Our tutors and directors are professionals selected for their expertise and enthusiasm for teaching. All of our tutors have years of experience teaching or tutoring and undergo extensive training by Heather Forgione in the company’s test preparation curriculum and methods.
Staff Levels
Lead Staff: $90/hr
Director $100/hr
Heather Forgione, Executive Director and Owner, $110/hr
Heather Forgione, Owner and Executive Director
Since 2000, Heather has worked with thousands of students, helping them feel prepared and confident with standardized tests, college application essays, and other academic subjects. Heather takes the SAT and ACT frequently and scored a 2390 out of 2400 on the SAT and a 35 on the ACT. Heather tutors exclusively in the Merton Dr. Raleigh office.
In 1999, Heather graduated summa cum laude from Union College in NY with a BA in English and a minor in Biology. As a pre-med student and biology major for three years, she studied math and science extensively, including courses in calculus, biology, organic chemistry, and physics. Eventually, her passion for English led her to focus her studies on literature. Heather completed an honors creative writing thesis and was selected to tutor in the college’s Writing Center. She graduated as valedictorian of the Humanities Department and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After college, Heather was drawn to teaching and mentoring students and became the director of Score At The Top Learning Center in Boca Raton, FL in 2000. She managed the growing center, taught SAT and ACT lessons and group workshops, trained tutors, and contributed to the center’s SAT and ACT strategy workbooks. Heather’s extensive training was guided by the center’s owner, a major contributor to the College Board’s SAT prep software and test preparation books. Heather also assisted with the college counseling at the learning center and at a local private high school.
With years of experience behind her, she founded Forgione Tutoring in 2007. The same year, she taught a year-long test prep course at a private school in Florida that covered math, reading, and writing test-taking strategies. In 2010, she relocated her family and the business to Raleigh and in 2013 hired Forgione Tutoring’s first staff members. The Cary center opened in 2015 and was expanded in 2017. The North Raleigh center was opened in 2018 and expanded in 2025, and our midtown Raleigh office was expanded in 2021. Several times over the past few years, she taught a weeks-long test prep course at St. Mary’s School as part of their junior seminar. In life outside of work, Heather dedicates her time to her husband, son, and daughter, and she looks forward to working with your son or daughter.
Paul Orza, Raleigh Director
Paul graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Florida in 2014 with a BS in Neurobiology and minor in Chemistry. Here, he was a part of the Honors Program and worked for over two years as a research assistant in a behavioral neuroscience lab. Upon graduating, he began his journey as an educator at Score at the Top Leaning Center in south Florida over a decade ago. In this position, he acted as both an academic coach and a teacher by managing small-group math and sciences classes, tutoring in the afternoon, and leading SAT/ACT workshops on the weekends. He also gained extensive experience working with ADHD students. Paul has since continued tutoring in various capacities. He tutored home-schooled semi-professional athletes at Palm Beach International Academy and most recently tutored virtually through Air Tutors for several years. In 2021, he was even selected to tutor for a Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation pilot study investigating the efficacy of intensive math intervention at different age groups. In 2024, he stepped into the role of Director of our Raleigh offices. Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two cats. He stays active by playing pickle ball, lifting weights, and exploring North Carolina’s hiking trails. His hobbies include playing video games, getting way too competitive at board/table-top games, and whipping up new recipes for dinner.
Katrina Schwartz, Cary Office Manager & Reading and Writing Specialist
Katrina is a former academic who taught environmental politics and Russian politics to undergraduate and graduate students for 15 years at the University of Florida and Penn State University. Since moving to Durham, she has pursued her passion for teaching through test-prep tutoring at a local learning center before joining Forgione Tutoring. Katrina is a devoted grammar nerd and author of two books, Nature and National Identity after Communism (U. Pittsburgh Press, 2006) and Waters of Destiny (UGA Press, forthcoming). She has a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. in English from Harvard. Katrina manages our Cary office and specializes in reading and writing prep for the SAT, ACT, and college application essays.
Michelle B., All-subjects Tutor
Proficient in teaching all SAT and ACT-prep subjects and math through Calculus III, Michelle encourages a love of math in her students and has helped them achieve their SAT, ACT, and academic goals since joining us as a tutor in 2017. Her tutoring career began while she was in high school, when she tutored her peers in various levels of math. As a freshman at UNC, she tutored math at Culbreth Middle School in Carrboro, working both in classrooms and with individual students with ADHD and/or ASD. She worked at Sylvan Learning Center for almost two years, where she tutored K-12 levels of math and reading comprehension, as well as test prep for the ACT, SAT, and ASVAB. Through her work at Sylvan, she realized that she truly loved tutoring and decided to pursue a career as an academic coach. She has completed all undergraduate coursework at UNC-Chapel Hill in pursuit of degrees in Mathematics Education and Music Theory. In 2022, Michelle moved into the role of Assistant Director, through which she assisted with tutor training, a variety of administrative tasks, and curriculum building. In 2023, she become the Director of our Cary location, and she manages all aspects of our Cary center. Michelle tutors all SAT and ACT subjects.
