ELITE TUTORING SERVICES FROM NYC TO YOU (1).png

Who We Are

GREAT Coaches who are Creative and Caring

At Satellite, we work from the premise that when a student begins with us, he or she already possesses the intelligence to succeed on the SAT, ACT and beyond. Every student has an inborn intelligence that is beyond his or her expectations. However, obstacles such as anxiety, ineffective test taking habits and low confidence block the way. A test prep coach’s job is to create the conditions where these obstacles can be overcome and natural ability can awaken and thrive. The big standardized tests require a good deal of knowledge which can be taught in traditional ways, but success also demands a few other important qualities: confidence, discipline, flexibility, and freedom. Satellite coaches are not traditional teachers or tutors. They are experienced, dynamic individuals who know how to enliven their students and bring them closer to their potential as test takers for life. But don’t take my word for it. Ask us for references, and hear directly from past students and parents just what makes Satellite Test Prep worth your time and money.

ANDREW VALINS: Satellite Founder and Head Coach

Andrew Valins has been helping students prepare for standardized tests for the past 20 years. Andrew graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with focuses in French, Theater, and Pre Medicine, and then received a MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in California. Since 2004, Andrew has been living in New York City where he spends his time pursuing his two passions: Acting and Coaching.

Read Andrew's "Letter to Parents"

BEN SYVERSEN: SAT, ACT, GRE, AP Math, AP Physics

Ben is from Concord, MA, Graduate from Indiana University in Mathematics and Jazz Music/Trumpet studies. He has been coaching for the past 15 years. Ben has worked with students at some of New York City's top high schools and colleges including Collegiate, Saint Ann's, Brearley, Stuyvesant, Packer, Friends Seminary, Avenues, and New York University. Many of his students have gone on to study at highly selective universities including Brown, Princeton, and Carnegie Mellon. As a tutor, Ben excels at explaining difficult concepts in ways that are clear and intuitive. Combining a relaxed, conversational attitude with a careful attention to detail, Ben helps his students develop a clearheaded and confident approach to subjects and tests that initially seem stressful and overwhelming.

BARBARA RAPPAPORT, Academic Math Specialist, K-8

Barbara is a retired educator from Framingham, MA. She has taught for over 32 years as a special educator, grade 6 and elementary math specialist, and department head. Barbara has a deep understanding of the Math Common Core Standards from grades K-8 and is well versed with the major work of each grade level. Her goal is to help her students gain a strong foundation with solid conceptual understanding along with a high degree of procedural fluency as well as the ability to apply these skills for successful problem solving. Of utmost importance to Barbara is the relationship she develops with her students and removing any fears the student may have related to math. All students can learn math and be successful if taught with understanding rather than rote memorization!

DENISE MANDIS: AP Lang, AP Lit, AP Seminar, AP Research

Denise has worked in the field of education for over twenty years, first as a special education teacher, then as a high school English teacher, and finally as a school administrator. She has an undergraduate degree is in Non-Fiction Writing and Editing, and a Masters is in Special Education. She held a National Board Certification from 2010-2020 in English Language Arts and obtained a Post-Masters Certification in Administration and Supervision. Additionally, Denise has taught community college courses in English 1010 as well as graduate courses in Teaching Methodology and Pedagogy.

REMY ZAKEN: SAT/ACT/SSAT/ISEE + Academic Tutoring in Math

Remy is a graduate of Columbia University and a professional actress who has appeared on Broadway, television and film. She has been a professional tutor for ten years. Remy is passionate about tutoring and mentoring students, especially individualizing learning and lesson plans for students, spending dedicated time researching and curating homework packets for each of her students.

ASA MERRITT: Writing Coach

Asa Merritt helps emerging writers find their voice and better organize their thoughts. Whether helping with term papers or college essays, Asa dedicates himself to his students, providing enthusiasm, structure and support. A graduate of Columbia University and CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Asa has been tutoring for more than 10 years. His work has been published by VICE, NPR, The Guardian and others. This summer a project he wrote starring Stephanie Hsu from Everything Everywhere All At Once will be released on Audible.com

MITCH LERNER: SSAT, ISEE, Academic Tutoring in All Subjects

Graduate of Northwestern University, Coaching for 10 years: “My goal is to get students excited about the work. I talk with my students about how their subjects are applied in life outside of school, and why what they’re learning is actually cool. I help lead them to their own conclusions by asking questions, employing the Socratic method, and triggering their own curiosity. A student’s reluctance to work sometimes is understandable, so I push with commiseration and humor. I talk with the student, not just to them. This dialogue produces better work, better grades, and happier students.”