{"id":25,"date":"2023-02-13T10:01:44","date_gmt":"2023-02-13T15:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/embedded-learning-support-services\/?page_id=25"},"modified":"2026-04-27T12:58:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T17:58:08","slug":"meet-the-online-tutors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/embedded-learning-support-services\/meet-the-online-tutors\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Embedded Tutors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arts Course Tutors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Brian McLean<\/a><\/p>

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Brian McLean<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tutor, Online Learning Lab<\/strong><\/p>\n

Earned a BFA in Design Communication and Studio Art from Texas Tech University. <\/em><\/p>\n

Came to Austin originally as a photojournalist, and once had a business card that read CIA: Cartoonist, Illustrator, & Animator. Became the Technical Director of animation and special effects studio UMA Mirage Productions, then an art director, animator and digital illustrator for interactive clients and educational software. I spent almost a decade as a 2D and 3D artist for PC and console video games, starting with Origin Systems, on flight simulators like Pacific Strike and the Wing Commander series.  I’ve done about a metric ton of storyboards and concept art for games\/animation\/broadcast media.  This is year 25(!) for me at ACC as an Adjunct professor.<\/em><\/p>\n

As a child of the ’60’s, I learned to draw from classic comic strips and comic books.  As a cheap Scotsman, I preferred team-up books (10 year old me: “World’s Finest Comics…Superman, Batman, AND Robin, The Boy Hostage…for 12 cents?  Sweet!”).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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English Course Tutors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Catherine C. Wadbrook<\/a><\/p>

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Catherine C. Wadbrook, MA, MEd. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Tutoring Specialist, Online Learning Lab<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have been at ACC since 2015 as an adjunct professor of English, teaching dual credit Composition and Literature courses, and Technical Writing.  I have over 30 years of teaching experience (Composition and Rhetoric, Literature, Tech Writing, Public Speaking, Language and Culture, and ESL) both here in the states and abroad in Japan and South Korea. <\/p>\n

Since February of 2021, I have been employed in a full-time Tutoring Specialist position with the Online Learning Lab at ACC and am also a member of the Distance Education Title V InFocus grant team as an Embedded Tutor. <\/p>\n

Since taking on this new role, I have helped to grow the Embedded Tutoring Program by conducting pilot studies and disseminating best practices. I have also provided training for tutors and faculty, worked with the Title V team to achieve grant objectives, and have supported over 90 course sections as an Embedded Tutor.<\/p>\n

I believe all students are capable of success and have the right to feel valued and respected. I enjoy working in collaboration with faculty to help students to reach their goals, increase confidence in their skills, and achieve success in their academic endeavors. <\/p>\n

Writing is hard work, but I help students improve their skills through effective strategies and practice. As a tutor, I push students to do their best, help them to master course material, and meet their professor\u2019s expectations.<\/p>\n

I hold a BA in Economics and an MA in English, with a specialization in Teaching Writing, from Virginia Tech and a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, with a specialization in Instructional Technology, from the University of Texas at Austin. I also hold a Texas teaching certificate.<\/p>\n

I look forward to working with you!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Teresa Gazella<\/a><\/p>

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Teresa Gazella<\/p>\n

I have always loved being a part of the academic world! When I was a kid growing up in the West Texas city of Odessa (made famous in the movie Friday Night Lights, <\/em>by the way), I turned my bedroom into a classroom, where I taught reading and math to my dolls; I loved to play with the office supplies at my father’s work; heck, I wanted an overhead projector for Christmas! It was only natural, then, that I would become a teacher: it’s a title I have proudly held for the past thirty-four years. In that time, I have taught everything from seventh-grade remedial English to senior Advanced Placement literature to my current position as an adjunct professor of English and an online tutor for Austin Community College. I have loved all of it and look forward to many more years of working with students in their academic pursuits.<\/p>\n

