Tutor Biographies

John Danks, Founder & Partner

John graduated cum laude from Georgetown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science as a double major in biology and physics. John attended Chaminade High School where he graduated 7th in his class of 356 students and scored in the 99th percentile on his SAT. While at Georgetown, he gained significant laboratory experience while doing neuroscience research.

Since leaving Georgetown, John has been completing his M.D. training at New York Medical College and scored a 99 on his USMLE Step 1 Exam. Prior to starting Med School Tutors in 2005, he accumulated significant tutoring experience with several tutoring companies in New York City and Washington, DC.

For 10 years, John has worked with students of all levels teaching them myriad subjects including biology, physics, chemistry, calculus, math, and writing. He has also prepared students for various standardized tests including the USMLE, SAT I, SAT II Biology, SAT II Physics, SAT II Chemistry, SAT II Math, ACT, SSAT, and MCAT exams.

Robert J. Meekins, Executive Director & Partner

Robert graduated summa cum laude, with a perfect 4.0 GPA, from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. At Adelphi, he earned a B.A. in political science and an Honors College diploma, and was also named the school’s first official nominee for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in over 10 years. Before beginning his undergraduate studies, Robert graduated 5th in his class from Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY.

At Adelphi, Robert served as Student Government Association president, was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honorarium and Pi Sigma Alpha national political science honor society, and received prizes for Best Honors Thesis in Humanities, Best Senior Political Science Paper, Outstanding Political Science Graduate, and the President’s Student Leadership Award.

He has done extensive work in the field of international relations, as a member of the Long Island Foreign Affairs Forum, Carnegie Council Foreign Policy Roundtable, and attendee of the Atlantic Treaty Association General Assembly in Edinburgh, Scotland. Robert has worked as a consultant, intern, and assistant editor for the Adelphi University Web site, local high schools, and nationally recognized publications, including the World Policy Journal.

His tutoring specialties are in the areas of essay craftsmanship, public speaking, and admissions.

Stephen J. Lowery, B.A., Senior Tutor

Stephen graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University with a B.A. in Neurobiology and Art History. Prior to attending Columbia, Stephen compiled an incredible record of excellence on his standardized tests, including a 1560 on his SAT (800 Verbal, 760 Math) and an 800 on his Writing SAT II. He was recognized as the highest Advanced Placement (AP) test scorer in the entire state of Rhode Island, earning a perfect score in 6 different subjects—Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, English Literature, and History.

In 2006, Stephen continued his outstanding standardized test performance by scoring in the 99.8 percentile on his Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Subsequently, he enrolled in the prestigious Albert Einstein Medical College where he is in his second year. Stephen has been tutoring regularly in New York City for the past five years.

He specializes in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English, and writing, as well as SAT, SAT subject tests, AP, and MCAT preparation.

Matthew Garrett, M.D., USMLE & MCAT Tutor

Matthew graduated with distinction from Yale University with a B.S. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. Prior to attending Yale, Matthew established a track-record of consistent excellence on his standardized tests, including a 1530 on his SAT (780 Verbal, 750 Math), several perfect AP test scores, and multiple honors for his math performer in statewide competitions.

After graduating from Yale, Matthew was admitted to the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is finishing his fourth year and will subsequently start a highly competitive residency program in neurosurgery.  In addition to a nearly perfect college transcript, he scored in the 98th percentile on his MCAT, in the 99.5 percentile on both Step I and Step II of the USLME medical boards (Step I: 265 Step 2: 258), and has been published as a first author nine times in high impact peer-reviewed journals.

Matthew has been tutoring in New York City for almost a year, in the process accruing a nearly flawless record of student success.  He specializes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, SAT, SAT II, AP, MCAT and USMLE Step I and II

Marcel Brus-Ramer, Ph.D., USMLE Tutor

Marcel graduated with highest honors from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Economics, yet his true intellectual passion rests in science and medicine. At Rutgers, he completed a senior honors thesis on spinal cord injuries in the Dept. of Biology. Prior to college, Marcel posted consistently high scores on his standardized tests, including a 1450 on his SAT and six 4's and 5s on his AP exams (Latin, Calculus, U.S. History, Chemistry, English, Physics), which allowed him to start college with sophomore status.

After graduating from Rutgers, Marcel spent two years doing pathology and immunology research in Paris at Hopital St. Louis and Universite Paris VII. He returned to the United States in 2002 to start an MD/Ph.D. program at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons after achieving an impressive 35 on his MCAT. In 2008, he completed his Ph.D. dissertation in the Dept. of Neuroscience.

