Our Team

Nancy Merrill

Director of Tutoring Services & Verbal Team Leader

Nancy has devoted her career to supporting students and helping them excel academically for 20+ years and has 18+ years working for Montgomery County Public Schools. She serves as the Department Head and Head Verbal Tutor at Prep1on1. In this role, Nancy creates and maintains the verbal team’s curriculum, works with industry organizations, peer educators, and local school districts to help ensure the Prep1on1 verbal education program is consistent and evolving with prevailing academic standards. She also individually trains all verbal tutors and works directly with students. Additionally, Nancy is head of MyCollegeWise, providing comprehensive college planning services and has guided hundreds of students through the college search and application process. Nancy attended East Carolina and George Washington Universities

Allyson Bergman

Office Manager

Allyson earned her B.A from Brandeis University. She supports the company operations by maintaining systems and office services by organizing office operations and procedures, preparing payroll, controlling correspondence, designing filing systems, reviewing, assigning, and monitoring clerical functions. Allyson maintains office efficiency by planning and implementing office systems and establishing procedures. Allyson contributes to the team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Before joining our Prep 1 on 1, Allyson worked at Fannie Mae for 20 years on a variety of tasks, including customer directed initiatives, customer development and retention, and creating strong business partnerships with community banks and trade associations. Her strengths are organizational efficiencies through process redesign and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Allyson enjoys spending time with her three children, her dogs, and loves the beach!

Stacey Albert

Stacey earned her B.A. with honors in European History from the University of Pennsylvania and received a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center. Her career then led her to telecommunications law at a large law firm, government affairs for global technology companies, and the United States Senate. While she remains a news junkie to this day, she also works professionally as a freelance business writer – putting her grammar skills to daily use. Stacey focuses on the verbal sections of the ACT and SAT. Stacey loves to cook and bakes her own bread, courtesy of her sourdough starter named Morgan. She enjoys engaging with the students and helping them to find their strengths that will enable them to succeed.

Alan Bangura

Alan holds a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Maryland. During his time as a student, he tutored mathematics for over three years at the Prince George’s Community College. He is passionate in helping others understand mathematics on a foundational basis to further their development in their studies. Alan has worked in data analytics and statistics before returning to his passion: tutoring. As a tutor for Prep1on1, Alan will look to help students improve their ACT and SAT test taking skills. Outside of his professional life, Alan has a deep passion as a musician and music producer.

Allie Berry

Allie holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park in addition to a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. Allie has held a variety of writing and editing positions with National Geographic Society, the Penguin Group, and various other organizations. Allie has been integral in updating our verbal curriculum to include grammar rules, timed reading techniques, and essay composition. When Allie isn’t tutoring, writing, or editing, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter.

Jacob Creskoff

Jacob graduated from McGill University with a B.A. in Economics and History. An experienced tutor, as well as a test administrator, with Arlington Public Schools, Jacob is eager to help students achieve excellence in math and science. He currently works as a data analyst for a firm specializing in state educational testing. His passions outside of teaching include strategy games, biking, and music.

Dawn Fischer

Dawn holds Masters in Special Education from Boston University and a B.A. in Psychology with Honors from Binghamton University. A certified special education teacher, Dawn has extensive experience in private tutoring, and was formerly a Learning Disabilities Teacher for the Alexandria City Public Schools. As a teacher certified by the Maryland State Department of Education, Dawn has been a substitute teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools and has been a member of the Westat assessment team for the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Dawn has been tutoring ACT/SAT students for over 10 years, helping them prepare for ACT math and science sections as well as SAT math. She recognizes each student’s individual needs and develops a tutoring plan based on the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Dawn enjoys the outdoors, especially taking long walks, hiking, and biking. She loves playing tennis. Fun fact: Any time is a good time to eat ice cream. Dawn’s favorite flavor is Jamoca Almond Fudge!

Scott Ginsburg

Scott earned a B.A. with High Distinction in Economics from The University of Michigan. After graduating, Scott moved to New York City to begin a career in finance. Scott moved with his family to Maryland in 2015 and, shortly thereafter, began tutoring in Montgomery County. He works with students on the math sections of the SAT and ACT, and the science section of the ACT. Scott has a passion for helping others achieve their goals. It is the desire to prepare students and to help them improve their exam scores that motivates Scott to develop unique strategies that address the needs of each individual student.

Emily Glassford

Emily grew up in Bethesda and is a current doctoral candidate in History at the University of Oxford. She earned her B.A. in English and European History (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from Northwestern University in 2015 and her M.St. in British and European History (Distinction) from the University of Oxford in 2016. She has tutored students –both virtually and in person — in writing, test prep, and humanities subjects since 2015, and she helps students with the verbal sections of the SAT and ACT at Prep1on1. In conjunction with her detail-oriented approach to reading, writing, and editing, Emily enjoys guiding students through strategies that help them gain confidence and think critically. She also tailors her approach to each student’s individual needs, devising and explaining these strategies in terms that make sense for them. When not tutoring, Emily enjoys cooking overly elaborate meals, walking her very silly rescue mutt, and playing PC RPGs.

