Iain Smith
Founder & Director of Tutoring · Mathematics Specialist
Math, 5th grade–AP CalculusSAT · ACT · PSATSHSAT · ISEE · SSATPerfect SAT Math
Iain is a full-time professional tutor with over 10 years of experience and a perfect SAT math scorer, specializing in math from 5th grade through AP Calculus, as well as SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, ISEE and SSAT test prep.
He holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from Loughborough University (UK) and an MBA from Columbia Business School (Beta Gamma Sigma Honors).
Prior to founding Paragon, Iain spent 12 years as a hedge fund manager and international strategy consultant, bringing a disciplined, results-driven approach to tutoring.
Dr. Justin
Chemistry Specialist
ChemistryBiochemistryPhD, Stanford
Dr. Justin is a professional tutor with over 8 years of experience, specializing in chemistry and related sciences.
He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan, where he double majored in Chemistry and Biochemistry, and completed his Ph.D. at Stanford University.
During his doctoral studies, he served as a teaching assistant and conducted advanced research in the development of new chemical reactions.
Dr. Tim
Mathematics Specialist
Calculus I–IIILinear AlgebraAP Calculus · SAT MathAMC
Dr. Tim is an applied mathematician and data scientist with over 15 years of tutoring experience, specializing in advanced mathematics from middle school through college.
He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Tim tutors a wide range of subjects including Calculus I–III, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, as well as AP Calculus and SAT Math. He also works with highly motivated students preparing for math competitions, including the AMC, and selective summer programs.
Dr. Brianna
Physics Specialist
PhysicsAP PhysicsAP Exam ReaderPhD, UVA
Dr. Brianna is a physics specialist with over 15 years of teaching experience, working with students across all levels, including AP Physics.
She earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Virginia.
Brianna has served as an AP Physics Exam Reader for the past five years and contributes to the development of AP Physics exam questions for the College Board, giving her direct insight into how exams are written and graded.
She focuses on building strong conceptual understanding and effective problem-solving strategies tailored to each student.
Dr. Caitlin
Science Specialist
BiologyBiochemistryPhD, Cornell
Dr. Caitlin is a science specialist, working with students from middle school through advanced high school and college-level courses.
She graduated magna cum laude from Skidmore College with a degree in Biology and a minor in Mathematics, and earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cell Biology from Cornell University.
Following her doctoral studies, Caitlin worked in the pharmaceutical industry before transitioning to full-time tutoring, bringing both academic depth and real-world application to her teaching.
SAT & ACT verbalEnglishColumbia University
Kevin is a professional tutor with over 10 years of experience, specializing in SAT and ACT verbal preparation, and has helped hundreds of high school students improve their scores.
He is a graduate of Columbia University and taught middle school English in Brookfield, CT for 15 years.
Prior to teaching, Kevin spent 14 years in corporate sales and training, bringing strong communication and instructional skills to his work with students.
AP U.S. HistoryAP World · AP EuropeanAP Exam Grader
Jeff is an experienced AP history instructor, teaching AP U.S. History since 2011, as well as AP World and AP European History.
He has served as an AP U.S. History Exam Grader since 2018 and is also a grader for AP Seminar and AP Research, giving him direct insight into how exams are scored. Jeff has completed extensive College Board training, including intensive workshops across multiple AP history courses.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in History and Secondary Education from Gettysburg College and a Master's in 20th Century American History from Villanova University.
Shannon
English & Humanities Specialist
SAT & ACT verbalAP English · HistoryMiddle school ELAWellesley · Harvard
Shannon is a full-time professional tutor with over 10 years of experience, specializing in SAT and ACT verbal, AP English, and history, as well as middle school ELA and writing.
She holds a B.A. in English and Religion from Wellesley College and a Master's in Religion and History from Harvard University.
Shannon has taught high school English and served as a teaching assistant in political science and religion at the University of Cape Town, bringing strong expertise in writing, critical thinking, and academic analysis.
SAT & ACT verbalFormer ETS question writerRutgers · Maryland
Betsy is a professional tutor with over 10 years of experience, specializing in the SAT and ACT verbal sections.
Prior to tutoring, she spent over a decade at Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, where she wrote and edited SAT Reading and Writing questions, giving her rare, insider knowledge of how the exam is designed and scored.
Betsy holds Master's degrees in English and French from Rutgers University and the University of Maryland, and previously taught writing and literature at Rutgers University.
Roseanne
Test Prep & Study Skills Specialist
The Paragon MethodStudy skillsTest preparationSt. John's · Fordham
Roseanne is an experienced educator and tutor, specializing in test preparation and study skills, including the development and instruction of Paragon's proprietary "Paragon Method."
She began her career in the New York City public school system as a reading specialist, working with ESL students to build strong foundational skills. Roseanne focuses on helping students develop effective study habits, organization, and the strategies needed to perform at their best.
Roseanne has a Master's in Teaching from St. John's University and is currently a 4.0 student in the MSW program at Fordham University.
Soraya
French & Spanish Specialist
French, all levelsSpanish, all levelsAP French · AP SpanishDELF
A native French speaker fluent in Spanish, Soraya brings more than 15 years of language teaching and tutoring experience. She holds a Master's degree from Paul Valéry University in France and has taught French at the University of Manchester.
Soraya specializes in French and Spanish at all levels, including AP French, AP Spanish, and DELF preparation. Warm, engaging, and highly adaptable, she tailors her instruction to each student's goals, learning style, and personality, building both linguistic proficiency and confidence.
