Meet the Teachers at AlphaMinds Academy

Titoluwanimi Rapheal is a seasoned chess professional and passionate coach with over 17 years of experience as a player, instructor, tournament arbiter, and organizer. His journey with chess began at age 9, and by 14 he was already sharing his knowledge as a teacher in Nigerian schools. A former National U-20 Champion and two-time member of Nigeria’s national team, Tito has competed in and officiated events across both Nigeria and the United States.

With a career that spans classrooms, community programs, and private coaching, Tito brings a dynamic and story-driven approach to every lesson. He blends deep strategic insight with engaging mini-adventures, puzzles, and real-game examples that make learning chess exciting and memorable.

Above all, Tito’s mission is to make chess accessible, inspiring, and life-shaping—helping students not only grow as players, but also develop critical thinking, confidence, and resilience that extend far beyond the chessboard.

Anthony Kozikowsky is a lifelong chess player and passionate instructor whose journey with the game began at age four, taught by his late father. By the age of eight, he was already outplaying his first teacher, and by his teens, he was studying Grandmaster tutorials and sharing his knowledge through lessons with friends and clients.

With over 14 years of teaching experience, Anthony works with players of all levels—from beginners learning the rules to advanced students mastering tactical and positional play. He is an active member of the New York chess circuit and has volunteered as an instructor for The Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County.

Chess has profoundly shaped Anthony’s worldview and inspired him to pursue a degree in Philosophy. His teaching reflects his belief that chess is more than a game—it’s a tool for growth, insight, and lifelong learning.

Sean’s love for chess began at the age of six, when his grandfather first set up a board and patiently taught him how the pieces moved. He played casually throughout childhood, but it was during his college years—at the Marshall Chess Club and the Chess Forum—that his passion for the game was truly reignited. Around the same time, Sean regularly volunteered at his mother’s preschool, where he discovered how much he enjoyed working with children. Combining his enthusiasm for chess with his experience in early childhood education, Sean found his calling as a chess instructor.

In the classroom, Sean prioritizes keeping students engaged and helping them develop a genuine passion for the game—something he believes is essential for real learning. His teaching style is pragmatic and accessible, guiding students to look for good moves in each position and to think critically about the game. Across all phases—opening, middlegame, and endgame—he encourages students to improve their position, generate ideas, and anticipate their opponent’s plans.

Jeremiah Hosea Landress has been teaching chess in and around the New York City area for over 20 years. His students have ranged from preschoolers to seniors, covering every age group in between. Known for his patient and adaptable approach, Jeremiah tailors his instruction to the unique needs and goals of each learner, whether they are complete beginners or advanced players preparing for tournaments.

His lessons incorporate rich analogies, elements of chess history, and precise chess terminology, creating a well-rounded learning experience. He also provides references and resources to support independent study between lessons, helping students make steady progress in their chess development.

Outside of chess, Jeremiah enjoys a variety of hobbies, including playing music, and is a devoted father to two young children, who inspire his work both on and off the chessboard.

Amanda Merino is a computer science enthusiast and educator originally from Bloomingdale, NJ. She graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology, with a degree in Computer Science.

Amanda discovered her passion for programming in middle school through Scratch and has been sharing that love ever since. She has experience teaching coding to students of all ages and is proficient in multiple programming languages, including Python, C, C++, Bash, and JavaScript.

Amanda is excited to inspire the next generation of coders and help students explore the creative world of programming at AlphaMinds Academy.

Aughdon Breslin is a passionate educator who has been teaching with AlphaMinds Academy since 2021.  Over the years, he has guided students through Chess, Scratch, and JavaScript classes—earning a reputation for making complex ideas engaging and accessible. Teaching has remained a central part of his journey, even as he completed both his Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Master’s in Machine Learning at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. Aughdon continues to teach with AlphaMinds while working as a Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase and, starting Spring 2025, as an Adjunct Professor at Stevens.

George Gawargi is a passionate educator with a background in elementary education and a strong focus on math and STEM instruction. He earned his degree in Elementary Education from New Jersey City University and currently teaches math at a local charter school.

For the past five years, George has been teaching both math and coding classes to students of various ages and skill levels. He is especially passionate about helping young learners build strong foundations in math and discover the world of programming—encouraging them to think creatively, solve problems, and strengthen their logic and analytical skills.

George believes that learning should always be exciting and fun. His goal is to inspire and motivate students, helping them develop confidence and a genuine love for math and discovery.

In his free time, you can find him playing soccer or at the gym.

