SAT, ACT, College Prep Programs | Zoffness

Lauren Monk

Mathematics Specialist

Lauren holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering with a minor in Public Health from the School of Engineering and Applied Science at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. At GW, Lauren successfully completed levels of math through Calculus 3, and she also worked as a teaching assistant. While in college, Lauren was an intern and held the position of Project Manager at The STEM Alliance of Larchmont/Mamaroneck. Lauren has been privately tutoring within the Larchmont and Mamaroneck community for six years where she teaches all levels of mathematics from middle school math through AP Calculus BC. Lauren received a nearly perfect score on the math section of the SAT, and she enjoys teaching because it allows her to build relationships with students by helping them become more comfortable and confident with the material. A fun fact about Lauren is that she has been to about 100 concerts, most recently seeing Taylor Swift at The Eras Tour.

Ben Hartman

Program Director

A language arts specialist, Ben earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, where he was a Jacob K. Javits Fellow and a top instructor with the university’s Writing Program. Over the past seven years, his teaching has helped students achieve their highest potential in the Verbal sections of the ISEE, SSAT, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT exams, as well as college essay writing. Ben’s focus on building mastery of core strategies, modeling positive feedback, and inspiring self-confidence has delivered outsized results across a broad range of ages, backgrounds, and ability levels. By adapting his approach to fit the unique needs of each student, he has helped students place in the 99th percentile of test takers and go on to study at universities including Princeton, NYU, Brown, and the University of Chicago. Outside of the classroom, Ben enjoys backpacking, playing piano, and spending time with his four nieces and nephews.

Ned Rice

College Essay and Writing Specialist

Ned received a B.A. in General Studies from the University of Michigan. After graduating, Ned moved to NYC to pursue his dream of becoming a television comedy writer. During his 25-year career in New York and Los Angeles, Ned has been a staff writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Politically Incorrect and Real Time with Bill Maher, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Jeselnik Offensive with Anthony Jeselnik, Fashion Police with Joan Rivers, and other shows. Ned has been nominated for two Prime-Time Emmy Awards and five Writers Guild of America awards for Best Writing. The highlight of Ned’s career was traveling to Lagos in 2017 tasked with creating Nigeria’s version of The Daily Show. Working with six young Nigerian writers with no previous television experience, Ned helped them launch The Other News, which became one of the highest-rated television shows in Nigeria. Ned’s articles have been featured in print and online magazines, and he has contributed material to numerous best-selling books, speeches, screenplays, and TV pilots. Ned currently lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he works as a substitute teacher of all subjects for all grade levels.

Jansen Gibson

SAT/ACT, ISEE, AB/BC Calculus, Math and Science Generalist, AP Literature, AP English Composition, College Essay Specialist, & Executive Functioning Coach

Jansen attended Vanderbilt University with a focus in Geology and Environmental Sciences. Since then, after scoring in the 99th percentile on the ACT and LSAT exams, he has worked as a tutor providing home-schooling and teaching about environmentalism and conservation with local non-profits. Jansen has experience teaching age groups from pre-K to senior citizens, and focuses on working with students who want to expand their understanding of, and excitement for, advanced science and math courses. Additionally, Jansen has several years of experience as a math, science, and history teacher who creates a warm and adaptable learning environment to build confidence and capability inside and outside the classroom.

Adam Richardson

SAT/ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, ISEE, AB/BC Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Physics, & Chemistry Specialist

Adam graduated with honors from Rhodes College with a BA in Mathematics and a BS in Physics before continuing to Vanderbilt University, where he studied Logic and Graph Theory. After earning his MS in Mathematics, he worked in Nashville for several years as a touring musician and songwriter. Over the last fifteen years, Adam has dedicated himself to helping students of all ages meet their academic goals. He has coached students in verbal and math/science sections of the ACT and SAT, helping many to achieve perfect scores. Adam has personally scored in the 99th percentile on the LSAT, GRE, SAT, and ACT. His approach balances high expectations with a clear-eyed understanding that every student has unique needs.

Emma Silverman

SAT/ACT Language Arts, ISEE, SSAT, AP Literature, & AP World History Specialist

Emma graduated from Pomona College with a B.A. in English and Religious Studies. She then went on to get her M.F.A in Playwriting from the University of Iowa Playwrights Workshop, where she taught Theater History, Playwriting in a Global World, Acting for Success, and Advanced Playwriting. At the University of Iowa, she received the Marcus Bach Graduate Fellowship and the Post-Graduate TV Writers’ Room Fellowship. Emma is passionate about helping students at all levels excel.