Ben M., All-Subjects Tutor
Benjamin graduated from the North Carolina School of Science in Durham in 2018. Following this, he was awarded the Goodnight Scholarship, a four-year full-ride program for STEM majors at North Carolina State University. Majoring in both Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science, he has managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA while being involved in extracurricular activities such as research, clubs, and tutoring at the university tutoring center. He enjoys running, weight lifting, and camping in his free time. Benjamin graduated from NC State in 2022 and is pursuing a Ph.D. at Duke University in Computer Engineering with a research focus in artificial intelligence. Ben tutors a variety of math and science courses, along with all subjects of the SAT and ACT, in our midtown Raleigh office.
Christopher G., Math and Science Specialist
Christopher has been a professional educator since 2016 and has worked with both college and K12 students. He holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a Quantitative Biology emphasis from Clemson University and an M.S. in Biology from Texas Christian University. He has worked as an ecologist in three different research labs, publishing two research articles (once as a lead author, once as a co-author) and presenting at multiple scientific conferences. He elected to switch from a research career to education, where he has found his passion as an educator of young minds in the pursuit of knowledge. Most recently, he tutored K-12th grade students in a clinical setting. He hopes that through his work at Forgione Tutoring, a new generation of scholars and practitioners can achieve their dreams! In addition to his work as an educator, Christopher is a novice-level car enthusiast and enjoys video gaming, association football, and motorsports.
Dalton C., Math and Science Specialist
Dalton studied computer science at New College of Florida, graduating in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree. He tutored math and science at IMG Academy in Florida through most of 2018. Since moving to North Carolina, he has worked as a programming and math instructor at Thinking Feet in Charlotte, teaching group classes there since 2019. In addition to teaching, he has also helped to create their course curricula and teacher’s guides. At Forgione Tutoring, Dalton builds on these experiences to offer coaching a variety of math and science subjects, as well as SAT Math and ACT Math and Science in our Cary office. Dalton’s hobbies include programming software and video games, as well as watching tons of science education YouTube videos. He loves to use this knowledge to inspire students to think critically about the world.
Dylan H., All-Subjects Tutor
Dylan graduated in three years from ECU with a bachelor’s degree in Science Education after receiving his two-year degree during high school. During his time at each, he tutored at ECU in the Pirate Academic Success Center working with other college students taking high level science subjects and in the ESL lab at his high school helping ESL adults succeed in their general curriculum courses. After graduating, Dylan taught high school science for four years and coached students on the ACT/SAT, SSAT/ISEE, and in various high school classes for three years. Since stepping away from the classroom, he has been working as a financial advisor. However, he is excited to be back to his true passion — education. In his free time, you can find Dylan performing live music in the Triangle, playing pickle ball, or at home with his three cats. Dylan tutors all test prep subjects, along with math and science courses, in the Cary and Midtown Raleigh offices.
Dylan U., All-Subjects tutor
Dylan studied Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2022. Since high school, Dylan has been a passionate student of many scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and aerospace. As the co-founder and president of the Astronomy and Physics club at his local community college, he hosted renowned speakers from universities across the country, as well as established a team for the University Rover Challenge. Dylan was the recipient of the Harold Friedemann Chemistry Scholarship for outstanding achievements in Physics, Chemistry, and Math from his local college. Throughout his time in both college and university, he was a passionate science and math tutor for grades ranging from elementary school students to university undergrads. After college, Dylan worked as both a Test and Materials Engineer at an Aerospace company, assigned to programs that created life support systems for NASA’s upcoming Artemis campaign. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, relaxing at home while watching movies, or spending late nights watching the stars through his telescope. He strives to not only take his students above and beyond their goals, but also to leave a lasting passion for curiosity. Dylan tutors a variety of math and science courses in addition to all subjects of the SAT and ACT in our midtown Raleigh and North Raleigh offices.
James G., Math and Science Specialist
James graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Florida, while there he tutored students in college physics. He also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida in Computer Engineering Technology. His first career was in the aerospace and telecommunications industries as a software engineer. James’ second career was as a teacher in middle school and high school. He taught math and science, including high school Physics and AP Physics. James is a patient tutor who encourages students to work towards their goals and to change tactics as necessary to ensure success. He encourages people to be lifelong learners and to obtain new skills all their lives. In his free time, he enjoys reading, walking for exercise, small engine repair and the outdoors. James tutors middle school Math, some levels of high school math, and test prep math and Science at our North Raleigh offices and online.