En route to becoming a purveyor of language and literature, I received a BS in Education from U.T. and an MA in English from UT Permian Basin. When I am not working, I enjoy reading (historical fiction and travel narratives are my favorite genres), teaching myself the classical guitar, quilting, hiking, working out, playing disc golf, and walking Gracie, my ten-year-old heeler mix. I am active in my church and zealous in my efforts to be a wise and fun aunt to my nephew and niece in Austin.<\/p>\n

Thousands of students have passed through my classroom doors, and I am constantly struck by the fact that not always do the smartest, most brilliant students pass the course, but the hardest-working, most determined ones always do. If you’re ready and willing, so am I! <\/p>\n

Good luck and have a great semester!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Selena Modelo Laine<\/a><\/p>

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Selena Modelo Laine, B.A. English, M.Ed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I am a dedicated and experienced educator with a passion for teaching and supporting students. With six years of teaching experience, specializing in English Language Arts for grades 9-12, as well as expertise in Yearbook and Journalism, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the tutoring position.<\/p>\n

In 2011, I obtained my B.A. in English from UC Berkeley, with a minor in Education, and pursued my education career in 2018, where I began my credential program and master\u2019s degree simultaneously. I received my MA in Education in 2020 from National University. <\/p>\n

Throughout my career, I have actively contributed to my school community. I served as the Co-Lead Teacher of the LEAD Academy, demonstrating my leadership abilities and commitment to academic excellence. Furthermore, I took on the role of PBIS Coordinator, promoting positive behavior intervention strategies that fostered a supportive and inclusive learning environment. As the Yearbook Advisor, I nurtured student creativity and provided guidance in journalistic pursuits.<\/p>\n

Currently, I am teaching at a 9th Grade Center, where I continue to inspire students through engaging ELA and Journalism lessons. As a Mentor Teacher this year, I am dedicated to guiding and supporting fellow educators, sharing my expertise and facilitating professional growth.<\/p>\n

With an unwavering dedication to student success, I thrive on empowering learners with the tools they need to excel academically and beyond. My tutoring approach is tailored to each student’s unique needs, providing personalized support and fostering a love for learning.<\/p>\n

I am excited to bring my passion for teaching and extensive experience to the tutoring position, enabling students to reach their full potential and achieve their academic goals.<\/p>\n

I look forward to working with and supporting you this semester!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Makayla Banton<\/a><\/p>

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Makayla Banton, B.A. in English<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Called to pursue both education and literature, I feel right at home helping students learn to appreciate and love writing, literature, and all that the world of English has to offer. I have a B.A. in English and two years of writing tutoring experience at the college level, and I have seen papers from almost every subject you can imagine\u2014English, literature, history, public speaking, and even chemistry! <\/p>\n

I like to approach tutoring sessions with empathy and compassion so students feel comfortable, seen, and heard. Every student is different, and my job as a tutor is to understand them and help them see skills in which they may not be confident. In addition to helping students learn material and gain specific skills, I also want to guide them into greater confidence in themselves and their unique abilities. <\/p>\n

I am currently pursuing an M.A. in Literature (with a focus in 19th-Century Romanticism) from Texas State University, set to be an Instructional Assistant for a literature survey course in the 2024-25 academic year. <\/p>\n

Outside of academia, I like to write poetry, play Dungeons and Dragons, and knit the occasional scarf. <\/p>\n

I look forward to working with ACC\u2019s students, staff, and faculty this semester!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Ellie Connell<\/a><\/p>

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Ellie Connell<\/strong>, B.A. in English<\/strong><\/p>\n

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My passion is serving the ACC writing community through empathetic, student-centered tutoring. Some of you may remember me from the Cypress Creek Learning Lab as an hourly writing tutor. As a former ACC student, I love collaborating with the students and faculty here!<\/p>\n

