Meet our staff

Great tutors in Chicago can help make great students. We recruit bright, young, and enthusiastic individuals as instructors.  Almost all of EE tutors have earned or are currently working toward their Masters or PhDs. EE staff has provided thousands of hours of tutoring to students attending a wide range of educational institutions. All have experience, all have been thoroughly interviewed, and all have been assessed by performance. Get to know one, and you will see. Check out their profiles below, and hear what people are saying.

Team Profiles

	Eric Davis, Founder: Eric has founded and/or served as Executive Director of several organizations as well as consulted for a wide range of institutions from start-up non-profits to multi-million dollar organizations. Currently, Eric is the Director of Global Citizenship Experience, a new private school he launched in Chicago in 2010. In 2001, Eric founded Educational Endeavors and in 2003, Camp of Dreams. Also, Eric held the positions of Interim Director with Daniel Murphy Scholarship Foundation and the Director of the Illinois Education Foundation.
	Stephen Weber, Director & Managing Partner: Stephen joined the management team of EE in the fall of 2005 and now serves as Director and Managing Partner. He holds an M.B.A. in International Business Administration  (2003) and a M.A. in English and Creative Writing (1995) from the University of Illinois – Chicago. He has also earned a B.A. in English (1992) at the University of Wisconsin –  Madison.  Besides his financial expertise, Stephen has extensive experience tutoring students  in various subject areas, and facilitates executive functioning  workshops, and high school  entrance exam sessions for clients of Educational Endeavors. Stephen also serves as Treasurer of the Board with Camp of Dreams.
	Kimberly Neill, Tutor (English; Math; Spanish; Test Prep.): Kimberly began working with Educational Endeavors during March of 2010. She earned her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Clemson University in South Carolina and her B.A. in Spanish/Secondary Education from Northern Michigan University. Kimberly is also the Admissions Advisor for Global Citizenship Experience, a new private school in Chicago. She has experience teaching high school Spanish in Indiana and at Concordia Language Villages in Minnesota.  She has lived in Spain, performed an internship at the University of Plymouth in England, U.K., and visited Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Mexico, and Jamaica.
	Don Bibly, Tutor:Don started with EE in 2008.  He holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from National Louis University and a B.A. in Biology from Illinois State University.  Don has taught biology, physics, chemistry, earth science, physical science, climate education, standardized test prep, and accelerated reading courses.  He currently teaches science at Chicago Academy High School in Chicago, Illinois.
	Joe Mason, Tutor: Joe received his Bachelors in Communications from ISU, and his Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from UIC. For the past two years, he’s taught ELL at a middle school in Wilmette; and this upcoming year, he’ll be teaching 6th grade social studies and language arts. Joe loves helping students recognize their potential and reach it or go beyond it by connecting with them and focusing on things that interest them.
	Sean Francis, Tutor: A native of Utah who came here to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago and fell for the city, Sean Francis is a professor of Humanities at Columbia College.  His grammar and punctuation are impeccable, his vocabulary and knowledge of literature vast, and his writing on art appears in The Chicago Tribune.  He is also fluent in Spanish–and wants everyone to be.
	Grace Wu, Tutor: Grace is currently a medical student at UIC. She enjoys tutoring in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Grace is an easy going person and great listener. She is excited to work with some of our students this year!
	Joshua Norton, Tutor: Joshua earned his B.A. in pure mathematics from the University of California, San Diego and is currently working on a dual program in philosophy and physics and the University of Illinois at Chicago.  He has been a tutor for ten years and is pretty awesome.  Joshua likes pushing his students and holding them accountable to working hard.
	Patrick West, Tutor: Patrick has been a teacher for 11 years.  For the past 6 years, he’s been a 7th grade social studies and language arts teacher for Chicago Public Schools.  Patrick is experienced in helping students become more organized and improve their study skills.
	Alicia Wyche, Tutor: Alicia has 5 years of teaching and curriculum development experience in Chicago Public Schools. She has worked predominantly with students in late elementary and middle school in the subjects of science and literacy. Alicia took a break from teaching to pursue her PhD in special education at UIC. While in school, she worked on several federally funded education grants that support literacy development in high risk youth.
	Jessica McCauley, Tutor: Jessica McCauley graduated with a Bachelors degree in Biology from Colorado State University in 2007. She is currently teaching high school biology as well as anatomy and physiology on the west side of Chicago. Jessica has three years of teaching experience and almost two years of tutoring experience. She specializes in tutoring biology, chemistry geology and algebra. In addition, she is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate Program and am well versed in study habits.
	John Byun, Tutor: John is currently a medical student in Chicago. Graduating from college in Cambridge, MA and from a magnet program in Los Angeles, CA, he loves tutoring in science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and math (Algebra I and II, Geometry, pre-Calculus, single- and multi-variable Calculus, elementary Number Theory and Statistics), from junior high to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate levels. John has tutored extensively since high school, both in private centers and through volunteer organizations. In his teaching, he strives to integrate subject matter into practical examples and prioritize active learning pedagogy.