Portia Morrell is a passionate computer science educator with a background in developing and teaching innovative STEM curriculum for after-school and summer programs across NYC and New Jersey.Her love for computer science began in 7th grade with a class in Logo, sparking a lifelong interest that led her to pursue a career in tech education. For the past five years, Portia has been designing engaging, hands-on coding experiences for young learners. She currently teaches Computer Science to grades 8–10 at Lycée Français.Portia’s favorite part of teaching is witnessing the moment her students realize the limitless possibilities of what they can create through code. She’s excited to bring her creativity, enthusiasm, and expertise to the students at AlphaMinds Academy this year!

Ryan Breen has been passionate about speedcubing for over 10 years and loves sharing his expertise with students. As the instructor for AlphaMinds Academy’s Rubik’s Cube Master Class, Ryan teaches beginners and aspiring cubers how to solve the cube step-by-step, along with strategies for improving speed and efficiency.

With a decade of experience and a deep understanding of solving algorithms, Ryan makes learning the cube both approachable and fun. His lessons not only build cubing skills but also strengthen problem-solving, focus, and perseverance—valuable abilities students can apply far beyond the cube.

When not teaching, Ryan continues to practice and refine his speedcubing techniques. He is currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, combining his love of problem-solving with his passion for innovation.

Kayla Pearson is an experienced educator with 15 years of teaching expertise, specializing in reading and writing instruction rooted in multi-sensory and research-based approaches.

Her career has taken her from Sacramento to San Francisco—and even Panama—where she has taught elementary and middle school, supervised a literacy clinic, and trained fellow educators. Kayla holds an Educational Specialist Master’s degree and teaching credential in mild/moderate disabilities from San Francisco State University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Child Development from California State University, East Bay.

Kayla is passionate about helping students find joy and empowerment through writing, guiding them to express their unique voices and creativity with confidence.

Natalia Romero is a dedicated ELA educator with a strong passion for literacy and language development. She incorporates the Orton-Gillingham approach, using structured, multisensory strategies to support students in building strong reading comprehension, writing skills, and confidence as developing readers and writers.

With over five years of teaching experience in diverse educational settings—from New York City to Panama and Spain—Natalia brings a global perspective and thoughtful, inclusive approach to her classroom. Born and raised in NYC, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and is currently completing her TEFL certification, which further strengthens her understanding of language acquisition and student learning.

Natalia’s teaching style is creative, engaging, and student-centered. She designs lessons that spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and foster a genuine love of reading and writing. She is deeply committed to helping students grow academically while developing the confidence and skills they need to express themselves clearly and effectively.

Arielle Engelmeyer brings over 15 years of experience as a tutor and has spent the past 10 years teaching students in elementary school. She holds a BA in English with a minor in Education and a Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy.

In addition to teaching reading, Arielle specializes in Essay Writing instruction. She helps students build strong foundations in structure, organization, and clarity—guiding them through the writing process from brainstorming to final draft. Her supportive and creative approach boosts students’ confidence and fosters a genuine love for writing.

Committed to evidence-based literacy instruction, Arielle has studied both the Wilson Language and Orton-Gillingham reading methods—multi-sensory approaches that strengthen phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

When she’s not helping students grow into confident readers, Arielle enjoys leading Mommy and Me classes for toddlers and having spontaneous dance parties with her three children.

Tina Nicolucci is a passionate reading coach with extensive experience helping students build strong reading and writing skills. Her instruction is rooted in the science of reading and supported by certifications in Childhood Education (K–6), ESOL, and the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI). She is also trained in Orton-Gillingham and Wilson/Fundations methods, which allow her to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Tina believes every child can become a confident reader and writer with the right guidance. She creates a supportive, engaging classroom environment and tailors her teaching to fit each student’s unique learning style.

Outside the classroom, Tina enjoys spending time in nature—hiking, camping, or simply taking a walk—which inspires her to bring creativity and balance into her teaching. She is excited to be part of the AlphaMinds Academy team and looks forward to making a meaningful impact on her students’ literacy journeys.

Aleksandra Baklanova holds a B.A. in Education with a concentration in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language. After moving to the United States, she continued her education and earned a degree in Accounting.

Aleksandra homeschooled her two children for five years and tutored other students in math, Russian, and English. This experience strengthened her ability to plan age-appropriate lessons, adapt instruction to different learning styles, and make new concepts accessible and engaging for younger learners. She also completed AlphaMinds Academy’s comprehensive teacher training for Logic PreK and K and Math I and II and began teaching these classes during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Aleksandra is passionate about working with young children and brings patience, creativity, and warmth to her classroom. She helps students build strong foundations in logical reasoning, mathematical thinking, and problem-solving while developing confidence and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Anastasia Faber is a passionate and experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching in schools and early childhood centers.

