Meet Our Team
Leadership
Lissa Steele
Lissa Steele is the co-founder and senior leader at Luminus Prep. An honors graduate of both Yale College and Yale Law School, she began her career as an attorney at Skadden Arps LLP, where she practiced law for ten years before transitioning into education.
For over a decade, Lissa has advised families on independent school, college, and graduate school admissions, combining legal precision with deep insight into the academic landscape.
At Luminus Prep, she personally manages a full roster of clients while directing the strategic vision of the practice. Though supported by a small team of award-winning journalists and editors, she remains the primary point of contact for every family she serves.
Based locally and deeply connected in the community, Lissa has helped hundreds of students find the right academic path. Her guidance is shaped not only by her professional expertise but also by her personal experience as a parent. Her children attended Brown University for their undergraduate studies and NYU Law for graduate school. Lissa has served as a Yale alumni interviewer and has been an active volunteer with the Yale Alumni Fund for over 20 years.
Leadership
John Murphy
John Murphy is the co-founder and lead instructor at Luminus Prep. A graduate of Dartmouth College and The Lawrenceville School, he also holds a Business Certificate from Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies.
John scored in the 99th percentile on both the SAT and the GMAT, bringing firsthand insight into elite test-taking strategy. He began his career in management consulting before transitioning into education and test preparation.
At Luminus Prep, John developed the company’s proprietary SAT and ACT teaching systems, which are now used by tutors across the practice. He has personally worked with hundreds of students, delivering targeted instruction that blends analytical precision with individualized support. In addition to his work with students, John leads the hiring, training, and mentorship of the broader tutoring team.
Writing Team
Claire Callahan
Claire Callahan is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and completed a thesis in creative writing as part of her English degree. During her time at Dartmouth, she served as a tutor at the college’s writing center, helping students across disciplines strengthen their composition and analytical writing skills.
One of her own college essays was featured in Best College Essays 2018: America’s Best College Admissions Essays, and she continues to specialize in helping students find their authentic voice through personal statements and supplemental essays.
Claire brings a sharp editorial eye and a deep appreciation for storytelling to her work with Luminus Prep. Her experience in both tutoring and publishing allows her to provide students with feedback that is both swift and precise. She now lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she works in the publishing industry.
Writing Team
Amanda Fortini
Amanda Fortini is a nationally recognized journalist and writing instructor with bylines in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The New Republic, The Paris Review, New York Magazine, Slate, and Salon, among many others. She has served as an editor at Mirabella, The New York Review of Books, and Slate, and was the William Kittredge Visiting Professor at the University of Montana. Amanda’s work has been widely anthologized, including in Best American Political Writing and Best of Slate, and she was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Journalism Award.
She earned her degree in English Literature, summa cum laude, from Harvard University. In addition to her editorial work, Amanda has taught journalism at the college level and led advanced writing workshops. Her recent essays have focused on life and culture in Las Vegas, including a widely praised cover story for California Sunday and multiple features for The New Yorker. At Luminus Prep, she brings literary depth, journalistic discipline, and editorial precision to every student essay she reviews.
Instructor
Sophia Decherney
Sophia Decherney is a graduate of Brown University, where she earned a degree in Philosophy with a perfect 4.0 GPA and served as Editor in Chief of A Priori, Brown’s undergraduate philosophy journal. She is currently pursuing her JD at Stanford Law School, where she brings intellectual rigor and a passion for mentorship to her legal studies and her work with students.
Sophia specializes in standardized test preparation across the SAT, ACT, and LSAT, as well as advanced writing instruction. She scored a 174 on the LSAT and has guided students to success on the logical reasoning and reading comprehension sections through personalized, strategy-based coaching. On the SAT and ACT, she has helped students achieve 1500+ SAT scores and 34+ ACT scores, consistently producing triple-digit improvements in reading and writing performance through structured, individualized lesson plans.
Her published work includes contributions to the Encyclopedia Britannica, and she brings polish, depth, and clarity to every student interaction.
Instructor
Eliotte Garling
Eliotte Garling is a doctoral candidate in Microbiology at the University of California, Berkeley, where she conducts research as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Reed College and has over nine years of experience as a mentor, teacher, and tutor in a wide range of academic settings.