	Christine Gonzalez, Tutor: Christine graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics and minors in Secondary Education, Asian American Studies, and Spanish.  She holds a Type 09 Secondary (6-12) teaching certificate and is endorsed in Mathematics and Spanish.  For the past 4 years, Christine has taught algebra, geometry, advanced algebra with trigonometry, discrete mathematics, and advanced placement statistics at Lane Tech College Prep High School.  While working with Educational Endeavors, she has tutored students in areas of math, science, and ACT/SAT prep.
	Mike Marval, Tutor: Mike is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Aurora University, a small college in the suburbs. He earned his Ph.D. from Northwestern University in 2008 and his B.A. in Chemistry from Connecticut College in 2003. Mike specializes in tutoring chemistry at all levels, freshman through senior, beginning to AP. Mike enjoys helping students achieve their academic goals so that they may be accepted to the college of their choice. When he is not teaching or tutoring, he enjoys dining out, jogging, tennis, and hanging around with his two dogs: Doc and Winston.
	Kerry Dolan, Tutor: Kerry has a B.A. in Journalism (with minors in French, politics and sociology) from Ithaca College, and her M.A. in Teaching (French). Kerry spent two years with Teach for America after graduating college, and was trained teaching pre-K in Long Beach, CA. Once she obtained placement, she taught high school French I and II on the South Side of Chicago for two years. After her contract was up, she pursued a fellowship to teach English in Paris, which brought her to France for seven months. Kerry’s areas of expertise are French, English, social studies, organizational skills and, test-taking and study skills.
	John Wilkie, Tutor: John grew up in Oak Park, Illinois.  After graduating from Fenwick High School and Purdue University with a degree in physics, John taught physics and physical science in the suburb of Berwyn at J. Sterling Morton West High School for 3 years.  He now teaches chemistry and physics in the suburb of Lincolnshire at Adlai E Stevenson High School.  During his extra time, he works with Educational Endeavors helping students apply their skills more efficiently in the areas of math and science.
	Tim Reed, Tutor: Tim is a goofball, teacher, cyclist, tutor, and avid learner. Currently, he teaches second grade at a K-8 school on the north side, where he spends his days immersed in the study of insects, gravity, double-digit addition, and Harry Potter’s life at Hogwarts. He has experience teaching high school English in Chicago Public Schools, leading adult education and reflection with the IIlinois Humanities Council, counseling at summer camps, and tutoring students aged 9 through 19 in subjects like basic literacy, writing, geometry, algebra, history, and test preparation.
	Laura Miggins, Tutor: Laura graduated from The Ohio State University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development followed by her Master’s Degree in Education from DePaul University in 2008. Since graduating, Laura has extensive experience teaching preschool.  Currently, Laura is the Lead Fun Club teacher at the Menomonee Club. In addition to working with little ones, Laura enjoys tutoring middle school mathematics, algebra, and geometry.
	Ali Cullerton, Tutor: Ali is currently working on her Ph.D. in Education: Literacy, Language & Culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has formerly taught Language Arts, ELL, and other subjects in middle and high school. She currently works as a research assistant with Early Reading First at UIC, building family literacy supports throughout Chicago. Her research interests include literacy practices and literacy use of unaccompanied, undocumented immigrants. She is proficient in Spanish and tutors all subjects, but specializes in writing, literacy and ELL.
	Gary Vogel, Tutor: Gary earned his M.S. in cell biology from the University of Chicago and his B.S. in biology from Cornell University. He continued his education though the Institute of Chemical Education at U.C. Berkeley as well as the A.P. Biology Institute at Stanford. Gary also has experience teaching physics and ACT prep with GCE Chicago High School.  In his free time, Gary volunteers at the Jazz Institute and the Theater of the Deaf. He has been tutoring with EE since 2009.
	Caitlin Elsaesser, Tutor: Caitlin is currently a doctoral student in Social Welfare at the University of Chicago. Previously, she taught high school English, writing, reading and history, and also gained expertise in teaching standardized testing. Caitlin speaks Spanish and is looking forward to working with new new students.
	John Schieber, Tutor: John graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University, and spent a year in medical school at the University of Illinois Chicago before taking a leave of absence. He is highly qualified to tutor all levels of high school math (Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus) and science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), and has a year of ACT/SAT tutoring experience with the Huntington Learning Center.  In addition to tutoring, John spends most of his free time playing the violin. He’s looking forward to working with motivated students this year!
	Jim Docherty, Tutor: Jim has been with Educational Endeavors since the spring of 2011 and has lived in Chicago since 1990.  Born in New York City, he grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Manhattan College in 1987.  After working in several social service programs on the East coast, he came to the Midwest and began his teaching career at Mount Carmel High School and later taught at Joliet Catholic Academy. Jim, his wife Laura and their three children currently live on the Southside of Chicago, where Jim has worked as a stay at home father for the past several years.
