Argishti Stepanian

Biography

I grew up in Glendale, California, in an apartment complex that served as a housing community for people with disabilities. My father was the building manager, and most of my childhood was shaped by close contact with people who had visible and invisible challenges, some temporary and some lifelong. That early exposure to difference and adaptation shaped the way I approach teaching, with curiosity, respect, and a deep understanding that ability comes in many forms.

I began my academic path at Glendale Community College and then transferred to UC San Diego, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience. After graduation, I returned to Los Angeles and earned a Master of Science in Biology at Cal State LA while working steadily as a tutor and homeschool teacher. I worked with students who had physical disabilities, learning differences, and executive functioning difficulties. I also served as the Academic Director of a residential clinic for teens in recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges, where I designed and led individualized educational programming based on each student’s needs.

Now in graduate school for neuroscience at UC Riverside, I continue to teach because I love doing it. I’ve taught English & biological science through the college level, math through college algebra, and test prep for the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT CARS, and HSPT. I specialize in working with students who have felt alienated from school or uncertain about their academic strengths. My approach is to figure out what’s frustrating them and work from there. Whether a student is rebuilding their confidence or aiming for ambitious academic goals, I bring patience, structure, and a belief that every student’s mind is worth taking seriously.