Marcel is currently finishing his major clinical year (3rd year of medical school) at Columbia and will be applying for residency programs in radiology. During medical school, Marcel earned a highly competitive 246/99 on his USMLE Step 1, and has already authored, or contributed to, nine peer-reviewed articles in publication or currently submitted.

Marcel has several years of tutoring experience in the New York City and New Jersey areas. He specializes in USMLE Step 1.

Joshua Lader, B.S., M.D., USMLE Tutor

Joshua attended New York University College of Arts and Sciences, from which he graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, with a major in chemistry and minors in mathematics and philosophy. During this time, he pursued basic science research on chemical mechanisms of carcinogenesis. He was recognized with numerous honors, including the Phi Beta Kappa / Albert Borgman Prize for “Best Honors Thesis in the Sciences", the Founders Day Award, the Arthur E. Hill Prize in chemistry, the George Granger Brown Award in chemistry, and a Barry M. Goldwater National Scholarship.

Subsequently, Josh chose to continue his medical education at NYU’s distinguished school of medicine. His research interests shifted to mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis in the hypertensive heart, yet his work continues to achieve recognition from both local and national organizations, including the NYU School of Medicine (the 2009 Excellence in Clinical Research Award), the New York Academy of Medicine (a Glorney-Raisbeck Medical Student Grant), the American College of Physicians (Best Student Poster in NY Conference in 2007 & 2009), as well as Alpha Omega Alpha (a Carolyn L. Kuckein Fellowship).

In the midst of his intense research schedule, Josh also achieved a phenomenal 267 on the USMLE Step 2 CK exam and is currently a resident physician in the internal medicine / cardiology fast track at the New York University Langone Medical Center. With several years of tutoring experience behind him and rave reviews from his students, Josh now assists Med School Tutors students with virtually medical topic and exam.

Nasen J. Zhang, B.A., MCAT, Math/Science & Chinese Tutor

Nasen graduated summa cum laude with a 3.97 GPA from Boston University with a B.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology, while conducting cancer cell biology research in his senior year for which he was published in Nature Oncogene. For his graduate studies, Nasen turned his sights on medicine, and scored a truly impressive 41 (99.8th percentile) on the MCAT. After earning admission to Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons for medical school, Nasen continues to excel academically, but also balances his life with community outreach, leading an a cappella group and involving himself in the school theater group.

Having spent part of his childhood in China, Nasen later attended schools in Ohio and Massachusetts, where he established his track record of academic excellence. He scored an excellent 1560 on the SAT and similarly on his SAT subject tests (800, 780, and 740 in Biology, Math 2C, and Writing). He also achieved perfect 5's on all seven of his AP exams—Physics, Calculus, U.S. History, Biology, English Literature, Psychology, and Computer Science.

Beyond his own busy schooling and academic success, Nasen has a found a love for tutoring and helping others to learn, with more than 6 years of tutoring experience. He started tutoring early in high school, helping peers to excel in mathematics, biology, and French. He continued to tutor students one-on-one throughout college, where his subjects extended other sciences like Chemistry and Physics as well as to Chinese, of which he is a fluent speaker. Nasen loves to share his enthusiasm for learning and his techniques for academic and standardized-testing success with his students.

Although his experience allows for tremendous breadth, Nasen specializes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, and Chinese tutoring, as well as tutoring for the MCAT, SAT and SAT subject tests, and AP exams.

Zachary Wright, B.S., USMLE & MCAT Tutor

Zachary’s remarkable educational journey began at Lowell High School in San Francisco, where he demonstrated from an early age that learning and academic excellence came naturally to him. His inspired high school career combined with an impressive performance on his SAT, a 1530 (out of 1600), allowed him to choose between a number prestigious colleges and universities. Ultimately deciding to attend UCLA, Zachary would once again excel in his college studies, graduating magna cum laude in 2006 with a B.S. in biochemistry and highest honors. For his incredible scholastic achievements, UCLA also bestowed upon him the prestigious Ramsey Award for excellence in physical chemistry.

Since then, Zachary has maintained his laudable educational record, first by scoring a 40 on his MCAT (99.8th percentile) and, soon thereafter, by earning admission to the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. At Columbia, he continues to excel, including on his USMLE board exams, achieving a 99 on both Step 1 and Step 2CK. After 3 years of intensive medical education, he is presently finishing a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship in the Department of Neurosurgery.

Zach’s tutoring specialties run the medical, scientific, and mathematical gamut, including USMLE, MCAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP exams, as well as any science or math coursework at the high school or college level.