	Greg Wright, Tutor: Greg is a National Board Certified teacher, teaching high school English for eight years.  Most recently, he was the writing guru at Walter Payton College Prep, teaching AP English Language and Composition and Honors Creative Writing.  Greg has a BA in English from St. Olaf College and an MA in Education from Stanford University.  Currently, he is exploring writing professionally, so he is eager for opportunities to work with students again.
	Jan Afungchwi, Tutor: Jan began working with EE in June of 2009. He comes from Camaroon, West of Africa and speaks French as a first language. He tutors students in science, math, and French. In addition, Jan runs ISW and exam preparation workshops. He is currently studying to be a nurse practitioner at Harold Washington College. In his spare time, Jan enjoys playing soccer or talking with his family back home in Africa.
	Alexandra Backis, Tutor: Born and raised in Chicago, Alexandra (Alex) received her B.A. in Feminist Studies from Stanford University and her Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.  Alex is currently a therapist at Uplift Community High School. Alex has tutored both elementary and high school students and believes that learning should be relevant, inspirational, and fun.
	Jana Frank, Tutor: Jana is currently a 4th grade teacher with CPS at Budlong Elementary School. She has been tutoring for about 10 years, in all subjects, ages, and ability levels. Jana especially enjoys working with students with special needs, including autism all the way to a child prodigy. She earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education, graduate certificate in Developmental Psychology, and middle school endorsement all from NLU. In addition, she earned her math endorsement through the University of Chicago and her BA in psychology from UW-Madison. Jana spends her summers performing research for the head of the Math Education Department at the University of Chicago in the areas of curriculum research and development of math enrichment programs for underprivileged students. In her free time, Jana enjoys reading, traveling, yoga, and flying trapeze.
	Courtney Mares, Tutor: Courtney has been teaching elementary and middle school student’s intensive reading as well as language arts, writing and social studies for the past 10 years. She spent her first 3 years teaching the Title I reading program to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Upon completion of this program, Courtney transitioned to North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka where she worked in middle school advising, teaching and coaching. During this time, she completed her M.Ed at DePaul University in Curriculum Development with my Reading Teacher Endorsement. For the past three years, Courtney has been teaching reading, writing and social studies for fifth and sixth grade student in a south side Chicago Public School.
	Jesse Rutschman, Tutor: Jesse received a B.A. from Earlham College where he studied psychology and Spanish. He is currently working toward a Master’s in the Arts of Teaching at National-Louis University and will be teaching 6-8th grade science and language arts this spring.  Among his many jobs as an educator, he has helped students prepare for college workshops and academic advising through the GEAR UP program. Jesse has also worked with the Chicago Botanic Garden instructing middle schoolers.  He enjoys seeing students feel successful and looks forward to helping students with science, Spanish, and meeting their goals.
	Moses Elias, Tutor: Moses started his career by serving four years in the Air Force after high school. During this time, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He discovered his love of teaching while working as a part-time substitute teacher during graduate school. Though Moses earned his Master of Science degree in Engineering at University of Illinois at Chicago, he decided to return to teaching.  With the help of the Chicago Teaching Fellows, he earned his Type 09 Secondary teaching certificate and an endorsement in Mathematics.  Shortly thereafter, he earned his Master of Art degree in Teaching from National Louis University.  Moses has taught for several years in Chicago Public Schools and his areas of expertise include algebra, geometry, advanced algebra with trigonometry, and pre-calculus.
	W. David Work, Tutor: David is an undergraduate at the Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Political Science, with a minor in Architecture and specialization in Urban Planning. He earned his associate’s degree with honors from Harold Washington College, Chicago, in Spring 2010 and was awarded a Presidential Scholarship at IIT. David has extensive experience as a volunteer and professional tutor, in subjects ranging from math, English, Spanish, writing, philosophy and drafting to beginning guitar and bass. A resident of Chicago for over seven years, he lives on the North Side with his wife, a Chicago Public School teacher, and enjoys building models in his spare time.
	Natalie Vigilante, Tutor: Natalie is native Chicagoan. After graduating from New Trier High School, she pursued Communication and Education at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She holds a B.A. in Communications (2005) and Master’s in Elementary Education from DePaul University (2007). Natalie has been a teacher for the last five years for Chicago Public Schools. Currently, she teaches 5th grade gifted. She enjoys helping students understand how to be successful in school. In her spare time, Natalie loves to read and travel with family.
	Michael Menelli, Tutor: Michael is a Master of Public Administration student at the University of Illinois-Chicago where he specializes in state and local government finance. Prior to his graduate work, Michael served for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and received his B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University. In his free time Michael enjoys playing the banjo, cycling, and helping students discover the joy of understanding statistics, economics, and the Spanish language.
	Elizabeth Graff, Tutor: A Chicago native, Elizabeth graduated from the the Latin School of Chicago. She went on to earn a B.A. from Carleton College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa.  At Carleton, Elizabeth studied fine arts, educational psychology and child development.  Since returning to Chicago in 2008, Elizabeth has been working at a therapeutic center for children with developmental and learning differences.  Elizabeth believes that each child’s individual learning style and needs should play a central role in the tutoring relationship. Elizabeth has worked with young children through college age students.