ACI Faculty

Ms. Vanessa Osborne

>> Ph.D. in American Literature, UC Irvine >> M.A. in American Literature, UC Irvine >> B.A. in English, Magna Cum Laude, UCLA >> USC College Writing and American Literature/Lecturer    One of the real strengths of ACI’s Verbal and Writing Program is the intensive instruction provided. Not only does the program prepare the students for the SATs, but it also prepares them for the writing they’ll do in college. We at ACI are able to address any add writing problems students may have. Since teachers here do not have numerous classes to look after, they are very familiar with the students’ work and are able to pinpoint areas where they may need additional help. The program aims to strengthen students' writing not only for the SATs, but also for their future in college.

Dr. Matt Lin

>> Ph.D. in Physics, Caltech >> Caltech Physics Professor >> Bronze & Silver Medalist for Taiwan at the International       Physics Olympiad     Dr. Lin specializes in AP and SAT II Physics and has developed a thorough curriculum for the subject. He uses an intuitive approach to teaching Physics to build his students’ science foundation. Furthermore, he shares his excellent problem-solving strategies which won him the international top awards. There is no surprise that his students have excelled in physics.

Mr. Robert Sanchez

>> Ph.D. Candidate in Philosophy, UC Riverside >> M.A. in Philosophy, UC Riverside >> B.A. in Philosophy, Claremont College    Students often underestimate that succeeding on the SAT requires both test-taking skills and a knowledge of the tested material. Here at ACI, besides teaching the students what they need to know, we make them practice constantly and under the appropriate conditions. Over time, students not only develop reading and writing skills and a working knowledge of grammar and mathematics, but they also learn to recognize patterns in the test and develop confidence by becoming familiar with the ins and outs of the SAT.

Mr. Jonathan Tanner

>> Ph.D. Candidate in Comparative Literature, UC Irvine >> M.A. in Comparative Literature, UC Irvine >> UC Irvine Humanities Teaching Award & Future Faculty Award >> Exchange Scholar & Lecturer, University of Paris – Nanterre    Jonathan’s teaching style is very demanding for students, requiring active participation in a fast-paced and collegial environment. He practices, when possible, the Socratic Method and focuses on developing his student’s critical thinking abilities and challenging them to pay careful attention to the contingent meaning of language.    Jonathan has worked for ACI for the last five years, where he has taught a variety of classes, ranging from EEP III to SAT courses. Jonathan is one of the most popular SAT teachers at ACI. He has received outstanding ratings from ACI students and their parents. His students from last summer improved an average of 300 points on the SAT.

Mr. Michael Lathrop

>> Ph.D. Candidate in English Literature, UC Irvine >> M.A. in English Literature, Portland State University >> English Composition Professor, UC Irvine & Irvine Valley College    Michael has taught Composition and English Literature for 5 years at UC Irvine and is currently teaching College Composition at Irvine Valley College. He has more than 5 years teaching experience at ACI covering SAT and AP courses with a strong record of success. He has also been successful in helping students achieve their collegiate entrance goals.    Michael recently taught an ACT class and received excellent feedback from the students. His students achieved their goals within a short period of time and applauded his humorous yet effective approach.

Mr. John Ramsey

>> Ph.D. Candidate in Philosophy, UC Riverside >> M.A. in Philosophy, UC Riverside    ACI Institute provides unique tools to help a student reach their full academic potential. Many students are told to constantly review and practice. ACI helps a student save time and energy by providing a detailed weekly test analysis that pinpoints individual strength and weakness on the SAT. Hence, that student is provided a comprehensive report that reveals the areas that they must focus to improve scores. ACI’s SAT I program allow the student to the most effective and efficient.

Ms. Stefanie Stallard

>> Ph.D. in Candidate in English Literature, Claremont Graduate University >> M.A. in English Literature, Claremont Graduate University >> B.A. in English Literature and Linguistics, UCSB    We try to focus on teamwork, boosting each other to achieve a shared goal. ACI stresses the importance of creating a community both inside and outside classroom, while also focusing on the individual strengths and progress of the students. Since no two students are the same, ACI engages a wide spectrum of students through different activities so that all can comprehend and grasp the useful application of topics.    Our goal is not only to educate kids, but to make them comfortable and adaptable to different kinds of people, enabling them to present themselves to the College Board and providing them with confidence through their lives.

