About Us
Melissa Cook
Owner and Director
BS The Ohio State University
MS Ed SUNY College at Buffalo
Permanently Certified New York State Teacher
When I started teaching in 1992, most classrooms had a "lecture" type format with a teacher standing in front of a large group of students presenting material. Some students continually participated, others appeared to be paying attention, but some tuned right out.
However, in my first teaching experience, I was able to work with students in a small group setting. I immediately noticed the difference. In small groups, the students participated in discussions, asked numerous questions and became engaged in their learning. My instruction was much more effective because the students were actively involved. Another lesson I learned at that time was that "kids don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." When students believed that I had a genuine interest in their success, they became committed and enthusiastic about learning. My role was to not just present information, but also to be available to listen, encourage and connect with my students.
Several years later, I had the opportunity to teach a "one-size-fits-most" SAT Preparation Class for a local school district. Although the curriculum was fine, most students only achieved modest success because they tuned right out during these large, teacher-led sessions. The dynamic interaction that is best achieved in small-groups was missing. I was then approached by a group of parents to privately tutor their children for the SAT. We met weekly in the students' homes in a relaxed atmosphere and I was amazed by the difference. The kids willingly participated in our lessons and discussions and were motivated and engaged - far beyond what I had observed in the large group SAT classes. Thus my first "kitchen table" SAT study group was born! Several weeks after the students took the SAT, I was thrilled as they called to share their scores with me. This positive experience led me into a new career...
For the last ten years I have connected with and successfully prepared hundreds of area high school students for the SAT and ACT. Great scores and satisfied parents have resulted in a snowball of referrals - from one terrific family to the next. Until this website, I have never advertised my services, but my client base has grown significantly. This has enabled me to hire and train several dedicated instructors. We now can offer even more small group sessions and private tutoring and provide an exceptional option for parents who want to give their students a distinct advantage in their preparation for college.
Heather Arnold
BS Education - Houghton College
MS Ed - University of Albany: Literacy Education
Professionally Certified New York State Teacher
I taught for three wonderful years and received tenure in the Williamsville School District before deciding to stay home to raise my family full time. I remain a New York State certified teacher with an emphasis in reading, math, and educational psychology.
I teach with Test Preps because I love it! It is so awesome to see students experience success and confidence in an area that they previously dreaded or feared.
Barbara Brown
BS Psychology and Sociology - St. Lawrence University
I was born and raised in Buffalo and began my career as a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Once married, we lived in Hawaii and Alaska before returning here to raise our young children. Since then, I have been an active volunteer at school, church and in the community. I have also worked part-time in a school guidance office learning first hand what high school kids need to truly get ready for college!
I have taught with Test Preps for 5 years and really enjoy motivating and encouraging teens. I have also successfully navigated my own 3 daughters through the college search process and understand both the student's and parental concerns regarding the SAT. My goal as a Test Prep tutor is to help our students to be prepared and confident so that they can realize their personal best.
Gloria Cockrell
BS Clearwater Christian College
MS Ed University of Mobile
Professionally Certified New York State Teacher - English/Language Arts
I have taught for 12 years at the middle school, high school and college levels helping students become better writers and thinkers. I have had the incredible opportunity to do this in 7 different schools in 3 different states. (Life with my husband is always an adventure!) I am currently teaching in the College Writing Program at Buffalo State College and have received professional New York State Certification for teaching secondary English and Language Arts. Besides teaching part-time, I am a full-time Mom to three great kids! The most fulfilling thing in my life is to invest in others - my husband, my kids, friends and students. This is one of the reasons why I teach for Test Preps. I want to help students succeed emotionally and academically and position themselves for success at the college level.
Molly Darnley
BS Education SUNY College at Buffalo
MS Ed Reading SUNY College at Buffalo
Permanently Certified New York State Teacher
As an educator for the past 20 years I have worn many hats in the Lancaster Central School District including: classroom teacher, reading specialist, resource room teacher, AIS teacher and assistant to the Special Education director. In all of these positions, one thing has remained a constant - sharing my enthusiasm for reading and writing with students and other educators. This passion is what initially piqued my interest in the SAT. I am proud to say that I have been involved with Test Preps even before it was an idea! Melissa Cook and I co-tutored SAT preparation classes to as many high school students as our busy schedules would allow. When the SAT added the Writing Skills section in 2005, I developed the essay and grammar curriculum for Test Preps which is currently used to teach these important skills.
