Specialties: Mary Lou is highly skilled in the ability to determine a student’s learning style, analyze the assigned task, and match an approach. She has an extensive background in teaching children in elementary, middle, and high school level school placements and is therefore acquainted with an understanding of the sequenced demands of curriculum throughout students’ academic careers. She is highly effective at instructing beginning reading and writing skills. In addition, she instructs and designs instructional and support programs for a wide continuum of learning styles to support academic areas affected by learning or attentional issues throughout all grade levels.

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Specialties: Sue Gail teaches reading, research skills, and writing. She encourages students to discover a love of literature which supports improvement in reading and writing. She teaches research techniques including strategies for finding and using databases and online sources while emphasizing the important tasks of first reading and assimilating. Sue Gail takes students through researching, structuring, writing, editing, and citing that is necessary in formal paper construction. Sue Gail is a master at teaching Spanish grammar at all levels. Her overriding goal is to help students feel confident and accomplished in their work since nothing motivates like success.

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Specialties: Zach works with students of all ages focusing on math, science, and writing. He integrates executive functioning and study skills into all academic lessons. Zach is an expert in delivering upper-level math and science concepts in a clear and efficient manner. By tailoring explanations to each learning style, Zach guides his students to complete mastery of topics and helps them build a foundation for their long-term success.

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Specialties: Evan enjoys teaching all levels of science and math to students in middle school, in high school, and at the college level. He strives for students to make real-world connections and applications where they otherwise might get lost in the numbers and jargon. Evan takes a steady, grammar-first approach to Spanish, solidifying the skills that students learn in the classroom while helping students to make connections between new vocab and previously-learned material. Evan incorporates executive function skill-building in his lessons to support student’s development in this critical area.

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Specialties: Patrick excels with computer science, math through calculus, and AP Statistics, and has enjoyed tutoring in sciences including chemistry and physics, English up through AP Language, as well as building executive function and study skills. He also directs the MLS Summer Coding Camp.

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Specialties: Jordan’s specialty is fostering a love for mathematics and the sciences by highlighting the reality of the material as it applies to the students and how we use can use tools like mathematical modeling to understand the complexities of the natural and scientific world around us. In addition, Jordan tries to extend his own innate curiosity for all parts of the natural and physical world around us to his students. It is not unusual for Jordan to hold the complete attention of both students and staff alike as he dynamically and clearly explains complex scientific concepts. Jordan has also studied Classical Latin prose and poetry in high school and college and is well-versed in his knowledge of the Roman culture and language. Jordan is also available for college gateway SAT/ACT test tutoring.

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Specialties: Haley enjoys assisting students of all ages in developing writing and literary analysis skills. By enthusiastically working with each student on fleshing out their own ideas, Haley strives to have students recognize their potential and gain confidence in their writing. In addition, Haley works with younger students in reading and math. In all aspects of her tutoring, Haley emphasizes the development of critical executive functioning skills.

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Specialties: Michael provides group and individual academic tutoring and executive function support to students of all ages in all subjects. He particularly enjoys preparing students for standardized tests, helping students tackle long research papers or projects, and teaching students how to master the humanities, including English, History, and Government/Civics.

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Specialties: Nora focuses on working with students who need help organizing their workload and getting started. She specializes in basic to advanced math, physics, essay writing, and basic to intermediate Spanish, and incorporates executive function skill building into every lesson. Nora enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for the subject matter and helps those students who are a little intimidated by it to study effectively and celebrate their successes, garnering new confidence and a love of learning in the process. Nora is a avid runner and has completed two marathons!

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Specialties: Jamie enjoys working with students in all levels of math, from pre-algebra to AP Calculus. They also excel at computer science, physics, chemistry, and executive function. They strive to instill confidence and enthusiasm through their approach to STEM subjects. Jamie understands the challenges facing neurodivergent students and employs a variety of strategies to develop engagement, motivation, and focus.

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Specialties: Beyond psychology, Kian is at home in the worlds of mathematics and physics, and he is proficient in history and theology. Kian works to make sure students are prepared for their classes both academically and in terms of personal organization. For fun, Kian enjoys cycling around the winding backwood trails near his house, and he has also begun to learn the complex art of cooking.

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Loretta is a McLean native. She graduated from McLean High School, received a BBA from
James Madison University and an MBA from The George Washington University. She
previously worked in government contracting, telecommunications, and owned an
executive search firm with her husband. She was an MLS parent for 13 years before she
joined the team in 2015. She spends her free time knitting, reading and watching sports.

Lydia grew up in Vienna, Virginia, attending James Madison High School, graduating as a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar with Honor. They went on to graduate summa cum laude from the College of William & Mary with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. While at William & Mary, they completed a semester abroad at the Université d’Aix-Marseille in Aix-en-Provençe, studying French language and culture. Lydia has worked at MLS since 2019, first as a test prep and academic tutor and then as part of the scheduling team since 2020. They have acted as the Client Care Manager since 2021, serving as the first point of contact for most parents looking to enroll their children at MLS. In addition to speaking with and emailing parents, Lydia enjoys solving the Tetris-like puzzle that is scheduling lessons. In their free time, Lydia enjoys reading, music, and making bad pottery.

Haleema grew up all over the United States and American Samoa and has lived, studied, and worked in Europe and South America. She has 20+ years of experience in marketing, business development, and corporate risk in the financial services, hospitality, transportation, government, and non-profit industries. She holds an MBA in International Business from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a B.S. in Political Science, with a Minor in Chemistry, from Truman State University. Haleema lives in Falls Church, Virginia, with her husband, Brendan, and two daughters.

Luna, the MLS Pawsitive Attitude Enforcer, is a registered emotional support dog and is thrilled to receive a little love from students. She graduated from obedience school with flying colors and is known for her seasonal wardrobes. She appreciates having her bowl in the kitchenette even though she doesn’t eat pizza.

See Luna matching with her owner Jordan!