Erin Roberts

SAT/ACT, Math & Science Generalist

Erin graduated from the University of Texas with a B.S. in Neuroscience. Leading up to graduation, she began working for several years tutoring students of all ages ranging from fourth grade to college level. She has expertise in varying math and science subjects, including the SAT and ACT, Algebra I and II, College Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Neuroscience. Erin strives to create an engaging environment where students can thrive. She is passionate about helping individual students and small groups gain confidence, and develop strong study skills, by curating customized learning guides based on the student’s strengths and weaknesses.

Aniruddha Deb

SAT/ACT Math, AP Calculus BC/AB, AP Chemistry, & AP Physics Specialist

Aniruddha holds a Ph.D in Physics with research on Materials Science and Engineering. He worked as a Scientist at the prestigious Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI). He has been teaching all levels of science and math from middle school to high school, SAT/ACT Math, AP Calculus BC/AB, AP Chemistry and AP Physics for over 15 years. Many of his students over the years have earned scores of 5 on their AP examinations and perfect scores on SAT/ACT Math. In addition to motivating students in math and science, he also mentors students for AM10 and AMC 12 examinations.

Kathryn Neville Browne

SAT/ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, TACHS, & French Specialist

Kathryn graduated from Georgetown University Law Center; she returned to New York to practice criminal law as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. In addition to trial practice, Kathryn wrote and argued criminal appeals. Previously, she attended Fordham University on a full academic scholarship, graduating magna cum laude. She is fluent in French, having majored in French Language and Literature; she was fortunate to spend her junior year living in Paris and studying at the Sorbonne. Kathryn enjoys working with students of all ages: since 2005, she has tutored hundreds of students, building their confidence and their competence for various standardized tests. Kathryn is also a working actor who recently attended the Cannes International Film Festival for one of her short films. She is the proud mother of two sons, three cats and one very spoiled Golden Retriever.

Jordan Eidlisz

SAT/ACT, MCAT, AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Calculus, AP Physics

Jordan Eidlisz graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA from the Macaulay Honors College at CSI with majors in biochemistry, general chemistry, and molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, along with a minor in political science. He has been tutoring various STEM subjects and standardized exams for over 7 years and has taught regents living environment and chemistry courses in Long Island schools. Jordan scored in the 99th percentile on both the ACT and MCAT exams, and enjoys making custom study plans that include coming up with individualized approaches tailored specifically for each unique student to make the experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. When not in the classroom Jordan enjoys hiking, reading, running, scientific research, and investing.

Kate Dowling

SAT/ACT Language Arts, AP US History/AP World History, & College Essay Specialist

Kate is a passionate and experienced high school teacher, tutor, and seasoned writing coach. Over the last 20 years, she has equipped students with the skills, techniques and strategies to achieve success in school, on standardized tests, and in life beyond the classroom. Kate holds a B.A., cum laude, from Colgate University in both History and Education, and was the captain of the Colgate University Rowing team. Shortly thereafter, she received her M.A.T. from Teachers College, Columbia University. Kate has been teaching at Rye High School since 2003, where she has taught various social studies classes, including AP World History and AP US History. She is also a writing coach who has helped many students throughout all aspects of the essay writing process. Kate’s passion for sports has led her to coach basketball, soccer, and volleyball at the high school and middle school levels. The lessons from athletics – specifically the importance of determination, and the belief in oneself – have guided Kate throughout many walks of life. She takes pride in creating a learning environment that minimizes anxiety and maximizes opportunities for students to achieve success. Because many students view standardized tests as roadblocks on the path to success, Kate makes an effort to reframe that view, and help her students stay loose, stay calm, and approach exams with confidence.