Brian Ginsberg, B.S., USMLE Tutor

Brian graduated with distinction from Cornell University with a B.S. in Human Biology, Health and Society. While at Cornell, he obtained a perfect 4.0 GPA and was inducted into his college’s Kappa Omicron Nu honor society. Prior to Cornell, Brian compiled an impressive resume of academic achievement at the exclusive Long Island School for the Gifted. There he earned multiple local and state-wide awards in math, foreign language, and politics, and graduated in the top of his class after taking the highest number of AP exams of any student: 12!

Presently, Brian is completing his 3rd year at NYU School of Medicine. At NYU, he has already been recognized with 3 awards for his medical literature and has earned Honors in 5 of 6 core clerkships. In addition, he has maintained his outstanding standardized test-taking reputation by scoring a 251 on his USMLE step 1 exam.

Next year, Brian will take a leave of absence to perform high-level research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, helping to develop vaccines and other treatment modalities for malignant melanoma.

Jacob Kriegel, B.A., MCAT & Science Tutor

A graduate of Columbia University with a Bachelor's in biology and history and a 3.91 GPA, Jacob has a reputation for academic and tutoring excellence. During his high school years at Gann Academy in Boston, Jacob demonstrated his standardized test-taking acumen by scoring an extraordinary 1530 on his SAT and achieving scores of 800 and 790, respectively, on his Math IIC and Writing SAT Subject Tests. Jacob continued to excel on his graduate school exams, including an incredible 38 on his MCAT.

Jacob's consistently tremendous academic and testing performance earned him admission to many of the country's most esteemed medical schools, among them Columbia University's College for Physicians and Surgeons, where he plans to enroll in September 2009. In the meantime, Jacob is serving the students of New York City as a highly demanded private tutor. His specialties include all high school math and science subjects; college-level physics, biology, and chemistry (general and organic); as well as SAT, MCAT, and all science/math SAT Subject Tests.

Jennifer Cohen, B.A., High School Subjects & SAT Tutor

Jennifer Cohen holds a B.A. in Theater Studies from Yale University. She graduated summa cum laude with a 3.95 GPA and was selected as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Most recently, she has been accepted to Mount Sinai School of Medicine, which she will attend in the fall of 2010.

During her impressive academic career, Jennifer has excelled in a broad range of coursework, including numerous biology and chemistry courses as well as many literature, French, and psychology classes. She also boasts an extraordinary standardized testing record, including an 800 on SAT Verbal, 800 on SAT Writing, and a 780 on SAT Math. Jennifer even received an 800 on SAT II Chemistry and unblemished 5’s on the AP Chemistry, AP English Literature, AP English Language, and AP European History tests.

Generally, Jennifer is known as a bubbly, outgoing tutor who finds interesting ways to relate the subject matter to each student’s individual interests and learning style. She has experience working with students with special needs and specializes in all high school subjects and standardized tests, as well as a wide range of college-level humanities and French.

David Zagha, B.A., SAT & Science/Math Tutor

David graduated with honors from Yale University in 2008. At Yale, David majored in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and earned departmental accolades in biology with a cumulative 3.80 science G.P.A. His passion for science also inspired him to pursue multiple research opportunities both at Yale and overseas at the Weizmann Institute in Israel.

Prior to attending Yale, David graduated valedictorian from Hillel Yeshiva and achieved a phenomenal 1580 on his SAT.  His SAT mastery was followed by perfect 800 scores on the Math IC and Writing subject tests as well as a perfect 5 on each of the Biology, Calculus AB, Physics C, and U.S. History AP exams. As both a community volunteer and an instructor at Freudigman and Billings (CT), David has accumulated vast tutoring and teaching experience. 

David now attends New York University School of Medicine as a second-year medical student and is involved with the New York City Free Clinic, an organization that provides free healthcare services for the public.  David’s hobbies include surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, volleyball, and playing the guitar.

Julie Chepovetsky, M.D., USMLE Tutor

Julie graduated cum laude from Cornell University, finishing one semester early with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Prior to attending Cornell, she graduated from New York City’s prestigious Stuyvesant High School. There she achieved several perfect AP scores as well as perfect 800s on her Math SAT I and Math SAT Subject Tests (both 1C and 2C).

Julie’s superior test-taking skills were displayed once more with her 99th percentile MCAT score, including a flawless T on the writing section. Her impeccable testing and undergraduate record garnered her admission to Mount Sinai School of Medicine from which she graduated in May 2009. She begins a Pathology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital this summer.

During college and medical school, Julie gained exhaustive teaching experience, both in the classroom as a volunteer and with a well established NYC private tutoring company. She is also an expert editor of graduate and college admissions essays, resumes, and academic papers. Her tutoring specialties include USMLE Step 1, MCAT, SAT math, biology, physics and high school-level math.