Lew Gleich

Lew has taught English at the high school and college levels for more than 15 years. Before joining Prep1on1, he was a lecturer at the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Tübingen in Germany. Lew enjoys teaching English because he believes that how we talk to each other about ourselves and about the world matters. He holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Maryland and a B.A. in English from Hamilton College. He has also studied at Oxford University, Middlebury College, and Tufts University. At Prep1on1, he teaches the Verbal sections of the SAT and ACT. Lew believes that the key to scoring well on standardized tests is learning to understand and anticipate the questions. Lew enjoys swinging imaginary baseball bats and golf clubs in his spare time.

Michelle Han

Michelle graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. During college, Michelle tutored students ranging from elementary to SAT/ACT prep in multiple environments including public schools and private tutoring. After graduating, Michelle worked as a Math/Science ACT tutor and high school Algebra tutor both in New York and Pennsylvania, encouraging students to bring their best work forward. Outside of work, Michelle likes to play video games and create all sorts of things with her sewing machine.

Lynn Handy

Lynn received her Master’s Degree in Education at Notre Dame University of Maryland in 2010. Her professional career brought her to Bethesda in early 2019. She serves as the Foundation Associate for an organization that supports education, health and human services. Before moving to Bethesda she was the Executive Director of the Downtown Sailing Center, a non-profit focused on making the sport of sailing accessible to everyone. Lynn Handy’s SAT/ACT tutoring experience began in Baltimore where she tutored students from local public and private schools. She thrives on coaching her young clients to success in the verbal sections of both tests.

Amy Hunt

Amy holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a M.A. in Education from Johns Hopkins University. She has been a high school math teacher in the Montgomery County Public School System since 2005. Amy is well versed in all sections of Geometry, Algebra, and Pre-Calculus in addition to helping students prepare for all math sections of the SAT and ACT tests. She has worked to create and refine math teaching materials in both the school system and at Prep1on1.

Haylie Iseman

Haylie graduated from Cornell University and received her Juris Doctorate degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, with admissions to the Bars of Maryland, New York and the District of Columbia. As well as working at Prep1on1 now for a decade, she practices law at Michael J. Eig and Associates, representing students with disabilities in cases under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, to secure their access to free and appropriate education. Over the years, she has also taught in a variety of educational settings in the US and abroad. Haylie now helps students hone their verbal skills as they prepare for the ACT and SAT.

Nafi Jahanbakht

Nafiseh (Nafi) Jahanbakht earned a Master of Science in Pure Mathematics from the University of Lethbridge, Canada and a Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education from Oklahoma State University. Nafi loves teaching mathematics and works on building confidence, strategy skills, and problem solving. At Prep1on1, Nafi tutors students for ACT and SAT math, as well as academic math courses. When Nafi is not tutoring, she is working on her Ph.D. degree and enjoys spending time with her family.

Noam Kaplan

Noam completed his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland and is currently working on earning his PhD there in Aerospace Engineering as well. In addition to his work at Prep1on1 and his graduate coursework, Noam also has a graduate assistantship position at the Alfred Gessow Rotorcraft Center at the University of Maryland. At Prep1on1, Noam focuses on Math and Science subjects, particularly on the ACT/SAT. In his free time, Noam enjoys outdoor activities, particularly hiking, biking, and skiing when the weather permits.

Andrew Kress

Andrew’s approach to tutoring has been shaped by his broad experiences both inside and outside of academia. From his time at Vanderbilt University where he would tutor student athletes, to his work with students in the Gambia during his stint in the Peace Corps, Andrew has found that the key to working with students is to focus on core concepts and strategies creating a holistic understanding of a subject. Andrew found this particularly true with math, where sometimes rote memorization of formulas can be more prevalent. Since returning to the United States in 2020 from his stint abroad he has worked in tutoring, specializing in math and SAT/ACT prep. In his free time Andrew enjoys rowing with Potomac Boat Club, hiking, playing board games, and generally being active.

Rachel Krott

Rachel has a B.S. in Secondary Education with a Mathematics concentration from The Pennsylvania State University. Rachel is a high school math teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools and has tutored privately in all math subjects from pre-Algebra to Calculus and Statistics. Rachel focuses on math strategies to help each student find success with the mathematical content. Rachel will meets with students at the Quince Orchard Library during the week and at the Prep1on1 office on Saturday mornings. Rachel has a secret – she has been bowling with the Philadelphia Phillies!

Lois Levenson

Lois graduated from SUNY Albany, summa cum laude, with a B.S. degree in Computer Science. She spent the early part of her career working for IBM in various technical roles ranging from computer programming/testing, to systems engineering and later left IBM to pursue a career helping students succeed at the ACT and SAT. With over 12 years experience as a private SAT/ACT tutor, Lois enjoys working with all levels of students, helping them gain the skills and confidence to reach and exceed their goals on the math and science portions of the ACT. Besides using her analytical side for tutoring, Lois often taps into her creative side and enjoys acrylic painting. Her colorful, abstract paintings can be found decorating the walls of her home and the homes of friends and family.