John F., Math and Science Specialist
John is a former middle and high school math teacher with five years of teaching experience in south Florida public schools. His passion is helping students understand difficult concepts at an intuitive level and ensuring that they have the skills and tools to succeed. John obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of South Florida in 2012. He enjoys movies, chess, and programming in his free time. John tutors the math and science sections of the SAT and ACT, along with a variety of academic math courses, in our midtown Raleigh office.
Kathleen M., All-Subjects Tutor
Hello! I have been tutoring students since 2018, focusing on STEM coursework. I have taught Algebra through Calculus many times, and have a background in biostatistics and applied mathematics from my undergraduate career at UNC Chapel Hill, where I earned my Quantitative Biology degree. I have helped high school students through a range of other subjects, including English, Chemistry, Biology, and all sections of the ACT and SAT. I am passionate about using math and science as a way of understanding the world around us, and I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with my community. I believe in meeting students where they are and tailoring instruction to the individual. I pride myself on making my explanations accessible, and use the student’s interests to help them engage with the material. I have experience working with students with learning differences such as ADHD and dyslexia. I am comfortable using preferred pronouns, and am inclusive of all gender identities and expressions. I look forward to helping your student! ~ Kathleen tutors in our Midtown Raleigh office.
Laura F., Math and Science Specialist
Laura taught Mathematics (grades 6-12) and Science (grades 6-9) in North Carolina Public Schools for 30 years, recently retiring from Wake Forest High School. She graduated from Skidmore College, NY in 1985 with a B.A. in Economics and Computer Science. Laura initially worked as a programmer in New York before moving to North Carolina in 1986, at which time she became interested in teaching and became certified to teach through UNC-CH. Teaching became her passion, and she found working with young people to be rewarding. She is excited about working at Forgione Tutoring and using her skills as a mathematics teacher in a tutoring setting. She works in our North Raleigh office.
Laura Z., Reading and Writing Specialist
Laura has taught students for over twenty five years in a widely varied career. She graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, with a B.A. in secondary education with a specialization in English and from UCF with a master’s degree in language arts education. After graduation, she moved to Florida, where she taught English language arts to students in grades six through eleven; computer lab applications to students age 3 through grade eight; and second, third, and fifth grades. Laura and her family lived and worked in England for over two years, where she supported students with learning challenges – including ASD and vision disabilities. When she is not tutoring, Laura is working to turn her front yard to a beautiful and edible front garden.
Marco P., Reading and Writing Specialist
Since his childhood days in Toronto, Marco has long appreciated the written word. A voracious reader, he committed himself to the formal study of English at the University of Toronto, earning a B.A. in the field. As an undergraduate, Marco worked as a tutor for his institution’s “Transitional Year Program”, and it was here that Marco was able to unite his passion for reading and writing with the deep fulfillment that follows from helping struggling students succeed. In 2008, Marco relocated to Tokyo, Japan to pursue his professional ambitions. As an instructor for the premiere Japanese test prep company in Tokyo, Marco taught strategy classes for multiple test formats including TOEFL, SAT, and GMAT. Over the years, Marco broadened his capabilities by conducting regular lectures at some of Japan’s finest universities and gained valuable experience designing study guides and a host of other materials. After a decade of helping students succeed in their academic endeavors, Marco relocated to Raleigh. The change prompted a return to study, and in 2019 he graduated summa cum laude from East Carolina University with a Master’s degree in English. Out of the office, Marco is an enthusiastic aquarist who keeps hundreds of species of aquatic plants and animals. He is also an avid DIYer and loves building in his workshop, playing basketball, and gardening. He tutors Reading, Writing, and college application essays in our Raleigh offices and virtually.
Michael F., All-subjects Tutor
Michael graduated from Penn State University and UCLA with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biomedical Engineering. He has previously worked in the biotechnology industry and is also a former high school math teacher. As an engineer, he loves problem solving and helping students strategically navigate the SAT and ACT. Most recently, he’s worked for test prep companies and has served as adjunct faculty at a community college in California. He also enjoys helping students in AP Chemistry, AP Physics and AP Calculus develop intuitive reasoning and understanding of complex ideas in these subjects. In his free time, his hobbies include golfing, hiking, playing pickle ball and poker.
