Our Instructors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At IvyWay, our instructors are the heart of what we do. They are experienced educators, passionate mentors, and subject matter experts dedicated to inspiring K-8 students. Each instructor brings a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and a commitment to nurturing a love for learning.
What Sets Our Instructors Apart?
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Students from Top Schools: Our instructors are talented individuals from the very schools you’re aspiring to attend, offering firsthand insights and guidance.
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Highly Qualified: They excel academically and have demonstrated expertise in their respective fields, ensuring the highest quality of instruction.
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Passionate Mentors: Beyond academics, our instructors are dedicated to helping students grow in confidence, curiosity, and creativity.
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Diverse Expertise: From math and science to arts and public speaking, our instructors cover a wide range of subjects tailored to K-8 learners.
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Personalized Support: They are committed to providing individual attention to each student, creating an engaging and nurturing learning environment.
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Meet them below:
Meet Our Team
Get to know the brilliant minds behind IvyWay. Our experienced educators are dedicated to guiding students towards academic success.

SSAT Prep (Upper level) / Counsling / Tutoring
David Chen
Brief Bio
Hi! I’m David, a high school student at The Lawrenceville School with a passion for business, marketing, and giving back to the community. Whether it’s co-founding environmental ventures, teaching underprivileged students, or editing videos for school news, I love combining creativity and impact. I’ve led projects that have served thousands and strive to help others through leadership, education, and innovation.
Teaching & Tutoring Experience
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President – Project Engage NJ (served 5,000+ students across NJ)
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Organized year-round free classes in coding, science, and more
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Created 400+ volunteer opportunities for high school students
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500+ Volunteer Hours – tutoring, teaching, and community outreach
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Awarded President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award and Volunteer of the Year
Academic & Extracurricular Involvement
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Co-Founder – Torus AI (free composting for NJ; 4,000+ contacts reached)
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CEO – GreenAngler (eco-friendly fishing supplies venture)
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Digital Marketing Manager – Township of Plainsboro (Wicoff Museum)
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Executive of Graphics & Effects – L10 News (video editor & creative director)
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Varsity Rower – Placed 14th nationally in the Stotesbury Cup
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Soccer, Wrestling, and Basketball Team Member at Lawrenceville
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DECA and Investment Club Member
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Attended UPenn (4.0 GPA in Precollege Econ) & Columbia Entrepreneurship Programs
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Skills: Web Design, Social Media, Video Editing, SEO, Marketing, Public Speaking

Spanish and Elementary and Middle Level SSAT
Alberto Gianni
Brief Bio
Hi! I’m Alberto, a 16-year-old student from Barcelona currently studying at Winchester College in the UK. I’m passionate about languages, maths, and helping others learn. I speak five languages fluently, have a strong academic record, and love sharing my skills through tutoring and community work. I’m excited about creating educational tools and supporting students in becoming confident and capable learners.
Teaching & Tutoring Experience
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Weekly Volunteer – Year 3 & 4 Maths Clubs (local state schools)
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Passionate about helping younger students master foundational skills
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Experience mentoring through Core Cadet Force (team-building & leadership)
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Developing a free online platform to help kids learn English or Spanish
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Bilingual and skilled in explaining complex ideas simply and clearly
Academic & Extracurricular Involvement
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Predicted top grades in Maths & Further Maths (FSMQ)
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Three-time UK Intermediate Maths Challenge Gold Award winner
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Fluent in English, Spanish, French, German, and Catalan; learning Russian
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Academic Exhibition Award – Winchester College
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Completed immersive school exchanges in Germany and France
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Quarterfinalist – English Field Hockey Cup with Trojans HC
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Former Bronze Medalist – Spanish U16 Hockey Championship (Goalkeeper)
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Creator of a memory-based card game (in development for online launch)
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Pitched a business idea at a school competition focused on student job access

Economics, Philosophy
Aaryan Shrestha
Academic Achievements
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9 GCSEs – All at Grade 9, with one Grade 8
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Subjects: Maths, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Latin, Spanish, Geography, English
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FSMQ: Additional Mathematics – Grade A
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A-Levels (Predicted: All A*s)
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Subjects: Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Philosophy
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Awards & Competitions
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Bronze Medal – British Algorithmic Olympiad
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Gold Medal – UK Biology Challenge
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Finalist – UK Budget Institute of Economic Affairs Competition
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Maths Olympiad Competitor
Leadership & Teaching Experience
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Head of College Economics Society
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Head of College Psychology Society
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Head Lecturer – College Philosophy Forum
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Volunteer Tutor – 2 hours per week teaching Maths & Economics to 9-16 year-olds
Professional Experience
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HSBC Work Experience – Global Banking & Markets
Meet the Team
This is your Team section. Briefly introduce the team then add their bios below. Click here to edit.