Lennie Magida

Lennie holds a B.A. in sociology magna cum laude from Brandeis University and a J.D. from New York University School of Law. She is passionate about words, reading, communication skills, and helping students at all levels succeed on the verbal sections of the ACT and SAT. Lennie spent years working as a journalist in the mainland U.S., Hawaii, and Asia, and she has done writing and editing for the Special Olympics, the United Way and many other organizations. A former personal trainer, Lennie is devoted to running, yoga, and other fitness activities. She also loves being involved with community theater as an actor, producer, and director.

Varun Mishra

Varun received his B.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Psychology from Johns Hopkins University. Before joining Prep1on1, Varun conducted clinical research investigating the memory deficits associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. He has several years of experience tutoring students in Montgomery County and working with inner-city youth in Baltimore. Varun is dedicated to supporting students in their journeys to academic success. He provides tutoring for SAT and ACT math/science, and excels at identifying each student’s unique strengths and weaknesses to personalize their preparation. Varun is also a cross-country coach and passionate distance runner, specializing in the half-marathon.

Max Rohde

Max graduated from Carleton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Geology. He currently works as a data scientist for the FDA Office of New Drugs and has authored scientific papers on seismology and gravitational wave physics. In addition to ACT and SAT test preparation, Max has extensive experience teaching high school math and science, including AP Calculus, AP Physics, and AP Statistics. In his free time, Max enjoys playing guitar in a DC funk band, swimming, and hiking.

Samantha Ross

Samantha Ross teaches both the verbal and the science test taking skills to students preparing for the ACT or SAT. She currently works full time as a teacher in the Montgomery County Public School System. Samantha graduated from the University of Michigan with distinction and received her Juris Doctorate degree, cum laude from American University with admissions to both the Maryland and District of Columbia Bar Associations. Samantha worked in private practice for five years before going back to school to receive her Maryland State Teaching Certification in General Education and Special Education. Samantha focuses on differentiating instructional strategies in order to address the needs of each individual student.

Bernie Shapiro

Bernie received a B.S. in Education at the University of Maryland, College Park. He went on to get a Masters of Education (in Curriculum and Instruction) at Frostburg State College. He holds a dual teaching certificate for elementary education and secondary mathematics. While now retired, his teaching career centered in Frederick County. Bernie has been tutoring students in Montgomery County for more than two decades. In his free time, Bernie enjoys hiking, biking, and playing both soccer and the harmonica. Bernie and his wife, Marjie, plan to hike the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail soon.

Wendy Siegel

Wendy Siegel has a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Florida and a Masters Degree in Mathematics Education from the University of South Florida. Before tutoring full time, Wendy worked as a high school mathematics teacher and at PBS.org Teacherline to create professional development for mathematics educators. Wendy takes pride in her ability to build students’ confidence in mathematics. Through increased confidence, use of technology, and specific strategies to avoid careless errors, students see a big difference in their scores. Wendy tutors students for all SAT and ACT math, SAT Mathematics Subject Levels 1 and 2, AP Calculus AB and BC, SSAT Math, GRE Math as well as middle school and high school math courses. When she’s not tutoring or momming, there’s nothing she loves more than playing or listening to live music.

Vickie Strange-Moscoso

Vickie received her B.S. and M.S in speech/language pathology from Towson University. She has over 30 years of experience as a speech/language pathologist and administrator providing educational services to students of all ages in a variety of settings in Montgomery County Public Schools. Vickie is adept at identifying the individual strengths and needs of students in order to determine the best strategies for success. She is an avid student of reading, language, and writing and enjoys sharing her knowledge and appreciation of these subjects with her students. Vickie provides tutoring for the verbal sections of both the ACT and SAT. When Vickie isn’t working with students, she enjoys traveling, cooking, playing tennis, and taking care of her grandchildren.

Lisa Tillman

Lisa has a B.F.A. from New York University’s Dramatic Writing Program. A published author, and former writer and producer of TV news and documentaries, her credits include Court TV and The History Channel. Lisa tutors students for the verbal sections of the ACT and SAT. Lisa is an avid tennis player and rabid baseball fan.

Ramon Tussell

Ramon graduated with a PhD in Chemistry from Montana State University. After teaching Honors Physics, Honors Chemistry and AP Physics 2 at a Jesuit college preparatory high school in Phoenix, Arizona,  he moved with his family to Maryland to teach at Georgetown Preparatory School. Ramon teaches Honors Physics and AP Computer Science A at Georgetown Prep. At Prep1on1, Ramon tutors all levels of Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science and high school Math.

Benjamin Yeung

Benjamin is a graduate of a dual-degree program at Rutgers University, earning a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a B.A. in Music. He began providing professional in-home tutoring when he was a middle school student, and is a former high school math teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools. His knowledge of different subjects and extensive tutoring experience help him students connect difficult concepts to analogies they can understand. Benjamin prepares students for SAT Subject and AP tests for math and science as well as providing high school class support. Ben is an avid curler and can often be found on the fields playing ultimate frisbee!