Teacher Feature | Introducing Brianna O.

At Pacific Preparatory, we are so lucky to work with the most thoughtful and inspiring instructors, all who bring lessons to life with engaging connections to student interests and their community. This month, we are excited to celebrate Brianna!

Meet Brianna! Brianna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University and a Master of Medical Science from Southern California University of Health Sciences, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration at the University of Colorado Denver. With years of experience in education, research, and healthcare, she brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and empathy to her teaching. Brianna has tutored students from elementary through graduate levels in subjects ranging from math and science to writing and test prep. She believes learning should feel empowering, not intimidating, and focuses on helping students build confidence, curiosity, and lasting academic skills through personalized, engaging lessons.

What do you find most rewarding about working one-on-one with students?
The most rewarding part of working one-on-one is seeing the exact moment when a student realizes they can do something they once thought was too difficult. Watching a concept click or a student’s confidence grow is incredibly fulfilling. I love tailoring each session to fit a student’s personality and pace. That’s what makes tutoring so special. It’s not just about mastering a topic. It’s about helping a student feel capable, proud, and excited about learning.

How do you approach helping a student who’s feeling stuck or unmotivated?
When a student feels stuck, I start by shifting the focus from performance to process. I’ll ask guiding questions, break down tasks into smaller steps, and celebrate every bit of progress. I’ve found that motivation often returns when students start to see small wins again. I also like to connect what they’re learning to something that genuinely interests them. Whether that’s a hobby, a goal, or a real-world application. So it feels relevant and worth the effort.

How do you personalize your sessions to match each student’s learning style?
I pay close attention to how each student responds. Whether they thrive through visuals, repetition, discussion, or problem-solving. From there, I adjust my approach. For example, a student who’s a visual learner might benefit from color-coded notes and diagrams, while a verbal learner might do best explaining concepts back to me. I believe flexibility is key: the best lessons meet students where they are and evolve as their confidence grows.

What’s one skill you hope every student takes away from working with you?
I hope every student walks away knowing how to think critically and advocate for themselves academically. Learning how to ask the right questions, organize their thoughts, and break down complex ideas builds independence. Not just in school, but in life. I want them to leave each session feeling more self-assured, resourceful, and ready to tackle challenges with curiosity instead of fear.

Brianna, we and your students are so lucky to have you!