Eliotte has worked extensively with students in Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Writing, as well as in SAT and ACT preparation, tailoring her instruction to meet each learner’s individual goals. She is especially skilled at helping students strengthen their test-taking strategies, master challenging content, and build the confidence needed for success in high-stakes exams.
Whether guiding high school students through test prep, writing, or advanced STEM coursework, Eliotte brings patience, precision, and a deep commitment to helping students succeed.
Instructor
Peixi Ge
Peixi Ge is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, where she earned a dual degree in Public Health Studies and Molecular and Cellular Biology with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She scored a 523 on the MCAT, placing her in the 99th percentile, and now serves as a lead MCAT tutor at Luminus Prep.
Peixi specializes in all sections of the MCAT, with a particular focus on CARS and science reasoning. She develops customized study plans, guides students through targeted review and mock exams, and has helped students reach breakthrough scores on both their first and subsequent attempts. In addition to her MCAT work, Peixi tutors AP Biology and AP Chemistry, drawing on her own perfect scores and classroom experience to help students earn 5s.
She is also President of the JHU Medical Ethics Panel, where she leads discussions on complex medical and bioethical topics. Her calm demeanor, sharp intellect, and exceptional teaching ability make her one of Luminus most in-demand instructors.
Instructor
Ryan Knapp
Ryan Knapp is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his degree in Molecular Environmental Biology. He has extensive experience tutoring SAT and ACT students across a wide range of abilities and has worked with over 100 students to date.
In addition to standardized test preparation, Ryan teaches AP-level Biology, Calculus, and Physics, helping students build both subject mastery and confidence. His approach is clear, encouraging, and highly adaptable to different learning styles.
Originally from the West Coast, Ryan recently relocated to Chicago, where he continues his work as an educator. He is known for building rapport with students and helping them reach their academic goals.
Instructor
Olivia Lew
Olivia Lew is a graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, where she earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering. She currently works as a biomedical engineer in the medtech industry, contributing to research and development in surgical planning systems and orthopedic technologies.
At Luminus Prep, Olivia helps students prepare for the SAT and ACT, as well as AP-level coursework in Calculus and Physics. She brings a structured, engaging teaching style that makes complex concepts approachable for students across ability levels. Olivia’s passion for teaching began as a martial arts instructor, and she continues to combine discipline, encouragement, and clarity in her academic work with students.
Instructor
Nikita Mishra
Nikita Mishra is a dual-degree MD/PhD student at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University, with a deep academic background in bioengineering and biochemistry. She holds an M.S. in Bioengineering from Stanford University and a B.S. in Biochemistry from California State University, Los Angeles.
Nikita has over five years of experience tutoring high school and college students in Math and Science, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, and AP Physics. She also works with students preparing for the SAT and ACT, helping them strengthen foundational skills while building long-term academic confidence. In addition to tutoring, Nikita has conducted research at Stanford, MD Anderson, and Calico Life Sciences, and has published multiple peer-reviewed papers in molecular biology and biomedical engineering.
Nikita brings a rigorous, student-centered approach to her teaching, supporting learners who are preparing for advanced STEM courses, competitive exams, and future careers in science and medicine.
Instructor
Ariya Patel
Ariya Patel is an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania, where she combines coursework in neuroscience and computer science with active research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She was selected as a Fellow at the university’s elite Marks Family Writing Center, where she ranked in the top 1 percent of her Critical Writing Seminar cohort and received advanced training in writing pedagogy.
At Luminus Prep, Ariya works with students on SAT and ACT preparation as well as AP subjects in STEM fields. She brings a balance of intellect, empathy, and focus to every student relationship, tailoring lessons to meet both academic goals and individual learning styles.
Her experience as a writing mentor and scientific researcher informs her ability to coach students with both technical precision and effective communication.
Instructor
Allison Peterson Yan
Allison Peterson Yan is a resident physician in Internal Medicine with a distinguished academic background that includes Harvard University, Oxford University, and The Ohio State University College of Medicine. She has over six years of experience as a tutor and teaching fellow, working with students in Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, and Mandarin Chinese.
At Luminus Prep, Allison helps students prepare for the SAT, ACT, and AP-level science courses, with a particular talent for making challenging material accessible and engaging. She has taught in both large classroom settings and one-on-one environments, combining structure and clarity with warmth and encouragement.
Her broad academic experience and calm, thoughtful teaching style make her a trusted guide for students aiming for top performance in science and standardized testing.
