Our unique SMART Team program gives exceptional high school students and college undergrads the chance to provide academic mentorship to our students in middle and elementary school. Working in a “break out” room within our Study Squad format, 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 his class of 2023 and is currently a freshman at UC Berkeley, where he is pursuing a double major in Astrophysics and Music. His passion for the cosmos extends beyond the classroom as he enjoys studying cutting-edge technology, such as the James Webb Space Telescope. These advancements in technology captivate him and fuel his intellectual curiosity.

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 Junior at Princeton University majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He is a fluent Spanish speaker and has strong technical and research skills with a background in design, having worked on various projects involving 3D modeling and manufacturing. Apart from his academic pursuits, Adrian is an accomplished actor with over 15 years of professional experience, having been featured in popular TV shows and video games. He is also Co-Editor-in-Chief of Princeton’s Fashion magazine TigerTrends, and a member of  the Princeton Rugby Football Club. On the weekends he is home, you can find Adrian 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 each student has 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) – Karen Bathker

Karen graduated Cum Laude from UCLA in 2020, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in American Literature. Driven by a lifelong love for reading, Karen’s collegiate studies allowed her to explore the written word and all it has to offer. From figuring out how to interpret the language of others to examining how to construct an argument of her own, Karen grew from a book lover to a practiced wordsmith.

Karen additionally holds Associate’s Degrees in Art and Graphic Design from Santa Monica College. In her free time, she enjoys flexing her creative muscles with painting, photography, and art history. When she’s not holding a brush or  camera, Karen can usually be found trying out new cookbooks, writing her own recipes, and tending to her ever-expanding container garden.

Completing her education during the height of the COVID pandemic gave Karen a chance to appreciate the advantages of an online learning environment as well as to develop strategies for managing the challenges. She uses her experience with distance learning to inform an integrated approach to learning where students feel comfortable and confident in the skills they are developing and also push the limits of what they know they can achieve.