Learning EfficiencyTM is only as good as its teachers - which is why we are so selective in hiring. Fewer than 1 in 200 applicants to Learning Efficiency are hired and all of our team members are passionate about our mission of improving global education and dedicated to making it happen. All of our instructors hail from top universities, have great personalities, are phenomenal teachers and, most importantly, are completely dedicated to ensuring their students succeed!
My name is Shahzad and I'm thrilled that you are considering working with us here at Learning Efficiency. Joanne and I have three awesome kids of our own and often found that the opportunities available to us outside of school didn't keep them challenged in what they were good at and didn't offer enough support in areas where they needed help. We spent millions of dollars and put together a world-class team to figure out the best way to work with kids. We founded Learning Efficiency as an Academic Accelerator with the hope of helping kids everywhere, unleash the greatness that we know is within every one of them. As parents ourselves, we are committed to providing your kids with everything we would want as parents: The best teachers, cutting-edge teaching techniques and fully customized experiential learning.
Before founding Learning Efficiency, I used to be a an investment professional, consultant and entrepreneur where I got to work on over $40 billion worth of deals. I also taught at Harvard Law School and graduated from Harvard Law School (JD), Harvard's JFK School of Government (MPA) and Columbia University (Bachelor's degrees in Political Science-Economics and Biochemistry). I was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (I was mostly thrilled to still be considered Young!) and have been interviewed by the BBC, Bloomberg, the Financial Times and the Washington Post, among others. When I'm not working with families at Learning Efficiency, I love spending time with my family, reading and sometimes taking my (rapidly declining) vertical jump to the nearest basketball court.
Greetings! I'm Joanne, and I'm so excited to welcome you to Learning Efficiency! I have had a life-long love of learning and, since founding Learning Efficiency, Shahzad and I have strived to make it a place where we would want our own kids to be: A place where every student who walks in feels understood, empowered, inspired and effective.
Prior to Learning Efficiency, I trained as a physician in Virginia and got my Master's in Public Health from Harvard with a strong focus on humanitarian relief. As a physician, I had the joy of co-founding Doctors Worldwide, a medical relief organization which still has operations in over 13 countries. When I haven't been at Learning Efficiency or with my three energizing boys, I have had the opportunity to teach chemistry at the base of Mount Kenya, do health education in the middle schools of Washington, DC, health care reconstruction in Sarajevo, entrepreneurship in Cambridge, algebra in Kuala Lumpur and salsa dancing in Richmond. I can't wait to continue my journey with you and your family!
Hi! My name is Hannah Broido and I’m a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. I majored in Peace & Conflict Studies, with a minor in Education. During my time at Berkeley, I also worked as a research assistant in a cognitive development laboratory and am excited to continue building on this knowledge at Learning Efficiency. My interest in education stems primarily from my international background and experiences. I was born in France, but raised and schooled in Japan and England, before moving here for college! I have taught in 4 countries on 3 continents, including India and Japan! Before coming to Learning Efficiency, I worked for 4 years as a literacy tutor for Reading Partners, providing 1-on-1 tutoring for students in 1st through 5th grades. Seeing first-hand the impact that 1-on-1 instruction had for these students motivated me to come work at Learning Efficiency where I am similarly able to provide individualized support for each of my students. In my downtime, I love to explore new places, play lacrosse, run, knit, and do all craft-related activities in general! I can’t wait to meet you and your children and to help them achieve their potential!
Zdravo! Guten Tag! Bon jour! Hello! My name is Adela Čajić, and I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the Learning Efficiency Team! I am a graduate of Stanford University with a degree in Human Biology and a minor in German Studies. My area of concentration within Human Biology was Language & Learning which allowed me to delve into the foundations of learning from many different perspectives: neurological, psychological, and linguistic just to name a few. Outside the classroom, I have a serious case of wanderlust. I love to travel, learn new languages, and share what I’ve learned with others! I speak Bosnian, German, and French and hope to learn even more one day. I am elated for the opportunity to apply what I learned from all these experiences to helping kids expand their own educations!