These days, I operate behind-the-scenes at Test Preps, helping to upgrade lesson plans and offering pithy words of advice about reading and writing. Although my full-time teaching schedule only allows me to pinch-hit when Melissa needs an extra instructor, I just can't keep my hands out of the SAT prep game. Recently, I sent my son off to college so I can empathize with all parents who are trying to help their own teenagers successfully chart their college careers. I truly believe that being well-prepared for the SAT is a crucial component of the college application experience, and I want to do my part to help area high school students achieve their college dreams!
Katelyn Mazurkiewicz
BA - Mathematics, SUNY Geneseo
MS Ed - Differentiated Instruction/Gifted Education, Canisius College
Besides teaching math at Lockport High School, I coach the girls JV Soccer team and advise the Odyssey of the Mind club. Additionally, I work with graduate students at Canisius College where I am an adjunct professor. My courses include: How to Differentiate Mathematics K-12 and A Guide to Developing a Gifted Curriculum.
I enjoy teaching for Test Preps because it is one more way that I can mentor and inspire teens. I love using my skills as a math teacher and soccer coach to help kids set their SAT goals - and reach them!
Raymond Mangione
BA - History, University of Buffalo at New York
MA - History, Northern Illinois University
MS Ed - DePaul University
Permanently Certified New York State Teacher
After beginning my teaching career in a suburb of Chicago, the prodigal returned home to Western New York where I taught in a suburban school district for seven years. A combination of gritty attitude and loads of opportunity have allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. This has included mentoring new teachers and becoming a turn-key trainer for research-based strategies being implemented throughout Western New York.
On the personal side, I have grown even more through my two wonderful daughters. Teaching them to enjoy learning, people, and life and modeling this in my own behavior is an experience unparalleled. One comes to see that life is truly about experiences and the relationships forged through them. Test Preps offers me another outlet to mentor young people and help them reach future success.
Erin Neill
BS Education - SUNY College at Buffalo
Professionally Certified Teacher
After graduating from college, I enjoyed 5 years of tenured teaching and college-level mentoring in Hawaii while my husband was in the Marine Corps. Once we started our family, I felt strongly that I wanted to be home full-time to raise our children. Now settled, once again in Western New York, I am actively involved in volunteering at my children's schools, leading parenting groups, teaching Sunday School and tutoring for Test Preps!
Test Preps provides me an avenue for me to use my intellectual gifts as they were intended. I had excellent teachers to help me navigate my high school and college years. Test Preps allows me the opportunity to give back what I was so blessed to receive - guidance, vision and success!
Jim Sproull
BS Biological Sciences - University at Buffalo
MS Ed. Science Education - University at Buffalo
Professionally Certified New York State Teacher
I have spent 11 years engaged with high school students across Western New York. This has included teaching Regents Earth Science and Physics in both public and private schools, the last being at Clarence High School. I retired from teaching and then worked as a Youth Pastor and continued my education at Houghton College while also working in the private sector. I currently reside in Clarence with a beautiful wife and four adorable kids.
I tutor with Test Preps because I love teaching students. I also love, reading, writing and arithmetic - a deadly combination for an SAT teacher! I enjoy seeing students succeed in life and a great SAT score is a step towards a student realizing his or her dreams.
Amanda Usen
BA English and Psychology - Vanderbilt University
I am currently an aspiring novelist, a culinary pastry chef and mother of three children. I have cooked my way through Nashville TN, Hyde Park NY, Carmel CA, New Orleans LA and have now settled with my chef/husband in the great and friendly town of Williamsville, NY to be near family and raise our kids.
I teach with Test Preps because I love words! I am a total word geek, and I have learned to embrace that aspect of my personality which has earned me the nickname "The Dictionary" almost everywhere I have lived. I definitely enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for language and vocabulary with our students. I remember my own SAT quest very clearly and only wish that I had known then what I take great pleasure in teaching our students now!
