We are Test Innovators, a team of educators and technologists dedicated to helping students succeed on standardized tests. We believe that standardized test-taking is a skill you can learn, which will open doors to new opportunities throughout your life. Our decades of experience with test writing and tutoring, combined with our dedication to finding the best technological solutions, provide students with an unparalleled test preparation experience. We believe that with the right tools, a personalized learning path, plenty of practice, and support throughout the process, every student can reach their fullest potential, and find the test preparation process fulfilling rather than stressful.
Our Team
Edan Shahar
Chief Executive OfficerEdan Shahar, co-founder and CEO of Test Innovators, has extensive experience in the realms of technology and education. He has founded several technology companies which turn data into actionable insights. In founding Test Innovators, Edan combines his love of education with a passion for using technology and data to create superior methods to improve student learning.
Dan Cantor
Chief Technology OfficerDan Cantor, co-founder and lead developer of Test Innovators, has been building web platforms since his childhood. His love of technology is only matched by his love of mathematics. When he's not working to improve the Test Innovators' platform, you might find Dan at home solving advanced algebra questions. He is thrilled to be leading Test Innovators' innovation into a bright future.
Brenna O'Neill
PresidentBrenna brings to Test Innovators an intimate knowledge of private schools, standardized tests, and the admissions process. Her experience in math, English, and test prep education helps to improve student learning and inform product development at Test Innovators. Brenna is excited to ensure every student’s success through building excellent educational content, resources, programs, and tools.
Ben Hoglund
Director of Sales and Business DevelopmentBen Hoglund comes to Test Innovators after several years building relationships with schools, while working at WhippleHill Communications and Blackbaud. Ben is passionate about helping schools solve their problems using the latest technology available. When he's not on the road visiting campuses, Ben spends time in the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire with his wife Avery and their four young children, Harper, Taft, Baird, and Henley.
Geoff Dennis
Director of OperationsGeoff joined Test Innovators in 2014 and has managed the company’s operations ever since. A self-proclaimed standardized test aficionado, Geoff has years of experience in both the elementary education and online technology fields. He brings a passion for high-quality client experience, a knack for content creation, and a dedication to helping students reach their full potential.
Laurie Geromini
Director of PlacementLaurie brings thirty years of independent school admissions and placement experience to Test Innovators. She has served as Director of Admissions, Director of Financial Assistance, and Director of Secondary School Counseling in a variety of K-12 environments, including boarding and day schools. Laurie understands both sides of the application journey, and is dedicated to getting to the heart of each applicant’s unique qualities and enhancing the admissions experience for families.
Celena Alduenda
Director of MarketingCelena’s love of learning led her to earn a degree in elementary education with a reading specialist endorsement. Teaching first grade ignited in her a desire to make a widespread impact on education. Celena’s passion for education and excitement for ways technology can optimize learning led her to join Test Innovators. She brings to the team an enthusiasm for working with people, a passion for education, and a desire to create awareness and acceptance through learning.
Harish Puvvada
Software EngineerHarish holds a master’s degree in computer engineering from NYU. From a young age, he has had a passion for everything related to computers, learning about them from the inside out, from basic analog circuits to complex web development. His experience and knowledge of computing systems gives him unique insight as he helps Test Innovators develop groundbreaking educational tools.
Matt DeCosta
Software Engineering ManagerMatt is a 15 year veteran of enterprise software development, with a focus towards information security and external systems integrations throughout the past decade. Drawing from his experience as the pet-parent of two cats, he is able to herd unruly requirements into sensible and well architected solutions.
Jorge Garza
Operations & Product ManagerJorge has spent his career learning new things and helping others learn them better. As a course developer at Noble Desktop, he developed workbooks that taught students the skills they needed to succeed in the computer graphics field. Recently at StoryCorps, he trained staff on how to record archive quality conversations for preservation at the Library of Congress. A graduate of NYU’s Kanbar Institute of Film and Television, Jorge uses his passion for storytelling to find innovative ways to help students learn.
Nick Bouldien
Software EngineerNick has a degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering from The University of Tennessee, but had always wanted to work with technology and therefore decided to change career paths and become a software engineer / web developer in 2017. He has a passion for continuous learning and enjoys working on educational tools that allow students to succeed.
Jeremiah Black
Software EngineerJeremiah is a self-taught software engineer, building his own applications for 10 years before joining the Test Innovators team. He is always trying to find new ways to reinforce his skills and is currently attending TMCC for a degree in computer science. Jeremiah brings with him a strong desire to help others in their pursuits of growth and learning!
