MAXimize Tutor LLC

Maria graduated from Yale University in 2024 with a degree in Applied Physics and a certificate in Energy Studies. She’s now starting a PhD at MIT, where she hopes to combine tools from physics, chemistry, and engineering to investigate how the most basic building blocks of nature—atoms—come together to power advanced devices. Above all, Maria loves using the tools of math, science, and engineering to solve problems. She has 4 years of experience tutoring high school and college students, and hopes each student she works with can share in her joy of learning! In her free time, she can be found playing tennis, dutifully taking care of her many plants, or hanging out at a coffee shop downtown.

Nicolas is currently a freshman at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated as a National Merit Finalist from Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, where he was the head captain of the robotics team, vice president of the jazz band, and ran cross country. At Notre Dame, he plays trumpet in the marching band, is a part of the Irish FIRST mentoring program for high schoolers, and also plays trumpet in Notre Dame’s student mariachi band. He has interests in math, physics, writing, and history, and loves working with others to solve all sorts of problems! In his free time, he can be found building things, playing piano and producing music, and playing various sports with his friends.

Valeria is a neuroscience major on the pre-med track at Yale University. She was born in El Salvador and moved to the U.S. at age 6, and then attended a Chicago Public School in the Irving Park neighborhood. Valeria graduated from the Latin School of Chicago in 2021.  

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Valeria loves learning about the structure and function of the mind and systems in our body! She is interested in studying brain pathologies and pursuing a career in pediatric psychiatry or neurosurgery since she has a passion for working with children and teens. 

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Valeria has been working as a tutor for MAXimize since she was a freshman in college, and she is excited to continue her work as a tutor! 

Delaney is a recent graduate from Kenyon College where she earned a degree in economics and political science with a concentration in public policy. At Kenyon, she was on the Women’s Lacrosse Team, worked in the admissions office, and served in multiple capacities on the college’s two governance bodies. At Glenbrook South in Glenview, she graduated as a member of National Honor Society and served as a tutor in the Titan Learning Center for 2 years. Outside of her major she has a deep passion for physics and continues to pursue non major physics classes in college, along with english as she attends the writer’s college. She hopes to help foster students' deep fundamental understanding of these areas along with many others in her sessions.

Deming Gantz is currently a junior at North Shore Country Day School. She is a driven learner and a member of her school’s varsity Field Hockey, Model UN, and Science Olympiad teams, where she is a medal winner. Deming is also a co-president of the Rocketry Club as well as an avid performer in her school’s theater department. She loves all things math and science, and after this year will have completed AP Calc BC, AP Physics, and AP Chem. Deming tutors many different maths and sciences and loves being able to help students!

Samantha is currently a junior at the University of Michigan. She is studying Biology, Health, and Society, and is on the pre-med track. She is from Northbrook, Illinois, and graduated from Glenbrook North High School (GBN) as a Glenbrook Scholar. At GBN, she made Honor Roll every semester. She was the captain of the Soccer and Bowling teams at GBN, a member of National Honor Society, and was the school mascot named Sparty, where she helped to lead school-wide events. Currently at Michigan, she is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, the President of Gamma Sigma Alpha, and a member of a pre-health fellowship. She also works in a Neuroblastoma research lab. In school, Samantha has always enjoyed learning about mathematics and science, and has prior experience tutoring high school chemistry. Samantha is patient, and is very innovative, and she is dedicated to find creative ways to help students learn new and challenging material. At MAXimize, she is excited about sharing her passion for learning with her students.

Bennett is a junior at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics and a member of Sigma Pi Sigma, an academic fraternity for physics students. He plans to eventually earn his Ph.D. and become a physics professor at a research university. Currently, he is conducting research in holography on the black hole information paradox. Outside of school, he enjoys both making and listening to a wide variety of music, as well as tinkering with computers.

Charles, one of Amanda Martinsen’s former students, is currently a senior at Tufts University studying computer science and engineering management. At Tufts, Charles serves as Co-President of the National Society of Black Engineers. Additionally, he was selected as a Questbridge National College Match Scholarship recipient to Tufts, earning a full four-year ride. He was also chosen as a Cubs Scholarship recipient and a Chicago Scholar. Charles has extensive experience across multiple internships, including his roles as a Software Development Engineer Intern at Amazon during the last two summers as well as at William Blair during the summer of 2022 and winter of 2022. Charles’ various academic passions are mathematics, computer science, management and leadership, and a few science subjects. Charles’ passion for leadership, commitment to driving organizational growth, fostering inclusive environments through strategic initiatives and cross-functional collaboration, and love for educating his peers make him a valuable asset to the MAXimize Tutoring Team.