I began tutoring at Texas State University where I also earned my BA in English. I have experience as a college composition instructor, tutored students in a variety of writing projects, and coordinated new tutor training. Currently, I am a Tutoring Specialist with the Online Learning Lab as of July 2024. My experience in the classroom and as a longtime ACC community member makes me familiar with classroom expectations and what it\u2019s like being a student.<\/p>\n

Each session I focus on illuminating different aspects of the writing process to help you feel comfortable growing as a writer, from thesis statements, draft edits, citation questions, or even getting started with brainstorming a paper topic. My overall goal is to help you feel confident and to develop the tools to express yourself in writing. I understand that getting started is daunting, but with time and constructive feedback, the writing process does not have to be a scary or lonely one!<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t wait to see what we can accomplish together!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Carrie Kaplan<\/a><\/p>

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Carrie Kaplan <\/em><\/strong>is a proud alumna of Dartmouth College (B.A., English Cum Laude) and Harvard University (Harvard School of Continuing Education; Research Fellow, Mellon School of Theater and Performance Research at Harvard University). She holds an M.S. Ed. in English and English Education (CUNY Queens College) and M.A. and Ph.D (ABD) in Theater History and Performance Studies (The University of Texas at Austin). Throughout her tenure at both Dartmouth and UT Austin, she served as the head writing tutor for the respective institutional writing centers and has continued to serve as a freelance academic editor, shepherding hundreds of academic articles, dissertations, thesis projects and full length manuscripts through to publication. She has extensive experience working with non-native speakers across academic disciplines from secondary to post-graduate writing levels as well as individuals with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD and anxiety. She has over fifteen years experience teaching college level classes with writing intensive requirements and an equal level of experience in standardized testing prep (ACT\/SAT\/TOEFL) and college application preparation. As a scholar, she has received numerous grants and fellowships to fund her own research into the neuro-cognitive and social-emotional development of empathy in academic and artistic settings. As such, her approach to student writing and interviewing skills includes a powerful mix of rigor, humor and compassion as well as attention to multiple learning styles and modalities. Her own writing has been published by Yale Press and the LMDA Review.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Math Course Tutors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Seth McLagan<\/a><\/p>

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Seth McLagan<\/strong><\/p>\n

My name is Seth McLagan. I first discovered my love for tutoring when I was taking precalculus. I tutored some of my fellow classmates and discovered I had a knack for it. I very briefly tutored at the Rio Grande campus until I graduated from UT. I went on to work in laboratories until I decided to go back to school for some computer degrees. While I was in school for that, I returned to tutoring at the Northridge campus and have been there ever since. This is by far the best, most fulfilling job I’ve ever had.<\/p>\n

I received my biology degree from UT in 2000. I have been a math and science tutor at ACC since 2006. I have also worked for private companies and my own business as a private tutor for students as young as 6th grade. I have dedicated myself to tutoring since 2006.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Jamie Hall<\/a><\/p>

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Daniel “Jamie” Hall<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

My name is Jamie Hall. Here to help students grapple with the challenging technical concepts that ACC imparts to its students. Interests in math, physics, and computer science. I am ACC alumni and a UT Austin Degree Holder currently working on my Masters.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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George Elizondo<\/a><\/p>

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George Elizondo<\/strong><\/p>\n

My name is George Elizondo. I have been a math tutor with the Online Learning Lab at ACC since 2019. I am an online embedded tutor for Elementary Statistics and have participated in the Embedded Tutoring Program at ACC since its inception. I can help you with Elementary Statistics, Calculus, Precalculus and College Algebra. I am familiar with the Lock textbook for Statistics and the Statistics software (StatKey) used at ACC. As a tutor, I strive to convey understanding and visualization. Visualization is powerful when it can be applied and can be more effective than memorization, while understanding is the basis for remembering.   <\/p>\n

Before coming to ACC, I tutored math at Collin County Community College, where I was also an Associate Professor of Developmental Mathematics. I have a bachelor\u2019s degree in mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin and a master\u2019s degree in Telecommunications Management from Washington University in St. Louis. I retired from AT&T as a middle manager prior to my career in education.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Alina Rajbhandari<\/a><\/p>

