D’Andre Williams holds a B.A. in Computer Science, earned through a dual program at Rutgers Newark and NJIT. With a strong foundation in academic and practical applications of technology, D’Andre began his career as a software engineer in the financial services industry. In this role, he contributed to developing software systems that help clear securities trades in the market while mitigating risk. His work focused on creating complex algorithms that ensure seamless transactions and maintain stability within financial markets.

While continuing to work as a software engineer, D’Andre also returned to tutoring to share their passion for technology, mathematics, and problem-solving with others.

D’Andre has a wide range of interests, including robotics, mathematics, and chess. He enjoys exploring how these fields intersect with computer science and seeking new challenges to tackle, whether developing innovative software or engaging in strategic chess games. Through his work at PEP, D’Andre strives to inspire others to pursue life-long learning.

An accomplished and entrepreneurial educator, Asha von Liebtag creates academic coaching and college essay curricula to assist high school seniors in transitioning into thriving college students. She holds a B.A. in English and an Ed.M. in English Education from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Asha also holds an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Ramapo College.

Asha served over a decade teaching English literature curriculum in Blue Ribbon schools in New Jersey. She works at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education as a teacher portfolio coach, evaluating English teacher portfolios and enabling aspiring teachers to become certified by the state. With over 15 years in education, she founded Lit to Liberate LLC, an educational consulting business providing English tutoring and academic coaching for high school and college students. Asha believes that the PEP Program catalyzes generational change; it wields the power to spark new cultural legacies and dares students to fulfill destinies their parents could only dream of. She loves that PEP is a game-changer!

With 35 years of experience in middle school and college classrooms, Leslie Smith brings a wealth of knowledge and insight as an English and social studies tutor. She holds a B.A. in History and Economics and an M.A. in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from the College of St. Elizabeth. Leslie also holds an M.B.A. in Business Administration and Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

A long-time faculty member at Oak Knoll School, she is in her 12th year with the PEP Program. She finds her work with PEP students a source of absolute joy and feels honored to help them on their journey to success.

Bart Sayre holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Wesleyan University and an M.S. in Information Science from Stevens Institute of Technology. He is a retired information technology professional, having started his career as a computer programmer and transitioning to business intelligence, first with Barnes & Noble’s online unit and then at SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Since retiring, Bart has worked as a middle school math tutor and tutored the R programming language online. He loves math and enjoys researching R programming topics related to statistics and data visualization. A longtime Summit resident, Bart recently earned a HarvardX Data Science Professional Certificate. He particularly enjoys it when students experience clarity and understand something they did not just moments earlier.

Allinda O’Leary has been an educator for over 25 years, spending the last 15 years at the PEP Program as an English and language arts tutor. She brings a wealth of experience as an elementary and middle school teacher to her work at PEP.

Allinda earned a B.A. from The College of New Jersey and an M.S. in Education from Grand Canyon University. Her favorite part of working at PEP is watching the students grow and progress as scholars from middle school through college graduation.

With over 20 years of experience, Denell Marsh is an esteemed educator, academic advisor, and social studies tutor at the PEP Program. She has a passion for igniting the spark of knowledge within young minds.

Denell’s experience has significantly impacted her students’ success in college and beyond. She believes a strong academic foundation and student empowerment are essential to college success. Denell holds a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Geology and Anthropology from Colby College and her Master’s in History from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Denell appreciates PEP because it gives students the support they need to be well-rounded and knowledgeable.

With a professional background spanning 7 years as a health and physical education teacher, science and math in-class support educator, and varsity coach, David Leventhal combines a rich array of teaching and coaching experiences in his work as an academic coach. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from the University at Albany, State University of New York, and an M.S. in Health Education from The Sage Colleges in Troy, New York.

A long-term special education substitute and inclusion aide at Summit High School, David is pursuing New Jersey certifications in middle school mathematics, science, and physical education/health. He finds great purpose in supporting PEP students’ pursuit of their goals inside and outside the classroom.

With over 10 years of experience in education, Zlata Danese is dedicated to helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as an academic coach. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from William Paterson University, an M.A. in Special Education from Kean University, and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. Zlata is also certified in psychology, special education, and science.

As a special education teacher in the West Essex Regional School District, Zlata works with students to master strategies and enhance their approach to studying and managing academic content. She welcomes opportunities to collaborate with committed educators to positively and meaningfully impact students’ lives.

Winnie Caetta is a knowledgeable and skilled educator. She brings 20 years of experience and a love of learning to her academic coach and English/history tutor roles at the PEP Program. She earned B.A. degrees in Political Science and Sociology from Douglass College and Education and English from Caldwell University. Winnie also holds M.S. degrees in Education from Caldwell University and Educational Technology and Administration from Ramapo University.

She has taught all English and history classes at Summit High School and provided in-class support in English, history, and science courses. For the last 18 years, Winnie has also been the faculty advisor to the Student Council. She enjoys watching students discover their hidden talents and stretching their known talents. At PEP, she loves the sense of family that comes with getting to know every student in a safe environment that allows for growth and new endeavors.

Jaymar Bugg brings over 20 years of teaching experience to his work as a science and math tutor at the PEP Program. He earned a B.S. in General Science from Morehouse College and a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

After two years as an environmental engineer, Jay joined the Science Department as a physical science teacher at Montclair High School, where he teaches chemistry, physics, geoscience, and astronomy. He is one of the longest-tenured tutors at PEP; his ongoing commitment is rooted in the sense of family and meaningful connections he has developed with PEP students.