Studies, University of Edinburgh | Operations Assistant
Originally from London, England, Amber holds a BA in Chinese Studies and has lived and studied in both Scotland and Taiwan. She has an official Scrum Master Certification and strongly believes in an agile, transparent, and efficient mindset when it comes to managing operations. In her spare time, she likes to read, write, travel, and enjoy the vibrant culture of New Orleans, where she is now based.
Senior Instructors
Abby | M.A. Applied Economics, University of Maryland, College Park
Abby triple-majored in Math, Physics, and Economics at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and holds an M.A. in Applied Economics from the University of Maryland. She specializes in Statistics and Calculus instruction and has devoted over a thousand hours volunteering in disaster relief for the Red Cross.
Offerings: Math through Multivariable Calculus, AP Physics, AP Economics, AP Statistics
Andrew | Ph.D. History, McGill University
Andrew majored in History at Georgetown University before completing a Master's in Comparative Politics of Empire at the London School of Economics. Andrew then earned his Ph.D. in History at Canada's McGill University, where he taught courses on European History and was a teaching assistant for other types of history (Russian, East Asian, International, Diplomatic, etc.). He has twice served as an AP Reader in World History for the College Board and published a book about empires during the Crimean War.
Offerings: AP World History, AP US History, AP European History, AP Human Geography, Test Prep, Essay Writing
Danielle | M.S. Curriculum and Instruction, University of Scranton
Danielle holds a B.A. in English Secondary Instruction from Susquehanna University and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Scranton. She has taught English Language Arts at the elementary and middle grade levels for the past five years, and is well-versed in designing curriculum that is both relevant and relatable with successful outcomes. Her goal is to assure mastery with all of her students while also making her lessons applicable to their individual lives and diverse paths.
Offerings. Elementary through High School Reading/Writing, Test Prep (SSAT, HSPT, Iowa), Creative Writing, Grades 4-6 (all content areas)
Ethan | Ph.D. Physics (In Progress), George Mason University
Ethan holds an M.S. in Applied and Engineering Physics and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Physics, building on his math and physics courses of study at Brigham Young University. As a former and current researcher of astrophysics, quantum field theory/string theory, and condensed matter physics, Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge in math and physics tutoring to Principia.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, SSAT/HSPT, TJ, AMC 8/10, AIME), AP Physics, Math through Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra, Computer Science, Spanish
Grace | B.A. Linguistics and Spanish, Dartmouth College
Grace is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where she worked as an undergraduate advisor, pre-health peer mentor, and reporter for the The Dartmouth. She has taught at Campbell Academy, America Reads, Vision Academy, Teach North Korean Refugees, Mongolia International University, and the Dandelion School, where she helped establish their 1:1 mentorship program. She enjoys teaching a wide range of subjects — she’s covered everything from test prep to college essays — and as a McLean native, is well-versed in the curriculum at local schools.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, SSAT, TJ, HSPT), College and Medical School Consulting, Reading/Writing, Math (all levels), APUSH, AP World, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Biology, AP English, Study Skills Spanish, Chinese, French, Debate / Model UN Conference preparation
Griffin | M.F.A Creative Writing: Nonfiction, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Griffin holds his M.F.A in Creative Writing, Nonfiction from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He has worked extensively as a tutor across age groups through the collegiate level, having previously instructed at Jacksonville State University and supported AP English students as a high school teacher. Griffin also has a Master of Arts in English from Jacksonville State University and is currently a Managing Editor of the Hyattsville Life & Times newspaper.
