Program Director

Rasha Myers

Rasha Myers is a former teacher, and program manager. With more than 10 years experience in educational management, Rasha has instructed students through distinct individualized teaching methods, aimed at improving their overall performance. Myers is a dynamic thinker who focuses on identifying individual strengths to apply her findings in the most effective and efficient manner. Rather than apply forced, quick fixes to potential areas of struggle, Rasha opts to build upon areas of skill and excellence through which she guides students and professionals towards logical practices and endeavors.

Rasha holds a Master of Science (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor’s of Science (B.S) in Biology from Tuskegee University. As a Chicago native, she enjoys joining friends and family to try new restaurants, attending musicals, and traveling off the beaten path.

Customer Success Associate/Advisor

Leah Powell

“ Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.” One of Leah’s favorite quotes that she often heard while she was working to accumulate 1700 hours of service with AmeriCorps Hands on Atlanta. Life is often about using the tools you have to create something great, and that is exactly what Leah has instilled in the youth that she has worked with over the years. 

She has assisted high school students with becoming Gates Millennium Scholars and guided them into being superb essay writers. The foundation of pushing young people towards greatness has always been tapping into their strengths so that they can adapt to any situation and of course overcome. 

Hailing from the south suburbs of Chicago, Leah has worked in the education field for nine years now. A graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, she has educated and guided students in cities such as Detroit, Atlanta, and New York. Leah has had the opportunity to work with young people of all ages. Some of her experience includes teaching Gifted and Talented Prep classes specifically for pre-k age, serving families as Parent Coordinator at the Talented and Gifted School for Young Scholars in NYC (K-8), and assisting high school students with essay writing and reading comprehension at Sylvan Learning Center in Dearborn, MI. 

Leah can remember her road to attending the number 1 HBCU (as noted in U.S.News). 

She thinks about the things that she wishes she knew when prepping for scholarship interviews, or even how to stand out on campus in order to reap all the benefits of the college experience. She is prepared to work diligently to ensure that every student who begins a HelloCollege program, is well equipped for life after high school. You will quickly notice Leah’s hard work and dedication. She was even awarded the Servant’s Heart Plaque during her time with AmeriCorps, which is given to select members who go above and beyond in service. Leah is thrilled to be back in her home state to work with families as they navigate the exciting road to college! She would love to meet you, so feel free to introduce yourself when you see her.

Tutor

Iffat Naveed

Iffat has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Adelphi University. Before joining us, Iffat had amassed several years of tutoring for students at the elementary and secondary school levels. Her dream job growing up was to be a teacher, so she is thrilled to help HelloCollege Students. Iffat understands the challenges presented by standardized tests and the struggles many students face and does her best to provide an individualized approach that best suits each student. Outside of tutoring and developing her personal and professional skills, Iffat can be found painting, reading, and studying several foreign languages.

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Adelphi University

Specializations:
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading
ACT Science
SAT Reading
SAT Writing & Language
SAT Math
English
Writing

Tutor

Michael Paroly

Originally focused on a career in academia, Mike’s path to becoming a teacher and tutor now seems all but inevitable. After finishing in Bachelors of Arts in History from Stonybrook University, Mike went on to complete a Master of Science in Adolescent Education and began teaching students part-time, quickly finding his true vocation. Mike is a natural educator with a commanding presence in the classroom whose enthusiasm engages students at all levels. With over fifteen years of experience as a tutor, Mike’s deep knowledge and energetic personality keep him in high demand, as he strives to inspire students to believe in their own potential for success. Outside of teaching, Mike spends most of his time these days enjoying the new adventures of fatherhood.

Education:
Bachelor of Arts in History, Stony Brook University
Master of Science in Adolescent Education, Stony Brook University

Specializations:
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading
ACT Science
SAT Reading
SAT Writing & Language
SAT Math
English
Writing
History

Tutor

Kyle Ambrose

Kyle has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Secondary Math Education from the University of Connecticut. He is a high school math teacher with a passion for education and helping students at all levels, including tutoring students for success on the SAT and ACT. He considers himself a math “nerd” and takes pride in making even challenging concepts seem easy to understand. When he’s not taking practice tests for fun, he enjoys reading books, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and their three-year-old daughter.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, University of Connecticut
Master of Arts in Secondary Math Education, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut.

Specializations:
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading
ACT Science
SAT Reading
SAT Writing & Language
SAT Math
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry

Tutor

Hafsa Shibli

Hafsa completed her Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology and Psychology at Tulane University. She is currently pursuing a Masters’ in Education at Hunters College and has numerous years of experience tutoring and mentoring students in writing and standardized testing. She is passionate about helping students unlock their potential and reach their academic goals. In her free time, she enjoys yoga and knitting.

Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology, Tulane University
Masters in Education, Hunter College

Specializations:
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading
ACT Science
SAT Reading
SAT Writing & Language
SAT Math
English
Writing