Jonathan Huz, B.S., MCAT & Science Tutor

Jonathan graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University in 2008. At Brandeis, Jonathan double-majored in Neuroscience and Biology and completed a minor in Hebrew Language and Literature. He completed this intense workload with an incredible 3.81 cumulative GPA.

His impressive performance at Brandeis might have been expected after his equally extraordinary high school career. At Albany High School, Jonathan scored consistently in the 95th to 99th percentile on his standardized exams, including a perfect 5 on AP Biology, Calculus, and Statistics, as well as a 750 and 740 on the Chemistry and Writing SAT Subject Tests, respectively. In preparation for medical school, Jonathan scored in the 98.8th percentile on his MCAT with a soaring score of 38. Of the several prestigious medical schools to which he gained acceptance, Jonathan chose to attend the highly esteemed New York University School of Medicine, where he has just completed his first year and where he is president of the Endocrinology and Adolescent Medicine clubs.

Throughout Jonathan’s busy education, he has also found a love for tutoring and has amassed a significant amount of teaching and tutoring experience. In six years as a private instructor and as a Kaplan MCAT teacher, he has specialized in helping students to improve their performance on the Biology and Chemistry SAT exams and MCAT as well as in their high school and college level Organic and General Chemistry courses.

Steven Ovadia, B.A., MCAT & Science Tutor

Steven graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a B.A. in chemistry and a 3.82 cumulative G.P.A. He accomplished this feat in only three years, while also participating in the University’s exclusive Presidential Scholars Program. For his incredible academic achievements, Steven received both the Founders Day Award for Outstanding Scholarship as well as a Collegiate Research Scholar prize for his extensive work in NYU’s biochemistry and neurobiology labs.

Prior to college Steven attended East Meadow High School where he graduated 4th in his class of over 400 students and engaged in advanced scientific exploration as a member of Columbia University’s Science Honors Program. It was then that Steven also began his incredible standardized testing career, including a perfect 800 on the SAT mathematics section, as well as scores in the mid- to high-700s on all of his SAT Subject Tests, including writing, physics, and math level 2.

Steven’s testing mastery persisted in his college years when he achieved an enviable 38R on his MCAT, placing himself in the top 1% of all test-takers. He has been sharing his MCAT secrets ever since as a tutor and adviser. He also specializes in all high school and college sciences, SAT Subject Tests, and AP exams.

Dr. John C. Leylegian, Ph.D., M.S., M.S., B.S., Math & Science Tutor

John received his doctorate and two Master’s degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. At Princeton, John garnered substantial teaching experience as an assistant-in-instruction for courses in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, while simultaneously performing intense scholarly research in the combustion and fuels laboratory. Prior to attending Princeton, John graduated summa cum laude from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. His dissertation, funded by the National Science Foundation, was an experimental and numerical study of the effects of chlorinated substances on laminar flames.

John is currently an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Manhattan College. Prior to entering academia, he worked as a Senior Scientist in the Propulsion and Performance Department and as a technical consultant at ATK GASL (formerly Allied Aerospace GASL Division and GASL, Inc.).
As a tutor, John has been sharing his scientific expertise with aspiring students since 1992. He specializes in high-school and college-level mathematics and science as well as all related standardized tests.

Misty Wright, B.A., ACT & LSAT Tutor

Misty graduated magna cum laude, with a B.A. in psychology, from Yale University in 2008. At Yale, Misty is remembered for her vibrant personality, outstanding intellect, and leadership skills which she demonstrated in her research in the Social Psychology and Visual Cognition laboratories and as the president of the College’s talented and demanding a capella and dance organizations. Her academic achievements and extra-curricular involvement inevitably earned her several distinguished honors and awards, including membership in the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi national honoraria, as well as a highly sought after Woodrow Wilson Foundation Scholarship.

Misty’s performance at Yale was fully consistent with her earlier accomplishments. Her equally extraordinary high school record—a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. and a reputation for all-around excellence at Sacred Heart Academy, in Louisville, KY—made her the clear choice for Valedictorian of her graduating class. To this immaculate resume, Misty added phenomenal scores on all of her college admissions tests, including a 99th percentile on both her SAT and ACT. Most recently, she achieved a score in the 99th percentile on her LSAT as well and has already been accepted at several Ivy League law schools.

Her expertise in these and other aptitude exams and her innate ability to relate to and inspire students are the hallmarks of her uniquely effective teaching style. Misty’s teaching specialties include LSAT, SAT, and ACT, as well an assortment of high school-level subjects.

Brian Anselmo, M.A., B.A., History Tutor

Brian is a graduate of Providence College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science in 1993 as well as a Master of Arts in American history in 1994. Since then, Brian has been employed by his alma mater, Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY, where he has been teaching English and American history for more than 12 years. He has his New York State Permanent Certification in history for grades 7 through 12.

