IN-PERSON . ONLINE
Our Tutors
Maya El Hariri
Founder & Lead Tutor, Ph.D.
Maya El Hariri is the founder and lead tutor of The Student Whisperer. She holds a Ph.D. in Geophysics and brings more than a decade of tutoring experience, along with a professional background as a geophysicist in the energy industry, where her work centered on scientific analysis, research, and complex problem-solving.
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Maya specializes in tutoring Mathematics and Physics, including Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, AP coursework, and college-level Mathematics and Physics. Her analytical background strongly influences her teaching approach, emphasizing conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving rather than memorization.
Maya is passionate about making challenging material clear and approachable. She takes the time to understand how each student learns, breaks complex concepts into manageable steps, and encourages students to ask questions and think independently. Her goal is not only to help students improve academically, but also to build the confidence and problem-solving skills they need to become successful, independent learners.
Hilda N.
M.Ed
Hilda is a retired high school biology teacher with a lifelong passion for education and student success. Throughout her teaching career, she was known for creating a supportive classroom environment where students felt encouraged to ask questions, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
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Hilda specializes in helping students strengthen their understanding of biology through patient instruction and clear explanations. She believes that every student can succeed with the right guidance and works to make challenging concepts approachable while fostering curiosity, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for science.
Katrina C.
M.S.
Katrina holds a Master’s degree in Geology and Geophysics from Rice University and brings more than 30 years of professional experience applying mathematics and science to solve complex real-world problems.
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Katrina enjoys helping students see the logic behind difficult concepts rather than simply memorizing procedures. Through personalized instruction and thoughtful guidance, she helps students develop confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and build a solid foundation for continued success in math and science.
Shanna R.
B.A.
Shanna is an experienced English educator with more than a decade of teaching experience, primarily within Katy ISD. She has taught KAP English, AP English Language and Composition, and AP English Literature and Composition and is certified in Gifted and Talented education.
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In addition to teaching advanced English courses, Shanna has contributed to curriculum development and helped establish the College Board AP Capstone program at Tompkins High School. She specializes in reading comprehension, literary analysis, essay writing, AP exam preparation, and college essay coaching. Her goal is to help students become stronger readers, more effective writers, and confident critical thinkers.
Liana H.
B.S.
Liana earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, where she also completed extensive pre-medical coursework in biology and chemistry. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at UTHealth with a concentration in epidemiology and infectious disease.
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Liana enjoys helping students understand science through clear explanations and meaningful connections to real-world applications. She creates a supportive learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence while helping students master challenging concepts in biology, chemistry, and psychology.
Rafik B.
Pre-Med
Rafik is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at the University of Houston on a pre-medical track. He has a strong interest in science and medicine and plans to pursue a career in medicine after completing his undergraduate education.
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As a tutor, Rafik enjoys helping students better understand challenging concepts by explaining material in a clear and approachable way. He strives to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, strengthening their understanding, and building confidence in the material.
Eliana A.
B.A.
Eliana graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology and a minor in Asian Studies. She currently works at Rice University and is a licensed Advanced EMT in the state of Texas.
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Eliana tutors Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Mandarin, Chemistry. Inspired by the mentors who supported her own academic journey, she is committed to helping students build confidence through patient instruction, clear explanations, and individualized support. She strives to create a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and developing lasting academic skills.
Destyne H.
M.S.
Destyne Howard holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science and is passionate about helping students develop a strong understanding of biology. She enjoys making complex scientific concepts easier to understand while encouraging students to become confident, independent learners.
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Destyne believes that every student has the ability to succeed when learning is personalized to their individual needs. Through patient guidance and a supportive approach, she helps students strengthen their knowledge, improve their confidence, and achieve their academic goals.
Ishani G.
M.S.
Ishani is a licensed educator with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, along with a Bachelor of Education degree. For more than 13 years, she has helped students throughout the United States strengthen their mathematical and scientific foundations through personalized online instruction.
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She tutors SAT and Digital SAT Math, AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Precalculus, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and high school and college chemistry. Ishani focuses on building conceptual understanding, developing strong problem-solving strategies, and helping students gain the confidence needed to succeed in challenging coursework and standardized exams.
Subjects We Tutor
College Readiness
- College Application Essay Writing
- AP Exam Prep
- SAT Prep
- ACT Prep
Interested in becoming a tutor?
Who can apply to become a tutor with The Student Whisperer?
We welcome applications from experienced educators, college and graduate students, researchers, and professionals with strong subject knowledge and a genuine ability to connect with students. We look for tutors who are knowledgeable, dependable, prepared, and committed to helping students succeed.
Can I choose my own availability?
Yes. You provide the days and times you are available, allowing tutoring to fit around your existing academic, professional, or personal commitments.
How are students matched with tutors?
We match students with tutors based on subject expertise, teaching strengths, availability, and overall fit. Our goal is to create successful, long-term tutor-student relationships rather than simply assigning the next available tutor.
Do I need to find my own students?
No. The Student Whisperer handles student recruitment and matching, so you can focus your time and energy on teaching rather than marketing yourself or searching for clients.
Will I be responsible for scheduling, payments, and parent communication?
We take care of much of the administrative work, including scheduling logistics, payments, onboarding, and parent communication. You’ll have clear processes and expectations so you can concentrate primarily on working with your students.
What support will I receive as a tutor?
Tutors have access to guidance, instructional resources, session structures, communication templates, and ongoing support. We also provide mentorship in areas such as instructional strategy, simplifying difficult concepts, communication, and student motivation.
How is tutor pay determined?
Tutor pay is based on factors such as experience, subject level, and teaching ability. There are also opportunities for growth based on performance, parent feedback, and the ability to teach advanced subjects.