Mara Koffmann, Owner and President

Mara graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a bachelors degree in history and middle eastern studies. After spending a year in South America teaching English and developing her fluency in Spanish, she returned to NYU to earn a dual masters degree in Childhood Education and Special Education with a 4.0 GPA.

With experience as a classroom teacher at the Parkside School, New York's preeminent elementary school for speech and language development, and as a learning specialist and director of the elementary literacy program at the Marymount School of New York, Mara started Smarten Up in 2011 to pursue her passion for crafting creative educational materials and resources. Smarten Up integrates child-centered games, visuals, organizational tools, and real-world experiences into one-on-one instruction that takes the "school" out of learning. Mara collaborates with each of the Smarten Up teachers to build this sort of engaging learning experience for every Smarten Up student.

And here is a selection of some of our amazing Smarten Up educators …

Ben, Director of Teaching and Learning, Grades 6 - CollegeBen graduated magna cum laude with highest honors in literature from Harvard University, where he also studied environmental science. He worked as the Annenberg Fellow at Eton College in Engl… — **Ben, Director of Teaching and Learning, Grades 6 - College**
Ben graduated magna cum laude with highest honors in literature from Harvard University, where he also studied environmental science. He worked as the Annenberg Fellow at Eton College in England, teaching Shakespeare to the Brits, among other things, before joining Smarten Up. He loves teaching and learning in a wide range of subjects, from elementary-age reading to college-level philosophy and linguistics. When he's not teaching, he is a writer and actor, and has strayed far from his native Oregon to live abroad in England, France, and Argentina.

Brendan, TutorBrendan studied music at Pomona College before doing Master’s work in education at Teachers College at Columbia University. Given this diverse background, Brendan enjoys teaching a broad spectrum of subjects, including math, science, w… — **Brendan, Tutor**
Brendan studied music at Pomona College before doing Master’s work in education at Teachers College at Columbia University. Given this diverse background, Brendan enjoys teaching a broad spectrum of subjects, including math, science, writing, and music. His favorite part of tutoring is figuring out the missing pieces to finally help a student understand a challenging concept, and creating a learning environment where he or she feels comfortable enough to ask any and every question. In his free time, Brendan loves playing piano, visiting the Met, catching a new play or musical, and, when he can get back to his native Colorado, skiing and hiking in the mountains.

Zoë, TutorZoë is a writer and dramaturg from Chicago, Illinois. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University with a Bachelor's degree in English, with distinction, and a minor in Theater and Performance Studies. She is passionate about lite… — **Zoë**, **Tutor**
Zoë is a writer and dramaturg from Chicago, Illinois. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University with a Bachelor's degree in English, with distinction, and a minor in Theater and Performance Studies. She is passionate about literature, new plays and musicals, education, and music, and works to ensure that her students have the tools to remain lifelong learners. In her free time, she sings with the Young New Yorkers' Chorus, writes plays, and cooks with her roommate.

David K., TutorDavid graduated magna cum laude with Highest Honors in History & Literature from Harvard University. While there, he served as Music Editor of the Crimson and as the head tour guide of the Harvard Art Museums. His thesis, "Capture… — **David K., Tutor**
David graduated magna cum laude with Highest Honors in History & Literature from Harvard University. While there, he served as Music Editor of the Crimson and as the head tour guide of the Harvard Art Museums. His thesis, "Capture the Rapture: A Cultural History of Malt Liquor, 1950-1980," won a Hoopes Prize for Most Distinguished Undergraduate Work and the Edwin Chandler Cumming Award for Thesis of Highest Distinction in History & Literature. David loves bringing humor and theatricality to each learning adventure at Smarten Up. His specialties include teaching 20th-century American political and cultural history, reading comprehension, expository writing skills, organizational strategies, and time management. Outside of tutoring, David is expanding his thesis into a book and working on freelance creative non-fiction pieces about corporate yoga, 1980s New York real estate, and the speculative novels of author Walker Percy.

