Meet the Team

With a team diverse in backgrounds, occupation, personality, and teaching style, we assign clients a professional compatible with their personal needs.



AllAdministrationCoachingConsultantsTutors
President

Jamie Rodriguez

Vice President

Sarah Waters

Director of Business Operations

Christina Bolduc

College Consultant

Rebecca St. Mary

College Consultant & Life Coach

Colleen Cook

Marketing & Scholastic Achievement

Rachel Horwitz

Consultant

Joel Seidner

Consultant

Ryan Wolfsberg

Editor

Erin Heffernan

Editor

Emily Rubin

Educational Consultant

Cheryl Baressi

Client Relations Specialist

Tracey Kelly

Image of a person smiling
Academic / Test Prep Tutor

Renee Korgood

Academic tutor

Robbie Trocchia

Academic Tutor

Effie Sapuridis

Academic/Test Prep Tutor

Josh Krill

Academic Tutor

Madelyn Zanini

Academic Tutor

Reece Rivera

Academic/Test Prep Tutor

Vinesha Baker

Academic Tutor

Cathy Farinacci

Academic Tutor

Dalena Nguyen

Academic Tutor

Abe Winterscheidt

Academic Tutor

Karima Jackson

Academic Tutor

Marquis-Elyse Lichtenstein

Academic/Test Prep Tutor

Olivia Pijanowski

Academic/Test Prep Tutor

Whitney Chandler

Academic Tutor

Margaux Welsh

Academic Tutor

Nora Perlmutter

Academic Tutor

Emma Henricks

Academic Tutor

Jamie Tighe

Academic Tutor

Leah Soyer

Academic Tutor

Katie Kraemer

Intern

Katherine Waters

Intern

Megan Colleran

Intern

Stella McDermott

Intern

Julia St. Mary

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President

Jamie Rodriguez

Jamie is the owner and founder of JBG Educational Group. She began working for one of the leading tutoring companies in New York City and has been tutoring within school systems throughout Massachusetts for the past thirteen years. In addition to running JBG Educational Group, she previously was on faculty at Lasell College and also consults with the Curry College PAL Program (specialty program for students with ADD/ADHD & language based learning disabilities), where she does diagnostic teaching and LD/educational assessments. She attended the honors program at University of Massachusetts Amherst for her undergraduate degree, Columbia University (degree in psychology with a focus on special education) for her Masters, and the College of William and Mary (degree in Counselor Education and Supervision with a focus on multicultural counseling) for her PhD. Jamie is responsible for all inner workings of the company. She handles all inquiries, initial assessments, and referrals of all students, and primarily does the majority of college & private school consulting. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and 5 children.

Vice President

Sarah Waters

Sarah grew up in Weston Massachusetts and now lives in Medfield with her husband and three children. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Sarah has held writing and marketing positions in publishing, recruiting, and career counseling firms.

Active on school committees, she recently served on a committee to examine the elementary school day. She was also part of a team who interviewed candidates and chose a new principal for one of Medfield’s elementary schools. She continues to sit on the Superintendent’s advisory council, where she has an opportunity to discuss topics relevant to students of all ages. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family.

Director of Business Operations

Christina Bolduc

Christina grew up in Guilford, CT and currently resides in Medfield with her husband and three children. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from Providence College in 2003. Christina has worked in business management and bookkeeping roles for over a decade. She has been a voice for pediatric cancer organizations and also volunteers as a religious education instructor. In Christina’s spare time, she loves to spend time with her family, garden and run.

College Consultant

Rebecca St. Mary

Rebecca grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and moved to Massachusetts to study Marketing, Communications, and Human Behavior at Babson College. After graduation, she spent years in the marketing research and advertising industries, conducting primary research to help organizations better understand their target audiences’ mindsets and connect with them in meaningful ways. Through her work on branding assignments for two Massachusetts universities, she discovered her passion for understanding the college selection and admissions process from both the student and university perspectives. Today, as a college consultant, she enjoys working with students to help them identify their best “fit” for the future and ensure that their unique brand voice comes through in their applications. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys traveling, taking her dog Finley on walks, and spending time with her family and friends.

College Consultant & Life Coach

Colleen Cook

Colleen received her Bachelor of Science in both Psychology and Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. After graduation, she started working at MEDITECH as an implementation specialist implementing healthcare software for hospitals all over the US. She is also a college ambassador for MEDITECH. Colleen is currently attending Boston University to earn her Masters in Social Work. Throughout her high school, college, and postgraduate years she has worked with children in many different capacities ranging from coaching them in sports, tutoring them in academic subjects, to providing guidance for some of life’s challenges. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family, work out, ski, and travel. One of Colleen’s favorite quotes is: “ The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”- Nelson Mandela

Marketing & Scholastic Achievement

Rachel Horwitz

Rachel attended The University of Rhode Island where she obtained her BA in English Language and Literature. Whether it’s reading through a great new book or exploring the world, Rachel has always loved learning. One of her greatest discoveries was realizing there’s something new to learn every day! Rachel has put that passion for learning to work by helping students achieve their academic potential in many school courses and on the SAT and ACT. She also loves assisting students in developing their college essays and other writing-based assignments. Recently, Rachel has been promoted within JBG to also offer her creativity as our Manager of Marketing and Scholastic Achievement.

