Meet the Team!
Thornton Walker (Math/Physics/ACT Prep)
I recently transferred to Washington University in St. Louis to begin my degree in Mechanical Engineering, after completing advanced coursework in physics at Grinnell College, including Wave Optics Phenomena, Modern Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, and College Physics I & II.
Through Varsity Tutors subject testing program, I’m certified to tutor any physics through College Physics II and math through College Calculus. I have experience teaching AP Physics 1 & 2, AP Calculus AB/BC, and College Calculus, and I specialize in supporting students with homework, test prep, and strengthening their conceptual understanding. I believe a solid foundation in the fundamentals leads to quicker, more confident problem-solving—and ultimately, better grades!
I founded NxtLevelTutoring to share my passion for math and physics and to help students reach their academic goals.
Makaila Hootman (Writing Mentor)
I bring a comprehensive background in Classics and Political Science to my teaching approach. As a Dean's List scholar, my academic excellence is matched by my commitment to educational leadership, demonstrated through my role as Chair of the Classics Student Educational Policy Committee. My extensive study of Latin and classical texts has equipped me with both the technical expertise to guide students through language acquisition and the broader cultural context necessary for deep textual analysis. My specialized work in ancient political philosophy, combined with my degree in Political Science, allows me to illuminate the enduring relevance of classical thought in contemporary political discourse. Currently working in nonprofit marketing, I bring practical communication skills and a strategic mindset to my teaching methodology, ensuring that complex classical concepts are conveyed clearly and compellingly to today's students.
Molly O'Brien (Math/Physics)
My name is Molly O’Brien, and I’m a Mathematics major at Davidson College with the intention of going into engineering. I’ve completed courses in Physics 1, Calculus 1–3, and Introduction to Chemistry and would love to help others fall in love with them as much as I have. I tutored math during both high school and college. I enjoy solving problems, especially those that involve math and applying them to real world problems, and I hope to spread that joy with others.
Isabelle Wood (Math/Statistics)
Hi my name is Belle Wood and I am a student at the University of Iowa. I am studying Industrial and Systems Engineering with a focus in Big Data Analytics. As a student, I have always had a love for all kinds of math from calculus to statistics and always had a passion for science. Some of my coursework includes Calculus 1-3, Differential Equations, College Physics 1 and 2, and College Statistics. I look forward to helping with anything including test preparation and homework assignments all while learning the conceptual foundations required for these challenging classes.
Anand Dharmarajan (Biology/Chemistry)
I am a 4th-year student at Case Western Reserve University, majoring in Chemical Biology on the pre-med track. I have a 4.0 GPA and was awarded the Phi Beta Kappa prize for academic achievement. I have completed General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry I and II, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Cell Biology, Physiology, Microbiology, and Statistics.
My focus when tutoring is helping students achieve a full understanding of the concepts being taught through engaging, guided practice. I also have a plethora of test-taking tips and strategies for recognizing when to apply certain concepts that many students benefit from.
Milo Chambers (Math/Physics/SAT Prep)
Hi! My name is Milo Chambers, and I recently graduated from Grinnell College with a degree in Math and Physics. I’m now pursuing a career in engineering and bring a strong background in advanced academics, having taken numerous AP courses in high school and continuing through college with subjects like Quantum Mechanics, Real Analysis, and Probability and Statistics. I earned a 1530 on my SAT and am especially excited to help students prepare for standardized tests as well as succeed in their math and science courses
John Robinson (Math/Physics/Writing Mentor)
Hi! My name is John Robinson and I am a Physics and Sociology major at Grinnell College. I'm graduating May 2025 and currently applying for mechanical engineering in grad school. I can help with all levels of math, physics and writing. I've also done lots of mentoring for underclassmen here at Grinnell. I look forward to working with you!
Call
314-824-8456
Thornton Walker