About Us
Jesse Brockwell
Founder and CEO
Jesse Brockwell has been a full-time tutor and test prep educator for eighteen years. He specializes in all areas of the SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, GRE, and GMAT as well as Elementary Mathematics, Prealgebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus, Trigonometry, and Calculus.
Jesse also assists students with time management, quiz and test preparation strategies, organization, note-taking, memorization, motivation, and self-directed study habits.
Jesse has developed an almost cult-like following among his students and is widely recognized by parents, teachers, and guidance counselors as the most sought-after tutor in Southern Connecticut. He is also well known in other "pockets" of families and friends throughout Connecticut for his highly refined approach to virtual tutoring that is "as close to meeting in person as you could possibly get." His highly personable and individualized approach to education focuses on bringing students of all ages and skill levels far beyond their perceived boundaries.
Ryan Quinn
Science and Mathematics
Ryan Quinn, known as “Quinn”, graduated with Honors from Lyme Old Lyme High School in 2004, then earned his BS in Biology and an MA degree in Education from the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. Quinn has a rich and diverse background as a biology and chemistry teacher, farmer, outdoor educator, carpenter, handyman and even as Chief Steward aboard the Kalmar Nyckel, a tall ship sailing out of Wilmington, DE.
As a high school educator, Quinn taught and developed curricula for Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, and General Science. At Nature’s Classroom, Quinn leads field groups, develops new classes and trains new staff members throughout New England.
For the past 10 years, Quinn and his partner Baylee have owned and operated Long Table Farm in Lyme, Connecticut. Quinn uses his educational background to lead Curiosity Shops with Lyme Consolidated students at the farm and partners with the Green Team on Composting. Quinn and Baylee have customized apprenticeships for several successful farmers, launching careers in agriculture.
Quinn is a lifelong learner and educator. Sharing his knowledge and connecting students to the bigger picture brings him joy. Quinn specializes in tailoring his teaching style to each student’s needs, ensuring progress with each interaction. He is a determined and persistent teacher, inspiring confidence and humor.
Jennifer Burke
College Counseling and ELA
Jennifer Burke holds a Bachelor of Arts in English (1990) and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (1998) from Wesleyan University. With over three decades of experience, she has served as an English teacher in both public and private high schools throughout southeastern Connecticut since 1990, teaching students across all grade levels, including Advanced Placement courses.
In addition to her high school teaching, Jennifer has taught writing and literature at the collegiate level and provided academic support as a writing tutor. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom: in 2002, a group of parents approached her for assistance with college essays, which led her to establish a career in college counseling. She has since worked as a college counselor in both private practice and within a high school counseling office.
Jennifer also developed and currently teaches a specialized course for high school seniors navigating the college application process. This course was designed to empower students to take ownership of their post-graduation plans, encouraging them to invest meaningfully in their futures. Through her work, Jennifer supports students and their families in maximizing their high school experience and in making informed decisions throughout the college search and application journey.
Alexandra Von Raab
Elementary and Middle School Education
Alexandra von Raab has been a dedicated educator for over twenty-five years. She holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Fordham University and is a certified teacher in Connecticut.
Early in her career, Alexandra developed her passion for education while living in San Francisco, where she completed coursework in teaching English as a second language. She then spent a year in Santiago, Chile teaching English to students and business professionals.
Upon returning to New York City, she attended graduate school and taught at various independent schools at the kindergarten, second, and third grade levels while also serving as a learning specialist, study skills coach, and reading teacher. For nine years, she ran a private tutoring practice, supporting students ages 9 to 15 in math, reading, writing and executive functioning.
Since moving to Old Lyme in 2017, Alexandra has worked at The Lyme Old Lyme Middle School. She is currently the literacy tutor, providing targeted instruction in reading comprehension, fluency, spelling, and writing to multi-language learners and students requiring skill remediation. Her patient and encouraging manner builds confidence in even the most reluctant learners. Alexandra connects with students through warmth, humor and a direct approach that honors their potential and their challenges.
Maureen Lefevre
French
Maureen Lefevre, known as Madame to her students, is a CT state-certified K-12 World Languages teacher who has been teaching French for over 25 years. While she has especially focused on high school French (from French I through AP French), she also has experience teaching elementary-, middle- and college-level students.
After graduating from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, where she majored in International Affairs, Maureen lived in France for nearly 15 years. Her experience living and working in Paris and Normandy gave her a deep understanding of French language and culture that she is passionate about sharing with her students.
In addition to her degree from Georgetown, Maureen earned a certificate of political studies (Certificat d’études politiques) from the Paris Institute of Political Studies (IEP Paris) and a Master of Arts in Humanities from Wesleyan University.
Maureen currently lives in Niantic and teaches French at Lyme-Old Lyme High School.
Christopher Allegretti
Advanced Mathematics
Chris Allegretti has over fifteen years of experience as an educator and holds a Master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Connecticut. He has spent his entire high school teaching career at Valley Regional High School in Deep River, where he teaches AP Calculus, Precalculus, Algebra 2, and International Baccalaureate Analysis & Approaches at both the standard and higher levels.
In addition to his classroom experience, he has more than twenty years of experience tutoring mathematics for high school and university students. He is highly familiar with the mathematics content and expectations of many standardized tests, including AP, IB, SAT, and ACT. He approaches teaching with patience and structure, meeting students where they are while maintaining high expectations and helping them build confidence.