Educators

Danielle Rayo

Founder & Director

Danielle Rayo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Founder and Director of Competitive Advantage Tutoring. She received her degree in Education and Communication Studies, graduating magna cum laude from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, at New York University. She continued her studies at NYU, receiving her Masters of Education and dual-certification in Special Education, and graduated at the top of her class. Danielle received her New York Teaching Certification in Early Childhood and Special Education. Based on her academic performance and teaching abilities, Danielle was selected by Phi Lambda Theta, (International Honors Society and Professional Association in Education) and became an honorary member. She is also a member of the NAEYC (National Association for Educating Young Children).

Danielle brings to Competitive Advantage Tutoring nearly fifteen years of experience. Her background is inclusive of nearly all age groups, spanning a wide variety of subjects. Prior to launching Competitive Advantage Tutoring, Danielle worked at three prestigious New York-based educational companies, where she gained valuable experience. Her passion for education, combined with the success of her students, inspired Danielle to launch an independent educational consulting company of her own. Nothing brings Danielle more joy than empowering her students to reach their personal and academic goals.

In her moments of spare time Danielle enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, writing, and is currently working on a book to assist students with their study skills. She is also a published poet.

EVAN BERGER

Evan is currently an Anesthesiology Resident at a local hospital. Prior to becoming a physician, Evan graduated from NYU with a Master’s Degree in Biological Science. He worked at Weill Cornell Medical Center conducting glaucoma research before attending medical school. He comes to us with over 10 years of teaching experience, ranging from the classroom to private one-to-one tutoring. Throughout college and medical school, Evan taught math, science, and standardized test preparation to high school students. He thoroughly enjoys working with his students and his favorite part of the process is when students achieve their academic and personal goals.

Currently, in addition to being a doctor and private tutor, Evan volunteers with the New York City Marathon, provides academic support to medical school applicants, and teaches physical exam skills to current first and second year medical students. He enjoys playing golf and spends his winter months skiing out west!

Ludwig Suarez

Ludwig Suarez is an educator whose experiences are the basis for his true dedication to education. Graduating from Columbia University and attaining a B.A. in economics, his successes are illuminated through the contrast with the challenges that he had to overcome. Ludwig had to find within himself the determination, discipline, and resiliency that it would take to help him reach Columbia’s campus. There, his exposure to the Columbia Core, which challenged him to develop in so many facets of his life, affirmed the reformative potential of education. Motivated by this appreciation, Ludwig has taken every opportunity available since to further refine his understanding of the educational process, working as an educator with the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change, as well as collaborating with educators from Chicago’s Hope Academy and the Double Discovery Center at Columbia University. He hopes to one day work towards affording others greater accessibility to the amazing education and consequent opportunities to flourish as a person that were afforded to him.

Currently, when he’s not helping students with Competitive Advantage, or tutoring in economics courses with Columbia’s athletics department, Ludwig is working towards a lifelong aspiration to be a professional athlete. Driven by the opportunity to be a testament to the efficacy of the principles that have guided him thus far in the realization of any goal, he relentlessly pursues his dream hoping to ultimately inspire others to be unwavering in the pursuit of theirs.

Danielle Baum

Danielle is currently a PhD student at Columbia where she conducts autoimmune disease research using stem cells. Prior to starting her PhD, Danielle worked at both Memorial Sloan Kettering and Harvard Medical School after graduating from NYU with a B.S. in nutritional biochemistry and chemistry. She comes to us with over ten years of teaching experience, ranging from the classroom to private one to one tutoring. Throughout college, Danielle participated in America Reads/Counts where she taught math and science to school aged children ranging from elementary through high school.

Currently, in addition to private tutoring, Danielle volunteers with several mentorship programs within the New York Academy of Sciences, teaching middle school students about the scientific process, as well as guiding international women in STEM through the college admission process. Danielle also comes to us with experience teaching students with learning disabilities including autism and ADHD.

When Danielle’s not in the lab, she loves singing, dancing and trying any and all types of international cuisine.

NATE FOSTER

Nate Foster has worked as a classroom SAT and ACT instructor for many years. He teaches throughout various schools in the New York City. He prides himself on working with high school students on these challenging exams, and teaching themtesting strategies to improve their scores. Nate graduated Magna Cum Laude from Adelphi University with a BFA. Nothing brings him more pleasure than helping students achieve their goals and gain admissions to their top colleges and universities. Nate also has experience working with middle school students on their admissions exams.

In addition to his work as a tutor and teacher, Nate has a passion for performing. He works as a commercial voice over actor, and uses his skills as a teacher to coach students on improvisation comedy. Moreover, he performs at the People’s Improv Theater in Manhattan in his free time.

Laureen Chan

Laureen is studying biochemistry at Hunter College and pursuing her thesis research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. A graduate of Stuyvesant High School, Laureen understands how to survive and thrive in a competitive atmosphere, especially where standardized exams are concerned. She had nearly a perfect score on her own SAT exams and scored above a 90th percentile on her MCAT.

She has also effectively tutored students in science, math, and SAT/ACT test preparation for several years now. She loves working with students in middle and high school.

In her free time, Laureen likes to play the piano, and try new activities–like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!