Offerings: Test Prep (SOL, SSAT, HSPT), College Consulting, Reading/Writing, Creative Writing, Elementary/Middle/High School English, AP English, Study/Organizational Skills
Hadley | B.A. Literary Arts + Comp Lit, Brown University
Hadley is a Brown graduate, where she was the founder, editor-in-chief, and poetry editor of Thin Noon, a literary journal. She has taught at the Polytechnic School in Pasadena, CA, as well as serving as a private tutor. She’s experienced in a wide range of subjects including SAT/ACT and test prep, and covers all English subjects and math through precalculus.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT, ACT, TJ), Reading/Writing, Math, AP Lit, AP Lang, APUSH, AP World, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP French, Medical School Consulting
Josh | M.S. Philosophy and Public Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science
Josh is a history enthusiast and UVA graduate who also holds two master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Philosophy and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Master of Public Policy from George Mason University. Josh brings to his tutoring sessions a passion for sharing knowledge with a global perspective, and he prioritizes students’ development of critical thinking skills and effective study habits.
Offerings: AP World History, AP U.S. History, AP European History, History (all levels), AP Government (both U.S. and Comparative), Reading/Writing, Writing Competitions, AP English (both Language and Literature), Model UN Conference preparation
Sarah | B.S. Government, United States Coast Guard Academy
Sarah holds her B.S. in Government from the United States Coast Guard Academy and a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Liberty University. As an experienced homeschool educator, she is passionate about providing individualized instruction that fosters curiosity and instills a lifelong love of learning. Sarah seeks to empower students for future global impact by helping them discover their passions and develop their skill sets.
Offerings: Test Prep (SSAT, HSPT, IOWA, CogAT, SOL, TJ), Math, Reading/Writing, Creative Writing, Grades K-8 (all content areas), Model UN Conference preparation
Xinhui | B.A. Mathematics and B.A. East Asian Language and Culture, Wellesley College
Xinhui is passionate about assisting students of all levels in developing math study skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journeys. Since receiving her B.A. in Mathematics and East Asian Language and Culture from Wellesley College, Xinhui has served in public school math classrooms and tutored as an instructor with Principia. She is currently expanding her teaching repertoire through the certification program in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Offerings: Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, SAT/ACT/HSPT Math
Yasmin | B.A. in Women's Studies with minors in Anthropology and Writing, Washington University in St. Louis
Yasmin received her B.A. in Women’s Studies with minors in Anthropology and Writing from Washington University in St. Louis and studied Creative Writing at the Iowa Writers Workshop. She is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Washington University as well as an Academic and Student Affairs Specialist at NYU, and she has taught and designed curricula for college-level English, writing, and ESL courses for 100s of students. A DC-area native living in Baltimore, she is currently a Teaching Mentor for the Johns Hopkins Writers in Baltimore Schools partnership.
Offerings: College Essays, College Consulting, Creative Writing, ESL, AT Reading/Writing, ACT Reading/English
Instructors
Brian | M.A. English Literature, University of Maryland College Park
Brian majored in English at Georgetown University before completing his Master’s in English Literature at the University of Maryland at College Park. He has over sixteen years of teaching and leadership experience as Dean of Admissions and Dean of Faculty at Georgetown Prep, one of D.C.’s elite private schools. He's an avid reader and passionate about instilling a love for reading in his students.
Offerings: Reading/Writing Development, AP English Language, AP English Literature, APUSH, Essay Writing, College Essays, Creative Writing, Organizational Skills, Admissions Consulting
Cynthia | B.A. English & Creative Writing, George Washington University
Cynthia holds a B.A. in English from GW, where she was selected as one of the few students to write a creative writing thesis. She created and published content for the English Department and worked with students at the YMCA in Frost Valley as well as special needs children. She comes from a proud family of teachers — her grandmother, mother, and aunt are all in education — and enjoys contributing to Principia’s curriculum development outside of her sessions. In her spare time, she also enjoys reading, hiking, and true crime podcasts.
Offerings: Reading/Writing, AP English Language, AP English Literature, Study and Organizational Skills, Test Prep (HSPT/SSAT/TJ), Admissions Consulting
Jacob | M.S. Astronomy and Planetary Science, University of Colorado
Jacob holds an M.S. in Astronomy & Planetary Science from the University of Colorado Boulder and a B.S. in Physics & Astrophysics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he researched exoplanets and planet formation. Jacob is an enthusiastic and experienced educator with a lifelong passion for astronomy, physics, and math, which he brings to every class and session. He is also an avid reader and film buff who particularly enjoys science fiction.