Steph Wang
Operations CoordinatorSteph graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in English literature and a minor in linguistics. She is an experienced editor and writer, and she has helped people improve their own writing skills when she worked as a writing tutor. Her love of language and movies led her to work in media localization for a few years, but she is now happy to return to her passion for education and helping others!
Sara Laszlo
Marketing SpecialistSara brings nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring and test preparation to Test Innovators. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.
James McKenney
Education Operations CoordinatorJames is a born leader with experience in human resources, sales, operational management, tutoring, and analytical R&D laboratory work. He believes that the best leaders are teachers at heart; demonstrating excellence by what they say and what they show. Test Innovators is all about meeting students where they are while providing the tools for success. James is privileged to handle such a responsibility and is excited to serve your family.
Nik Shoen
Operations CoordinatorNik graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science. He has always had a passion for helping others achieve their goals. He is particularly interested in creating efficiencies for students by using technology to improve learning. Nik brings unmatched, personalized customer service and a commitment to empowering students with the tools they need to succeed.
Allison Lackey
Account ManagerAllison has been an educator for students ranging from middle school to university-level in a variety of settings including public, private, and charter schools. Her passion for educational equity started as a student, and took off during her time with Teach For America (STL ‘10). She brings a passion for building relationships as Account Manager for our school partnerships. She has an M.Ed. and lives on the Space Coast of Florida with her husband and three kids.
Jeremy Crook
Software EngineerJeremy graduated with a bachelor's degree in computer science from Florida State University. He has been leveraging technology since grade school, using calculators to turn math and stats classes into programming classes. He brings to the team extensive experience with entrepreneurial software development and a passion for creating quality customer experiences.
Amanda Eakin
Operations AssociateAmanda graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in education, language arts, and creative writing. She taught English before transitioning to a consumer relations role, earning a senior position at a Fortune 500 company. She became responsible for training the customer service team while also developing a quality program to encourage continuous improvement. She has come full circle by returning to the education world and is thrilled to help Test Innovators continue to serve its clients with the dedication and attention they deserve.
Anitah Kiombe
Operations AssociateAnitah has a passion for learning and has always enjoyed conveying knowledge to students. She has worked with individuals ranging from preschool students in a Montessori setting to elementary and college students. She holds a bachelor's degree in Hispanic Studies from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree in global studies and international relations from Northeastern University. She hopes to instill a sense of confidence in scholars as they improve their test preparation skills.
Kelcie McLain-Midkiff
Operations AssociateKelcie graduated summa cum laude from Northern Arizona University with a B.S.Ed. in Elementary and Special Education. Her experience as an education specialist and program coordinator in the K-8 school setting fueled her passion for helping students reach their highest potential in school and beyond. Kelcie has helped hundreds of students set, monitor, and achieve individualized academic goals and thrives on improving children’s access to a quality education through innovative tools and technology.
Eichelle Messana
Operations AssociateEichelle is a passionate problem-solver who values compassion and learning. She received bachelor’s degrees in Theatre and English from Arizona State University. She spent many years supporting language learners from all over the world. Bringing a fun cheerleader style to her ESL and literacy lessons helped inspire her students to be gentle on themselves and gain confidence in their skills. She is so excited to continue working with students and educators through helpful, attentive support.
Griffin Pierce
Operations AssociateGriffin graduated from the University of Northern Colorado (go Bears) with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Minor in Music. He has a love of learning, having worked as a high school percussion instructor and an elementary school computer/library teacher before shifting into the Ed Tech space. He is passionate about helping others and finding equitable solutions to problems. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two cats.
Allison Goetz
Operations AssociateAllison joins Test Innovators with a passion for learning and a genuine desire to help others. With nearly a decade of experience working in the fields of higher ed and study abroad, she has witnessed the many doors that a quality education can open. She is thrilled to support the fostering of students’ academic skills and readiness for tests that can no doubt open doors to new possibilities. Allison earned both an MBA and a bachelor’s in art therapy from Arcadia University.
Sophie Brenner
Marketing AssociateSophie holds bachelor's degrees in Rhetoric & Writing and Conversational Artificial Intelligence from the University of Texas. With a passion for design, equal opportunity, and student success, she envisions a future where technology and education seamlessly intertwine. Leveraging her unique background, Sophie works with her team to blend creativity and strategy together to drive impactful marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.
