South Shore Test Prep

ABOUT US

After working with review companies on the North Shore for several years, we decided to create South Shore Test Prep, a review academy serving the South Shore community. At South Shore Test Prep, our instructors actively teach in local districts, making them experts in guiding students to excel on their AP and Regents exams.

 

In all our classes, we concentrate on three key elements to provide your child with the knowledge and confidence required for their optimal performance:

1. Content Knowledge: Recognizing the challenge of covering a year’s worth of material in a single review class, we adopt a student-focused approach at South Shore Test Prep. Our sessions kick off by inviting students to identify the topics or units they’d like to review. We ensure these areas are thoroughly addressed to transform weaknesses into strengths. Furthermore, our instructors excel at pinpointing commonly tested content, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of key exam topics.

2. Essential Skills: In today’s AP and Regents exams, students must apply critical thinking, not just recall facts. At South Shore Test Prep, we focus on developing these essential skills alongside exam-specific content.

3. Test Format: Familiarity with the exam format is crucial for optimal performance. Regrettably, many teachers overlook providing this vital information to their students. In contrast, our teachers take a proactive approach, ensuring that your child practices various sections of the exam. This preparation equips them with confidence and a clear understanding of what to expect on test day.

 

MEET OUR TEAM

Brian brings over 21 years of teaching experience to his role. He started his career in the NYC school district for five years before moving to the island. Currently instructing AP Capstone Seminar and AP US History, Brian has a successful track record in preparing students for their AP exams. His dedication earned him the title of “Teacher of the Year” in 2015 in his home district and SCOPE Teacher of the Year in 2016. Notably, Brian and his AP Seminar class were featured on the front page of Newsday last year. Outside of teaching, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing volleyball, and fishing.

Michael holds a B.S. in Biology and a Ph.D. in Genetics from Stony Brook University. With a diverse background that includes serving in the US Navy, teaching college classes at Stony Brook University, and working as a high school teacher on Long Island for the past ten years, he brings a wealth of experience to his role. Currently, Mike teaches AP Biology, Biomedical Science, and Science Research. His favorite aspect of teaching these courses is explaining complex concepts for his students and witnessing their comprehension. Beyond the classroom, Mike finds joy in spending time with his family, playing pickleball and golf, and planning experiments for his class.

Patrick graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2000 and has a diverse teaching background, including experiences in Utah, New York City, and on Long Island. Over his twenty-year career, he has instructed a wide range of high school science classes and currently specializes in teaching AP Chemistry and Regents Chemistry. His passion lies in seamlessly integrating math and science during challenging lessons. Patrick’s dynamic personality, coupled with his expertise in chemistry, consistently earns him the title of a favorite teacher among his students year after year. During his free time, Patrick enjoys watching sports, coaching basketball, and spending time at the beach.

Michelle graduated from St. John’s University and brings 27 years of teaching experience to South Shore Test Prep. Currently instructing AP English Language and Composition and English 10, she thrives on exploring thought-provoking literature with students and enhancing their critical thinking skills. Michelle’s success is evident in the AP English program she built, achieving pass rates exceeding 90% and earning her “teacher of the year” honors in her home district last year. In her free time, she enjoys reading and working out.

Danish, a Stony Brook University graduate in 2003 with fourteen years of teaching experience, specializes in instructing AP courses. Currently teaching AP Human Geography, AP World, and AP Psychology, he thrives on interacting with students and assisting them in achieving their academic goals—a facet he regards as his favorite part of teaching. Recognized as the “Teacher of the Year” in his home district in 2019, Danish extends his impact beyond the classroom as the varsity volleyball coach at his current school. Under his leadership, the team secured the conference championship for the first time in 20 years. Beyond his professional achievements, Danish enjoys playing beach volleyball, reading, and spending quality time with his children.

Michael Morreale

Mike graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2005 and brings 18 years of teaching experience to South Shore Test Prep. Currently specializing in AP and Regents level US History, his passion lies in working with students and broadening their understanding of our country. His students hold him in high regard, even voting him as an honorary member of the Cardozo Honor Society. In his spare time, Mike enjoys being with family and friends and watching his favorite sports teams, the New York Rangers and New York Yankees.

