Our Team

At Ascension, we want to ensure top-notch instruction and student safety. Our educators undergo a thorough Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check and comprehensive Ascension Educator Training.

Alycia Steelman (Founder/CEO)

Alycia has over a decade of experience teaching students. After attending New England College, Alycia taught at Wediko Children's Services, then taught at Durfee High School as a Teach for America Corps Member. 

She loved teaching, so she spent a year teaching at Boston Public Schools and working with Educators for Excellence as a policy advocate, resulting in a nomination for Teacher of The Year and two publications

Afterward, she went abroad, continuing to tutor students virtually in forty different countries. Her goal is for every student to cultivate a lifelong love of learning under her tutelage. 

As well as being the founder and CEO, Alycia is a consultant and educator at Ascension Educational Services

Alycia is available for virtual and in-person tutoring in the NYC area

Kara Tatelbaum (Admissions Coach)

As a NYC mom of two kids and teacher for over twenty years, Kara is acutely aware of and experienced with private, public, and independent schools. After a few years as a go-to mom in the neighborhood for admissions advice, she extended her practice as a Certified Wellness + Resilience Coach to include Admissions Coaching for both parents and students. 

The New Yorker has described Kara as “having brown curls, bright eyes, kiddish exuberance and looking like the heroine of a children’s book, Really Rosie meets Olivia the Pig.” Kara enjoyed an extensive dance performance and teaching career in NYC and abroad. She earned her BFA in Dance (University Honors Scholar) from NYU and her MFA in Choreography (Teaching Assistantship) from SUNY Purchase. 

Kara is the author of the best-selling, brutally honest dance memoir Putting My Heels Down. She frequently visits colleges and universities to talk with students about how not to pigeonhole and tunnel-vision themselves by drawing on her deeply personal story.   

As a sought-after teacher and coach, Kara uses her full-out dancer energy to empower others to expand and achieve their dreams. With firsthand experience as both a public and independent school mom, Kara understands the unique needs of both parents and students and is here to support you throughout the admissions process. 

Kara is available for virtual Admissions Counseling.

Irina

Irina has over 15 years of expertise in math education for grades 6-12 in both Chicago and Boston. 

Her background in instructional design and educational technology development has led to her being recognized by Harvard University Urban Scholar for her impact on urban education, where Irina now serves as an Education and Innovation Program Manager. There, Irina Collaborates with global public schools to integrate hands-on STEAM learning. 

Irina is committed to recognizing and nurturing each student's unique abilities. As well as fostering confidence through personalized instruction in executive functioning skills and fostering relationships. 

Irina is available for in-person mathematics tutoring in Wellesley, MA.

Valerie

Valerie sparks curiosity in her students. She believes in delivering a personalized student experience that supports diverse learning styles by using engaging activities to earn a learner’s attention. 

She is an economist and adjunct Professor of economics at New York University, where she has taught courses such as Principles of Macroeconomics. She holds a Master of Arts in Economics from The City University of New York and a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin. 

Valerie believes the world would be a better place if everyone just knew a little bit more about how the economy works. That passion spills over into demystifying complex concepts for her students in ways that make learning fun and inviting – whether that is test prep, math, writing, or economics

Valerie offers virtual and in-person tutoring in the NYC area and Jersey City

Jonny

Jonny graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s in Education (Secondary Math) in 2022 and from Northeastern University with a Bachelor's in Communication Studies in 2020. 

Jonny is a recent Teach For America alum with four years of classroom experience teaching secondary math. Over the past year, Jonny worked at Brimmer and May School in Boston, where he tutored students in grades 6-12 in a variety of subjects. 

Having attended public schools all his life, Jonny understands the positive impact that student-centered learning, visual aids, and differentiated instruction have on retention. That is why students who work with Jonny can always count on personalized lessons, challenges, and lots of fun. 

Outside of tutoring, Jonny loves to be outdoors and travel.

Jonny is available for virtual mathematics tutoring sessions

Oliver

Oliver graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics, where he was a Physics 1 and Physics 2 teaching assistant. While earning his Master's in Education: Curriculum and Teaching from Boston University, Oliver began teaching physics and engineering at a public high school in Fall River, MA.

In his 8 years in the classroom, Oliver was named Rookie Teacher of the Year in his district and has received AP teaching awards from community organizations. Oliver has worked for CollegeBoard in the development, editing, and reading of the AP Physics exams and has a deep understanding of the Advanced Placement frameworks. 

Oliver loves working with students to build strong foundational understandings and learn strategies for approaching complex problems. He has over a decade of test prep experience and loves fostering creative problem-solving in his lessons. 

Oliver is available for in-person tutoring for science and test prep in the Providence area

Grace

Grace is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Sociology and Education from Columbia University Teachers College. She earned her Teaching certificate from Ottawa University and has a BA in Anthropology and German from Willamette University in her home state of Oregon. 

Grace has over nine years of experience in education and has an extensive background in after-school programming and literacy education. As a certified ELA teacher, Grace has taught Middle School English in public schools and a high-performing NYC charter school. In 2014, she was named the recipient of a Fulbright Grant, which allowed her to teach English in Germany. 

Grace has experience teaching students with learning disabilities and neurodivergence and specializes in ELA support, test prep, and college admissions essays

Grace offers tutoring virtually and in-person in the NYC area

Katherine

Katherine is currently finishing a Master’s in STEAM Education at Adelphi University and has earned a BA in Biology from Williams College in 2022. 

She has extensive education experience as a science educator, tutor, and rowing coach and has worked with students from Pre-K to 12th grade. She also has had multiple student teaching experiences at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. 