Hello, my name is Georgina Coleman, and I graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a BA in Biochemistry. I grew up in Marin County, California, just outside of the great city of San Francisco. I love to play the violin and subsequently went to a school in Berkeley that built its academic curriculum around music. At Mount Holyoke, I was very fortunate to spend time abroad exploring my passions and learning about biochemistry and medicine while at Oxford which prepared me to assist on a medical mission to Anshun, China, to help children with cleft palates. I have been tutoring for over eight years, focusing primarily on math and science. I am very active in my spare time and enjoy training for half marathons and skiing. I love learning and look forward to sharing this love with your child and your family!
Hi! My name is Chris Fincher, and I am so excited to work with you and your family! I grew up in Westport, Connecticut and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago. At UChicago, I focused on nature writing and the emerging field of ecocriticism, and received my Bachelor of Arts with Honors in English Language and Literature. My encounters with the obstacles confronting today’s students have motivated me to adopt a holistic approach to teaching, encouraging students to grow as individuals as well as learners. For three summers, I worked at the Connecticut-based firm Causeway Collaborative, creating content to provide individualized academic support and recovery services for at-risk young men. In addition, I served as Vice President of AppUp Mentoring at UChicago, offering one-on-one guidance and college application support for local high school students. I hope to continue helping students identify and pursue their passions while cultivating the learning skills they will need to accomplish their goals. Outside of Learning Efficiency, you’ll likely find me with a book in my hand, practicing yoga, cooking, or exploring the outdoors, although I have yet to perfect the art of doing all four at the same time!
Hello! My name is Emily Roman and I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with you and your family! I grew up in NYC but moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts to study Psychology at Harvard University. While at Harvard, I focused on developmental Psychology and particularly enjoyed my work at the Harvard Laboratory for Developmental Studies. After earning my BA, I returned to NYC where I worked in several research hospitals while earning my MS in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University. Before joining Learning Efficiency, I studied Neuropsychology and worked with adults and children whose cognitive difficulties made it difficult for them to function optimally. My favorite part about working here at Learning Efficiency is that I have the privilege of helping children identify their unique constellation of strengths and to empower them by leveraging these individual strengths to help them reach their full potential. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, hiking and playing with my Mini Goldendoodle named Dallas. I look forward to getting to know your child and starting this exciting educational adventure with them!
Hi there! My name is Yushailey, but you can call me Ely. I hold a BA in International Business from UiTM, formerly known as Mara Institute of Technology. My career started in the administration offices of brokerage and private investment firms before I had the opportunity to to join the Managing Director's Office of Malaysia’s sovereign investment fund, Khazanah Nasional Berhad. I was extremely excited to be a part of the office and learned a lot during my time there. After 5 years at Khazanah, I was itching for another opportunity to challenge myself and have a more direct impact on the people of Malaysia and decided to join Learning Efficiency in 2011 as one of the company's first employees. I knew my work at Learning Efficiency would support families and individuals seeking better educational opportunities and that I’d also be learning a lot myself. It has been a joy to help Learning Efficiency grow and have such a positive impact on our families. I am excited to continue helping Learning Efficiency grow and to help all of our students reach their full potential. When I am not with my Learning Efficiency family, I love spending time with my ‘real’ family—my husband and my son, Ali. I look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
Hello! My name is Lauren Boranian. I graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, earning an A.B. in Linguistics with a minor in Music, and I wrote my senior thesis about the intersection of language and music in the brain. Before coming to Learning Efficiency, I worked with students of all ages in several different educational settings. At the San Francisco nonprofit, 826 Valencia, I helped to design and implement a creative writing curriculum for an elementary summer program. I also worked as a teaching assistant for the Head-Royce School Summer Program and the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir, facilitating classroom learning and rehearsal. Before joining Learning Efficiency’s California team, I worked as both an instructor and center director in Boston. At Learning Efficiency, I love using my creativity to help students learn. In my free time, I enjoy singing in choir, exploring San Francisco, making quilts, and cooking for my friends. I look forward to working with your family soon!