Steve Armstrong

SAT/ACT Mathematics & Language Arts Specialist

Steve Armstrong graduated summa cum laude from Binghamton University with a BA in English and holds a Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary. Since 2001, he has helped thousands of students prepare for the SAT and ACT, many of whom gained admissions into Ivy League schools and procured sports scholarships. Steve has worked individually with students (online and in person) on all sections of both tests, and has taught dozens of different classes in area schools, including Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Purchase, Hackley, and Greenwich Academy. Additionally, Steve has served in academic drop in centers, including local community colleges and middle and high schools. Combining a dry wit with what some students have called a “Zen-like” demeanor, Steve has provided many with a calming influence through what would be an otherwise stressful experience. Besides working with students, Steve follows most pro sports, enjoys writing, and loves Ultimate Frisbee.

Ethan Butler

SAT/ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, TACHS, & Economics Specialist

Ethan attended Cardinal Spellman High School where he was the Salutatorian of a graduating class of 250 students and the President of the National Honors Society. In addition, he was the Captain of the Varsity lacrosse team and Co-Captain of the Varsity football team. Ethan scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT, and graduated as an AP Scholar with Distinction, which helped earn him a full academic scholarship to NYU. He has tutored students in mathematics, language arts, economics, and physics, individually and in a small group setting, with a high level of success. Ethan has worked with students of various levels of abilities and enjoys helping his students build their confidence and reach their maximum potential.

Laura Nicolae

SAT/ACT, Math and Economics, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics, & AP Spanish Specialist

Laura Nicolae graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where she earned a B.A. with Highest Honors in Applied Mathematics and Economics and won several awards for her senior thesis. She is currently a Ph.D. student in Economics at Harvard University and Harvard Business School, and she previously worked as an economist on Wall Street. In high school, she scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT and SAT composites and scored a 5 on 14 AP exams, including Calculus AB and BC, Statistics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Spanish.

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Personalized Approach

Our personalized approach has consistently increased student’s acceptance rate into some of the top schools in the world. Students who were enrolled in Zoffness College Prep in 2021 showed an average super-scored SAT improvement of 180 points and an average super-scored ACT composite improvement of 7 points!

Our Approach

Our Team

Average super-scored SAT improvement 2021

in scholarships have been earned

Average super-scored ACT composite improvement 2021

Customized

We design our own instructional materials, which emphasize concept development and the most effective test-taking strategies.

Practice

We provide a comprehensive online performance analysis database for students to develop their test-taking abilities, and improve their specific areas of weakness.

Experience

Our team is composed of inspired, skilled specialists with a proven track record of success.

Confidence

We design our programs to instill confidence in each and every student, providing the preparation required for exceptional performance.

Andrea Coady

SAT/ACT Mathematics & Algebra I/Algebra II/Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus Specialist

Andrea graduated with honors from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. where she received a B.S. in Mathematics and a M.S. in Mathematics Education. She holds New York State teaching certifications in Secondary Mathematics, Mathematics for Students with Disabilities, Generalist for Students with Disabilities, and Teaching English to Students of Other Languages. She has 11 years of teaching high school mathematics and special education here in our beautiful state of New York and Westchester County. In addition to teaching a variety of Regents level mathematics courses, Andrea has experience working individually and with small groups of students to increase their mathematics scores on the ACT and SAT for the past ten years. She has helped students of various levels of ability improve their study skills, learn test taking strategies, and gain the confidence needed to achieve success on standardized exams.

Daniel Riseman

Daniel Riseman is a New York State certified teacher (grades 7-12) in Math, English Language Arts, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, and Social Studies and has an Advanced Certificate in Special Education. For the past 20 years, Daniel has been customizing lessons to prepare students for the SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, ISEE, SSAT, and TACHS. As a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, Daniel assists students with every step of the college admissions process. He has helped students get admitted into MIT, Harvard, Princeton, University of Chicago, Dartmouth, and University of Pennsylvania, among many others. He also helps college students with the transfer process and graduate school admissions. Daniel has served as a featured education writer and contributor for Psychology Today, The Fiscal Times, Yahoo Finance, Fox News, The Week, Education News, MSN Money, Institute of Sport, STEM Education Digest, The Awakened Wire, Special Needs Digest, Entertainment News, and LifeZette. He has also served as an on-air educational expert for EWTN.