After earning her degree in English from Rostov Pedagogical University, Anastasia dedicated herself to nurturing a love of learning in children through personalized, engaging, and creative teaching methods.

Her professional journey also reflects a deep appreciation for literature and the arts. She completed art history courses and worked as a tour guide at the renowned Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, sharing her love of art with visitors from around the world. She also worked as a translator—but it was in the classroom where she truly felt at home.

Anastasia believes that every child’s success begins with connection. She tailors her lessons to meet each student’s unique needs and interests, creating interactive, exciting, and meaningful learning experiences. Her greatest joy is seeing the spark in a child’s eyes when they discover something new.

For Anastasia, teaching is more than a profession—it’s her lifelong passion.

Tatiana Sapronova is a dedicated educator with a strong background in early childhood and elementary education. She earned her teaching degree from Zaporizhya Pedagogical State University in 2005 and began her career working with grades 1–3 in her hometown.

After moving to the U.S., Tatiana taught preschool and early education in Tennessee, gaining valuable experience with diverse teaching methods and child-centered learning approaches.

Since 2017, she has been a valued member of the AlphaMinds Academy team, teaching Logic PreK, K, and Math I–III. Known for her warmth and creativity, Tatiana blends interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and a personal approach to ensure every student thrives. She fosters a supportive classroom where curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning flourish.

Aleksandra Baklanova holds a B.A. in Education with a concentration in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language. After moving to the United States, she continued her education and earned a degree in Accounting.

Aleksandra homeschooled her two children for five years and tutored other students in math, Russian, and English. This experience strengthened her ability to plan age-appropriate lessons, adapt instruction to different learning styles, and make new concepts accessible and engaging for younger learners. She also completed AlphaMinds Academy’s comprehensive teacher training for Logic PreK and K and Math I and II and began teaching these classes during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Aleksandra is passionate about working with young children and brings patience, creativity, and warmth to her classroom. She helps students build strong foundations in logical reasoning, mathematical thinking, and problem-solving while developing confidence and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

George Gawargi is a passionate educator with a background in elementary education and a strong focus on math and STEM instruction. He earned his degree in Elementary Education from New Jersey City University and currently teaches math at a local charter school.

For the past five years, George has been teaching both math and coding classes to students of various ages and skill levels. He is especially passionate about helping young learners build strong foundations in math and discover the world of programming—encouraging them to think creatively, solve problems, and strengthen their logic and analytical skills.

George believes that learning should always be exciting and fun. His goal is to inspire and motivate students, helping them develop confidence and a genuine love for math and discovery.

In his free time, you can find him playing soccer or at the gym.

Ivette Rubio is a dedicated educator with a passion for making math approachable, engaging, and empowering for every student.

For the past five years, Ivette has taught middle school math, aiming to help students build confidence and develop a genuine appreciation for the subject. She holds a master’s degree in education from Saint Peter’s University, which has equipped her with the tools to design meaningful and impactful learning experiences.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Ivette is also a professional chess player and coach with over 14 years of experience. Her background in competitive chess deeply informs her teaching, bringing strategic thinking, problem-solving, and creativity into her math lessons.

Ivette believes that the skills gained through chess—focus, resilience, and critical thinking—translate powerfully into academic success. Her goal is to inspire students to see math not as a challenge to fear, but as a skill to master with confidence and curiosity.

Matthew Rydell is a passionate educator who brings energy, clarity, and creativity to math instruction.

Born and raised in Staten Island, NY, Matthew earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1998 and began his career in Manhattan’s entertainment industry. He later followed his true calling—education—and went on to earn a master’s degree in Special Education (Grades 1–6) from CUNY’s College of Staten Island.

Since 2005, Matthew has taught in several private schools across New York City and has worked extensively as a private tutor, preparing students for high school and college entrance exams. His teaching philosophy is rooted in making math fun, interactive, and easy to understand.

With a gift for turning complex ideas into clear, accessible concepts, Matthew inspires confidence and a genuine love for math in his students.

Svetlana Margoulis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Ben Gurion University and a Master’s in Business Management and Administration. Though not an educator by formal training, teaching has long been her passion.

She has led educational projects supporting high school students and, after moving to the U.S., taught advanced math to students in grades K–9 at RSM for several years.