Bettina Fantal

Bettina graduated from Adelphi University in 2014 and has eight years of teaching experience. During this period, she has tackled some of the most demanding courses in the science department, such as Living Environment, AP Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Computer Science. Beyond imparting essential content for success, Bettina emphasizes the significance of helping her students explore the world and molding them into contributing citizens. In her leisure time, Bettina finds joy in crafting.

Krystal Dasch

Krystal, a graduate of Long Island University with a B.S. in 2008 and an M.A. in teaching from Stony Brook in 2011, brings an extensive 16-year teaching background to South Shore Test Prep. Throughout her career, she has skillfully taught subjects such as Earth Science, Astronomy, and Forensic Science. Widely recognized in her school as perhaps the most approachable and caring teacher, Krystal derives genuine satisfaction from aiding students in realizing their full potential, both academically and personally.  Her enthusiasm for teaching shines through when students experience those “ah-ha” moments, successfully grasping challenging concepts or making connections between classroom knowledge and the broader world. Beyond the classroom, Krystal enjoys visiting parks and museums with her family.

Rachel Ruisi

Rachel, a 1995 graduate of Manhattanville College, brings a wealth of experience to South Shore Test Prep. In her accomplished career, she has taught various math classes, specializing in AP Calculus, Geometry, and Algebra I. Rachel is known for her effective review classes, equipped with tips and tricks that help students excel on Regents and AP exams. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys playing volleyball and basketball, traveling, swimming, and reading during her free time.

Samantha graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2017 and has been teaching in Long Island districts for the past eight years. During this time, she has taught Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Financial Algebra, and College Math. Samantha’s favorite part of teaching is watching her students improve their math skills and gain confidence throughout their time with her. She always has a smile on her face and takes pride in being part of a team that helps make her students’ educational experience a positive one. Outside of the classroom, Samantha enjoys relaxing at the beach and spending time with her daughter.

Nicole graduated from Union College in 2006 and brings almost 20 years of teaching experience to South Shore Test Prep. She specializes in teaching AP and Regents-level Physics and loves seeing her students grow academically. Nicole is well-liked and respected by her students, and in 2022, she was voted “Teacher of the Year” by the students in her home district. Outside of teaching, Nicole enjoys coaching volleyball and training for Ironman competitions.

Jason graduated from Boston University in 2004 and brings over 20 years of teaching expertise to South Shore Test Prep. He has taught many upper-level science courses, including Honors Chemistry, Research 2, Advanced Research, Applied Chemistry, and AP Chemistry. Jason is passionate about teaching and particularly enjoys watching his students’ faces light up when they grasp challenging concepts. He pushes his students to achieve levels of understanding they didn’t think were possible. Outside of teaching, Jason loves spending time with his dog, Cooper, traveling, watching movies, and training at F45.

Jordana graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2021 and has a deep passion for teaching math. Despite being a young teacher, she has already taught a variety of challenging courses, including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, AP Calculus, and AP Precalculus. She attributes her success to her ability to connect with her students and show them that through hard work, they can accomplish great things. In her spare time, Jordana enjoys cross-training, volunteering, traveling, and playing/watching sports.

Jack graduated from Adelphi University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree and received his Master’s degree the following year in Adolescent Education. Over the past six years, he has taught Algebra I, Discrete Math, Innovators and Makers, Pre-Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, and AP Computer Science Principles. Jack takes pride in challenging his students and finds it especially rewarding when they experience “aha” moments while learning difficult mathematical concepts. When he’s not in the classroom, Jack enjoys running, biking, coaching football and lacrosse, playing video games, watching movies, and discovering new music on Spotify.

Heena graduated from Adelphi University in 2019 and has been teaching mathematics for six years. She has taught Pre-Algebra, Geometry, Contemporary Math, and AP Computer Science Principles. Heena uses her caring nature and passion for math to inspire her students to love learning. She makes math fun and relatable by using creative teaching methods, including games and interactive activities. In her free time, Heena enjoys biking, hiking, arts and crafts, geocaching, and playing board games.