Consultant

Joel Seidner

Born in Bogota, Colombia, Joel has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a focus on sculpture from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. After graduating, he worked as a studio assistant for prominent artists in the city and then was employed by Harvard University, where he taught studio art courses for several years. Since then, Joel has followed his passion for the natural and built world, completing courses in landscape architecture and working in permaculture farms, weaving his passion for sustainability and place-making into his approach to the ecosystem and community resilience. Joel’s patient and observant demeanor has proven effective in helping people understand their potential and progress toward their goals. He has worked training therapy horses and a service dog. Joel shares his knowledge of art mediums with JBG Educational Group clients as they compile portfolios to best represent their artistic talent. In his free time, Joel likes to hike with his dog, paint landscapes, and nurture his growing plant collection.

Consultant

Ryan Wolfsberg

Ryan Wolfsberg received his Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College and his Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. Originally from Lincoln, Massachusetts, Ryan began his career as a Professional Baseball Player. Upon retirement from Professional Baseball, he received his Series 7, 66, and 63 and became a Financial Advisor. After completing his MBA, Ryan is pursuing a career in Private Equity. Ryan has a passion to help student athletes navigate the college recruiting process as well as educating prospective students on the graduate school recruiting process. Ryan resides in New York City and enjoys golf and fitness outside of his professional career.

Editor

Erin Heffernan

Erin Heffernan is a third-generation resident of Scituate, MA. A graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, she is a published author and journalist. She was the chief editor of Wheelock Magazine at Wheelock College before the College merged with Boston University. As a chief editor, she disseminated the College’s mission to improve the lives of children and families through education and social justice. Erin is now a ghostwriter of novels and memoirs and a mentor and guide to students writing college application essays. She contends that life is a journey, and to every journey there is a story. Erin is also a professional photographer and enjoys time spent with friends and family, especially her three children.

Editor

Emily Rubin

Emily Rubin is from New York City. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Literature from Hamilton College, a Master’s degree in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work, and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (C.P.C.C.). Over the course of her career, Emily has worked at both nonprofit and for-profit organizations as a writer and editor, and she ran her own marketing copywriting consultancy for a number of years. She became a life coach in 2014 and has her own practice helping people of all ages to define and craft their ideal lives.

Emily spends six months of the year living in Oaxaca, Mexico, where she tutors children in English.

Educational Consultant

Cheryl Baressi

Cheryl Baressi, M.A., C.A.G.S. is a Licensed Educational Psychologist who administers neuropsychological evaluations for students, directs the Center for Self-Regulation and Resiliency, consults regularly with teachers and parents, and facilitates the special education team process. Her work with students is focused on building executive functioning skills including self-regulation, flexibility, planning and organizational skills, and study skills. Cheryl has spoken at conferences sponsored by Harvard’s School of Education Research Institute for Learning and Development about the executive function initiative which she has spearheaded at school. She has worked with Sarah Ward and was responsible for integrating The Zones of Regulation Program into the school culture. Cheryl has created webinars for parents on the subjects of raising a resilient child and implementation of the Zones of Regulation Program in the home setting. She has presented professional development to school staff, including An Anxiety Informed School based on Jessica Minahan’s work, author of The Behavior Code. Cheryl has an M.A. in Psychology and M.B.A. from Boston University and a C.A.G.S. in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts.

Client Relations Specialist

Tracey Kelly

Tracey grew up in Montgomery, MA and now lives with her husband and two children in Natick. Tracey graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Interpersonal Communications. After graduating, Tracey worked in the publishing industry in various positions including Marketing, Sales, and Events. In Tracey’s spare time she loves to go to the gym, garden, and spend time with her family and friends.

Academic / Test Prep Tutor

Renee Korgood

Renee was raised in Merrick, NY, and graduated from Brandeis University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and History and minors in French and Legal Studies. While at Brandeis, she participated in student organizing, civic engagement, and volunteering with a local housing organization. After working in nonprofits and campaigns, she joined JBG Educational Group to work with students and young people as she did as a camp counselor and tutor in New York. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, dancing, and playing board games with her friends. 

Academic tutor

Robbie Trocchia

Robbie Trocchia was born and raised on the Jersey Shore. He received his Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Vassar College and is currently pursuing an MFA in Digital Arts and New Media at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has worked with JBG for two years as a tutor across subject areas. You can find him reading in a park, dancing with friends, hiking in the woods, and spending time with his family on the beach.