Offerings: Test Prep Math (SAT, ACT, SSAT, HSPT), Math through Multivariable/Linear Algebra, Physics (including AP)
Kathy | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (In Progress), The George Washington University
Kathy attended TJHSST and graduated from the College of William and Mary, where she double majored in Neuroscience and English and served as Editor-in-Chief for the William and Mary Review.. She is currently working towards a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the George Washington University. Kathy is passionate about working with young people and has served as a tutor, mentor, and youth programs coordinator in northern Virginia for over 5 years. She is an avid poetry reader and published writer, boba enthusiast, and supporter of community engagement opportunities for all ages.
Offerings: Test Prep (SAT Reading/Writing, ACT Reading/English, Science), Reading/Writing, Civics, AP Lang, AP Lit, Creative Writing, College Consulting
Marcus | Ph.D. Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont
Marcus holds a Ph.D. in Math from the University of Vermont, where he completed a dual track in both math and computer science. He has taught precalculus and calculus at the college level as well as cryptology at Johns Hopkins’ CTY program. He has worked as a programmer at NextCapital and Geopipe and enjoys utilizing coding to create both 3D worlds and innovative approaches to traditional games like chess.
Offerings: Math through Calculus, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Proofs, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, Java, Python, C++
Michael | B.A. Romance Languages, Bowdoin College
Michael holds a B.A. in Romance Languages from Bowdoin College and an M.F.A. in Fiction from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, where he taught undergraduate courses in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. He is a former admissions counselor at Bowdoin College and has written for a number of publications including Esquire, Electric Literature, Japan Times, Columbia Journal, and Atlas Obscura
Offerings: Reading/Writing, Creative Writing AP Lit, AP Lang, College Essays
Praise | B.S. Biopsychology, Tufts University
Praise graduated from Tufts University with a bachelor's degree in biopsychology, where her honors thesis examined the impostor phenomenon of Black students in introductory STEM classes. While at Tufts, she taught preschoolers and worked as a chemistry learning assistant and organic chemistry teaching assistant. Currently, she follows her passions for research, equity in education, and learning by working as a clinical research fellow at the NIH studying pediatric obesity. Praise is also a chai and matcha connoisseur and loves to cook, go to concerts, and travel!
Offerings: AP Biology, Biology, AP Chemistry, Chemistry, AP Psychology, Psychology, AP Statistics, Math through precalculus, Medical School Consulting
Prayas | M.S. Applied Information Technology, George Mason University
Prayas graduated from Claflin University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a minor in mathematics. Prayas also has a master’s degree in applied information technology from George Mason University. He has worked as a tutor in South Carolina and Virginia, as well as in Nepal. Prayas likes to cook (his specialties are chicken wings and momo dumplings!) and he’s never actually been to the Mt. Everest base camp even though he was born in Nepal.
Offerings: Test Prep Math (SAT, ACT), AP Physics, Algebra II through Calculus BC, Computer Science (Java, Python), AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A
Roderick | M.S. Systems Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
Roderick studied Mechanical Engineering at the Virginia Commonwealth University and Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. He is a committed education philanthropist and enthusiast: he has tutored across various STEM disciplines, taught college level physics, served on the Board of Directors for National STEM Organizations, and volunteered for non-profits dedicated to increasing students' interest in STEM. Roderick's success is defined by the success of those he helps.
Offerings: Test Prep Math (SAT, ACT), Physics (including AP), Statistics (including AP), Math through Multivariable/Linear Algebra
Sahar | B.Sc. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and B.A. Journalism, UMass
Sahar began teaching while in college, where she led classes to provide supplementary instruction to other students. After graduating, she received a competitive education fellowship to improve standardized test scores of students in an inner-city high school. Sahar went on to organize with a grassroots group and established a free tutoring program to support working-class immigrant families. She is deeply passionate about fostering the potential of all youth, who she believes are the main drivers of social transformation and progress.
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