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My name is Alina Rajbhandari, and I have been a math tutor at ACC since 2017. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics, and this semester I am also serving as an embedded tutor. I am passionate about helping students succeed in math, so please feel free to reach out with any questions or for support with your coursework.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Foreign Language Course Tutors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dianne Hess<\/a><\/p>

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Dr. Dianne Hess<\/p>\n

My name is Dianne Hess. I am a retired educator with many years of experience working in and working with Texas school districts.  My background in Texas public schools includes twenty years of teaching secondary Spanish, Latin, English, and ESL.  I have also served as a central office administrator and as an educational specialist in two different regional education service centers (VI and XIII).   A major part of my career post-retirement has been consulting with teacher mentoring–especially TxBESS, which I helped create during my time at the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).   I hold a B.A. and M.Ed. from Southeastern Oklahoma State University (where I graduated summa cum laude). A PhD. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M.  My favorite hobby is travel. I have visited Venezuela, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Peru, Angola, Namibia, China, Turkey, Hawaii, Alaska, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Greece, Croatia, Israel, and the Bahamas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Jordan Al Salihi<\/a><\/p>

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Hello readers, I will be working as the Japanese embedded tutor for ACC. <\/p>\n

Born in Iraq and raised in Jordan, I moved to Austin just in time to complete junior and senior year of high school at McNeil.<\/p>\n

After 4 years of classes at ACC I got my associate degree in computer science in 2016 and went on to earn my bachelor’s from Texas State University in 2018.<\/p>\n

With that degree I worked as a software engineer for a few years before returning to ACC to pursue a Japanese AA degree.<\/p>\n

During that time I discovered how enjoyable and fulfilling tutoring college students can be and decided to commit to it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Katie Mathes<\/a><\/p>

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My name is Katie, and I have been involved with the Latin program at ACC for several years now. I have only been working as a tutor since the start of this semester. I am an Anthropology and Art History major and have a passion for history. I made the choice to learn Latin after seeing just how frequently it came up in my studies. Latin really is everywhere. Latin can be difficult, but it is an incredibly valuable language to learn. It was because of my own experience that I decided to become a tutor, and I love it! Working with the students and seeing them master the material is so rewarding. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Science Course Tutors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alex Abijaoudi<\/a><\/p>

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Alex Abijaoudi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hi, my name is Alex! I am currently pursuing my MSW at Texas State University. I have a major passion for Biology, Math and especially Psychology. During undergrad, I began my tutoring journey. I worked in the Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC) on campus as a tutor\/lead tutor for Math and Science. Nowadays, I work as a Math\/Stats tutor for ages K-12. I missed working with adults and that is why I’m here! I’m excited to work with some of my old professors and new ones as well!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Jared Moon<\/a><\/p>

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Jared Moon<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hello! My name is Jared, and I am a 3rd year medical (M.D.) student with a master’s in education (M.Ed.) and an engineering undergraduate background (B.S.) I love teaching, and I am happy to help with your STEM education. I am a born and bred austinite, and ACC has always been so helpful to me, so I am happy to be joining as a tutor!<\/p>\n

I have tutored medical students, mentored multiple undergraduates, TA’d courses at the college level, and work with middle school and high school students. I also have a masters in education!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Maria Dominguez<\/a><\/p>

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Maria Dominguez<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hello fellow reader. I work as a biology tutor with the ACC Learning Lab. I have been working with
students at ACC since 2015. I learned about the
topics I tutor while making my own academic
progress with the college. I enjoyed the process of
gaining new knowledge through my own Health
Sciences degree and hope to share the passion for
the biological sciences with others going through
their own journey of getting into the healthcare
industry, or students hoping to fulfill a science credit.
I am concurrently employed with a local hospital and hope to utilize my experiences to provide academic aid to my future colleagues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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