Academic Tutor

Effie Sapuridis

Effie is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Media Studies at Western University. She also holds a Master’s degree in English literature from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her doctoral research traces how youth engage in digital storytelling on new media platforms, such as TikTok, as a form of self-insert fanfiction. She also serves on her university’s Board of Governors and is a nationwide advocate and activist against gender-based violence on post-secondary campuses. In September 2021, she co-organized an 8,000+ person walkout on the campus and subsequently co-founded the Safe Campus Coalition. Effie is returning to JBG after a brief hiatus during which she lived in Canada and worked in her university’s writing center and as an educator for primarily first-year college courses. She is excited to reconnect with the JBG community and to support students as they work toward their academic goals. Effie’s research and activism are founded on ethics of care and equity; she is excited to bring these values to her work at JBG.

Academic/Test Prep Tutor

Josh Krill

Josh is a graduate of Brandeis University, where he studied physics, math, and Arabic. He resides in Boston. Besides physics, Josh enjoys many scientific disciplines, as well as history and languages. In addition to speaking conversational Arabic, he speaks Spanish and is learning Portuguese. As his father and grandmother were both teachers, Josh inherited their shared love of imparting knowledge onto others, and is excited to continue to do so. Josh enjoys travel, playing rugby, and spending time with family, friends, and his dog.

Academic Tutor

Madelyn Zanini

Madelyn earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education and Moderate Disabilities from Boston College. She spent those years working as a paraprofessional in both a first grade and special education aiding a variety of grade levels. Before she found her passion for education and serving others, she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Connecticut. Madeline brings her knowledge and enthusiasm to tutoring JBG’s younger students.

Academic Tutor

Reece Rivera

Reece was raised in the small town of Waterford in the central valley of California, and later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), graduating with a B.S. in Computer Science Engineering and a concentration in Ancient and Medieval Studies. Each summer since 2014, he’s helped teach calculus to incoming freshmen of all backgrounds at MIT. Outside of that, he has tutored students from the middle school to high school level in math, history, and the sciences. Other than tutoring, he enjoys visiting museums (art and history), building computers (smaller the better), and playing tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons.

Academic/Test Prep Tutor

Vinesha Baker

Vinesha Baker was born in Brooklyn, NY, but has lived in Boston, MA for most of her childhood. Vinesha is a graduate of Columbia University in the City of New York, where she majored in Art History. While attending Columbia, she joined Peer Health Exchange as a Health Educator to teach health topics to ninth graders in New York City Public Schools. Vinesha first began tutoring in high school and has continued beyond college. She believes that every child can succeed in life if they are given an environment that fosters to their particular learning style. She has worked with the Math/Science UMass-Nobles Upward Bound Program for the past five years teaching math, tutoring students in other subject areas, and advising students through the college application process. Vinesha has recently become the Assistant Director of the program and loves that she can continue to help kids reach their academic goals. Outside of work, Vinesha enjoys oil painting, film-and-darkroom photography and visiting as many new art exhibits and galleries as possible!

Academic Tutor

Cathy Farinacci

Cathy grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts and currently resides in Medfield with her husband and two children. She graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a B. A. in Mathematics and Babson College with an MBA. She held numerous positions in Finance in large corporations before taking time off to raise her family. She most recently worked for Sturbridge Growth Partners as a Controller.
In her free time, Cathy enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog.

Academic Tutor

Dalena Nguyen

Dalena is a Massachusetts native and earned her bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Northeastern University. She currently works as a research associate at a biotech company that develops T cell therapies for a variety of diseases, such as cancers and COVID-19. She enjoys travelling, cooking, playing sports, and dancing.

Academic Tutor

Abe Winterscheidt

Abe Winterscheidt graduated from Boston University in August 2022 with his MA in Economics and holds a BA in Economics and Government from the College of William & Mary. Beyond his degree work, he has a strong background in mathematics, chemistry, and a variety of other subjects. In his free time Abe is an author and photographer. The son of two teachers, he’s developed a strong sense of curiosity and a constant desire to pursue knowledge that he hopes to impart to others the way his parent have onto him.

Academic Tutor

Karima Jackson

Karima Jackson is a New York native; she was born and raised in Harlem and has been living in Brooklyn for the past 5 years. She graduated from Columbia University in 2013 with a Bachelors in Latin American and Caribbean Studies with an Anthropology focus. While in undergrad she tutored high schoolers with the Double Discovery Upward Bound Program as well as taught history and dance classes. She also served as co-coordinator for MyNYC, a mentoring initiative in which Columbia students supported students through their college application process. Karima has always had a love of learning, and a passion for making information accessible. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts and making friends with every animal that crosses her path.