Hello! My name is John-Aaron and I am the Operations Manager for Learning Efficiency’s San Francisco Bay Area. Before joining Learning Efficiency, I was in the US Navy for eight years. During that time, I was fortunate enough to live abroad and this helped instill in me the value of education, not just at home but globally. Education is the most important way we shape a country’s future generations for prosperity and happiness. After completing my time in the military, I returned to school and completed my B.A. in English at UC Berkeley. My time in school further reinforced the value of a good education. Now, I wish to do my part in working toward improving our children’s educational futures and I see no better place to do so than with Learning Efficiency. When not at work, I am an avid movie fan and gamer. I also volunteer weekly as an advocate for CASA, an organization that works with foster youth in San Mateo County. I am thrilled to be a part of the Learning Efficiency team as they work toward changing education globally!
Hi there! My name is Erika Keer and I’m so grateful to be part of Learning Efficiency’s Bay Area team. I grew up on the Peninsula and graduated from UC Berkeley, where I majored in Cognitive Science. I am fascinated by how the brain works, particularly by how people learn, which has fueled my passion for education. Throughout college, I tutored at Berkeley elementary schools, both in reading/writing and STEM subjects. I also worked for UC Berkeley’s Educational Technology Services, offering classroom technology support to professors and students, and I interned for an educational technology startup in San Francisco, providing support to a collaborative online classroom of adult learners from all over the world. Through these experiences, I realized that I love personally connecting with students and finding innovative ways to help them learn new information and skills that can enrich their lives. When I’m not doing this, I am often singing, songwriting, harmonizing, or attempting to teach myself musical instruments. I also love to travel (especially to tropical places), and spend time with my wonderful family and friends. I can’t wait to work with you and your child!
Greetings! Throughout my college experience at the University of California, Berkeley, it was clear that I wanted to pursue a career in education. My ultimate goal is to equip kids with the tools to thrive through their educational journeys and beyond. During my time as a supplemental instructor at Santa Monica College, I developed the skills to teach a wide array of students through difficult academic topics. From 1-to-1 instruction to teaching packed lecture halls, my instruction experience has suited me well to reinforce Learning Efficiency’s educational mission. While I enjoyed my studies, my interests have always been multifaceted. Outside the classroom, I keep myself active with rock climbing, mountain biking, and anything that gets me outdoors. Additionally, I’m a movie buff always looking to add to my ongoing top movies list. I love to share my experiences and establish meaningful bonds with my students. As such, I am determined to help your child succeed in all of their educational endeavors.
Hello! My name is Dan Cahill and I am excited to begin working with your family! As a child, I grew up in the town of Manlius, which is in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I graduated from Hamilton College with a B.A in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. During my time there, I was a student athlete, pursuing my passion for STEM while also being a member of the Men’s Varsity lacrosse team. Outside of this, I volunteered at the Utica Underground Café, an afterschool program and teen center for local youth. That experience allowed me to realize my desire to work with kids of all ages in highly interactive educational settings. As such, I also spent a lot of time coaching lacrosse and being a mentor to young people. When not at Learning Efficiency, I enjoy golfing, spending time outdoors, and trying new restaurants. I am excited to help your child accumulate the skills and confidence they need to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom. I look forward to meeting your child!
Hi! My name is Kendrick and I'm the Operations Manager for Learning Efficiency's Greater Boston region. After serving a tour of duty in Iraq as a Civil Affairs Specialist, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Since then, I’ve worked in a variety of different industries. My career experiences include working as an accountant for an investment firm, serving as an implementation specialist for a medical software company, financially advising consumers at a debt management agency, and even managing a ballroom franchise dance studio. As the Operations Manager at Learning Efficiency, it's my professional duty and privilege to work alongside my talented and hard-working faculty members in bringing quality education to meet your child's unique needs. When I'm not working, you can usually find me at a local studio rigorously training for numerous ballroom competitions across the country. I look forward to working with you soon!
