MEET OUR TEAM

At Learning Curve Collective, amazing educators are at the center of everything we do. Our team is made up of passionate and experienced teachers, tutors, and academic coaches with a proven track record of helping students succeed.

Beyond expertise, we look for educators who can build trust, provide meaningful mentorship and foster lasting relationships to make learning engaging, effective, and enjoyable.

get to know our team!

Portrait of Maya Chen

Torin M.

Founder & Lead Tutor

Alma Mater: Brown University Subjects: Economics, Math, Science

Hi, I'm Torin! I'm a Brown University Honors graduate in Applied Mathematics and Economics, a former Teach For America fellow, and an experienced classroom teacher, tutor, and academic coach. Over the past decade, I've worked with hundreds of students across mathematics, economics, physics, test preparation, and other STEM subjects. My approach combines deep subject expertise with personalized mentorship. Whether a student is preparing for a high-stakes exam, navigating a challenging course, or building stronger academic habits, my goal is to help them develop confidence, master difficult concepts, and become more independent learners. Before founding Learning Curve Co., I taught high school mathematics in Los Angeles, developed curriculum for diverse classrooms, and worked with students across a wide range of academic backgrounds and goals. Those experiences continue to shape my belief that the most effective learning happens through strong relationships, individualized support, and high expectations. Whatever you'd like help with, you got this — and together, we'll get you there!

Portrait of Maya Chen

Torin M.

Founder & Lead Tutor

Alma Mater: Brown University Subjects: Economics, Math, Science

Hi, I'm Torin! I'm a Brown University Honors graduate in Applied Mathematics and Economics, a former Teach For America fellow, and an experienced classroom teacher, tutor, and academic coach. Over the past decade, I've worked with hundreds of students across mathematics, economics, physics, test preparation, and other STEM subjects. My approach combines deep subject expertise with personalized mentorship. Whether a student is preparing for a high-stakes exam, navigating a challenging course, or building stronger academic habits, my goal is to help them develop confidence, master difficult concepts, and become more independent learners. Before founding Learning Curve Co., I taught high school mathematics in Los Angeles, developed curriculum for diverse classrooms, and worked with students across a wide range of academic backgrounds and goals. Those experiences continue to shape my belief that the most effective learning happens through strong relationships, individualized support, and high expectations. Whatever you'd like help with, you got this — and together, we'll get you there!

Portrait of Maya Chen

Mary L.

Test Prep Tutor

Alma Mater: Princeton University Subjects: SAT, ACT, Language Arts

Hi, I'm Mary! I was born and raised in Southern California before heading east to attend Princeton University. While at Princeton, I majored in Art and Archaeology with a minor in Theater and stayed actively involved in campus life through a cappella, musical theater, and other extracurricular activities. After graduating, I returned to Los Angeles to pursue my career in entertainment while continuing a lifelong passion for education. Over the years, I've accumulated more than 2,500 hours of tutoring experience, helping students prepare for standardized exams including the HSPT, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, TACHS, SAT, and ACT, as well as a wide range of academic subjects. One of my favorite parts of tutoring is getting to know each student and helping them realize they're capable of more than they think. Whether we're preparing for a major exam, tackling a challenging class, or building confidence along the way, my goal is to create a supportive environment where students can grow, succeed, and feel proud of their progress. I'm excited to be part of your journey and help you discover what you're capable of!

Portrait of Maya Chen

Mary L.

Test Prep Tutor

Alma Mater: Princeton University Subjects: SAT, ACT, Language Arts

Hi, I'm Mary! I was born and raised in Southern California before heading east to attend Princeton University. While at Princeton, I majored in Art and Archaeology with a minor in Theater and stayed actively involved in campus life through a cappella, musical theater, and other extracurricular activities. After graduating, I returned to Los Angeles to pursue my career in entertainment while continuing a lifelong passion for education. Over the years, I've accumulated more than 2,500 hours of tutoring experience, helping students prepare for standardized exams including the HSPT, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, TACHS, SAT, and ACT, as well as a wide range of academic subjects. One of my favorite parts of tutoring is getting to know each student and helping them realize they're capable of more than they think. Whether we're preparing for a major exam, tackling a challenging class, or building confidence along the way, my goal is to create a supportive environment where students can grow, succeed, and feel proud of their progress. I'm excited to be part of your journey and help you discover what you're capable of!

Portrait of Maya Chen

Alison T.

STEM Tutor

Alma Mater: University of Missouri (PhD), Florida Southern College (BS) Subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Calculus, Statistics

Hi, I'm Alison! I have a bit of a dual life: by day, I’m a federal scientist and defense leader, but my true passion is breaking down advanced science to inspire the next generation of global innovators. Currently, I serve as the U.S. Army's Chief of WMD Survivability and Biodefense, where I advise 4-star Generals, call the shots on a multi-million-dollar defense program, and lead a brilliant “nerd herd” of PhD scientists, engineers, and medical doctors to keep our country and soldiers safe. Whether I'm authoring national biodefense strategies or working to stop weapons of mass destruction, I live and breathe real-world science every day. Alongside my government work, I’ve been teaching and mentoring for 20 years, a parallel passion that grew as I earned my PhD in Nuclear Chemistry at Mizzou. Over the past two decades, I’ve worked with all kinds of brilliant students, from helping military families navigate high-stakes school transitions to coaching elite prep school students looking to crush advanced AP, IB, and ACS exams. In truth, my greatest skill in my defense career isn't actually as a scientist - it’s as a translator. I bridge the gap so the leaders I advise never have to "just trust me" on technical concepts; they can understand it through their own lens and expertise. I view tutoring the exact same way. Every student brings a unique set of strengths and passions, and my goal is to translate complex chemistry or physics concepts into real-world context that makes sense to you. Whether you’re looking to secure a flawless transcript, get into a top-tier university, or simply navigate a tough class with confidence, I can't wait to help!