Academic Tutor

Marquis-Elyse Lichtenstein

Marquis is originally from Philadelphia and is currently living in New York City. She received both her Master of Public Health and her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences with minors in Nutrition and Behavioral Neuroscience, from Northeastern University. In college, she worked in various research, patient care, and philanthropic settings. With a passion for the healthcare field, she hopes to eventually work in mental health services. Marquis enjoys working with her JBG students to help them develop knowledge in their academic subjects, while increasing confidence in their abilities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, the arts, spending time with friends, and staying physically active. 

Academic/Test Prep Tutor

Olivia Pijanowski

Olivia was raised in West Roxbury, MA, and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning her B.S. in Psychology Neuroscience. Since graduating, Olivia has been working at Massachusetts General Hospital and is currently a clinical research coordinator involved in research studies for individuals who have ALS. Additionally, she is currently finishing up a Masters in Biomedical Science at Tufts University. In her free time, Olivia enjoys going to spin class, yoga, watching live music and spending time outside!

Academic/Test Prep Tutor

Whitney Chandler

Whitney Chandler graduated from Michigan State University in May with an Animal Science Degree. She is originally from Needham, MA and is living there as she builds a resume for medical school. She excelled in all science classes throughout high school and college as well as psychology, maths, and grant writing. She led many study groups in her academic career and loves to spread the wealth of knowledge through helping kids of all ages learn. During her time at MSU she raised a puppy for Leader Dogs for the Blind and was involved in many other clubs. Her interests include watching sports, hiking, snowboarding, fishing, and traveling. She is organized, adventurous, compassionate, and driven and enjoys helping students build confidence and succeed.

Academic Tutor

Margaux Welsh

Margaux received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While at school, she worked as a writing tutor, an EMT-B, and a research assistant. She was also active in extracurriculars and held leadership positions in UMass Women’s Club Basketball and CHAARG. In her free time she loves to read, hike, travel, and do yoga.

Academic Tutor

Nora Perlmutter

Nora was raised in Springfield, MA, and graduated from Brandeis University in 2020 with Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and chemical biology, and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry. After working as a scientist in Boston, she realized her real passion is helping people, particularly building personal connections that nurture learning and success. She’s also working to become a dietician to combine her love of chemistry, teaching, and cooking. In her free time, she enjoys video games, cooking, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Academic Tutor

Emma Henricks

Emma has a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology from Connecticut College. She has been local to Greater Boston since moving for her Master’s program. She currently works as a laboratory and research genetic counselor, and has additional background in teaching science and health education. Emma enjoys working with JBG students as they expand their knowledge and gain confidence in their coursework. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, spending time in nature, and traveling.

Academic Tutor

Jamie Tighe

Jamie Tighe grew up in Framingham, MA and has resided in Franklin, MA since 1998. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She is certified in Applied Behavior Analysis, and has worked as a Behavior Technician in the high school setting for the past decade. Jamie supports students academically in English, college essay writing, and executive functioning skills. In her spare time, Jamie enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs. She is also passionate about fundraising for cancer research, and has run five Boston Marathons in support of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Academic Tutor

Leah Soyer

Leah grew up in Needham and, in addition to tutoring for JBG Educational Group, is currently working in NY at a transition to independent living program for adults with developmental disabilities. Leah has a degree in elementary education from Goucher college and previously taught in a 4th grade classroom in Baltimore County. Her passion for teaching comes from a love for watching students grow and build their confidence as learners. In her free time she enjoys spending time outside, working with animals, and reading.

Academic Tutor

Katie Kraemer

Katie is originally from Wellesley, MA but now is living in New York City. She graduated from Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is currently earning her MA degree in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. After graduating from Columbia, she plans on pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on working with children. In her free time, Katie loves to run, read, and spend time with her family and friends!

Intern

Katherine Waters

Katherine is a freshman at Syracuse University. She is studying Social Work and Psychology. As a JBG intern she is responsible for supporting marketing initiatives and doing research assignments for the JBG team. Katherine enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Intern

Megan Colleran

Megan is an incoming Junior at Medfield High School. She spends most of her time training with her competitive dance team, but in her free time, she also likes to read, go shopping, or hang out with friends and family.

Intern

Stella McDermott

Stella is a junior at Medfield High School. She runs on the school’s winter and spring track teams and spends a lot of her time running. She often volunteers at the Medfield Food Cupboard and the Unity Farm Sanctuary. She is the treasurer of Medfield Model UN and is on the Ms. Amazing committee. Over the summer, she works as a camp counselor at Camp Burgess and Hayward in Cape Cod. In school, currently she is most interested in psychology and history. When she isn’t busy, her favorite things to do are to travel and spend time with her family and friends.

Intern

Julia St. Mary

Julia graduated from Medfield High School in 2023 and plans to major in psychology and sociology at Elon University. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and going to the beach.