MAESTRO STARS ACADEMY

Stephanie is an ocean environmental scientist and educator with a passion for teaching and helping students achieve success. She holds a BSc in Biology and Earth and Ocean Sciences, an MS in Environmental Management and Sustainability, an MBA, and a PhD in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma graduate and experienced in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Stephanie is well-versed in both American and European educational systems. Additionally, she is a certified pianist who has completed the highest level of training at The Royal Conservatory of Music. With over 15 years of experience in education and outreach, Stephanie has been involved in tutoring (both privately and with tutoring companies), teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development. She has worked with students from kindergarten through university level, covering a wide range of subjects, including science, maths, English language arts, reading, writing, public speaking, creative arts, test preparation, and executive functioning and study skills. While Stephanie teaches various subjects, her greatest passion lies in STEM. Her goal is to inspire students to engage with sciences and mathematics, encouraging creativity and a lifelong love of learning.

Elizabeth has over 7 years of experience working with children of all ages. She has a BS in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and an Associate of Applied Science in Parks and Recreation from Santa Fe College. Her professional journey includes several teaching roles where she has brought a unique background in creative arts, sciences, and wilderness therapy to her teaching. One of her specialties is designing fun and engaging creative arts projects that educate students about different kinds of art and artistic methods, while helping them find their inner creativity and learn to express themselves in different ways. As an avid fan of the outdoors, Elizabeth also loves working with children to foster a sense of appreciation for the environment and encourage students to engage in physical activities such as various kinds of sports. Through previous roles, Elizabeth has experience training teachers and applying developmental psychology practices to childcare and education. Additionally, she holds certifications in First Aid, Childcare, and CPR. Elizabeth is passionate about being in nature with her family and looks forward to meeting everyone's smiling faces!

Corin is a dedicated and compassionate professional with dual bachelor’s degrees in Comparative World Literature and Labor and Employment Studies, complemented by a minor in Women and Gender Studies from San Francisco State University. With years of experience teaching students from pre-K to high school in English and theater/drama, Corin excels at fostering creativity and engagement in the classroom. She has instructed and led students in English language arts, creative arts, performing arts, theater, and film, empowering them to explore their creative potential through plays, film productions, and other creative and performance-based activities. In this role, she managed diverse groups of students, creating a safe and enriching environment that allowed them to explore their artistic potential. Corin has also worked as an afterschool program leader, designing comprehensive lesson plans that integrate creativity with core educational objectives. Her ability to connect with students of all ages and adapt her teaching style to meet their individual needs makes her an effective and versatile educator. Corin’s passion for the arts extends beyond teaching, with personal experience in musical theater, dance, and drama. 

Allison is a dedicated and highly effective educator with extensive experience in English Language Arts (ELA) instruction, instructional coaching, and curriculum development. With a Master of Arts in K-12 Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in French & Foreign Languages from Western Michigan University, Allison has a diverse background that supports her passion for student success and educational leadership. Currently an Advanced Placement English Teacher in San Francisco, Allison specializes in fostering an engaging learning environment aligned with California’s Standards of Learning and the AP curriculum. Her previous roles include instructional coaching and ELA teaching and coaching at Detroit Public Schools, where she was recognized as a Master Teacher. She also designed and led programs to support students' writing skills and data-driven instruction. Allison is well-versed in various instructional models, including blended learning, cross-curricular projects, and differentiation. She has a strong track record in curriculum writing and is passionate about promoting a culture of continuous learning.

Casey is a versatile educator and tutor with a strong foundation in mathematics and chemistry. She holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Drexel University College of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. With over a decade of experience, Casey has worked with students across diverse educational settings, from private tutoring to classroom instruction. Casey’s roles have included serving as a math teacher for The Art of Problem Solving Academy and as an academic tutor, both privately and with tutoring companies. Her experience also includes teaching middle school students through real-world math applications and engaging summer courses, such as summer programs she helped design and teach at The Harker School. Casey provides a personalized approach to math that includes focusing on mental agility and problem-solving skills, helping students achieve significant improvements both academically and on standardized tests. Her teaching philosophy centers on personalized instruction, fostering a deep conceptual understanding and empowering students to reach their full potential.

Jason is a dedicated and passionate sports coach with extensive experience in basketball coaching and athletic program management. His expertise includes player development, leadership, and team management. Jason has a proven track record in coaching, having taken teams to competitive levels in both high school and college. In his role as a Basketball Skills Coach since 2010, Jason has worked with players nationwide, taking teams from zero wins to semi-finalists, and recruiting top talent from Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and California. In addition to his basketball coaching, Jason has served as an after-school programs Director, where he developed programs that supported students' academic, emotional, and physical development. Jason's athletic career is equally impressive, having excelled in multiple sports during high school, including basketball, football, lacrosse, and track and field. He was a Scholar Athlete at Dover High School and received numerous scholarships to play football and basketball at the college level. His well-rounded sports background and commitment to mentoring athletes make him a versatile and inspiring coach.

Sydelle “Syd” is an experienced educator with a strong focus on mathematics, specializing in K-5 instruction. With a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Education from Queens College and a Master of Education in K-12 Math Education from Arizona State University, Syd has built a career centered around teaching, curriculum development, and leadership. Throughout her career, Syd has worked in various educational settings, including elementary, middle, and community college levels, with experience teaching gifted and high-need students. Additionally, she has a wealth of experience in math curriculum and program development for K-5th graders, as well as providing training and other professional support for other teachers. Syd’s skills in communication, problem-solving, and enthusiasm for teaching have driven her success in creating engaging and effective learning environments. She is passionate about fostering a love for math in students of all abilities while supporting teachers and parents through workshops and professional development initiatives. 

Maria is an accomplished educator and administrator with over 30 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Mathematics and has completed extensive training in Montessori education. She is also certified in Special Education and has pursued advanced education in Educational Technology, alongside administrative and directorship training. Maria’s career has seen her take on roles ranging from teacher to teacher-trainer and preschool director,  including a focus on math education and curriculum development. She has served in leadership positions at several schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a passion for early childhood education, Maria has developed programs that emphasize individualized learning and the Montessori philosophy, helping students achieve remarkable progress.

Carollyn is a credentialed teacher with 25 years of classroom experience, teaching kindergarten through eighth grade and implementing The Core Curriculum from its inception. She holds a degree from San Jose State University and has previously worked with various Bay Area schools. In addition to her classroom experience, Carollyn has extensive experience tutoring kids of all ages and designing engaging lesson plans that help students thrive. Her expertise includes selecting language arts textbooks for three different school districts, including Milpitas Union School District. She has also attended numerous prestigious language arts workshops nationwide, including those led by Lucy Calkins, whose state-of-the-art reading and writing programs are integrated into her teaching. As a dedicated English language arts instructor, Carollynn specializes in project-based writing programs that make learning both fun and productive. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, she guides students through projects that not only enhance their writing skills but also leave lasting memories. Carollynn’s approach transforms traditional lessons into engaging, hands-on activities that foster creativity and a love for language arts in every student.