OUR TUTORS

ERIK AYALA

My name Erik Ayala, I am 19 years old. I’ve been part of Sunset Scholars LLC for 3 years, having the privilege of being a worker-owner, studied, and graduated from Sunset Park High School. My favorite part about tutoring is being able to engage with kids and getting the opportunity to guide them as much as possible. I focus more on Mathematics as a tutor but enjoy all the subjects. Being part of this co-op has allowed me to make a positive impact on the Sunset Park community and hope to do more for them. Outside of Sunset Scholars, I work full-time on other jobs as my pass time.

CINDY CAI

My name is Cindy Cai and I am 21 years old. I graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor’s in Childhood Education for grades 1-6. My favorite thing about tutoring is being able to help students who really need it. By helping them, I’m also learning from them individually and I’m gaining a lot of experience working with the students. Outside of tutoring, my favorite pastime/hobby is reading poetry, drawing, and painting.

STEPHANIE FLORES

My name is Stephanie Flores and I am one of the founding members of Sunset Scholars LLC. Currently, I am enrolled at Hunter College for a Bachelor's degree in biology. Tutoring wise, I’m comfortable in math, reading, and writing. A fun fact about me is I used to be a competitive swimmer in high school.

ANTHONY JUAREZ

My name is Anthony Juarez, I am 22 and currently at Brooklyn College getting my Bachelors in Secondary Education in Mathematics. I used to go to the Rochester Institute of Technology but found a passion for teaching, therefore transferred to Brooklyn College. I went to high school at A. Philip Randolph Campus H.S. at City College of New York. I am a part of the co-op because it allows me to learn the ins and outs of a business. Being a part of the Finance committee made me understand the financial side of a tutoring business, something I wouldn’t have learned in a regular tutoring company. I also joined to gain the experience of teaching in multiple settings and with different types of students. This has shown me that students learn in different ways, thus allowing me to learn about different teaching methods. It’s been great being a part of Sunset Scholars!

As a tutor, I teach a variety of subjects. I teach any Elementary, Middle, and High School Math, SAT Math, Calculus 1 & 2, Multivariable and Vector Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Introduction to Proofs. My favorite thing about tutoring is seeing that “OH!” moment a student gets when they finally understand the material. I understand that school can be tough and sometimes, all a student needs is a small push in the right direction. One of my tutees was so grateful because she was finally able to get that 100 she wanted. She had been struggling and now, she’s going up to the board and answering problems that other students don’t understand. This is why I love being a tutor.

At the moment, my favorite hobby is watching/playing soccer. It could either be watching/playing real-life matches or playing FIFA on my PS4. My favorite team is Real Madrid in Spain and Manchester City in the Premier League.

LISBETH JUELA TENEMAZA

My name is Lisbeth, I am 17 years old and go to Midwood High School. I plan to study in the field of forensic science and enjoy all aspects of science and criminal justice. I joined Sunset Scholars LLC in early 2019 and have been so happy to become a worker-owner.

As a tutor, I focus on subjects such as science, Math below highschool algebra, English, and History below Government and Politics. For these subjects, I have taken many Advanced Placement courses. I love tutoring because of the journey I take with the tutee and the difference it makes to them. As a child of immigrants, being in elementary school was very difficult. No one in my family could teach me how to read or do basic math problems, it felt like I was floating on my own at such a young age. If I can prevent the feeling of helplessness, I'd feel so complete.

As a pass time, I love reading and writing my own short stories, going to the park with my dog Oliver, I enjoy volunteering at animal adoption centers and hospitals and assisting my local church.

CARLOS MARTINEZ

My name is Carlos Martinez, I am 20 years old, and one of the founders of Sunset Scholars. I have been committed to improving and closing the educational gap for lower-income families and minorities. I am part of this coop because I enjoy the cooperative environment and the idea of being a young undocumented entrepreneur.

I attended and graduated from Sunset Park High School. I attended York College for 2 years and I am currently attending College of Staten Island where I am majoring in Psychology and a minor in education. Currently, I tutor in math, English (Reading and writing), Spanish and Computer (adults). My favorite subject to teach is math! I’ve always enjoyed teaching kids or adults in new things. But the best part of working with them is getting to know them intellectually and learning new things from them. Learning and teaching go hand and hand, no matter your situation.

Among teaching and attending school, I have many hobbies. Two of my favorites are soccer and pro-wrestling. I love and enjoy both watching and playing the game of soccer. I have been a long-time pro wrestling fan and enjoy watching the work they do.

ADRIANA MENDOZA

My name is Adriana Mendoza and I am a founding member of Sunset Scholars LLC. I tutor in English, Elementary Math, ESOL (English to speakers of another language), and computer classes for adults.

I’m a second-generation cooperator having been raised by my mother who is herself a founder of a worker cooperative. Currently working around the clock as a mommy raising my family’s third-generation cooperator.

GABRIELA PONCE

My name is Gabriela Ponce, but I go by Gabi. I am 20 years old, and I am currently a junior at St. John's University. I am enrolled in the School of Education to become a Mathematics teacher for Middle School and High School students. I am very passionate about Mathematics, which has inspired me to teach the subject to others. As a tutor, I have had experienced helping students in Math, English, and Spanish. Tutoring has allowed me to create an impact in my community, specifically by offering academic and social support to the students I tutor. I have been able to create strong relationships with my students and their families, this strong relationship has created a positive impact in the lives of my students and their desire to learn.

I have been part of Sunset Scholars LLC for 3 years, and I am extremely proud to be a worker-owner. My mother inspired me to become a worker-owner. My mother is a founding member of a cleaning cooperative, as the daughter of a worker-owner I saw the endless opportunities earned through dreams, hard work and team effort. Her journey to find a dignifying job has impacted the way I envision work-places and job opportunities. Sunset Scholars has given me the opportunity to pursue many of my interests: Business, Education and Finance, while continuing to make an impact in my community: Sunset Park. If I am not in school or working, you can find me spending time with my friends and family.

Tutors: Services