Meet the Smyrna Team

  • Site Manager

    Taria currently teaches 5th grade ELA and Reading in Cobb County and brings a decade of experience in education to her role. She began her career teaching 3rd grade in Fulton County for two years, followed by six years teaching 2nd grade in the Carrollton City Schools District.

    Taria is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia, where she earned three consecutive degrees: a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s in Reading Instruction, and a Specialist in Instructional Technology, Media and Design.

    During her time in Carrollton, Taria served as the Instructional Coach for the 21st Century PALS Tutoring Program for three consecutive years. Throughout her teaching journey, she has held numerous leadership and instructional roles, including Literacy Team Lead, Vertical Team member, Data Team member, District-wide School Improvement Plan member, student teacher mentor, and more.

    Taria’s tutoring philosophy is grounded in the belief that every student can grow when provided with the right tools, encouragement, and support. She strives to create a safe, engaging, and personalized learning environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, take risks, and cultivate a love for learning.

    She sees herself not just as an instructor, but as a learning partner—someone dedicated to helping students discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and develop into independent thinkers. Taria prioritizes clarity, patience, and consistency, using a variety of strategies tailored to each student’s needs, learning style, and pace.

    Above all, her goal extends beyond improving academic performance: she is passionate about helping students build confidence, resilience, and a lasting belief in their own ability to succeed.


  • Hybrid Math & Science 7-12th, PSAT/SAT/ACT Tutor

    Scot holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and has taught Math and Science for 10 years. Scot has been successful in teaching students in New York and Georgia the ins and outs of Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and Physics. He has also helped countless students prepare for the SAT and ACT examinations, scoring 1590 out of 1600 on the SAT. 


  • 3rd-12th Grade Tutor

    Joye has a Bachelor's of Arts in Communications. She was an Early Childhood Education teacher for 2 years and has tutored Kindergarten to 12th grade students in English/Language Arts, Foundational Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry for over 7 years. She believes in approaching tutoring as a relay. If tutors meet students where they are, well-engaged and confident students will accomplish their goals. She helps students learn to thrive better academically by understanding their learning styles and then helping students become fluent in the language of learning.

  • Math & Science 6-12th, PSAT/SAT/ACT Tutor

    Praneeth has been tutoring math and physics for two years, with a focus on empowering students to gain confidence and independence in their academic pursuits. As a Mechanical Engineering student at Georgia Tech who scored a 1420 out of 1600 on his SAT, Praneeth also makes an excellent guide for students preparing for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. He views tutoring as “training wheels” that support students until they’re ready to tackle challenges on their own, and he’s committed to making complex topics accessible and engaging for each student.

  • PreK-5th ELA & Math Tutor

    Ursela is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience and a passion for helping students grow academically and personally. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a master’s degree in K–12 Curriculum & Instruction. Currently serving students in Gwinnett County, Ursela is dedicated to building strong connections with learners and partnering with parents to close achievement gaps. She focuses on creating meaningful learning experiences that help students make real-world connections, strengthen their skills, and develop confidence. Ursela is committed to pouring knowledge into the next generation and empowering future leaders to reach their fullest potential.

  • 3rd-12th Math, Science, & Reading Tutor

    Trevor is an experienced and globally minded educator with six years of teaching experience. He spent three years teaching in Korea, where he developed a strong foundation in language learning and cross-cultural education, before continuing his career with Gwinnett County Public Schools for another three years. Trevor holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and brings a well-rounded academic background to his work with students.

    Trevor is passionate about helping students better understand the world around them. He believes learning is a lifelong journey and emphasizes the importance of building a strong academic foundation while continually growing and improving. His approach focuses on fostering curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and supporting students as they develop confidence and a deeper love for learning.

  • K-5th ELA & Math Tutor

    Melvin is a dedicated educator who is passionate about helping students build confidence and develop strong academic foundations. He holds a degree in History and currently works with elementary students in Fulton County Schools, with a strong focus on upper elementary mathematics. Through his classroom teaching and small-group instruction, Melvin has helped students strengthen their understanding of key math concepts such as fractions, multiplication, division, and problem-solving strategies.

    With several years of experience working with students in both whole-class and small-group settings, Melvin provides targeted instruction that meets students where they are academically and guides them toward mastery. He creates engaging lessons, incorporates hands-on learning activities, and helps students break down complex concepts into manageable steps.

    Melvin’s tutoring philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student can succeed with the right support, encouragement, and instructional approach.

  • K-5th ELA & Math Tutor

    Lavina is an experienced educator with over 11 years of dedication to fostering academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and cultural awareness in her students. She earned her Doctorate of Education from Walden University and holds both a Master’s and Specialist degree in Education from Georgia Southwestern State University.

    Lavina believes that meeting children where they are is essential for meaningful growth and development. With a passion for nurturing the whole child, she creates inclusive learning environments that encourage empathy, resilience, and critical thinking. Through high expectations and culturally responsive teaching, she empowers students to recognize their strengths and reach their fullest potential. Her approach helps learners build confidence, compassion, and perseverance. Lavina proudly teaches with purpose and passion and is excited to help students learn, grow, and thrive.