Ms. Angel Ismail-Beigi

>> M.A. in English and American Literature, Harvard University    Angel is a passionate and devoted teacher who has over 5 years of experience teaching in the subjects of both English and History. In the field of English literature and language, Angel engages her students by challenging them to think critically, by developing their analytical skills, and by deepening their reading comprehension. When not teaching, Angel enjoys traveling the world and working on her forthcoming novel.    Angel thinks that the classes at ACI greatly help students prepare for the SAT test as well as advanced English and writing courses. Furthermore, the ACI students who stay with the course programs are much more advanced than other students in their same age group. She is very impressed with the results that ACI helps students achieve and would highly recommend students to take the writing and PSAT courses at ACI. In her opinion, students who take these courses are not only better prepared for high school but also more fully equipped to take on the rigorous demands of college.

Ms. Kim O’Neil

>> M.F.A. in English (Fiction), UC Irvine >> M.A. in Education, Lesley College >> B.A. in Art and Architecture, Summa Cum Laude, Harvard University >> UC Irvine English Composition Professor    Kim has taught at various grade levels and has done extensive research in different subjects’ areas. Her talent and passion for fiction writing also helped her produce award-winning animations for major television networks.    Sharing her network and knowledge about Harvard University, Kim will be one of the counselors at ACI. She believes that most Ivy Leagues are looking for a well-balanced, diverse student body comprised of students who are not just academically gifted, but who are able to contribute to the vitality of the campus. Her talent and passion will guide students through the application process.

Ms. Nidzara Pecenkovic

>> M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Chapman University >> Writing Lecturer at Santa Ana Community College    Ms. Nidzara’s friendly personality has made her a very popular teacher among EEP and PSAT students. She has an effective vocabulary learning approach that makes memorizing words an enjoyable process. Students learn in a very supportive environment and are encouraged to take an active role in their own learning.    Recently, the parent of Ms. Nidzara’s 7th grade students Paul Wang wrote a letter to thank her. She said when Paul first arrived in the U.S. in 5th grade; he did not speak any English. He was placed in the ELD class in his regular school where he was consistently failing. He enrolled in Ms. Nidzara’s ACI class in 6th grade. After one year of study, he advanced to the mainstream class and is now getting an ‘A’. Ms. Nidzara’s class built his confidence and taught him a positive learning attitude. Mrs. Wang cannot thank Ms. Nidzara enough for her dedication. Paul newly acquired demeanor and skills will keep him moving forward in this competitive learning environment.

Mr. Gabriel Ward

>> M.A. in Education, Claremont Graduate University >> Multiple Subject Credential, Claremont Graduate University >> B.A. in Liberal Studies, California Polytechnic University Pomona    I have worked with students from various grade levels for close to 10 years. Currently I am teaching at Los Molinos Elementary School, in the HLPUSD. In the classroom, I encourage students to strive for academic excellence, and to be active participants. Students are expected to demonstrate good study habits and to be responsible for completing all homework assignments which are distributed each class session. My primary goal at ACI is to ensure that students become independent lifelong learners and that their full potential is reached.

Mr. James Hayashi

>> M.F.A. in Literature, USC >> B.S. in Psychobiology, UCLA >> B.A. in English, UCLA >> Previous Lecturer of Composition and Rhetoric, USC >> Admissions Officer at USC    James teaches composition and rhetoric at USC, and taught English writing at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has been instructing students at ACI in the SAT, college admissions, and one-on-one tutoring for over five years.    Having seen the program and curriculum at other test preparation institutes, James is impressed by ACI's professionalism and the quality of its material. He believes that the PSAT and SAT instruction effectively prepares students with not only the necessary knowledge, but also test taking strategies to help them succeed. As an instructor of rhetoric at USC, James knows the importance of critical thinking skills--skills that ACI fosters in the students who walk through its doors.

