PrepNow Tutor - Janelle A.
A dedicated and driven tutor, Janelle has a passion for learning, teaching, and helping others succeed. She holds a BA in neuroscience with a minor in global health anthropology from Dartmouth College. “With a strong background in neuroscience, research, and tutoring, I bring both expertise and empathy to every challenge I take on,” Janelle says. Since graduating with her BA, Janelle has been working as a Cancer Research Training Award Fellow at the National Institutes of Health, focusing on protein kinases involved in cancer pathways. Alongside her research, she has worked as a tutor at learning centers, helping students excel in math, science, and standardized test preparation. She also serves as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, where she continues to develop leadership skills and maintain readiness for service.
Janelle began teaching and tutoring in high school, helping classmates prepare for AP exams and standardized tests, and quickly realized how rewarding it was to see students gain confidence and mastery in challenging subjects. “My proudest moment as a tutor came when a student who had been struggling in math for years not only improved their grades but also told me they finally felt smart in the subject—it was the first time they had ever said that about themselves,” Janelle says. “That transformation in their mindset reminded me that teaching is not just about conveying information, but about unlocking a student’s belief in their own potential.” Since 2018, Janelle has tutored math, science, and ACT and SAT prep to students from middle school through college. In science, she has taught chemistry and physics; and in math, she has taught all subjects up to Calculus BC and statistics.
"I describe my teaching style as student-centered, adaptive, and confidence-building,” Janelle says. “I focus on meeting each student where they are, breaking down complex concepts into clear, manageable steps, and using real-world examples to make learning relevant. I believe in active engagement — asking guiding questions, encouraging students to explain concepts back to me, and celebrating progress to reinforce a growth mindset.” Janelle’s approach is shaped by the belief that understanding builds confidence, and confidence drives performance. “I prioritize building strong foundational skills before moving into advanced material, ensuring students not only know how to solve problems but also why the methods work,” she explains. At the core of her philosophy is the idea that education should empower students to become independent thinkers and problem-solvers. “I view my role as not just delivering information, but equipping students with the strategies, resilience, and curiosity they need to succeed far beyond our sessions."
In high school and college, Janelle played lacrosse and basketball. In college, she participated in Reserve Officers' Training Corps and was a ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through running, hiking, and strength training, as well as exploring new healthy recipes. She’s also an avid reader with a particular interest in neuroscience, history, and biographies of influential leaders. “I also value time spent traveling, discovering new cultures, and volunteering in my community, especially in programs that support mentorship and education for underrepresented students in STEM,” Janelle says.