Art
Minghai Xiao
Brief Bio
Hello! I’m Minghai, a 17-year-old junior at West Windsor Plainsboro High School South. I am passionate about guiding younger students to success and helping them enhance their academic skillsets. As a tutor, I focus on teaching the easiest and fastest problem-solving methods to help students achieve their full potential.
Teaching & Tutoring Experience
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Experienced in working with younger children
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Tutored students (ages 9-12)
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NHS Tutor – National Honor Society, High School South
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50+ Volunteer Hours
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50+ Hours of Community Service – Helping children through STEP For a Better World
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Hawk Hero Badge – Recognized for mentoring younger children
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Previously mentored and parented younger children in my community
Academic & Extracurricular Involvement
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Will take AP Calculus AB next year
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Futures Forge Summer Program – Boston University
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3 Years on High School Soccer Team – Secondary Captain
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Packed 100,000 meals for children in need

Science
Luke Edwards
Academic Achievements
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GCSE Grade 9 – Physics
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GCSE Grade 9 – Mathematics
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FSMQ Further Maths – Grade A
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Currently Studying A-Levels:
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Mathematics
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Further Mathematics
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Physics
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Computer Science
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Teaching & Leadership Experience
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Assistant Sailing Instructor – 3 years (ages 13-16)
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RYA Qualified Dinghy Instructor – 2 years (teaching children aged 8-16)
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CCF Instructor – Teaching cadets (ages 14-16) in basic army skills and leadership

History, English
Akshara Ashwin
Brief Bio
Hi! I’m Akshara, a 17-year-old student at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South. I’m passionate about leadership, education, and creating meaningful impact through community work. I love helping younger students grow academically and personally, and I bring experience from tutoring, organizing global initiatives, and running a small business that supports underserved communities.
Teaching & Tutoring Experience
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Board Director – NJ Peer Tutoring (100+ volunteers across NJ)
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50+ Hours Tutoring K–8 Students
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Experience working with diverse learners and age groups
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Focus on building confidence and academic skills
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Led mentorship workshops through global clubs and nonprofits
Academic & Extracurricular Involvement
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President – Amnesty NJ (organized statewide advocacy panels)
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Editor-in-Chief – The Nexus International (40,000+ global readers)
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Author – Maya and the Money Mysteries (published on Amazon)
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Small Business Founder – Success Sync (raised $2,000 for Kiva loans)
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Co-President – Speech & Debate (263 members, national champions)
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Led 20+ finance workshops worldwide as a Youth Ambassador
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Packed and donated 70+ care packages and 50+ toys to local shelters
Meet the Team
This is your Team section. Briefly introduce the team then add their bios below. Click here to edit.

Debating
Robert Craft
Brief Bio
Hey! I’m Robert, and I’ve been passionate about debate for the past four years. Through both competing and coaching, I’ve learned how powerful clear thinking and confident speaking can be. I love helping younger students build their communication skills and feel more comfortable expressing their ideas — whether it’s in class, on stage, or during everyday conversations.
Teaching & Tutoring Experience
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2 Years Coaching – Internal debate club (ages 13–16)
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Coached team that placed 1st at the Imperial Schools Novice Competition
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Helped coach finalists at the International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD)
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6 Months – Volunteer debate coaching for students aged 6–10
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1 Month – Junior counselor at Camp Dudley (ages 10–15), supporting youth development through sports and leadership activities
Debate Experience & Achievements
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4 Years of Competitive Debate Training
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3 Years of Tournament Experience
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1st Place – ICYD Regional Round
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2nd Place – ICYD Regional Finals
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Top 20 Finalist – ICYD National Finals
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2nd Place – Cambridge School Debate Regional Finals

English, Math
Mingyang Xiao
Brief Bio
Hi! I’m Mingyang, a high school student with a passion for education, languages, and global impact. I’ve lived and studied across China, Turkey, and the U.S., which has shaped my interest in international communication and economic systems. I love helping others learn — whether it's through tutoring, translation, or volunteering — and I’m always excited to make a difference in my community.
Teaching & Tutoring Experience
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SSAT Tutor – Middle School Math & English (Grades 5–8)
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Volunteer Instructor – Taught sports & games to local elementary students
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Language Support – Translated Turkish legal documents into English with lawyer collaboration
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Strong focus on clarity, patience, and student confidence
Academic & Extracurricular Involvement
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GPA: 3.8 Unweighted / 4.5 Weighted | 7 AP Classes
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Honor Roll (9th Grade)
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DECA Assistant – Business and leadership involvement
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Multilingual: English, Turkish, Chinese, Spanish
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Soccer Team Captain
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Strong skills in Marketing, Economics, Public Speaking, and Graphic Design
Volunteer Experience
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Member – STEP For a Better World & LEO Club
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Packed over 100,000 meals for Zambia & Philippines
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Sold $500+ of food at a local fundraiser
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Chaperoned special needs students and served community breakfasts
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Participated in EnRoads Climate Summit & other global discussions

French, Math
Solal Pinhas Meyer
Brief Bio
Hi! I’m Solal, a 16-year-old student living in Paris with my parents and younger brother. I attend an international school and currently follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, where I study Math AA at the Higher Level with a consistent 7/7 average. I’m passionate about finance, education, and simplifying complex ideas for younger students.
Teaching & Tutoring Experience
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Founder & Leader – Finance Education App Club for Kids
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Focused on breaking down financial concepts for children
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Experience managing a team and teaching through interactive methods
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Passionate about making learning fun and engaging
Academic & Extracurricular Involvement
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Student – Math AA HL (7/7 Average)
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Fluent in French and English
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Strong interest in education, technology, and entrepreneurship
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Dedicated to helping younger students build strong foundations in finance and logic