Desiree Taylor

Executive Director, Chemistry/Physics/Math Tutor

Desiree earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering, an M.B.A. from the University of Oklahoma, and a Master’s in Mathematics Education. She has over 20 years of experience in the academic world ranging from teaching, developing STEM curriculum, academic advising at the college and high school levels, private school administration, as well as private 1-on-1 tutoring for math and science. She has taught a variety of math courses at Dallas Community Colleges, as well as junior high and high school chemistry, physics and middle school/high school levels of math in public and private schools. Working with a National Science Foundation funded program, Desiree developed innovative STEM curriculum for middle and high school students to explore and encourage their interests in STEM fields. Desiree also has work experience in a collegiate setting as an assistant director of academic advising for student-athletes at the University of Oklahoma and Southern Methodist University. She worked with both female and male student-athletes to create an academic plan that would allow them to realize their academic goals and made sure they had the academic resources to aid them in their academic success. 

Desiree is a passionate educator and academic coach who has worked with students of all ages. She has formed a team of dedicated educators who not only want to teach, but also academically coach their students. Not only help them learn the material, but help them understand why the information is important and how it affects their lives. Not only accept what is taught to them, but allow them to be curious and ask questions so that they better understand. 

Tess M. Taylor

Director of Student Success, Academic Coaching, College Applications, English/History Tutor

Tess graduated with a B.A. in Journalism-Advertising and a minor in environmental studies from the University of Oklahoma. During her time at OU, Tess was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, an executive board member of the Bridge Builder program for minority student-athletes, and on the Dean's Honor Roll for the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. After completing her 1L year at Texas A&M University School of Law, she began and completed a Master's of Art in Education at Washington State University with a focus on sports law and management. In 2018, Tess received a Master’s of Art in Performance and Sport Psychology, which she applies daily to improve the self-motivation, self-efficacy and self-esteem of her students through motivational interviewing. She strives to find unique and personalized ways to help students explore their identity and interests to realize their personal and academic goals. Tess leads our academic coaching and college application programs, provides test prep for the ACT and SAT, and offers subject-based tutoring in English, history, government, environmental science, and all sports management courses.

Nick Shovlin

Chemistry, Physics + Biology Tutor

Nick graduated with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from the University of North Texas. He has been teaching high school science for the past 12  years. As a science teacher, Nick has taught Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Chemistry, and currently teaches Physics.  Nick is a National Staff Developer for the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which is a career and college readiness system that supports students who fall in the academic middle (B, C, students) and have the potential to attend college, but require the extra academic and social support to get there. Nick also worked with students in the Alternative High School for the Richardson School District in order to help students in special circumstances complete their academic requirements in order to graduate high school.  Nick establishes positive relationships with his students and practices his teaching methods influenced by the following quote from Albert Einstein “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”

Florence Taylor

Accounting + Business Studies Tutor

Florence has a B.S. in Accounting, M.B.A. in Financial Management and a Master’s of Accountancy. She has taught college-level introductory Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting for the past 20 years, along with Business Management for Entrepreneurs. Before working in Higher Education, Florence served in the Army as an Acquisition Officer rising to the rank of Major. She founded a Home Health Agency. She also provides consulting services for start-up and small businesses. She believes encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset in students helps them to contribute lasting value to all types of organizations and make a positive difference in business and society.

Erin Malone

English Tutor, ISEE + SAT Prep

Erin graduated with a B.A. in English from Stephens College. She has been teaching high school English for over 20 years and coaching Track and Cross Country for 18 years. As an English teacher, Erin has taught English 1-4, PreAP English 1 and 2, and English classes for students who did not pass the state assessments. Erin is a facilitator for the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which is a career and college readiness system that supports students who fall in the academic middle (B, C, students) and have the potential to attend college, but require the extra academic and social support to get there. Erin provides support in the areas of college and scholarship essay writing, study skills and other important academic skills necessary for college success. Erin believes building great relationships is the first step in helping students reach their full potential.