At Chaminade, Brian’s passion for helping students is also obvious outside the classroom. He currently serves as head coach of the junior varsity soccer team, the summer soccer camp coordinator, and assistant band moderator, as well as a moderator for various other extracurricular activities.

His tutoring expertise is in all American history subjects and standardized tests, including AP and SAT subject exams.

Shira Kaufman, B.A., Tutor & Director of LSAT Programs

Shira is a second-year at Columbia University School of Law.  She grew up in Seattle, where she attended dual-curriculum primary and high schools which incorporated intensive Hebrew/Ancient Judaic tracks.  As a junior in high school, Shira earned the prestigious title of National Merit Scholar for her incredible performance on her PSATs, and began college a year early as part of the University of Southern California's prestigious Resident Honors Program.  In 2005, she graduated cum laude from the University of Washington, and has since been living in New York City. Shira has extensive experience working for women's rights and other political causes, as well as volunteering at homeless shelters. Her gift for research and writing has enabled her to be published in several prestigious international and national scholarly journals, such as PresenTense.

Shira independently studied her way to a 99th percentile LSAT score, on the way developing a deep understanding of the test and the strategies necessary for conquering it. Since early 2005, she has been sharing her LSAT secrets with students throughout New York City as a private tutor.

Maureen McFadden, R.N., B.S.N., ACNP, NCLEX and Nursing Tutor

Maureen is a graduate of Georgetown University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. A Fairfield county native, Maureen currently works as a certified trauma and emergency department nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital’s Level I Emergency and Trauma Center. Maureen is also a certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and is a clinical doctoral candidate at Columbia University.

After acing the NCLEX in 75 questions, Maureen developed a teaching plan to teach students how to successfully approach the exam. Her in-depth study notes highlight the essential information that students need to know and eliminate extraneous studying.

Maureen specializes in working with students who have been previously unsuccessful at passing the NCLEX.  Her students have a nearly 100% pass rate and complete the exam within an average of 77 questions, well below the national range.

Mara Ravitz, B.A., Spanish and Math Tutor

Mara graduated magna cum laude from New York University in 2006 with a major in Middle Eastern history and a minor in religion. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois where she attended the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. There she served as the editor-in-chief of the school European history magazine, and received awards for her performance in both AP European History and African-American History. 

During her younger years, by a combination of classwork and dedicated independent study, Mara attained fluency in Spanish. Since then, languages, especially Spanish, have been her passion. She has done extensive work while living in Italy, Spain, Argentina, and traveling throughout South America perfecting her fluency in Spanish and ability to teach the language as well.

 Mara has experience tutoring in all subjects, with a focus on language and organizational skills.  She began studying for her Masters degree in Education at NYU in summer 2008.

Erica Meltzer, B.A., French Tutor

Erica graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College, with a B.A. in French and music. She spent her junior year of college as an international student at the Université Paris IV-Sorbonne, completed a senior thesis in French on Mme de Stael, and graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in French and departmental honors. She also worked as a department tutor, helping students in a variety of beginning and intermediate French courses, and received the Germaine Lafeuille Prize for the best essay written by a French major. In 2005 she was a nominee for the prestigious Marshall Scholarship. 
 
Since 2003 Erica has worked as a professional tutor, teaching French, English (composition, critical analysis, and SAT verbal preparation), and Italian, and has helped to prepare a number of students for the French SAT subject and International Baccalaureate exams. In addition to scoring a perfect 800 on the Verbal section of the SAT and a 770 on the Writing SAT II, she has also composed questions for the Writing and Critical Reading sections of the SAT I. Her students range from middle-school age to middle-aged, and she has taught in Boston, Paris, New York, and Italy.

Elly Hanauer, M.A., B.A., French Tutor

Elly graduated cum laude from Wellesley College where she worked as a French department tutor and was awarded tutor certification from the College Reading & Learning Association. Elly spent her junior year studying at the Université de Provence in Aix-en-Provence, France where she also tutored French students in English. She then moved on to complete her M.A. in French through Middlebury College in Paris where she studied at the Université Paris III Nouvelle Sorbonne and earned the Diplôme de français des affaires 2ème degré, a diploma in business French for foreigners, awarded by the Paris Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Originally from Berkeley, California, Elly has served as a private tutor for high school students from the Berkeley and Piedmont schools. After nearly five years working for the Institute of International Education managing international scholarship, exchange, and development programs, she relocated to New York to pursue her Ph.D. in International Education at New York University where she will be ateaching assistant for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years.