Yoni Cooperman

Biography

For all of my life, I have loved to learn. I am immensely grateful for the educational opportunities afforded to me that have supported me in that quest for knowledge, and I am drawn to college counseling and tutoring in order to pass on that passion for learning to the next generation while helping to ensure their success.

Raised by a computer scientist and an art historian, I was taught the value of the full breadth of academic subjects from a young age. I was born and raised in Baltimore and earned my B.S. in environmental science and policy from University of Maryland, College Park. After moving to California, I attended University of California, Davis and successfully completed an M.S. studying soils and biogeochemistry. Throughout my academic career, I learned that strong educational fundamentals in science, math, and the language arts are critical for success. I aim to impart those skills, coupled with an understanding of their value, to my students. 

The college admissions process can often feel overwhelming and convoluted. I aim to provide families with the clarity they seek to confidently move forward by working with students and parents to break the process into manageable steps, from strategic planning to essay excellence. In addition to school acceptances, I consider my job a success if students gain confidence in the skills they possess, the talents they cultivate, and the interests that inspire them.

As both an undergraduate and graduate student, I gained experience as an educator. During my undergraduate years, I tutored students struggling to keep up with their Introductory General Chemistry coursework. In grad school, I had the opportunity to TA for a course in sustainable soil nutrient management. In both of these roles, I observed the value of solid educational fundamentals. Many students, even those who obtain good grades in high school, face significant challenges in higher education as they never truly developed a core understanding of the basics. I am also eager to apply the experience in fostering rapport I gained while working as a camp counselor as I prepare students for long-term success.

As my educational background encompasses a range of subjects in both STEM and non-STEM fields, I am drawn to teach diverse subject matter. Whether I’m working with middle school students across the curriculum or teaching AP Environmental Science to high schoolers, I aim to cultivate relationships with students that build their self-confidence as they encounter challenging material. In 1-on-1 sessions, we are able to ensure students have developed an in-depth understanding of the “why,” rather than regurgitating words or phrases they have heard in the classroom. I help my students to develop important study skills that will support them in their future endeavors, and by starting with what students already know, I am able to guide and support them as they come to understand the material on their own.

In my free time, I can be found playing music with friends, attending concerts, and exploring the wealth of nature that the Bay Area has to offer.