Katherine has been trained to work with students with disabilities and is passionate about increasing educational access by getting to know each student’s unique needs. Katherine believes that learning happens best when students feel safe, lessons are tailored to each individual and kids are having fun. She strives to create an environment in her sessions where this is possible. 

Outside of tutoring, Katherine enjoys playing music, baking, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to start helping your student! 

Katherine offers science tutoring virtually and in-person in the NYC area

Laila

Laila graduated from Columbia University with a BA in Biology in 2013. In 2016, she completed the Special Masters Program in Physiology at Georgetown University.  

Laila has tutored Columbia undergraduate students in Chemistry, Calculus, literature, and writing throughout her college career and after graduating

Since 2019, she has been working as a test-taking expert and helping students ace the SAT and AP exams. Laila has taught SAT prep at Brooklyn College, Beacon High School, and Nest+M High School. 

In addition to her extensive tutoring experience with High School and college students, Laila has worked as an afterschool activity specialist and literacy and math tutor at MS 88 Middle School. There, she helped neurodiverse students catch up to the state standards for reading and writing. Laila also has childcare experience, where she often assisted children with homework as well. 

Laila offers virtual and in-person tutoring in Brooklyn, NY

Austin

Austin received a Master of Arts in Spanish with an education focus from Middlebury College, which also included courses in Spanish-language literature, linguistics, and culture. His undergraduate degree is in International Studies and is from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Austin has worked in education since 2018, instructing and tutoring in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Brazil, France, and Spain, and later in Spanish on Long Island in New York State. 

In addition to his professional experience with EFL/ESL (English as a Second Language) and Spanish, he maintains academic interests in History, English Language and Literature, and both French and Portuguese Language and Literature. Austin is proficient in working with students ranging from the 6th grade to adult learners

Outside of academics, Austin has traveled extensively and enjoys visiting New York’s world-class museums and cultural events. He also collects tropical plants and plays video games in his free time.

Austin is available for virtual and in-person tutoring in NYC, Queens, and Westchester

Chaloe 

Chaloe is a Communications and Engagement Specialist at Harvard University, where she has been employed since 2018. She is currently in the process of completing her master’s degree in liberal studies with a focus on Creative Writing at Dartmouth. Her undergraduate degree is in Comparative Literature and Creative Writing. 

Chaloe volunteers in her spare time at St. Mark, working as a tutor teaching citizenship (civics and the N-400) and writing to new immigrants to the United States. She recently helped co-design a course collaboration between St. Mark and Harvard Art Museum. 

Chaloe has worked with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, MIT Museum, and the Celebrity Series of Boston, where she now lives with her dog Bernadette.

Chaloe is available for virtual English tutoring sessions.

Anna

Anna is proud to have received a Bachelor's degree from Mercer University and a Master's in Accounting from Babson College. With experience training IT audit professionals at PwC, instructing private softball lessons for ages 8-16, and tutoring college student-athletes in business courses, Anna is a highly qualified tutor. 

Anna wants to use her skills to open 'doors of opportunity' for all learners. Having had her own unique experience with the SAT back in high school, Anna is very excited about the opportunity to help students prepare for their SAT. However, she is also available to coach students in writing, mathematics, and executive functioning skills.

In her spare time, Anna works as a certified kayaking tour guide and also enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, and playing team sports. 

Anna is available for virtual tutoring sessions. 

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a background in biology, neuroscience, and sport rehabilitation. While completing her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, she was awarded Female Student Athlete of the Year, The Department of Biology Award, and Valedictorian status for her graduating class in 2020. 

Elizabeth has several years of experience working with children as a swim lesson instructor, swim team coach, and volunteer for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

In her free time, she loves to read and stay active by training for triathlons. 

Elizabeth is available for virtual Test Prep tutoring sessions!

Estelle

Estelle is a well-rounded special education teacher with an MA from St. Joseph’s College, where she also earned her BA in English Literature

For the last five years, Estelle has worked at Harmony Heights High School. This small, 12-1-1 class setting is an alternate placement for students with special needs. In addition to teaching grades 10, 11, and 12, Estelle also teaches world culture and theater. 

Estelle has experience in the preparation and grading of New York State Regents exams, SAT, and ACT prep. 

Her background in these subjects, along with her belief that every student has a right to learn in their preferred style, allows her to present material to students and parents in a unique and engaging way. Her accomplishments also include speaking at Oxford University, UK, on the use of storytelling to promote emotional growth and connection and the publication of several creative works.

Estelle is available for in-person test-prep tutoring in Setauket, Stony Brook, Smithtown, Lake Grove, Oyster Bay, East Norwich, Syosset, Jericho, Locust Valley, and Westbury.

Brooke (Test Prep Proctor)

Brooke is an aspiring educator with five years of tutoring and childcare experience. She is currently attending the University of Kansas, where she is obtaining her Bachelor's in Health Sciences. 

While attending school, Brooke has received several awards, including Academic Letter Award Recipient, Football Managing Letter Recipient, Principal's Honor Roll Recipient, and three times Dean's List Recipient. 

In her free time, Brooke enjoys volunteering, cooking, crafting, and providing childcare. 

She is an Ascension Educational Services' Test Preparation Proctor and has been trained in proctoring the SAT, ISEE, and SSAT. 

Sydney (Test Prep Proctor)

Sydney is a passionate lifelong learner with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in history from Kenyon College. She is a freelance social media marketing manager and writer

Over the past two years she has co-led dynamic and engaging creative writing seminars for high school students through Putney Student Travel and the Kenyon Review's Young Writers program. She also supported fellow students by editing their resumes and cover letters as a Career Services Associate.

In her free time, Sydney enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors.

She is an Ascension Educational Services' Test Preparation Proctor and has been trained in proctoring the SAT, ISEE, and SSAT.