Gadi, TutorGadi graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a double major in Finance and Drama and a minor in Jazz performance. Growing up overseas in London, Jerusalem, and Mexico City, Gadi has gained a global and variegated perspectiv… — **Gadi, Tutor**
Gadi graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a double major in Finance and Drama and a minor in Jazz performance. Growing up overseas in London, Jerusalem, and Mexico City, Gadi has gained a global and variegated perspective on teaching - which he applies to each of his students. Gadi’s passion is to prove to the world that everyone can do math. Yes, even his mother. When he isn't tutoring, Gadi works as an actor, producer, and freelance director in NYC.

Alix, TeacherAlixandra graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Psychology and a dual minor in Philosophy and Sociology. Upon graduating, Alixandra began working for MAB Community services in Boston. She worked to supp… — **Alix, Teacher**
Alixandra graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Psychology and a dual minor in Philosophy and Sociology. Upon graduating, Alixandra began working for MAB Community services in Boston. She worked to support teens with traumatic brain injuries and related disorders, focusing on activities of daily living. She later moved to NYC where she received her Master’s in Education and Special Education from Touro College. She worked at a non-profit school for children on the Autism Spectrum for 5 years. She now works at a public school in Manhattan teaching 2nd grade in an ICT classroom. In her spare time, Alixandra enjoys reading, drawing, and visiting her family in the Berkshires.

Meg, TeacherMegan Ryan graduated from the University at Albany with a Bachelors Degree in English and Education. After that, she went on to earn her Master’s Degree from Hunter College in Early Childhood Special Education. She is in her third year t… — **Meg, Teacher**
Megan Ryan graduated from the University at Albany with a Bachelors Degree in English and Education. After that, she went on to earn her Master’s Degree from Hunter College in Early Childhood Special Education. She is in her third year teaching Kindergarten in an Integrated Co-Teaching classroom. Meg has worked with students of all ages over the past ten years. She loves working with students on developing a strong foundation for learning and helping them learn the strategies and techniques needed to do so. For Meg, there is no greater feeling than watching her students develop confidence and pride in their achievements. In her spare time, you can find Meg reading, shopping, or spending time with family!

Matthew, TeacherMatthew graduated from Temple University with a degree in Film and Media Studies. While in college, Matthew felt the call to teaching and served as an AmeriCorps member in Seattle and New Orleans, working as an English and Math teach… — **Matthew, Teacher**
Matthew graduated from Temple University with a degree in Film and Media Studies. While in college, Matthew felt the call to teaching and served as an AmeriCorps member in Seattle and New Orleans, working as an English and Math teacher. Matthew moved to New York to pursue teaching as a NYC teaching Fellow and currently teaches math at a high school in Brooklyn. Matthew enjoys helping students feel successful in their academics and organizational skills and is passionate about helping kids access and tackle their challenging school work. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys playing and coaching basketball and spending time with his family.

Dayna, TeacherDayna grew up on Long Island, New York, where she attended St. Joseph's College, receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Education, Speech Communication and Special Education. Immediately after her undergraduate program, she atten… — **Dayna, Teacher**
Dayna grew up on Long Island, New York, where she attended St. Joseph's College, receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Education, Speech Communication and Special Education. Immediately after her undergraduate program, she attended Long Island University to receive her Masters Degree in Literacy. Dayna has been working as a teacher in NYC ever since, and has taught English, science, social studies, and coaches her school’s debate team. When she isn’t teaching, Dayna enjoys reading, trying out new recipes, and taking advantage of all that the city has to offer.

Zara, TutorZara graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Harvard College in 2017. While there, she wrote for The Crimson, designed sets for theatrical productions, and spent most of her time writing young adult short stories. Her honors th… — **Zara, Tutor**
Zara graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Harvard College in 2017. While there, she wrote for The Crimson, designed sets for theatrical productions, and spent most of her time writing young adult short stories. Her honors thesis, The Snowday Rebellion, received Magna Cum Laude distinctions. Since graduation, Zara has worked with The Bronx Health and Housing Consortium, has furthered her pursuits in set design, and interned at the Poets House Library. She has extensive experience tutoring in college essay writing, expository training, and analytical reading strategies. She has also taught French in a classroom setting.