Our Mentors
“Brainiacs” are more than tutors. Our mentors are Brainiac’s primary asset and key to sustaining the high-quality levels and results our students experience. They are successful university students, graduates, and experienced teachers who serve as role models and mentors to students they help.
All mentors are screened during a rigorous interview process where they demonstrate high levels of achievement in academia in addition to an extraordinary passion for helping students achieve the “Aha!” moment. They also undergo a state-conducted and approved background check.
Kathy Dial
Kathy graduated from Texas Tech with a MS in Analytical chemistry and from UIW with a BS in Chemistry and a minor in psychology. She has taught chemistry as an adjunct at UIW and Northeast Lakeview College. Her favorite part of teaching is what she calls the “light bulb” moments, when the concept clicks for a student. Seeing her student improve their understanding and gain confidence in their abilities is the best reward possible. Kathy mentors in chemistry, math, and test prep.
Kathy is also the proctor for all Brainiac mock exams as well as the lead teacher for Brainiac’s Reading & Literacy program and S.O.S (Study & Organizational Skills) program.
Aly Baldwin
Aly is a Trinity University student studying neuroscience on a pre-physical therapy track. Aly loves seeing growth in students and is very passionate about the sciences and their importance in society, and she share this passion by mentoring Brainiac students in AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and math up to Algebra II.
Emily Hayes
Emily is a student athlete at Trinity University who is pursuing a degree in Business Finance. Emily found herself offering to help teammates and friends understand material that they could not understand in class. Seeing a student become confident and strong in academics is what inspires Emily! Currently, she is mentoring students in Pre-algebra as well as Algebra I & II.
Cade Napier
Cade is a recent graduate from Yale University with a major in Environmental Science with minors in Data Science and French. For Cade, mentoring is all about seeing students become more familiar with topics and reach their goals. The “aha” moments when students understand a problem they have been working on are what he strives to reach. Currently, Cade mentors Brainiac students in physics, writing, math, and chemistry.
Katherine Zackary
Katherine graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science on a pre-med track. She is now working towards earning her Master of Public Health at UT and plans to apply to medical school in the future. As an experienced tutor and former Brainiac student, she understands that every student is unique, and fostering an environment tailored to each individual student allows them to grasp complex topics. Seeing students excel in their academics and achieve their goals is motivating for Katherine. Currently, Katherine mentors Brainiac students in pre-algebra, algebra I & II, pre-calculus, calculus, and sometimes chemistry and biology.
Carter Thomas
Carter is both a graduate and current student at UTSA — after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, he decided to return for another bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Carter discovered his passion for teaching youth after working as a counselor at a Christian summer camp. Carter understands the importance of seeking guidance when having difficulty grasping a concept, but is also aware that it can be intimidating to speak up in a classroom environment, which is why he is excited about being a mentor. Currently, Carter mentors Brainiac students in math, chemistry, physics, and English.
McKenna Barrett
McKenna is a Junior at Trinity University majoring in Neuroscience and on the pre-medical track. She has always had a passion for math and science, but knows what it is like to struggle with these topics. She always finds herself helping her friends in class. McKenna mentors Brainiac students in math, chemistry, and biology.
Diego Monzon
Diego is an NYU graduate who received a major in Physics and a minor in Mathematics. While living in New York City, his eyes were opened to the limitless potential that people possess when given an opportunity. After returning home, Diego is ready to provide that opportunity. Math is commonly the most dreaded subject in the schooling system, but through his mentorship Diego hopes that learners of all backgrounds can come to cope and even thrive in any endeavor they wish to pursue. Diego currently mentors Brainiac students in test prep, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and physics.
Jake Sullivan
Jake has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from UC Berkeley and a Master of Business Administration and Business Analytics from SMU Cox School of Business. Jake volunteers at Motion Picture and Television Fund in Los Angeles, CA, and enjoys traveling, playing golf and basketball, and watching sports and movies in his free time. Jake mentors students virtually in chemistry, physics, biology, and math up to and including calculus AB & BC.
Tom Harper
Tom is a historian with a BA and MA in Ancient History (Ave Romani) from the University of Manchester, UK. Having immigrated to the U.S. in 2013, he has worked in the non profit sector ever since. This includes working as a public educator at the Alamo, where he was a subject matter expert in 19th century medicine and surgery. Education has always been at the core of what Tom does, whether training staff, educating others on the wonders of history, or tutoring ESL (English as a second language) to Ukrainians as part of the Ukrainian ENGin program. Tom mentors Brainiac students virtually in history and English.
Kate Schulle
Kate is a Political Science and English double major at Trinity University and hopes to pursue law school once she graduates. As a student-athlete, Kate understands the struggle of balancing a busy schedule and schoolwork at the same time. Working with other people on time management and succeeding in their academics is what motivates Kate to help students. Currently, Kate mentors Brainiac students in English, history, government and biology.
Carmine Villarreal
Carmine is a senior at Trinity University on her way to receive a degree in Engineering Science and a minor in math. Since childhood, Carmine has been passionate about learning and spreading knowledge. Seeing a concept “click” for a student and unlock new perspectives is what motivates Carmine to help students. Currently, Carmine mentors Brainiac students in math, physics, and English.
Valeria Sweeney
Valeria is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson college and received a degree in Neuroscience. She went on to pursue medical school at UTHSCA where she discovered her love for teaching and helping students fulfill their academic potential. While taking a research year, she worked as a part-time teacher for children with Autism, where she learned her passion for discovering methods to help students with unique learning challenges. She is now a 4th year medical student and currently mentors students in K-8 subjects as well as high school math, science, English, and history.