Svetlana believes in meeting each student’s unique needs and creating a classroom that is both engaging and effective. A lifelong learner herself, she enjoys exploring new teaching methods to make math fun and meaningful.

She is excited to bring her love for math to the students of AlphaMinds Academy!

Tatiana Sapronova is a dedicated educator with a strong background in early childhood and elementary education. She earned her teaching degree from Zaporizhya Pedagogical State University in 2005 and began her career working with grades 1–3 in her hometown.

After moving to the U.S., Tatiana taught preschool and early education in Tennessee, gaining valuable experience with diverse teaching methods and child-centered learning approaches.

Since 2017, she has been a valued member of the AlphaMinds Academy team, teaching Logic PreK, K, and Math I–III. Known for her warmth and creativity, Tatiana blends interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and a personal approach to ensure every student thrives. She fosters a supportive classroom where curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning flourish.

Vera Vitali is a passionate math educator with over 17 years of experience teaching grades 9–12 in some of New Jersey’s top public and private schools.

Originally from Albania, she has lived in the U.S. for over two decades and holds a certification to teach math from Pre-K through 12th grade, along with a Master’s degree in Educational Administration.

Vera has taught everything from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus and brings a dynamic, student-centered approach to the classroom. She believes in inspiring motivation, fostering curiosity, and tailoring learning to meet the needs of each individual.

As a lifelong learner herself, Vera creates a classroom environment that encourages students to grow through challenge, build confidence, and celebrate success. She is always available to provide extra support and believes strongly in the power of collaboration between students and teachers.

Kayla Pearson is an experienced educator with 15 years of teaching expertise, specializing in reading and writing instruction rooted in multi-sensory and research-based approaches.

Her career has taken her from Sacramento to San Francisco—and even Panama—where she has taught elementary and middle school, supervised a literacy clinic, and trained fellow educators. Kayla holds an Educational Specialist Master’s degree and teaching credential in mild/moderate disabilities from San Francisco State University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Child Development from California State University, East Bay.

Kayla is passionate about helping students find joy and empowerment through writing, guiding them to express their unique voices and creativity with confidence.

Mandy Faircloth is an experienced educator with over 15 years of teaching students from PreK through 4th grade.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from NYU and holds a teaching certification in Childhood Education (K–6) from the State of Florida. Raised in Georgia, Mandy grew up surrounded by a love of learning—her family ran a Montessori school for over 25 years, which greatly influenced her passion for education from an early age.

Mandy brings a creative and well-rounded approach to teaching by blending her knowledge of Common Core standards with Montessori principles. She has taught in a variety of international school settings, working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, and thrives in dynamic and challenging environments.

Committed to lifelong learning, Mandy continues to grow professionally through courses in areas such as ADHD, ESL, the Science of Reading, and Neurodiversity. She’s deeply passionate about helping children succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally—and always strives to create a nurturing and engaging classroom environment.

In her free time, Mandy enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling the world.

Natalia Romero is a dedicated ELA educator with a strong passion for literacy and language development. She incorporates the Orton-Gillingham approach, using structured, multisensory strategies to support students in building strong reading comprehension, writing skills, and confidence as developing readers and writers.

With over five years of teaching experience in diverse educational settings—from New York City to Panama and Spain—Natalia brings a global perspective and thoughtful, inclusive approach to her classroom. Born and raised in NYC, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and is currently completing her TEFL certification, which further strengthens her understanding of language acquisition and student learning.

Natalia’s teaching style is creative, engaging, and student-centered. She designs lessons that spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and foster a genuine love of reading and writing. She is deeply committed to helping students grow academically while developing the confidence and skills they need to express themselves clearly and effectively.

Arielle Engelmeyer brings over 15 years of experience as a tutor and has spent the past 10 years teaching students in elementary school. She holds a BA in English with a minor in Education and a Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy.

In addition to teaching reading, Arielle specializes in Essay Writing instruction. She helps students build strong foundations in structure, organization, and clarity—guiding them through the writing process from brainstorming to final draft. Her supportive and creative approach boosts students’ confidence and fosters a genuine love for writing.

Committed to evidence-based literacy instruction, Arielle has studied both the Wilson Language and Orton-Gillingham reading methods—multi-sensory approaches that strengthen phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

When she’s not helping students grow into confident readers, Arielle enjoys leading Mommy and Me classes for toddlers and having spontaneous dance parties with her three children.

