Meet our tutors.

Ayo is a Data Science graduate from Minerva University in San Francisco. He worked in multiple summer camps and afterschool programs before joining LearnUp as a tutor/analyst. He enjoys playing beach volleyball on the weekends.

Olivia received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Special Education at San Francisco State University. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and skiing.

Laura has been a LearnUp tutor for 5 years. She specializes in securing literacy grants for low-income students through LearnUp. She attended Waldorf Teacher Training and has worked at elementary schools as a Kindergarten assistant and in after-school programs.

Brylie joined LearnUp Centers in March 2020. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice Studies from the University of San Francisco. She now serves as a Program Associate at LearnUp.

Elizabeth studied Public Health at Temple University in Philadelphia and has volunteered her time educating and advocating for underprivileged children since high school. She now is a mother to a soon-to-be four year old and she enjoys reading, bringing her child to new places, and trying new foods.

Maya has worked with students of many ages as a ski instructor, summer camp counselor, and volunteer at an adaptive skiing program. She loves both learning and teaching, and particularly enjoys working with students one-on-one.

Jenna joined LearnUp in February 2024. Since graduating from the University of Oregon’s in 2022, she has worked with elementary students as an After-school and Dance Teacher. She enjoys running, seeing live music and writing short stories.

Marely has an associate degree in English and a B.A degree in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. She is an aspiring novelist and hopes to teach as many students to read as possible so they can one day read her work! When she isn't reading, writing or tutoring you can find her at the Legion of Honor, her favorite art museum in the city.

Andy worked with elementary aged kids for years as a music teacher and music theater director. She has two children, with two very different personalities and learning styles! In her spare time, she likes to make music, and read and discuss literature with her book group.

Makaena has a passion for education and helping students work towards their goals. She has worked with a diverse student population in her time as a teacher in various summer programs and as a tutor. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from the University of California, San Diego.

Tara has worked at LearnUp for 5 years, starting as a tutor. She is now the Partnership Program Manager. She graduated from USF with a BA in Psychology and English and is studying for her Masters in Educational Therapy.

Andrew is a undergrad pursuing a bachelors in Construction Management with Brigham Young University-Idaho.  He has taught students on: the Pine Ridge and Cheyanne River Native American reservations, and a rural portion of the Fijian islands. When he isn't working, he enjoys reading and writing poetry and photography.

Puck Hartsough (they/them) is a recent graduate of Oberlin College with a degree in Creative Writing and Classical Civilization. They have worked as a camp counselor with young queer students, and as a peer tutor while at college. During their free time, they enjoy beekeeping, taiko drumming, and knitting.

Maximilian Itsikson is a San Francisco native. Max has a passion for movies, acting, and of course, reading! Max worked with kids through various mediums in the past and am excited to continue that work here at LearnUp.

Madeline has an Associates Degree in English Literature and is earning her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development at San Diego State University. She spends her free time outdoors where she enjoys hiking and playing with her dog, Charlotte.

Rachel went to Arizona State University where she studied Marketing and Business Tourism but has always had a passion for teaching because she was raised by two elementary school teachers. She has taught in Costa Rica for two years, nannied, facilitated summer camps, and substitute taught.

Mei is enrolled in an ABA-approved Paralegal program with an aim to work within the immigration law field. She has 5+ years of experience working with youths. Outside of tutoring, Mei enjoys reading and hanging out with her cat Juju!

Jamie received a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and has worked with students since they were in high school. Outside of tutoring, Jamie enjoys crocheting, solving escape rooms, and spending time with their two cats.

Colleen received her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of San Francisco and is currently a medical student at Western University of Health Sciences. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, cooking, snowboarding, and being out in the sun.

Yareli is a second-year graduate student within the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program at St. John's University. She enjoys activities that foster emotional growth and allows her to help others which is why she enjoys tutoring and helping youth.

Karina started tutoring at LearnUp in February 2022 and currently assists in administrative work as well. She graduated from EMU with a Bachelor in Nursing in 2021 where she first started tutoring nursing classes. She's gained experience working with youth through teaching skiing, violin, and working in a daycare.

Carlin is a graduate student at University of San Francisco studying Marriage and Family Therapy. Carlin graduated from Drake University with a psychology major and minors in human resources and music. She has worked with kids in a variety of settings.

Caitlin has tutored in schools all over San Francisco. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from University of California at Santa Cruz. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys attending poetry events, making jewelry, and going on nature walks.

Courtney has spent seven years as a summer camp director and is delighted to support LearnUp's mission during the non-summer months. In her free time, Courtney enjoys board games and reading Mary Oliver, nestled against her favorite tree.