Owner and Director
BS The Ohio State University
MS Ed SUNY College at Buffalo
Permanently Certified New York State Teacher
When I started teaching in 1992, most classrooms had a "lecture" type format with a teacher standing in front of a large group of students presenting material. Some students continually participated, others appeared to be paying attention, but some tuned right out.
However, in my first teaching experience, I was able to work with students in a small group setting. I immediately noticed the difference. In small groups, the students participated in discussions, asked numerous questions and became engaged in their learning. My instruction was much more effective because the students were actively involved. Another lesson I learned at that time was that "kids don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." When students believed that I had a genuine interest in their success, they became committed and enthusiastic about learning. My role was to not just present information, but also to be available to listen, encourage and connect with my students.
Several years later, I had the opportunity to teach a "one-size-fits-most" SAT Preparation Class for a local school district. Although the curriculum was fine, most students only achieved modest success because they tuned right out during these large, teacher-led sessions. The dynamic interaction that is best achieved in small-groups was missing. I was then approached by a group of parents to privately tutor their children for the SAT. We met weekly in the students' homes in a relaxed atmosphere and I was amazed by the difference. The kids willingly participated in our lessons and discussions and were motivated and engaged - far beyond what I had observed in the large group SAT classes. Thus my first "kitchen table" SAT study group was born! Several weeks after the students took the SAT, I was thrilled as they called to share their scores with me. This positive experience led me into a new career...
For the last ten years I have connected with and successfully prepared hundreds of area high school students for the SAT and ACT. Great scores and satisfied parents have resulted in a snowball of referrals - from one terrific family to the next. Until this website, I have never advertised my services, but my client base has grown significantly. This has enabled me to hire and train several dedicated instructors. We now can offer even more small group sessions and private tutoring and provide an exceptional option for parents who want to give their students a distinct advantage in their preparation for college.
Heather Arnold
BS Education - Houghton College
MS Ed - University of Albany: Literacy Education
Professionally Certified New York State Teacher
I taught for three wonderful years and received tenure in the Williamsville School District before deciding to stay home to raise my family full time. I remain a New York State certified teacher with an emphasis in reading, math, and educational psychology.
I teach with Test Preps because I love it! It is so awesome to see students experience success and confidence in an area that they previously dreaded or feared.
Barbara Brown
BS Psychology and Sociology - St. Lawrence University
I was born and raised in Buffalo and began my career as a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Once married, we lived in Hawaii and Alaska before returning here to raise our young children. Since then, I have been an active volunteer at school, church and in the community. I have also worked part-time in a school guidance office learning first hand what high school kids need to truly get ready for college!
I have taught with Test Preps for 5 years and really enjoy motivating and encouraging teens. I have also successfully navigated my own 3 daughters through the college search process and understand both the student's and parental concerns regarding the SAT. My goal as a Test Prep tutor is to help our students to be prepared and confident so that they can realize their personal best.
Gloria Cockrell
BS Clearwater Christian College
MS Ed University of Mobile
Professionally Certified New York State Teacher - English/Language Arts
I have taught for 12 years at the middle school, high school and college levels helping students become better writers and thinkers. I have had the incredible opportunity to do this in 7 different schools in 3 different states. (Life with my husband is always an adventure!) I am currently teaching in the College Writing Program at Buffalo State College and have received professional New York State Certification for teaching secondary English and Language Arts. Besides teaching part-time, I am a full-time Mom to three great kids! The most fulfilling thing in my life is to invest in others - my husband, my kids, friends and students. This is one of the reasons why I teach for Test Preps. I want to help students succeed emotionally and academically and position themselves for success at the college level.
Molly Darnley
BS Education SUNY College at Buffalo
MS Ed Reading SUNY College at Buffalo
Permanently Certified New York State Teacher
As an educator for the past 20 years I have worn many hats in the Lancaster Central School District including: classroom teacher, reading specialist, resource room teacher, AIS teacher and assistant to the Special Education director. In all of these positions, one thing has remained a constant - sharing my enthusiasm for reading and writing with students and other educators. This passion is what initially piqued my interest in the SAT. I am proud to say that I have been involved with Test Preps even before it was an idea! Melissa Cook and I co-tutored SAT preparation classes to as many high school students as our busy schedules would allow. When the SAT added the Writing Skills section in 2005, I developed the essay and grammar curriculum for Test Preps which is currently used to teach these important skills.