Joe Neary
Account ExecutiveJoe has years of professional experience in both software sales and college teaching. He applies his passion for both education and technology to his role on the Sales team at Test Innovators, where he is responsible for driving new business. He holds a BA in English from The Ohio State University and an MBA from The University of Akron.
Marina Flider
Academic SpecialistMarina has a decade of experience teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students in a variety of academic settings and subjects. She earned her Ph.D. in comparative literature at the University of Texas at Austin, where she discovered education to be her passion. Since then, she has taught college classes, developed and piloted middle school humanities curricula, and tutored test prep. Marina loves honing students’ unique talents and equipping them with tailored skills that will allow them to succeed.
Erin Lynch
Academic SpecialistErin holds two master’s degrees, and has worked with individuals ranging from kindergarteners to college students. Over the last several years, she has had the opportunity to teach test prep in a variety of settings, as well as working as a private tutor, college instructor, and teaching artist. She has a passion for working with children to build on their unique strengths, and is thrilled to use her range of skills and preparation to empower each individual student.
Matthew Farrell
Academic SpecialistMatthew is a seasoned ISEE and SSAT tutor with training in a variety of subjects. He has a passion for working with children to build on their unique strengths, and is thrilled to use his range of skills to empower each individual student. Employing a patient and empathetic approach, he is always eager to work with new students and loves watching as they reach new heights. Matthew is a graduate of University of Notre Dame, and his other passions include writing, making music, and exploring the outdoors.
Allison Ko
Academic SpecialistAllison graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She is currently a master's of science candidate at the University of Washington, where she is studying speech-language pathology. Allison has been an ISEE and SSAT tutor for four years, during which she taught students in individual and group settings. Her students have ranged from elementary to high school students, with a broad range of talents and skills, including students that are gifted as well as those with special needs.
Erin McCoy
Academic SpecialistErin L. McCoy holds an MFA in Poetry and an MA in Hispanic Studies from the University of Washington. She has won nearly two dozen awards in photojournalism, and she is the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship, among other awards. Erin is an experienced ISEE and SSAT tutor, who has worked with students of all ages in countries across the world. Erin has been a test prep tutor for over ten years, and enjoys applying her expertise to the needs and goals of her individual students.
Lauren Wooley
Academic SpecialistLauren has been teaching for more than a decade, from individual tutorials and sessions to larger class lectures and media labs. Her passions for education, math, and music guide her as an educator to facilitate communication and learning across disciplines. In her work, she strives to promote a culture of critical engagement and curiosity and to develop curriculum and pedagogical models that speak to individual students. Lauren has a BA in Mathematics from Vassar College and an MA in Music from UC San Diego.
David Ferrari
Academic SpecialistDavid has over a thousand hours of online tutoring experience and many more in person. He has a passion for math and holds a degree in physics, but equally loves working with students to master reading and writing skills. His years of expertise in standardized test preparation ensure that every student gains the tools they need to succeed. David enjoys the process of learning about each individual student's goals and working hard together to achieve them.
Zach Moody
Academic SpecialistZach realized that teaching would be his calling while working as a tutor and teaching assistant in the biology and chemistry departments at Swarthmore College. Always keen to explore, he spent 6 years teaching in classrooms across Vietnam and Korea. Zach tailors lessons to each student's specific needs, leveraging technology to teach test-specific skills and imbue each and every student with greater confidence.
Nora Martin
Co-Founder & AdvisorNora Martin is a co-founder of Test Innovators and an experienced standardized test prep instructor and tutor for the ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, PSAT, SAT, and ACT. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University, and, since 2007, has specialized in creating test preparation materials for school entrance exams. She currently offers test preparation coaching in the Seattle area.
Joanne Cheng
AdvisorJoanne has over 17 years of finance experience in venture-backed technology companies. Prior to joining Test Innovators, Joanne held VP of Finance roles at Peoplefluent and Brightcove and Director of Finance role at Carbon Black. She has a bachelor of science degree from MIT in Management Science. Joanne lives outside of Boston with her husband and three children.
Matt Wright
AdvisorMatt works as a Senior Data & Applied Scientist at Microsoft, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Matt served as an Arabic linguist and human intelligence collector in the US Army for 12 years, including a twelve-month combat deployment to Afghanistan. He holds a BA in Near Eastern Languages & Civilization and post-graduate certificates in Business Intelligence and SQL Server Development from the University of Washington.