  • K-5 ELA & Math Tutor

    Diamond is a graduate of Georgia State University (B.Ed.) and Vanderbilt University (M.Ed.) with nearly 10 years of experience in public, charter, private, and international schools. Throughout her career, she has worked with students from diverse backgrounds and learning styles, always tailoring her approach to meet individual needs.

    She believes that all students are capable of success when given the right tools and supports, and she is passionate about preparing learners for their brightest futures. With her dedication, expertise, and warm teaching style, Diamond helps students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and unlock their full potential.


  • Kindergarten-5th Grade Tutor

    Shamoni is an experienced educator dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. A graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor’s in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Elementary Education, she has served as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, interventionist, and certified teacher. These roles have also given her the rewarding opportunity to tutor students outside the classroom. With a deep commitment to individualized instruction, she believes every child deserves a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their learning abilities, and takes pride in helping each scholar grow and thrive through tailored, compassionate guidance.

  • Preschool-5th ELA & Math Tutor

    Kacie is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of teaching experience and a deep passion for supporting early learners. A proud Decatur native, Kacie earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development from Spelman College. She is certified in REAP (Science of Reading) and the Growing Readers Program, and has received formal training in multiple phonics and reading programs. Kacie specializes in providing targeted, intentional instruction that addresses each student’s specific academic needs. Her strength lies in identifying learning gaps and delivering customized lessons that promote growth and confidence. Whether working one-on-one or with small groups, Kacie is committed to helping students build a strong foundation in reading and achieve lasting academic success.

  • K-12th ELA & K-5 Math Tutor

    Althea is a certified ELA/Reading and ESOL teacher with 19 years of experience supporting literacy and language growth. She has worked with students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, helping them gain confidence in reading, writing, and critical thinking. With certifications in foundational literacy instruction and second-language acquisition, she has guided countless students toward greater fluency, academic success, and deeper engagement with texts. Her approach centers on individualized support and inclusive practices, whether through small-group reading interventions, differentiated instruction, or creative writing workshops.

  • K-8th Math & Reading Tutor

    Amal is a Data Science graduate from Kennesaw State University with six years of tutoring experience in both education centers and at the collegiate level. During her time at Kennesaw State, she supported students in College Algebra and Precalculus, helping them build strong mathematical foundations and improve their confidence.

    Amal is passionate about making complex concepts clear and accessible for every learner. She specializes in supporting students from elementary math through Algebra II, using a personalized approach that meets each student’s needs. Her tutoring focuses on building confidence, strengthening foundational skills, and fostering a genuine love of learning.


  • Preschool-8th Grade Reading & Preschool-2nd Math Tutor

    Kirsten graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has almost 10 years of teaching experience. Her philosophy for learning consists of creating a safe space. She believes that young students are discovering so much about themselves, and there may be few spaces in their lives that allow them to solely focus on learning and growth. She is committed to establishing rapport and creating a safe learning environment so all students can feel confident to ask questions and learn comfortably.


  • 2nd-8th Tutor

    Kennedee is currently an Education major at Kennesaw State University studying to get a degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Chemistry. She has worked with children for ten years through tutoring programs and student teaching. Kennedee believes that every student should have the opportunity to be in charge of their education and have a learning plan best suited to cater to their specific needs.

  • 6th-12th Math Tutor

    Mark is a certified teacher with over eight years of experience teaching mathematics and holds a Master’s degree in Middle Grades Mathematics. He believes that all students can learn math when supported with confidence and motivation.

    Mark specializes in making math clear, approachable, and engaging. By fostering a supportive environment, he helps students strengthen their skills, overcome challenges, and build lasting confidence both inside and outside the classroom.

  • 6th-12th ELA & Math Tutor

    Ronnell is a highly experienced educator with 32 years of teaching and tutoring across multiple grade levels. He began his career in Florida, working with both elementary and adult learners, and has spent the past 22 years teaching in Georgia. Ronnell has taught and tutored elementary, middle, and high school students in math, language arts, and science. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development and Elementary Education from Florida State University, a Master's in Math and Science Education from the University of South Florida, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Ronnell believes that every student is a unique learner, and he is committed to creating inclusive, personalized learning environments that support individual growth through differentiated instruction and meaningful engagement.

  • 6th-12th Math & Spanish Tutor

    Luis Blanquicet is a Mechanical Engineer with over six years of professional experience and currently works in aviation repair. Throughout his college career, Luis led numerous engineering study groups, helping students master math concepts ranging from Algebra to Differential Equations.

    Luis is passionate about making math meaningful and accessible for students. His teaching philosophy centers on connecting classroom concepts to real-life applications, helping students see how mathematics is used in the world around them. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, Luis supports students in building both confidence and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

  • PreK-4th Reading & MathTutor

    Melissa is a dedicated and thorough educator with over 10 years of experience supporting young learners. She began her career at KinderCare Learning Center, where she taught preschool students during the day and provided tutoring for school-age students in the afternoons and evenings. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she transitioned into public education, teaching students from kindergarten through third grade.

    During her six years in the classroom, Melissa continued to grow professionally, earning both a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Doctorate in Education. Her strong academic background, combined with her hands-on teaching experience, allows her to provide high-quality, research-based, student-centered instruction. She creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, building confidence, and developing independence, with the goal of helping them succeed both academically and long-term.