Helen Cespedes

SAT/ACT, SSAT, ISEE, SHSAT, & AP French Specialist

Helen is an experienced private tutor who grew up in Boston in an academic household. After graduating from Barnard College magna cum laude with a B.A. in Comparative Literature, Helen went on to receive her M.F.A. in acting from the Juilliard School. She is currently a teacher, working actor, and writer. For more than 10 years, Helen has enjoyed guiding her students from New York’s top high schools and middle schools to build the skills they need to achieve their goals in the classroom and on college readiness assessments. She teaches all sections of the SAT and ACT, as well as the SSAT, ISEE, SHSAT, AP French and several SAT subject tests. Helen curates her practice material and curricula to fit the needs of the individual student, and she helps her students cultivate critical thinking skills that will serve them beyond the exam and through their college careers.

Liba Vaynberg

SAT/ACT, AP and Regents Biology, & College Essay Specialist

Liba graduated with distinction from Yale University with degrees in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and International Studies. She then received her Master’s Degree from Columbia University. Liba has taught at Xavier University and has years of experience working with students in various private and public schools and universities in New York. She is a passionate tutor, who is devoted to building confidence in her students in and outside the classroom.

Michael Ritacco

Mathematics Specialist, SAT/ACT, Math Level I and II Subject Tests, AlgI, AlgII/Trig Regents.

Mike graduated with a B.A. from SUNY Purchase in Mathematics and Computer Science. He graduated from Lehman College with two master’s degrees in Mathematics Education and School leadership. He also holds a post master’s certificate in District Leadership focusing on curriculum design and progressive instruction from Manhattanville College. Mike taught high school mathematics for 10 years in the South Bronx and East Harlem. Changing the lives of New York’s most struggling and underprivileged students, Mike truly found his passion and excelled at helping students close the gaps. After much success, Mike became a city-wide math coach and worked with teachers one-on-one to help improve instructional practices and make mathematics more relevant for students. Wanting to make a larger impact, Mike became the Director of Mathematics for a school district in NYC consisting of 24,000 students in over 50 schools. Currently Mike is the Supervisor of Math and Science for Port Chester Public Schools. His love for teaching and helping students continues to fuel his passion for education. Mike believes in making math meaningful and that all students can achieve greatness.

Caiden Leavitt

SAT/ACT Specialist, AP Language, AP Literature, Literature Subject Test, and College Essays

Caiden graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. in English Literature. Upon graduation, she worked at the prestigious Windward School which specializes in language based learning disabilities, where she was intensively trained in PAF (Preventing Academic Failure) and TBWS (Teaching Basic Writing Skills). Since then, she has worked for several years with students of all ability levels on standardized test prep. Many of Caiden’s students have gone on to earn scores that were above their target score and even into the 99th percentile. She also specializes in college essays and has helped many of her students get into the college of their choice. In addition to her work as a tutor, Caiden has developed an extensive standardized test prep curriculum and worked with parents directly to evaluate their students’ needs and to help them find an instructor who is the best fit for their child. She knows that so much of the academic success of the student depends on the relationship with their instructors and is committed to helping students find instructors that make them feel both safe and challenged. Caiden believes that test prep is a skill that can be learned and does not set any limits on what students can achieve.

Robyn Steiner

History Specialist, U.S. & World History SAT Subject Tests, AP History

Robyn Steiner holds a B.A. in English and Political Science from SUNY Buffalo where she graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. Robyn received her J.D. from Cornell Law School, cum laude, and finished her post-Masters Certification in Education from Manhattanville College. After teaching numerous history courses in various Westchester high schools with success, she became a proud founding staff member of Bronx Community High School in the South Bronx for students who read and write below grade level. She currently teaches Global and U.S. History and provides individual tutoring to students in preparation for the New York State Regents Exams in U.S. and Global History.

Alyssa Dembek

Language Arts Specialist

Alyssa Dembek holds a B.S. in Secondary Education: English and Communications from Pennsylvania State University and a M.S. in Literacy from Long Island University. Alyssa is currently a grader for The University of Michigan’s Language Assessment Department where she evaluates student examinations from all over the world. Previously, while teaching at New Rochelle High School, Alyssa held several leadership roles. She served as multiple grade-level representatives and was a co-chair for Middle States; both positions required her to ensure that teachers were working collaboratively for the greater good of the students and school. Additionally, Alyssa was the head coach of New Rochelle’s Varsity volleyball team from 2011-2018. Her responsibilities didn’t end with simply coaching; she ran study halls, communicated with student-athletes, their teachers, and the students’ parents on a weekly basis to ensure each student-athlete reached her full academic and athletic potential. In 2017, Alyssa was named the New York State Public High School Section 1 Coach of the Year. For eight years, Alyssa taught various grade levels of English, which included senior electives such as Creative Writing, World Literature, Shakespeare, and College Reading. In addition to the regular integration of SAT and ACT preparation into her curriculum, Alyssa equipped her students with the skills necessary to be successful on the NYS Common Core English Regents. She continues to work with a myriad of students with their college applications and college essays and enjoys the process of working with students to craft a truly original and inspirational essay. In 2017, Alyssa won the New York State English Council’s Educator of Excellence award.