Noelle H., Reading and Writing Specialist
Noelle attends UNC-Chapel Hill as a direct admission undergraduate in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media. She has been recognized by the Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards for her achievements in personal essay and memoir writing, earning a national silver award in 2019 as well as two regional gold awards in 2019 and 2021. She loves working with students, and has previously held positions as a camp counselor and as an elementary school reading tutor. Noelle is from Raleigh but most recently lived in Winston-Salem, N.C., where she studied at the UNC School of the Arts Film Conservatory for two years. She has worked on dozens of independent film sets, mostly in the art department, and loves to paint. Drawing on her experience working in the independent film industry, she values creative collaboration in the writing process, whether the project is a personal essay or screenplay. She helps her students craft the events of their lives into a vibrant and compelling story for their college admissions essays. She tutors SAT and ACT reading and writing/English in our Raleigh and North Raleigh offices.
Priscilla H., Reading and Writing Specialist
Priscilla has tutored children and teens for 23 years. For the past several years, she’s tutored children with dyslexia, and she previously taught kindergarten as a home-based preschool owner and teacher. Since 2006, she’s provided home-school instruction to her own children and other students through the 8th grade. She has a teaching certification in early education and middle education (grades 4-8). Priscilla obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Roanoke College and completed Associate level training in the Orton-Gillingham program. Her experience teaching reading, phonics, and writing makes her an exceptional match for providing SAT and ACT preparation for the Reading and Writing/English sections. Priscilla tutors in both our midtown Raleigh and North Raleigh offices.
Suleman Q., All-Subjects Tutor
Hello! My name is Suleman, and I recently graduated from Stanford with a degree in Bioengineering. I’m an incoming medical student at UNC Chapel-Hill. I’ve tutored STEM-related and test prep subjects since the beginning of my undergrad years, and have a plethora of experience working with all kinds of students, including those with learning disabilities. I have experience teaching middle and high school courses all the way through college-level curriculum. At this point, I have been tutoring for over five years. Beyond tutoring, my professional experiences are broad and diverse. I worked at a medical device startup in San Francisco, contributed to cutting-edge research labs at Stanford, and explored opportunities in biotech venture capital. In my free time, I enjoy MMA, soccer, chess, and reading. ~Suleman tutors in our midtown Raleigh office.
Thomas S., Reading and Writing Specialist
Thomas was born in New England but has lived across North Carolina from his late childhood. He was home-schooled before earning an Associate in Arts degree at Mitchell College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Master of Arts degree in English Literature at Wake Forest University. His critical and creative work has been published while working at each of those institutions, and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Working across the Triangle has afforded him the opportunity to serve students’ needs as a tutor, English instructor, and college admissions advisor. Thomas specializes in rigorous ACT/SAT prep for the English and Reading portions of the tests, as well as in essay writing and preparing personal statements for competitive, rounded applications to students’ programs of choice. In all of his tutoring work, he strives to help students develop long-term skills while working toward their immediate educational goals.
Victor C., All-Subjects Tutor
Victor is a recent graduate of Duke University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. Throughout high school, Victor spent significant time tutoring his fellow peers and classmates in various subjects from AP Calculus to Spanish. While in college, he mentored students in younger classes in an attempt to help them not only become better students but better people while going through college. Ever since tutoring his peers in high school, Victor knew education and helping others has a special place in his heart and is why he is working for Forgione Tutoring. His goal is to help all of his students prepare for the ACT and SAT and help them accomplish their goals. Victor tutors all test prep subjects in our Cary office and virtually, and he helps with a variety of other academic subjects as well.
Cherie Warren, Administrative Assistant
Cherie handles bookkeeping and other administrative tasks for all three of our offices. Originally from New Jersey, she graduated from Virginia Tech in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management and a Global Business Concentration. Her professional work experience ranged from careers in Marketing, Human Resources, and Office and Financial Administration and gained experience in accounting, payroll and general office duties.
About Our Tutors
Our tutors have a wide range of skills and experiences. Our tutors have:
- Taught or tutored for anywhere from 5 – 30 years
- Passed a background screening and reference check
- Scored over a 700 out of an 800 on an SAT screening test in their areas of specialty
- Undergone an initial 10 – 20 hours of training on our curriculum
- Demonstrated that they are dynamic and motivating educators dedicated to helping students succeed
The skills and techniques I teach have a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on a student’s general knowledge and confidence. Incorporated into my lessons are reading, writing, and math fundamentals that provide review and enrichment. Taken into consideration are each child’s unique strengths and abilities, which are used as a foundation for further learning. It is my goal to create a fun and dynamic learning experience that can motivate any child and enhance his or her love of learning. I believe that through the combination of positive thinking and consistent practice, a student can achieve his or her goals.
– Heather Forgione, President of Forgione Tutoring