Professional Tutor Bios

Carrie Frei

Courses: Fashion, mostly sewing and pattern-making. I really love using the Gerber program. Sign Language. I am not fluent, but I have taken both of the courses offered at Centenary and I enjoy learning new signs.

Interests: I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design from Centenary. I have been a tutor at Centenary since I graduated about 12 years ago, and I have worked in the Welcome Center (formerly mailroom), for about 10 years.


Cathy Keenan

Courses: Most Mathematics courses from College Math through Calculus, including Statistics

Interests:  I have a son that just graduated college and a daughter that is going into her sophomore year of college so I relate!


Dana-Maree Maney

Courses: Art and Film, Criminal Justice, Education, English Writing, Composition and Rhetoric, Advanced Composition, Creative Writing, History, Psychology, Religion, Social Work, Sociology, Spanish, some science courses, and more. I also teach study skills, organizational techniques and test reviews.

Interests: I enjoy the beach and nature and spend a lot of time outdoors with my family kayaking, fishing, biking and hiking. I love to travel and experience new cultures. I have a passion for teaching and learning new things. I look forward to helping my students be successful in their studies.


ELISA Destefano

Courses:

Reading Comprehension, Writing, Research and Composing for: Social Sciences, Philosophy, Psychology, History, English, College Writing, etc. (any course that does not require too much math)

Interests:

I have worked as a Teacher/Tutor for many years with experience in both the United States and overseas. Desiring to see the world, my career began with a position at a private boarding school in India, and later I spent time in Egypt, teaching English, and working as a professional writer/editor. In the United States, I have taught at grade schools, privately, and for the past 15+ years, college age students. I enjoy interacting with students, and in particular, helping them with subjects that require research and writing. Over the years, it has been a pleasure seeing students reach their goals. With the right attitude and hard work, what may seem impossible at first, can ultimately be achieved. I look forward to working with you.

Some favorites: Hiking, the garden, traveling, T’ai Chi, home and pets.

Memorable quote: “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”  Paulo Coelho – from The Alchemist


emily rugys

Courses: I have successfully tutored students in the following academic programs:  Communication, Writing, Design; English, Literature; Environmental Science; Psychology; Sociology; Theatre Arts and Fashion; History; Criminal Justice; Marketing; and World Religions.

Interests: I have been a professional tutor at Centenary University for 15 years.  I also was a volunteer in the Equine Therapy Program for 10 years.  I have a BS in Education from Seton Hall University, NJ and a Master’s equivalent in Environmental Studies from Rowan College of NJ.  I am a graduate of the Chubb Program for computer programming.  I have attended the New School for Social Research and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and Playwrights Theatre in Madison, NJ for creative and business writing. I have worked in the fields of business, education, environment, social work, county and federal government, non-profit organizations and free-lance writing.


fred iervolino

Courses: QL, Algebra, basic business and economics

Interests: Hello Student! My name is Fred Iervolino but you may call me Fred. I was a college adjunct professor of math at County College of Morris for 10 years and a tutor of math for over 25 years. I am a math major, but more importantly a math teacher. How does that help you?  You see, if I fail you, then I fail me; and I am not a failure! So what do you have to lose? The fear of math, the biggest obstacle to learning. I also tutor in basic economics and business. You will take advantage of my 40 plus years in the telecommunications and insurance business world. So, if you are serious about learning, then give me an opportunity. BTW, I have a darn good sense of humor. That too will ease your tutoring fears. On a personal level, I am passionate about trout and bass fishing. You might say, I know how to “reel in” on tutoring students, as well as fish.


jaryd hartzell

Courses: I primarily tutor Finance classes and other business classes when needed.

Interests: I am currently a Graduate Resident Director pursing a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. I coach the Men’s Lacrosse team and have studied abroad in Australia for a semester during my undergraduate degree.


Maryann simmons

Courses: English Courses – Comp and Rhetoric, British Literature, American Literature, World Literature (all genres of literature for either class), Essay writing, grammar, mechanics, helping with papers for all classes. I can assist students with studying for tests/exams, taking notes, and outlining their ideas for research papers.

Interests: I have been working at Centenary University since I moved into Hackettstown in 1993.  I serve the school as an adjunct professor during the summer session and I tutor professionally to serve the students at Centenary in any way I can. I am a high school English teacher (been teaching since 1985) at Wallkill Valley Regional High School (since 1986 at Wallkill). I am happily married to Jim, who is a retired educator, and we have an adult son, Justin, who is a history teacher. My family and I rescue greyhounds. We currently have DaVina, a retired greyhound from Florida. I enjoy living across the street from Centenary University, who has been a wonderful neighbor over the years.


maurice savard

Courses: Accounting I and II, and Economics

Interests: I have been a tutor at Centenary since 2010, after a long career in Information Technology. I am a dual Centenary graduate, earning a BS in 2009 and an MBA in 2012. I am also a 1983 graduate of Union County College.  In addition to tutoring, I have been an Adjunct Instructor in Centenary’s Business Department since 2013, and I have also taught business classes at East Stroudsburg University, Northampton Community College, and Warren County Community College. I grew up in Milwaukee , WI, and I’ve been a fan of the Green Bay Packers since I was 10 years old (I remember watching Vince Lombardi and Super Bowls I and II!). My wife and I live in Washington, NJ, and we have two adult sons and two grandchildren.


stephanie ciampoli

Courses: History, Political Science, World Religions, Sociology, and English Composition and Rhetoric

Interests: I enjoy reading psychological thrillers novels and I am a Marching Band Mom.

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