Hi! My name is Caroline Murphy and I am from Saratoga Springs, New York. Graduating from Duke University with a major in Earth and Ocean Sciences and a minor in Sociology, I have always loved science and working with people and have found teaching at the intersection of those two interests! At an elementary school in Durham, NC and with the Duke Talent Identification Program, I’ve taught many students in a variety of settings. In addition, I worked for MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, where I learned the importance of meaningful and supportive relationships in students’ lives. Throughout these experiences, I have seen that once students are comfortable, confident, and feel free to ask questions and be themselves, they are best prepared to learn. Each student is unique and can get excited about learning and find success. When I’m not at Learning Efficiency, I love being outdoors exploring, hiking, rowing, or skiing, depending on the season and weather. On rainy days, you can find me doing a crossword puzzle, experimenting with art supplies, or attempting to play a new song on the piano. I am so excited to be at Learning Efficiency and look forward to working with you and your family!
Hello! My name is Cecilia and I am originally from California’s Central Valley. I graduated from Boston University with a BA in International Relations, which allowed me to combine my passions for history, culture, and writing. At BU, I had the privilege of working for the Intergenerational Literacy Program in Chelsea, where I tutored immigrants from across Latin America in history, literature, and math. There, I learned the empowering effects a quality education can have beyond the classroom as students’ confidence and skills are transferred to their daily life. I also recognized that quality education looks different for each student depending on his or her learning style, interests, and even cultural background. Since then I have sought to help students feel empowered in other educational settings, from encouraging young artists to be innovative and collaborative at a summer camp in the Silicon Valley, to mentoring teens in high schools throughout Minnesota. I am excited to offer academic support to help your child thrive as well! When I’m not teaching, you can find me journaling, exploring a museum, visiting a new country, or getting lost in a historical novel.
Hello! My name is Shari Dryden. Originally from Denver, I have been working with kids for as long as I can remember both inside and outside the classroom. I graduated magna cum laude from Boston College with a Bachelor of the Arts in English and History. While at BC, I became inspired to work as an educator through my service with programs such as Jumpstart for Young Children and Big Brothers Big Sisters. BC also taught me that curiosity and learning can spark from anything and everything around us—whether that’s finding the poetics behind rap music or even critically analyzing Disney movies! I firmly believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed, and I hope to share my joy of learning in all aspects of my life. When I’m not teaching, you can find me reading, road tripping, biking, or serving up a scrumptious jazz brunch with friends and family. I’m delighted to work with you and your family at Learning Efficiency!
Hello! My name is Ilham and I love being a part of the Learning Efficiency team. I grew up in Malaysia before traveling to Washington D.C. where I completed my undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Georgetown University. I returned to Malaysia and fell in love with my job as a mathematics teacher at an international school in Selangor. On top of my daily routine explaining graphs and functions, I co-organized charity events such as Christmas Cheer and International Understanding Day. In charge of managing students’ development in academics, sports and moral values, I was also one of the teacher advisors in FOBISSEA and Interact Club. In an effort to better serve my students I went back to university and completed a Master of Mathematics Education from King’s College London. Upon returning to Malaysia. I joined the Learning Efficiency team and was excited to find the best environment for stimulating students’ learning development; I look forward to sharing it with your family!
Hi, I’m Mariam Bashar and I look forward to having your child join us at Learning Efficiency where we teach, nurture, love and bring out the best in our students. Born and raised in the United States, I completed my undergraduate degree in pre-medicine with a minor in French. Then I found my calling to conduct research in science and continued my education by earning a Master’s of Cell Physiology from Tufts University. I believe a person should be diverse and well rounded, so I earned another Master’s degree in Islamic Jurisprudence in tropical Malaysia. My teaching “career” started when I was 12 when I volunteered to teach at a pre-school. Since then, I’ve never stopped teaching young souls between the ages of 2 and 70 as I love to help people expand their minds. It gives me great pleasure to watch the world open up to a person who is gaining knowledge. I am a strong proponent of one-on-one education so that I can give my best to my students and help them shine. When I’m not teaching at Learning Efficiency, I teach for community service so I can honestly say that teaching is my life!
