With boundless energy and passion, Stéphanie leads focused lessons that challenge students to go deeper and aim higher. Her approach combines clear expectations with an active curiosity about the world, bringing both structure and intellectual engagement to her teaching. Families and learners of all ages appreciate her direct style, which helps students develop not only skills, but also a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
A native French speaker from Switzerland, Stéphanie transitioned from a career in finance and international trading to education. She teaches French, math, Latin, and early elementary enrichment, using multisensory methods to make learning engaging and accessible. She is also the author of Le Petit Français and Le Grand Français, programs that reflect her belief that language opens the door to a rich and interconnected world.
Stéphanie Lauraux
Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Early Learning, and Elementary Enrichment
Isabelle Minville
Wilson Reading System, Executive Function, English and ELA/Literacy, College Application Essays, and French
Isabelle builds strong, trusting relationships with her students, creating a learning environment where challenges feel manageable and progress feels within reach. Her unwavering conviction that every student can learn and master difficult material allows learners to let go of fear and fully engage, even when the work is demanding. This is especially true for students with dyslexia or learning differences, as well as for gifted students who benefit from steady, thoughtful support.
A native French speaker with twenty-five years of teaching experience across Canada and the United States, Isabelle brings calm expertise, high expectations, and genuine care to her work, helping students develop confidence, resilience, and a lasting sense of capability.
Dr. Bradley Nelson
Test Preparation, Humanities, English
Dr. Bradley Nelson is an experienced educator, published scholar, and academic tutor with over 17 years of teaching experience at the university level. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from The Ohio State University, an M.A. in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia, and a B.A. in Political Science from Saint Xavier University. Beyond classroom instruction—where he has designed coursework on world politics, international security, and U.S. foreign policy—Dr. Nelson is an active writer who manages the Substack and Patreon publication Realism and Restraint, and has a long publishing record that includes peer-reviewed journal articles, essays, and op-eds.
Dr. Nelson specializes in teaching and tutoring such subjects as test prep, history, government/politics, geography, and writing. He has extensive experience providing one-on-one academic mentoring, guiding students through essay writing, standardized and course test preparation, individual research projects, and post-college and career planning. He brings a patient, individualized approach to mentoring, aiming to help students be the best they can be, foster a lifelong love of learning, and cultivate greater global awareness.
Carly is a reading specialist with a strong foundation in elementary classroom teaching and targeted literacy intervention. She spent six years teaching fourth grade, developing engaging lessons that helped students grow in both confidence and academic performance, before transitioning to a reading specialist role where she worked closely with students, teachers, and families to provide individualized literacy support.
Carly excels at identifying each student’s unique learning needs and tailoring instruction accordingly, combining structured, evidence-based methods with encouragement and clarity. Her guidance helps students—including those who struggle, have learning differences, or are gifted—tackle challenges, build essential skills, and develop a genuine enjoyment of learning that carries beyond the classroom.
Carly Carragher
Reading Specialist (K-12) with additional endorsements in Elementary Education (K-9) and Social Science (5-8)
Lisa Skiles
Mathematics, Physics, and Test Preparation
Lisa earned her Master of Science in Physics from the University of Illinois Chicago, where her experience as a teaching assistant ignited her passion for education. She approaches teaching with compassion and patience, believing that fostering a supportive environment is key to helping students succeed academically and beyond.
By sharing her own love of learning, Lisa inspires genuine curiosity and demonstrates how rewarding the pursuit of knowledge can be. She views academic goal-setting as a collaborative process, tailored to each student’s strengths and needs, and embraces the idea that there is no single “right” way to learn.
Megan Kuhl
Elementary and Middle Grades, Regular and Gifted Education, HSPT Preparation
Megan brings energy, curiosity, and a love of learning to every classroom. She earned her Master’s in Elementary Education (grades 1–8) at Northern Arizona University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Writing from Northern Michigan University. A certified Upper Elementary Montessori Teacher with an Outdoor Learning certificate, Megan has taught in traditional classrooms, Montessori multi-age settings, full-inclusion gifted programs, and outdoor education classes across Montana, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
Her hands-on, interactive approach encourages students to explore ideas deeply and take ownership of their learning. Megan designs experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and help every student engage meaningfully with the material, fostering a lasting connection.