Grace is currently a Junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She is a Civil and Environmental Engineering major with a concentration in Water Resources Engineering and Science. She graduated from Naperville North High School, where she was the managing editor for the school newspaper, a peer tutor and a member of the softball team. In college, she is the treasurer of Illini Painting Club, an active member of Society of Women Engineers and an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and listening to a wide range of different music.

Claire Nicgorski is currently a Senior at Glenbrook South Highschool. She is in National Honor Society and a member of the Science and Engineering Learning Community. She is the Captain of Glenbrook South's girl's ice hockey team and the local Girl's travel ice hockey team. She also is on the track team at GBS. She also is a volunteer tutor for her classmates in the Titan Learning Center. She has always loved math and completed AP Calculus last year. Claire tutors Elementary math. She also tutors reading and writing. Claire will be attending The University of Notre Dame in the Fall of 2025!

Lauren Nicgorski is graduating from Glenbrook South High School in the class of 2025. Lauren is a high-school varsity field hockey and softball player, board member of the STEM program’s mentorship based outreach club, and a volunteer in the school’s tutoring center. Lauren can tutor a wide range of subjects but is especially passionate about math and is proficient through Calculus III. Post-graduation she is attending the Univeristy of Notre Dame where she is studying finance in the Mendoza College of Business.  

Jillian is a junior at Loyola University in Chicago where she is studying Physics. She graduated from Seven Lakes High School where she was a part of National Honors Society and National Science Honors Society, as well as a leader in the band program. She loves more than anything to work with kids and peers - she spent high school working as a swim instructor and babysitter and won a leadership award from the color guard program at Seven Lakes. She spent her summer before college working at a school in Dallas and is so excited to continue teaching all subjects through MAXimize tutoring!

Abby is studying Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She recently graduated from Jones College Prep in Chicago as a member of the National Honor Society, MVP of the varsity softball team, and treasurer of the Nature Collective club. During high school, Abby worked with Mathnasium for two years and founded a math tutoring club at her former elementary school. Abby is excited to work with new students at MAXimize and continue this tutoring journey. Outside of school, Abby loves adventure and is currently trying to learn how to sail! She could also be found eating the legendary Wisconsin ice-cream or hanging out with friends. 

Jessica is a junior at St. Olaf College majoring in Biology and Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics and Data Science. She graduated from Glenbrook South as a National Merit Finalist, member of the National Honors Society, and recipient of the John W. McConnell Math Award. She has experience tutoring in the Titan Learning Center for 2 years and spent much of her time in high school on the Science Olympiad and Math Teams. At St. Olaf, she is the President of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Jessica enjoys sharing her joy for math with others and helping students understand the math they learn in the classroom and use it to experience the world around them. At MAXimize, she is excited to help students develop both their skills and interests in STEM.

Courtney is a junior at Colby College, where she is majoring in Economics with a concentration in Financial Markets and Psychology. In addition to her academic pursuits, she plays ice hockey and works for the athletic department. Since graduating from New Trier High School in 2022, Courtney has been a dedicated tutor with MAXimize Tutors. Students who work with Courtney continue to provide feedback stating that she is dedicated, explains things clearly and in a way that they can easily understand. She is truly an essential asset to the MAXimize team! She loves helping students, siblings, and friends learn mathematical concepts, specializing in middle school math through Algebra 2.

Ellie is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Health, and Society. With over seven years of tutoring experience, she has worked with students ranging from elementary school to college, helping them excel in subjects like English, Writing, Biology, and History. Ellie lives in New York City, where she currently works as a clinical research coordinator in dermatology while applying to medical school programs that begin in the summer of 2025. Known for her engaging and supportive teaching style, Ellie is committed to helping students build the confidence needed to improve their grades and reach their fullest academic potential. Whether breaking down complex topics, organizing study plans, or guiding students through the intricacies of essay writing, Ellie strives to empower her students to succeed throughout every step of the way.

Ben is a freshman at Purdue University studying electrical engineering. He graduated from Glenbrook North High School, where he was on the varsity swimming and track teams and a member of the state-champion math team and state-qualifying science olympiad team. He was also a Glenbrook Scholar and part of the National Honor Society. He has experience tutoring math and physics in high school. Currently, he is a member of Purdue's Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program, helping design tools that allow disabled individuals to participate in sports and other activities. Ben loves math physics, and computer science, and is passionate about passing on his knowledge and appreciation of these subjects to others. 

Julia graduated from The Ohio State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science. She has been a tutor for 8 years now, and loves helping students excel. Watching students gain confidence as they see their own improvement is what makes Julia love what she does. Julia began her tutoring career with peers in high school, and has continued up until now. Since high school, she has been a tutor to students of all ages ranging from 5-18. She has tutored in all subjects, with math being her speciality.