Portrait of Maya Chen

Alison T.

STEM Tutor

Alma Mater: University of Missouri (PhD), Florida Southern College (BS) Subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Calculus, Statistics

Hi, I'm Alison! I have a bit of a dual life: by day, I’m a federal scientist and defense leader, but my true passion is breaking down advanced science to inspire the next generation of global innovators. Currently, I serve as the U.S. Army's Chief of WMD Survivability and Biodefense, where I advise 4-star Generals, call the shots on a multi-million-dollar defense program, and lead a brilliant “nerd herd” of PhD scientists, engineers, and medical doctors to keep our country and soldiers safe. Whether I'm authoring national biodefense strategies or working to stop weapons of mass destruction, I live and breathe real-world science every day. Alongside my government work, I’ve been teaching and mentoring for 20 years, a parallel passion that grew as I earned my PhD in Nuclear Chemistry at Mizzou. Over the past two decades, I’ve worked with all kinds of brilliant students, from helping military families navigate high-stakes school transitions to coaching elite prep school students looking to crush advanced AP, IB, and ACS exams. In truth, my greatest skill in my defense career isn't actually as a scientist - it’s as a translator. I bridge the gap so the leaders I advise never have to "just trust me" on technical concepts; they can understand it through their own lens and expertise. I view tutoring the exact same way. Every student brings a unique set of strengths and passions, and my goal is to translate complex chemistry or physics concepts into real-world context that makes sense to you. Whether you’re looking to secure a flawless transcript, get into a top-tier university, or simply navigate a tough class with confidence, I can't wait to help you see what you're capable of!

Portrait of Maya Chen

Audrey W.

Head of Operations

Alma Mater: University of Missouri School of Journalism

Hi, I'm Audrey! I'm the Head of Operations at Learning Curve Collective, where I work behind the scenes to ensure every student and family has a personalized experience from the moment they reach out to us. I spent nearly a decade in marketing and operations for some of the world's most recognized entertainment and consumer brands. Most recently, I led global social strategy at Fender Musical Instruments, overseeing campaigns that reached hundreds of millions of people while collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing large-scale projects. Before that, I worked in film, television, and advertising, where I developed a passion for building strong teams, developing efficient systems, and creating environments where people feel supported and valued. At Learning Curve Collective, I help make sure every detail is taken care of: from matching students with the right tutor to coordinating schedules, improving our internal processes, and supporting our incredible team of educators. My goal is to make the tutoring experience organized, welcoming, and stress-free, so families can focus on what matters most: helping their students succeed.

Portrait of Maya Chen

Audrey W.

Head of Operations

Alma Mater: University of Missouri School of Journalism

Hi, I'm Audrey! I'm the Head of Operations at Learning Curve Collective, where I work behind the scenes to ensure every student and family has a personalized experience from the moment they reach out to us. I spent nearly a decade in marketing and operations for some of the world's most recognized entertainment and consumer brands. Most recently, I led global social strategy at Fender Musical Instruments, overseeing campaigns that reached hundreds of millions of people while collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing large-scale projects. Before that, I worked in film, television, and advertising, where I developed a passion for building strong teams, developing efficient systems, and creating environments where people feel supported and valued. At Learning Curve Collective, I help make sure every detail is taken care of: from matching students with the right tutor to coordinating schedules, improving our internal processes, and supporting our incredible team of educators. My goal is to make the tutoring experience organized, welcoming, and stress-free, so families can focus on what matters most: helping their students succeed.

Portrait of Maya Chen

Kate J.

Head of People

Alma Mater: University of Missouri

Hi, I'm Kate! I'm the Head of People at Learning Curve Collective, which means I help find incredible tutors who care about our students as much as we do. I've spent the last decade leading talent acquisition at a large advertising agency, where I work to staff from the ground up. Whether it's data-driven recruiting, building internship programs and DEIB initiatives, or strategizing at the table with C-suite, I've learned that the right people are key to the best experience. As a parent myself, I understand how much families want their children to feel confident, challenged, and supported. I was also the kid who took the ACT and AP exams for fun (more than once...), so joining Learning Curve Collective feels like the perfect fit. I work behind the scenes, but I know the person I hire for a role today becomes the tutor a student remembers for years. I love that responsibility!

Portrait of Maya Chen

Kate J.

Head of People

Alma Mater: University of Missouri

Hi, I'm Kate! I'm the Head of People at Learning Curve Collective, which means I help find incredible tutors who care about our students as much as we do. I've spent the last decade leading talent acquisition at a large advertising agency, where I work to staff from the ground up. Whether it's data-driven recruiting, building internship programs and DEIB initiatives, or strategizing at the table with C-suite, I've learned that the right people are key to the best experience. As a parent myself, I understand how much families want their children to feel confident, challenged, and supported. I was also the kid who took the ACT and AP exams for fun (more than once...), so joining Learning Curve Collective feels like the perfect fit. I work behind the scenes, but I know the person I hire for a role today becomes the tutor a student remembers for years. I love that responsibility!

READY TO GET STARTED?

Reach out! We look forward to hearing from you!