Elizabeth Bass
Wilson Reading System
Beth is a licensed pre-K through 12 educator with over ten years of experience teaching French to students of all ages. She has taught privately and at high schools in suburban Chicago, and has enjoyed accompanying students and families on educational trips to England, France, and Spain.
Beth holds a BA in the Teaching of French from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University. At SAS, she is known for her meticulous preparation, thoughtful approach, and unwavering dedication to her students’ success. By building warm, trusting relationships, Beth helps learners take risks, develop confidence, and engage deeply, fostering curiosity and a lasting love of reading and learning.
Alizeh Naveed
Mathematics and Science
Alizeh graduated from the University of Illinois -Chicago with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and a minor in Economics, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree.
With over eight years of tutoring experience, Alizeh is a math teacher at College Preparatory School of America, where she teaches mathematics and computer science to junior high and high school students. She has worked with students from a wide range of backgrounds and is passionate about supporting students in their academic growth
Ethan is a third-year undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physics and electrical engineering. He works in a condensed matter physics lab, where his curiosity and precision inform both his research and his teaching.
Ethan enjoys helping students understand math and physics in ways that are both practical and intuitive. He teaches physics reading programs, serves as a teaching assistant, and creates review problems for the Society of Physics Students. He believes that developing a visual and hands-on understanding of concepts is essential, not only for academic success, but also for appreciating how math and physics can be applied to solve real-world problems.
Ethan Abelev
Mathematics, Physics, and Test Preparation
Megan McKee
Special Education, Wilson Reading System, and General Skills (Elementary and Middle Grades)
Megan has a Masters degree in Special Education and endorsements in reading, literacy, and ESL. She began teaching special education in 2003 and has worked in multiple districts and settings. She is trained in the Wilson Reading System and many other intervention programs. She has extensive experience working with students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, and ADHD.
Jennifer Bravo
Spanish and General Skills
Jennifer is a Spanish tutor and educational mentor who is passionate about helping students build confidence and develop effective learning strategies. She has experience supporting students with diverse learning styles and academic needs, and she enjoys creating personalized lessons that make language learning engaging and approachable.
Jennifer believes that strong relationships and encouragement are key to student success. She focuses on helping students strengthen both their academic skills and their confidence so they can become independent, motivated learners.
Elliah Chamberlain
Art Education
Elliah Chamberlain is a local young artist. Her love of travel, people, culture, and nature has found expression across an impressive portfolio of murals, gallery installations, logos, book covers, workshops, commissions, and local installations.
Elliah's warm personality engages students to look at the world in new ways and to practice techniques to express their own artistic vision.
Calvin Magnan
Mathematics, Science, English, and Social Studies
Calvin is an Illinois State Scholar, a member of both the National Honors Society and the French Honors Society. Experienced in working with students who need personalized learning, Calvin works primarily with STEM subjects, but has great passion for literature and history. Calvin has taught as a freelance tutor for several years, including working as a TA at university and organized education centers such as Mathnasium.
Calvin teaches up to the collegiate level and believes the best way to help students achieve their learning goals is to have every lesson be fun, open, and personalized!
Nadeen Rust
Forever in our hearts
In loving memory of Nadeen Rust, a cherished member of Strategic Academic Services for 12 years.
Nadeen had a lasting impact on the lives of her students and their parents through her patience, encouragement, and genuine care. She was known for her steady, cheerful demeanor, her kind words for everyone, and her unwavering dedication to teaching. Deeply invested in her students’ success, she took pride in supporting them every step of the way.
Her thoughtful approach to teaching ensured that each student felt appreciated, supported, and encouraged.
Nadeen passed away on May 7, 2026. She is deeply missed. Her warmth, kindness, and knowledge will continue to inspire us for years to come.
