Meet the Team
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“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” - Albert Einstein
Hi! My name is Jonathan Wilcox, founder of Open Horizons Tutoring.
I believe learning is a journey. The most meaningful education happens when students have the time, encouragement, and individualized support to discover how they learn best and grow with confidence.
I was the kind of student who had to work hard to figure out how I learned best, and that experience helps me empathize with students who are still finding their own approach to learning.
I enjoy helping students build both academic skills and confidence, whether we're navigating a challenging math course, preparing for the SAT or ACT, developing stronger study habits, or figuring out how to approach problems that once felt overwhelming.
Every student’s path looks a little different, and I’m honored to be a guide along the way. My goal is not only to help students succeed in the class or test in front of them, but also to help them develop the confidence and independence to discover what matters to them and chart their own path forward.
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, surfing, camping, playing music, and spending time outdoors.
Subjects:
Pre-Algebra
Algebra
Algebra 2
Geometry
Algebra ¾ Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
SAT & ACT Prep
English & Language Arts
Executive Function Coaching
Study Skills & Academic Organization
Age Specialization:
Middle School through College
High School SAT & ACT Prep
Education:
B.A. in Communication Studies, Westmont College
Tutoring since 2007
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"It is helpful to have a variety of different approaches... we can then make a joint effort to solve the problems of the whole of humankind." - The 14th Dalai Lama
Hello! My name is Jacob O'Mordha (O-MORE-DUH), and I am excited to be a part of both the Open Horizons team and our students' academic journey!
My journey with teaching started in middle school when I tested in a lower math class than expected. In high school, I found that if nothing changed, I would never complete Calculus before college. However, being inspired by some incredible teachers, I stayed persistent, and just before the next year, I tested out of Algebra 2 and later completed Calculus. This is why I look forward to guiding my students to achieve their math education goals and fostering their academic ambition.
I completed my Bachelor's with dual majors in Applied Mathematics and Philosophy in 2022 and became TEFL-certified to teach English as a foreign language in 2023. I taught at Mathnasium as the Assistant Center Director from 2023 to 2024, and have been teaching English in South Korea from 2024 to 2026. I will be attending USC in 2027 to pursue my Master's in Applied Data Science.
My strength as a teacher revolves around two points. First, prioritizing strong rapport by taking a conversational tone while teaching to reduce stress and encourage student participation. Second, valuing different perspectives. A teaching method or explanation for one student may not work for another student. I aim to be flexible in teaching to adapt to my students' needs and perspectives.
Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, running, and reading!Subjects:
Foundational Math
Algebra
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
SAT/ACT Math
Age Specialization:
Elementary
Junior High
High School
College
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Philosophy
TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Teaching since 2023
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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ― Nelson Mandela
Hi my name is Leif Kylander; I’m currently working toward my Mechanical Engineering degree at Colorado School of Mines. I have always had a passion for creation and innovation, especially as a tool for learning. I have enjoyed educating others since becoming a STEM counselor in middle school and I haven't looked back, taking this interest from becoming a TA to teaching pole vault for a year. Outside of the classroom I am an avid outdoor enthusiast, with my favorite hobbies including skiing, mountain biking, and climbing.
Subjects:Algebra
Geometry
Trig./Precalc
Calculus I, II, III
Physics
AP Physics
Engineering
CAD
Computer Science
SAT / ACT Prep
Age Specialization:
High School
Education:
Bachelors | Mechanical Engineering in Progress
Tutoring since 2026
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“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” -Mark Van Doren
Hi there, my name is Dela. I currently live in Santa Barbara, CA where I was born and raised. I work as an Applications Engineer for a silicone manufacturer where I specialize in materials used in medical devices. I have a passion for science and innovation, especially when it comes to making medical discoveries to better people’s lives. I am lucky enough to help students with grasping difficult concepts in chemistry and biology while using real life example to help keep learning interesting and fun! Outside of work I enjoy spending time in nature with my family, enjoying the beach and the mountains that surround us here. I am also a new mom and love seeing my son discover the world around him!
Subjects:Biology
AP Biology
College level Biology
Chemistry
AP Chemistry
College level Chemistry
Age Specialization:
High School
College level general chemistry and biology
College level organic chemistry
Education:
Masters | Materials Engineering
Bachelors | Chemistry
Bachelors | Health Science
Tutoring since 2023
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“I can accept failure….but I can’t accept not trying - Michael Jordan
Hi, my name is CJ Morgan, and I’m committed to helping students succeed with a personalized curriculum! I work as a civil engineer in Santa Barbara, where I live with my wife and young son. I graduated from UCSB with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry, with upper-division coursework in History, and am currently working toward a Professional Engineer license in Civil Engineering. It’s a personal passion of mine to learn about history by reading extensive historical texts in my free time and traveling to historical sites across the world.
Subjects:
History
Chemistry (High school through college)
Mathematics
Physics
Age Specialization:
High School and college
Education:
Bachelors | Chemistry from UCSB
Civil Engineer in Training Certificate
Tutoring since 2025
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“Pergo et Perago” ~ “I undertake, therefore I achieve”
I am Nicholas Kazaoka, and it is my privilege to be a part of the Open Horizons team as a science and mathematics tutor.
I graduated from UCSD with a B.S. in Chemistry and have about 6 years experience in research and development. I am currently a chemist pursuing my passion in R&D for materials used in medical devices. This interdisciplinary work draws on a diverse background which I am thrilled to be sharing with young academics.
My focus is in fostering understanding of complex topics when rote memorization may fail. I deeply value each individual’s unique mind, and seek to accommodate this in whichever way I may to achieve a breakthrough.
Beyond my work I love to learn and apply my learnings in geology and natural sciences. And anything outside from hiking, biking, camping, skiing; you name it, I’ve given it a shot.
Subjects:Chemistry
AP Chemistry
Biology
AP Biology
Physics
AP Physics
AP Environmental Sciences
Algebra
Geometry
Trig./Precalc
Calculus I, II, III
Age Specialization:
High School
College level general chemistry and biology
College level organic chemistry
Education:
Bachelors | Chemistry
Tutoring since 2022
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If you’re passionate about education, believe in helping students where they are in their journey, and want to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you. Join a supportive team dedicated to opening doors and expanding horizons, one student at a time.