These days, I operate behind-the-scenes at Test Preps, helping to upgrade lesson plans and offering pithy words of advice about reading and writing. Although my full-time teaching schedule only allows me to pinch-hit when Melissa needs an extra instructor, I just can't keep my hands out of the SAT prep game. Recently, I sent my son off to college so I can empathize with all parents who are trying to help their own teenagers successfully chart their college careers. I truly believe that being well-prepared for the SAT is a crucial component of the college application experience, and I want to do my part to help area high school students achieve their college dreams!
Katelyn Mazurkiewicz
BA - Mathematics, SUNY Geneseo
MS Ed - Differentiated Instruction/Gifted Education, Canisius College
Besides teaching math at Lockport High School, I coach the girls JV Soccer team and advise the Odyssey of the Mind club. Additionally, I work with graduate students at Canisius College where I am an adjunct professor. My courses include: How to Differentiate Mathematics K-12 and A Guide to Developing a Gifted Curriculum.
I enjoy teaching for Test Preps because it is one more way that I can mentor and inspire teens. I love using my skills as a math teacher and soccer coach to help kids set their SAT goals - and reach them!
Raymond Mangione
BA - History, University of Buffalo at New York
MA - History, Northern Illinois University
MS Ed - DePaul University
Permanently Certified New York State Teacher
After beginning my teaching career in a suburb of Chicago, the prodigal returned home to Western New York where I taught in a suburban school district for seven years. A combination of gritty attitude and loads of opportunity have allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. This has included mentoring new teachers and becoming a turn-key trainer for research-based strategies being implemented throughout Western New York.
On the personal side, I have grown even more through my two wonderful daughters. Teaching them to enjoy learning, people, and life and modeling this in my own behavior is an experience unparalleled. One comes to see that life is truly about experiences and the relationships forged through them. Test Preps offers me another outlet to mentor young people and help them reach future success.
Erin Neill
BS Education - SUNY College at Buffalo
Professionally Certified Teacher
After graduating from college, I enjoyed 5 years of tenured teaching and college-level mentoring in Hawaii while my husband was in the Marine Corps. Once we started our family, I felt strongly that I wanted to be home full-time to raise our children. Now settled, once again in Western New York, I am actively involved in volunteering at my children's schools, leading parenting groups, teaching Sunday School and tutoring for Test Preps!
Test Preps provides me an avenue for me to use my intellectual gifts as they were intended. I had excellent teachers to help me navigate my high school and college years. Test Preps allows me the opportunity to give back what I was so blessed to receive - guidance, vision and success!
Jim Sproull
BS Biological Sciences - University at Buffalo
MS Ed. Science Education - University at Buffalo
Professionally Certified New York State Teacher
I have spent 11 years engaged with high school students across Western New York. This has included teaching Regents Earth Science and Physics in both public and private schools, the last being at Clarence High School. I retired from teaching and then worked as a Youth Pastor and continued my education at Houghton College while also working in the private sector. I currently reside in Clarence with a beautiful wife and four adorable kids.
I tutor with Test Preps because I love teaching students. I also love, reading, writing and arithmetic - a deadly combination for an SAT teacher! I enjoy seeing students succeed in life and a great SAT score is a step towards a student realizing his or her dreams.
Amanda Usen
BA English and Psychology - Vanderbilt University
I am currently an aspiring novelist, a culinary pastry chef and mother of three children. I have cooked my way through Nashville TN, Hyde Park NY, Carmel CA, New Orleans LA and have now settled with my chef/husband in the great and friendly town of Williamsville, NY to be near family and raise our kids.
I teach with Test Preps because I love words! I am a total word geek, and I have learned to embrace that aspect of my personality which has earned me the nickname "The Dictionary" almost everywhere I have lived. I definitely enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for language and vocabulary with our students. I remember my own SAT quest very clearly and only wish that I had known then what I take great pleasure in teaching our students now!