Instructor
William Russell
William Russell is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned a B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering with a 3.99 GPA and a perfect 2400 on the SAT. He brings a unique combination of academic excellence, military leadership, and scientific research to his work as an instructor.
Before joining Luminus Prep, William served as a Ranger-trained Army medical sergeant, leading medical teams in high-pressure environments and completing elite programs including Ranger School and the Best Ranger Competition. He has conducted oncology research in the University of Michigan’s NOBEL Lab and worked in the biotech industry, focusing on preventative maintenance for laboratory systems.
At Luminus Prep, William tutors students in standardized test preparation as well as AP-level Math and Science courses. His disciplined approach, calm presence, and dedication to student success make him a valued mentor for students pursuing competitive academic and testing goals.
Instructor
Joseph Tauzin
Joseph Tauzin is a data scientist at JP Morgan Chase and a graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a B.A. in Economics with coursework in econometrics, linear algebra, and multivariable calculus.
Joseph has over six years of experience tutoring students in standardized tests and high school academics including Calculus and Economics. His approach combines analytical precision with a strong sense of structure and empathy, helping students not only improve scores but also develop confidence and independence.
At Luminus Prep, Joseph brings deep subject knowledge, cross-functional experience, and a commitment to student outcomes. Whether preparing for a high-stakes entrance exam or mastering AP-level material, his students benefit from a data-driven, goal-oriented tutoring style.
Athletic Advisor
Severin Gramm
Severin Gramm is a professional sailor with extensive experience in high-performance racing, including participation in the America’s Cup. He competed at the collegiate level with Brown University’s sailing team, where he developed as both a team racer and fleet tactician.
After college, Severin transitioned into high-speed multihull and skiff sailing, favoring boats that demand precision, agility, and strategic thinking. He has achieved top results in the F18 class, winning multiple European and World Championship titles and establishing himself among the world’s elite multihull sailors.
Today, Severin continues to race professionally while mentoring young athletes. As an athletic advisor at Luminus Prep, he offers students insight into the world of competitive sailing and supports their development through strategic guidance and personal mentorship.
Athletic Advisor
Randi Marcon
Randi Marcon is a former collegiate ice hockey standout with extensive experience competing at the highest levels of women’s hockey. She played at Quinnipiac University, where she established herself as a dynamic forward, earning ECAC Rookie of the Month honors and contributing consistently throughout her four-year career.
Before Quinnipiac, Randi captained Team Manitoba at the Canada Winter Games and competed at national and international levels, earning medals at prestigious tournaments such as the Female World Sport School Challenge. In addition to hockey, she was a multisport athlete, winning provincial championships in softball and competing three times in national championships.
Today, Randi draws on her background as a Division I athlete and team leader to mentor the next generation of student-athletes. As an athletic advisor at Luminus Prep, she offers students guidance on balancing academic and athletic excellence, navigating the recruiting process, and building the resilience and character that elite programs demand
Athletic Advisor
Andrew Towers
Andrew Towers is a nationally recognized figure in the lacrosse world, known for his decorated playing career, extensive coaching experience, and ongoing work guiding student-athletes through the college recruiting process.
A New Canaan native and member of the Connecticut Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Andrew played at Brown University, where he was a two-time First Team All-American and the 1993 Ivy League Player of the Year. He still holds Brown’s records for single-season and career goals.
Following a successful professional career in both indoor and outdoor lacrosse, Andrew spent over 15 years coaching Division I college lacrosse, including head coaching roles at Dartmouth and the University of Hartford and assistant positions at Yale, Brown, and Fairfield.
Today, he runs a private consulting practice focused on lacrosse recruiting and development. As a strategic partner with Luminus Prep, Andrew brings elite insight, national connections, and unmatched experience to help student-athletes and their families navigate the college recruiting landscape with confidence.
Counseling
Penelope Wilson
Penelope Wilson is a licensed clinical social worker in Connecticut and New York with more than two decades of experience supporting students and families through academic, emotional, and personal challenges.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Tufts University, a master’s in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a master’s in social work from Simmons School of Social Work.
Penny’s professional background includes college counseling roles at Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Lehman College, as well as clinical positions at McLean Hospital, the MIT Counseling Center, and leading outpatient programs in New York and Boston.
At Luminus Prep, Penny serves as a trusted referral partner, helping students manage anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and performance pressure with warmth, insight, and expert care.