Meet the Team

  • “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” -Mar 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

  • “I believe every student has the natural curiosity and intuition to be a scientist.”

    I have worked with students from multiple age groups. I started my educational journey as a teaching assistant intern, I then substitute taught at that school for a year and was an educator at a nature summer camp. During Graduate School I student taught Middle school science, and biology at the Syracuse City School District. After graduating I taught a second grade without any experience. Over the summer I tutored students in Earth Science, Biology and Chemistry in summer Academy. I then taught Biology and AP Biology for 3 years at Ithaca High School. Currently I teach Environmental Science, Chemistry, AP Biology and Biology at a boarding school called Besant Hill in Ojai California.

    Subjects:

    • Biology

    • AP Biology

    • Chemistry

    • AP Chemistry

    • Earth Science

    • Environmental Science

    • AP Environmental Science

    Age Specialization:

    • High School

    Education:

    • Masters | Science Education and Teaching

    • Bachelors | Biology

    Teaching since 2020

Emma Clark, Language Arts & Mathematics tutor smiling by a lake.

  • “One of the goals of education is not simply to fill students with facts and information but to help them learn how to learn” - Zaretta Hammond

    Hi! My name is Emma and I’m so excited to be on the Open Horizons team. I specialize in supporting diverse learners develop and deepen their reading, writing, and math skills. I am a credentialed Education Specialist in California and Colorado and currently teach at a K-8 inquiry-based learning school in San Francisco. My approach is individualized, collaborative, and multisensory. I prioritize getting to know my students as whole people before honing in on our learning plan, which we’ll develop based on each student’s strengths and goals. My pedagogy is rooted in research-based and culturally sustaining practices. I strive to bring energy, clarity, and celebration to my work with each student. Outside of teaching, you’ll find me running , skiing, and exploring the amazing food scene the Bay Area has to offer!

    Subjects:

    • English Language Arts

    • Elementary Mathematics

    • Middle School Mathematics

    • Algebra

    Age Specialization:

    • Elementary - Junior High

    • Emphasis in grades 5-6

    Education:

    • Masters | Educational Psychology and Instructional Coaching from University of Wisconsin - Madison (in progress)

    • Bachelors | Cognitive Science from UC Berkeley

    • California K-12 Learning Specialist credential

    • Colorado K-12 teaching credential

    Tutoring since 2020
    Teaching since 2022

Math tutor Riya Burke smiling with her dog Archie.

  • Hey! My name is Riya Burke. I am currently a Math Teacher at Ithaca High School in Ithaca, New York. Over the years, I've taught several courses including Algebra 1, Geometry, Intermediate Algebra, Academic Intervention, Personal Finance, and AVID. I graduated from Utica University with a bachelor's degree in Math Education and Special Education, and I hold a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashford University.

    I specialize in Elementary, Junior High, and various High School Math courses. I also have experience preparing students for the SAT and can assist with cover letters, resumes, and college preparation.

    In my free time, I enjoy going for walks with my dog, Archie, cooking, and reading. Each year, I set a goal to read 100 books! Archie is a therapy dog, so we often visit nursing homes and academic events to spread happiness.

    Subjects:

    • Mathematics

    • Elementary Mathematics

    • Middle School Mathematics

    • Algebra

    • Algebra 2

    • Personal Finance

    • Intermediate Algebra

    • Geometry

    Age Specialization:

    • Elementary - High School

    Education:

    • Masters | Curriculum and Instruction

    • Bachelors | Math 7-12

    • Bachelors | Special Education 7-12

    Teaching since 2019

Join our team

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.