Ryan Breen has been passionate about speedcubing for over 10 years and loves sharing his expertise with students. As the instructor for AlphaMinds Academy’s Rubik’s Cube Master Class, Ryan teaches beginners and aspiring cubers how to solve the cube step-by-step, along with strategies for improving speed and efficiency.

With a decade of experience and a deep understanding of solving algorithms, Ryan makes learning the cube both approachable and fun. His lessons not only build cubing skills but also strengthen problem-solving, focus, and perseverance—valuable abilities students can apply far beyond the cube.

When not teaching, Ryan continues to practice and refine his speedcubing techniques. He is currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, combining his love of problem-solving with his passion for innovation.

Anastasia Faber is a passionate and experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching in schools and early childhood centers.

After earning her degree in English from Rostov Pedagogical University, Anastasia dedicated herself to nurturing a love of learning in children through personalized, engaging, and creative teaching methods.

Her professional journey also reflects a deep appreciation for literature and the arts. She completed art history courses and worked as a tour guide at the renowned Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, sharing her love of art with visitors from around the world. She also worked as a translator—but it was in the classroom where she truly felt at home.

Anastasia believes that every child’s success begins with connection. She tailors her lessons to meet each student’s unique needs and interests, creating interactive, exciting, and meaningful learning experiences. Her greatest joy is seeing the spark in a child’s eyes when they discover something new.

For Anastasia, teaching is more than a profession—it’s her lifelong passion.

Russian

Оксана Заиш  — опытный педагог, филолог и преподаватель русского языка в AlphaMinds Academy с 2015 года.

Окончила факультет романо-германской филологии Запорожского государственного университета. Преподавала английский, немецкий и русский языки в гимназии, а затем работала репетитором в США. Оксана владеет богатым педагогическим опытом и умеет находить подход к детям с разным языковым и культурным бэкграундом.

В своей работе она сочетает творческий подход с современными методиками обучения, создавая на уроках живую, интересную и мотивирующую атмосферу. Оксана искренне радуется успехам своих учеников и стремится вдохновлять их на развитие, расширение кругозора и любовь к русскому языку.

Russian

Светлана Подмогильная — педагог начального и дошкольного образования, преподаватель русского языка в AlphaMinds Academy.

Окончила магистратуру Самарского государственного педагогического университета и с тех пор с увлечением работает с детьми, помогая им открывать мир языка и культуры. Светлана уверена, что каждый ребёнок уникален, и стремится раскрыть потенциал каждого через индивидуальный подход и увлекательные занятия.

Как родитель билингвальных детей, она прекрасно понимает важность поддержки второго языка и создаёт на уроках атмосферу естественного языкового погружения — через игры, чтение и живое общение.

Светлана с радостью встречается с учениками и их родителями в AlphaMinds Academy, чтобы вместе идти по пути знаний и развития.

Виктория Березина — педагог, вокалист и театральный руководитель с более чем 20-летним опытом работы с детьми.

Родилась и выросла в Одессе, Украина. Окончила педагогическое училище с отличием, затем — Одесскую музыкальную академию по классу вокала, а также заочно получила красный диплом Одесского педагогического института.

Более двух десятилетий Виктория выступала на сцене Одесского театра музыкальной комедии им. М. Водяного, где с особым вдохновением участвовала в детских спектаклях. Параллельно она руководила детским музыкальным театром и преподавала русский язык и литературу младшим школьникам.

С августа 2022 года живёт в США. Работает с детьми в детском саду и школе продлённого дня, преподаёт русский и украинский языки, литературу, вокал и фортепиано.

Все эти годы Виктория с любовью и энтузиазмом отдаёт себя работе с детьми — помогает раскрыть их творческий потенциал, пробудить интерес к знаниям и вдохновить на любовь к искусству.

Виктория Левенец — хореограф и педагог с 26-летним опытом работы с детьми дошкольного и младшего школьного возраста.

Её путь в профессию начался в школе раннего творческого развития «Малюк» при Сумском Дворце детей и юношества, где Виктория работала с самыми маленькими. Затем она много лет преподавала хореографию в вокально-хоровом коллективе, а также в детском саду, где более десяти лет помогала детям открывать для себя мир танца.

Виктория с отличием окончила Сумское училище культуры, затем получила высшее образование по специальности «Хореография» в Сумском государственном педагогическом университете имени А.С. Макаренко. В 2014 году завершила магистратуру с красным дипломом и квалификацией преподавателя хореографических дисциплин.

Танец для Виктории — это не просто движение, а способ самовыражения, творчества и радости. С теплом и вдохновением она помогает детям раскрыться, поверить в себя и полюбить искусство с первых шагов.