Mr. Robert Ruiz

>> Dean of Forensic, University of La Verne >> Ph.D. Candidate in Education, University of La Verne >> M.A. in Education, University of La Verne >> B.A. in Political Science, University of La Verne >> 2008 National Debate Champion of USA    My name is Robert Ruiz. I have been at ACI for over 1 year as of 2009. To me, ACI is a successful and true “educational” institute. The students benefit from a unique perspective from upper educational teachers that they would normally not receive at their traditional, local schools.    The progressive ideas and study skills, benefit each and every student at ACI, no matter what class they are in. ACI allows me to teach according to my advanced ability and the students are ambitious enough to deliver. One benefit I very much enjoy is the one on one attention ACI gives to each student. This is what the educational process should be about.

Mr. Mark Fang

>> M.S. in Applied Computer Science, Azusa Pacific University >> B.A. in Mathematics of Computation, UCLA >> 17-year instructor at ACI Institute    I have the privilege to work as a teacher at ACI for over 12 years. The ‘light bulb’ effect of working with the students keeps me a regular fixture at ACI. I specialize in teaching topics that many students find challenging such as SAT I Math, AP physics, SAT Math IIC. We, the teachers, simplify challenging mathematical and science concepts so the student can fully grasp the theories. Once the student has a strong foundation in concepts we than teach them the skills of mastering the test strategies that the SAT I, AP and SAT Subject exams entail. ACI has helped innumerable students reach perfect scores but more importantly ACI instills a confidence that enables the student to excel in higher education.

Mr. Scott Werve

>> M.A. in Fine Arts, UC Irvine >> 9-year Instructor at ACI Institute    I get to work with a team at ACI that truly cares about making a difference. I believe the students appreciate the dedication that we at ACI place forth. My reward is helping a student achieve their goals. I have been a member of the ACI team long enough to see my students actually graduate from college! Yet, they still take the time and effort to come back and visit and let us know how they are doing.

Mr. John Perreault

>> M.A. in Theology and Humanities, Wesley Seminary >> Developed ACI SAT II U.S. History material >> Developed ACI SAT Literature material >> 15-year instructor at ACI institute    The classroom works much like a laboratory. Yes, a student could answer a question or be told what is an answer, but that’s not education. Education leads someone into the light. Thus, a student should be able to answer why he or she got an answer right, or even more importantly, wrong, because the approach is as vital to the process of learning as the arrival.    Teaching is a two-way street. The teacher models behavior on both how to learn and how to reflect on that knowledge, making the process safe and inviting for the student. With that in mind, the teacher’s role isn’t simply to repeat 10 rules of subject-verb agreement, causes of the Civil War, or cliché’s such as “show, don’t tell when you write.” His or her role goes beyond clear, cookie-cutter, three easy steps to success, into helping each student find the path himself or herself a bit more clearly.

Mr. Trevor Biship

>> M.F.A. in Directing, UC Irvine >> M.A. in Dramatic Literature, Washington University >> B.A. in English Drama, Kenyon College >> 4-year instructor at ACI    ACI Institute realizes that dedication to an important goal reaps enormous benefits, and that is precisely why our students attend my rigorous courses. Every week, I hope to challenge our students to take ownership of their academic futures. Certainly, it is my goal to provide unique strategies that will help our students improve their writing, grammar and reading comprehension skills for the SAT.    I also want to prepare our young students to become complex critical thinkers for the 21st Century. In doing so, our students at ACI Institute will be prepared for and open to the challenges and joys of the college experience, wherever they choose to attend.

Mr. Wes Dickson

>> M.F.A in Creative Writing, University of Alabama >> B.A. in English, University of Alabama >> 12-year instructor at ACI Institute, Assistant Director at Diamond Bar ACI    Being a part of the ACI faculty has challenged me in much the same way that I like to challenge my students, by teaching them how to approach problems from a variety of perspectives. Since becoming an ACI instructor, I have taught almost every age group, with a focus on those students who are seeking admission to their dream universities. Additionally, I have held the position of curriculum coordinator, working with our test experts to design and write our educational materials. As with my classes, my specialty has been the SAT Verbal and Writing tests. Composing SAT problems and devising strategy lessons has given me a unique insight into the test, which I can then convey to our students. Overall, I am a firm believer in ACI’s Mission Statement, our commitment to helping young people not only increase their knowledge but also expand their horizons and discover their passion.