Meet Our Learning Coaches

Just a few of our talented educators are shown here. Contact us to set up classes or for a specific tutoring subject area request.

  • Mira Korber, M.P.P.

    FOUNDER OF BLUE RIBBON SCHOLARS

    Mira holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies, cum laude, from Yale University. Her ability to think quickly, reflect critically, and communicate clearly allows her to reach students from diverse educational backgrounds. Mira’s teaching focus centers on the humanities, economics, and Spanish language.

  • Dr. Steve Vaughn

    MATHEMATICS, ECONOMICS, AND PHYSICS

    Dr. Vaughn has more than 20 years of experience focused on training, coaching, and mentoring others in learner-centered (constructivist) methodology. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management and a Master’s in Math Education. Dr. Vaughn is an adjunct professor at the College of Central Florida and a math coach for almost all levels of math.

  • Dr. Julie Emerson

    BIOLOGY, AP BIOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

    Julie has over a 40-year career as a biology educator and researcher. Most recently, she taught introductory biology at Amherst College for 18 years. Julie holds a ScB in Biology from Brown University, a Ph.D. in Anatomy from the University of California San Francisco and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Princeton University.

  • Valérie Chaussonnet

    BLUE RIDER ART CLUB, FRENCH, RUSSIAN

    Valérie holds a master’s degree from Sorbonne University in Paris in Russian Language and Studies and completed doctoral research in anthropology (ABD) at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. Valérie has been teaching French for over 20 years. She is a professional artist and maintains an active sculpture and painting studio.

  • Abbey Alexander

    MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS, AND CHEMISTRY

    Abbey holds a Biomedical Sciences degree. Before heading to medical school, she is spending some time riding and competing with her horse, Toad. Abbey has tutored Math, French, Statistics, and Science for over six years, helping students of all levels. Abbey understands that balancing school and horses isn’t always easy, which is why she’s so passionate about helping others manage it all.

  • Justina Rodriguez-Campos

    K-8 SUBJECTS, MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH

    Justina graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She holds Texas certifications for math and generalist 4-8, as well as a Florida certification for math 5-9.

  • Claire Edmiston

    ENGLISH, WRITING, AND HUMANITIES

    Claire is a current law student with an English degree from the University of Cambridge. She has been tutoring for 5 years, with students located internationally including in the UK, China, and the US. She enjoys sharing her deep love of literature with her students through detailed and informed approaches to close analysis and critical schools of thought.

  • Michelle Chapman

    MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

    Michelle graduated from Connecticut College in 2019 with a B.A. in Psychology. She is the Blue Ribbon Scholars Social Media Manager and tutors in math and science. Outside of Blue Ribbon Scholars, Michelle teaches beginner riding lessons, takes care of her pony, and is working towards a graduate degree in Animal Behavior.

Mira Korber, M.P.P.

FOUNDER OF BLUE RIBBON SCHOLARS

Mira holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Yale and a Master’s of Education Policy from Vanderbilt. Her ability to think quickly, reflect critically, and communicate clearly allows her to reach students from diverse educational backgrounds. Mira’s teaching focus centers on the humanities, economics, and Spanish language.

Dr. Steve Vaughn

MATHEMATICS, ECONOMICS, AND PHYSICS

Dr. Vaughn has more than 20 years of experience focused on training, coaching, and mentoring others in learner-centered (constructivist) methodology. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management and a Master’s in Math Education. Dr. Vaughn is an adjunct professor at the College of Central Florida and a math coach for almost all levels of math.

Dr. Julie Emerson

BIOLOGY, AP BIOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Julie has over a 40-year career as a biology educator and researcher. Most recently, she taught introductory biology at Amherst College for 18 years. Julie holds a ScB in Biology from Brown University, a Ph.D. in Anatomy from the University of California San Francisco and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Princeton University.

Valérie Chaussonnet

BLUE RIDER ART CLUB, FRENCH, RUSSIAN

Valérie holds a master’s degree from Sorbonne University in Paris in Russian Language and Studies and completed doctoral research in anthropology (ABD) at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. Valérie has been teaching French for over 20 years. She is a professional artist and maintains an active sculpture and painting studio.

Abbey Alexander

MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS, AND CHEMISTRY

Abbey holds a Biomedical Sciences degree. Before heading to medical school, she is spending some time riding and competing with her horse, Toad. Abbey has tutored Math, French, Statistics, and Science for over six years, helping students of all levels. Abbey understands that balancing school and horses isn’t always easy, which is why she’s so passionate about helping others manage it all.

Justina Rodriguez-Campos

K-8 SUBJECTS, MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH

Justina graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She holds Texas certifications for math and generalist 4-8, as well as a Florida certification for math 5-9.

Claire Edmiston

ENGLISH, WRITING, AND HUMANITIES

Claire is a current law student with an English degree from the University of Cambridge. She has been tutoring for 5 years, with students located internationally including in the UK, China, and the US. She enjoys sharing her deep love of literature with her students through detailed and informed approaches to close analysis and critical schools of thought.

Michelle Chapman

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Michelle graduated from Connecticut College in 2019 with a B.A. in Psychology. She is the Blue Ribbon Scholars Social Media Manager and tutors in math and science. Outside of Blue Ribbon Scholars, Michelle teaches beginner riding lessons, takes care of her pony, and is working towards a graduate degree in Animal Behavior.