Therapeutic Tutors

Ms. Alison Pildner received a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Human Development from the University of Chicago and she has completed all of the academic requirements to become a Child Life Specialist. Alison has experience working with children in a variety of settings, including in the classroom, hospital, home, and community. She enjoys combining her knowledge of child development with her skills as a teacher to help her students achieve their goals.

Grace Melon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Roosevelt University and
has extensive experience in both traditional and therapeutic educational settings. She has
worked in a variety of roles, including as a Center Assistant and Tutor at Sylvan Learning
Center, a Student Teacher at Irma C. Ruiz Elementary School, and a Teacher at Adat Ari El
Early Childhood Center. Throughout her career, Grace has prioritized a holistic approach to
teaching, integrating social-emotional learning to support students' mental and emotional
well-being alongside academic success. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and nurturing
environment makes her passionate about helping children build confidence, resilience, and a
love of learning.

Ms. Iesha Polk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Western Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Urban Education from the University of Chicago. Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, she was homeschooled by her mother, who instilled in her the values of faith, community, creativity, and knowledge. Iesha has been in the education field for over 10 years, during which she has taught, volunteered, and worked in after-school and Sunday school programs. She has had the privilege of working with youth from pre-K to high school, as well as adult students. Iesha is passionate about helping people grow, live prosperous lives, and bringing her passion and experience to Smart Love.

Ms. Victoria Roberts received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University. She earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Relay Graduate School of Education in Indianapolis, Indiana. As an Elementary Teacher in a charter school setting, Victoria gained valuable experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who presented with varying physical and behavioral disorders and academic levels. Victoria recognizes that each student is an individual with their own learning pace and style. In addition to academic progress, she empowers students to build a sense of self-worth and confidence. She is excited to join the Smart Love team!

Ms. Jazzmin Torrey holds a Master's of Education in Literacy and Language Arts and two
teaching credentials in Elementary and Special Education from Loyola Marymount University.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from the University of California Los Angeles.
As a Special Education Teacher, Jazzmin has extensive experience working with students of
various academic levels and social/emotional needs as influenced by their life experiences and
neurodiversity. Building a trusting relationship through validation and developing engaging
academic activities grounded in the Universal Design for Learning framework is at the heart of
her approach to working with students.