TESTIMONIALS

Mr. Stefan is a phenomenal math coach.

He inspired me to have confidence in myself and assured me that whatever I didn’t understand, we would work through it together.

“Mr. Stefan is a phenomenal math coach. For the past seven years we have diligently worked together to improve my math skills. In the 5th grade I was diagnosed with ADHD and Math Dyslexia (dyscalculia).  At first I felt sad, ashamed, and alone. However, when I started working with Mr. Stefan all those feelings disappeared. He inspired me to have confidence in myself and assured me that whatever I didn’t understand we would work through it together. Mr.Stefan has opened my eyes to new tools and resources such as color coding, math illustrations, and “maintaining my picture.” These tools have helped me learn and process math in a way that best fits my learning style. After years of practice and determination, I went from struggling in all of my math classes to earning A’s in Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2. I not only consider Mr.Stefan a great math coach but also a trustworthy and dear friend. I always look forward to our sessions. Lastly, I always know that I can come to Mr.Stefan with both professional and personal matters and he will give me his honest point of view. Mr.Stefan’s teachings and guidance have truly been invaluable and I could not ask for a better tutor.”

— Junior at Holy Names High School

Stefan is truly exceptional.

His investment in my son as a person has given him both confidence and resilience in math.

"Our son, who is now in 8th grade has been working with Stefan consistently since 6th grade and it has been truly transformational. He is much stronger and more confident in math as a result of his partnership with Stefan and, more importantly, he has a more positive sense of self overall. Although math continues to be challenging, Stefan has helped him learn to persevere when things get difficult and to creatively find solutions when he struggles. As an experienced educator with over 15 years in the classroom, I have a sense of what excellent teaching and tutoring looks like - and Stefan is truly exceptional. His math knowledge is incredible and it is matched by his understanding of how to work with young people to develop and grow their own conceptual and practical understanding of how math works. But what impresses me most about Stefan is his genuine investment in my son as a person and his ability to build a trusting relationship that allows him to push my son beyond what he thinks he is capable of."

— Trevor (Parent)

Stefan builds confidence and mastery.

Stefan doesn’t just give answers—he teaches the 'why' behind them.

"Stefan doesn’t just try to help the student find the correct answer to a question; he does an amazing job of explaining WHY the answer is what it is. This, in turn, lays the groundwork to make the next level of math easier to comprehend and digest. Our son did not approach math with a high degree of certitude when he first started working with Stefan. However Stefan’s teaching methods and his instilling confidence in our son has made him an “A” student in math and he has been accepted in the honors math program at his school. In short, Stefan is an amazing teacher and our son has benefited greatly from his math expertise."

— Parent of an East Bay independent school student

Stefan creates a safe and supportive learning environment.

My son became more confident and willing to try, even when frustrated.

"Stefan embraces all that makes a great teacher not just tutor! Right from the start, he created a safe learning environment that allowed my son to make mistakes without judgment. After each session with Stefan, my son became more confident in his math abilities and more willing to try even when frustrated. Stefan is extremely patient and has had the ability to have my son think through the math not just figure out the answer--which is really what math is all about. Stefan is a true master of his craft!"

— Monica (Parent of Head Royce 8th grader)

Stefan is more than a tutor—he truly cares.

He makes sure you’re ready before moving on and even takes time for fun conversations.

"Stefan is a person that you can trust. He know how to teach his students very well. He listens to if the student understands what he is teaching. A really important thing that I really like is that he doesn't go on without making sure you are ready. He uses really good and easy to understand vocabulary. He even has time to do fun things like games and talk with people about what they got to do for the weekend. He doesn't just care about math, he cares about how people feel and that is a very important quality that I really like. I would recommend Stefan to any struggling student."

— Nate (8th grader)

We hit the jackpot with Stefan!

He imparts not just math skills, but a love of learning.

"We hit the jackpot when we were connected with Stefan for math tutoring! My 8th grader has learned math concepts successfully under Stefan’s instruction with MMR. Stefan not only knows how to teach using MMR methodology, but he also imparts a love of math and an understanding of who my child is and speaks into him in a way that’s positive and encouraging!  Stefan is the total package, and we are grateful to be able to work with such an outstanding teacher!  I highly recommend Stefan to help any struggling math student!"

— Kara (Parent)

Stefan tailors his teaching to the student.

His approach has helped our daughter thrive academically.

“Stefan has been working with our daughter since 7th grade.  She has grown so much as a student since she started working with him. Stefan focuses on how our daughter learns, not just as a math student, but as an overall scholar. He is fun, flexible, innovative and thoughtful when working. He takes the time to learn about his students and tailors his approach in a way that works for the student. That method allows our daughter to apply his learning techniques to her everyday school environment. He communicates well with us as parents every step of the way. He helped us navigate our daughter's learning differences to allow her to thrive in her new more stringent academic environment. He made himself available to her instructors and educational therapist at her school. Finally, he is one of the best instructors we have ever encountered in our parenting journey with our three children (the oldest one is in high school). You are simply the best Stefan!!  Thank you!!”

— Karla and Justo (Parents)

Stefan teaches more than math—he teaches how to learn.

His lessons provide real-world applications and lasting study techniques.

“Stefan has been my educational specialist for almost two years.  I like that he does not just teach you the "thing" you need to learn.  He also teaches you how and why to give you a deeper understanding and help his students remember. He provides concrete examples of how to use math in the real world even when you think you would not use it. Furthermore, I learned several techniques to study on my own to prepare for my exams and helpful tips to use on a test to not make silly mistakes. Finally,  I learned how to use brain frames to solve problems and do everyday things. Thank you Stefan for caring about all of me, not just the math student.”

— Zi (8th grader)

Stefan is an incredible mentor and coach.

His guidance has helped me blossom through life’s challenges.

"Words really cannot describe how incredibly skillful you are as a mentor and coach. In the relatively short time we've known each other, I have truly evolved and learned so much in what would take others lifetimes to figure out. Your clients are so lucky to have you. You've helped me blossom through the muddiest of times in my personal and professional life. 'No mud, no lotus.' I simply would not be where I am today without your enduring grace, patience, gentle accountability, loving kindness, attentiveness, sensitivity, and readiness to support and encourage me to explore my potential through all the ups and downs."

— 31-year-old entrepreneur