Our unique SMART Team program gives exceptional high school students and university undergrads the chance to provide academic mentorship to our students in middle and elementary school. Working in an online room on the educational platform, BigBlueButton, these accomplished scholars provide 1-on-1 instruction as peer tutors while acting as positive role models for success in school. We find the relationship that develops to be a win-win for both our younger members and those who provide this invaluable service.

(SMART Team / Peer Instructor) – Wesley Ishida

Wesley graduated from Sierra Canyon as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2023 and is now a junior at UC Berkeley pursuing a double major in Astrophysics and Music. His passion for the cosmos extends beyond the classroom. He is particularly fascinated by cutting-edge technology, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, which captivates him and fuels his intellectual curiosity. This past summer he interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he worked on developing a method to identify ions in extraterrestrial regolith (“space soil”).

Wesley began the piano at age four and has developed into a wonderful pianist not only playing for guests and family members but also on a formal platform, including orchestral and university performances. As he advanced and took on challenging and lengthy works, he learned how dedication and time lead to originality and quality.

Wesley’s commitment to excellence is evident in his interactions with our students. His upbeat and motivated approach creates an engaging learning environment where academic challenges become growth opportunities. He applies important values he has learned to his academic study and finds joy in sharing his interests with others while developing a strong sense of connection that helps students build confidence in their abilities.

(SMART Team / Peer Instructor) – Adrian Moreira-Behrens

Adrian is a Princeton University graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and certificates in Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Optimization and Quantitative Decision Science, and Entrepreneurship. He works at a life science consulting firm in New York City, where he enjoys exploring the intersection of science and business.

As a fluent Spanish speaker with strong technical and research skills, Adrian brings expertise in STEM subjects, critical thinking, and problem-solving to his tutoring. His background in design and experience with 3D modeling and manufacturing gives him a practical approach to explaining complex concepts. Adrian’s diverse experiences, from over 15 years as a professional actor featured in TV shows and video games to serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Princeton’s Fashion magazine TigerTrends, have honed his communication skills and ability to connect with students from different backgrounds. When visiting Los Angeles, Adrian can be found surfing at County Line.

Adrian enjoys helping students on their learning journey and recognizes the significance of developing critical thinking skills in all aspects of life. He understands that students have a unique learning style and adapts his teaching approach to suit their needs. Adrian empowers his students to think independently, encouraging them to question assumptions and think creatively. With his guidance, students achieve academic success and become self-directed learners.

(SMART Team / Peer Instructor) – Rose Domzalski

Rose graduated from Sierra Canyon in 2024 as one of the top five students in her graduating class. She was Editor in Chief of the school’s literary/arts journal, The Rambler, a member of the school’s competitive math team, and head of several clubs including most notably the Sierra Canyon chapter of the Junior Classical League, a nationwide organization that promotes the study of Latin and the classics. Rose is currently in her first year studying accounting at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, after taking a gap year.

Rose has played the clarinet since the age of eight, and is a devoted student of the instrument. She was a member of the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra (LAYO) in high school, and played with the Los Angeles Symphonic Winds during her gap year. Rose has performed with LAYO at Carnegie Hall as well as in music halls in Prague and Vienna, and is currently a member of the Juniata pep band. She feels her long-term commitment to music has taught her the value of persistence through challenges. Rose is also an avid bird-watcher and steward of the environment.  She volunteers at the Tejon Ranch Conservancy, where she has participated in field research and prepared summaries of multiple academic papers.

Rose began gaining experience as a tutor early on in high school when she would assist her younger sister with her homework. Particularly focused on math, Rose discovered that not only was she good at helping her sister learn, but she found doing so very rewarding. Rose honed her tutoring techniques over the next couple of years working with other students and developed a great sense of satisfaction. Says Rose, “it is rewarding to help someone work through a difficult problem and conquer a tough concept.”

(SMART Team / Peer Instructor) – Mei Mai

Mei is currently a high school junior taking a variety of AP and honors courses, with an intended major in nursing and a strong interest in psychology. She is a member of her school’s Link Crew, a program designed to mentor incoming freshmen as they transition into a new school environment. Additionally, Mei is a Youth Leader for the City of Menifee (California), assisting with community events and volunteer opportunities, primarily working with younger children.

Outside of academics, Mei is quite the athlete, participating competitively in both volleyball and track. Sports have taught her how to overcome challenges not only physically, but mentally, allowing her to connect with students who share similar interests. Through athletics, Mei has learned how to work through setbacks, manage pressure, and push past defeatist thinking; skills that directly translate to academic growth. Mei encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in her tutoring approach and helps every student develop their own frame of reference for understanding material.

Says Mei, “I find it especially rewarding to see the moment when a concept finally clicks and learning becomes exciting. Through helping peers throughout my life, I have come to understand that students struggle not because they lack ability, but because they learn differently.” Mei’s confidence is contagious and helps students develop confidence and resilience in their own learning. We are excited to have Mei as part of our SMART Team.​

(SMART Team / Lead Teacher) – Jamie Winetrobe

James Winetrobe (Jamie) is a second generation Los Angeleno with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and a Master’s Degree in Education from USC to go along with a Juris Doctor (Cum Laude) from Whittier College School of Law.

Jamie was an officer in the U.S. Navy (Office of Naval Intelligence) and then taught at Harvard School (now Harvard-Westlake) in the 1970s. He later taught at Sierra Canyon for 22 years, teaching everything from algebra to AP U.S. Government. He is also a member of Mensa and enjoys a good intellectual debate.

Between his time at Harvard and Sierra Canyon, he practiced law for 22 years, often sitting as a judge pro tem while doing so. His wide range of experience is an asset to our organization.