Erin Ott

SAT/ACT Language Arts, PSAT, SHSAT, TACHS, & ISEE Specialist

Erin graduated with a M.A. in English Literature, and dual major B.A. in Creative Writing and Psychology, from Hofstra University. She teaches composition and literature at the collegiate level, and has worked with both university and community college students. Erin has been helping middle and high school students score higher on various standardized tests for the past decade. Her passion is to help students build academic confidence and succeed in their college application process. She firmly believes that all students are different and works diligently to help her students uncover which test-taking strategies apply best to each of them. As a former rowing coach, and captain of her college varsity rowing team, Erin is well-versed in the benefits of self-motivated hard work and strives to help her students embrace this practice.

Jack Canfora

SAT/ACT Language Arts & AP Literature Specialist

Jack is an award-winning playwright, writer, and educator whose background includes a summa cum laude degree from Hofstra University. He has 20 years of experience teaching AP Literature to high school students in both urban and suburban environments. Having scored in the 99th percentile on the Language Arts section of the SAT, Jack has been an SAT and ACT tutor for 30 years, achieving great results for all levels of students. He is a passionate believer in working together with students to discover the best ways for them to learn individually. Among his recent non-academic accomplishments are two successful Off-Broadway productions of his plays, the publication of his plays Jericho and Poetic License, and the 2016 Webby Award for Best Writing for his web series The Small Time. His play Fellow Travelers opened at the Bay Street Theater to rave reviews and is being considered to go to Broadway.

Peter O’Byrne

SAT/ACT, Algebra I/Algebra II/Trigonometry, Microeconomics/Macroeconomics, & World History Specialist

Peter graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University where he earned a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics. Shortly thereafter, he received an M.A. in Secondary Education from National-Louis University. Peter began his career in education at Bogan High School, in Chicago IL, and then spent nine years teaching at KIPP NYC College Prep High School in the Bronx, where he also coached their varsity football team. Peter has worked with Zoffness College Prep since 2015, and helped countless students significantly increase their SAT and ACT scores, in both Mathematics and Language Arts, through proven motivational and academic techniques. He is New York State certified in both Social Studies and Mathematics, and currently teaches Economics at Mamaroneck High School while coaching the MHS varsity football team.

Alexandra Trow

SAT & ACT Specialist, SHSAT, ISEE, AP exams,

Alexandra Trow is a double Yale graduate (B.A., M.F.A.) with 99th percentile SAT and ACT scores, who loves working with students to make standardized testing more fun, engaging, and rewarding. Originally from Colorado, Alex has helped hundreds of students achieve substantially higher scores on the SAT, ACT, and AP exams, among several other tests. Alex is passionate about listening to students and working with them to create customized learning plans that translate into ease and comfort in what can often be a stressful environment; Alex knows what it’s like to perform under pressure: when she is not helping students achieve their academic goals, she is a working actor in New York City.

Ben Zoffness

Founder and President

Ben holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then went on to receive his M.B.A. to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. He began tutoring students 25 years ago and has, since then, mastered the SAT and ACT strategies required to score in the 99th percentile. Ben has helped thousands of students maximize their academic performance with confidence. Inspired by the challenges of SAT vs ACT assessment, Ben created and developed Zoffness College Prep’s proprietary software which provides a comprehensive online analysis, complete with statistical data and insight, of each student’s strengths and weaknesses to determine which test is the best fit. This program has saved valuable time for students and reduced the cost for clients. His company provides classroom and individualized instruction, within a multitude of subject areas with a focus on innovative solutions, which allows students to grow personally and professionally. His motivation is continuously fueled by celebratory phone calls and emails from his clients sharing that they gained acceptance into their top collegiate choices, which is often paired with merit-based scholarships.