The MindGarden Team

Our academic mentors have a wide variety of backgrounds, specialties, and interests. We'll do our best to find a mentor that is a good fit for you. If at any time you think that your mentor is not a good match, please let us know and we'll try to find someone else to help.

Tutors/Academic Mentors

Aymie Smith
Aymie was born and raised in Palo Alto, and she spent four incredibly cold years earning a double Bachelor's in Youth Ministries and Theology from University of Northwestern, St. Paul in Minnesota. A true California native who was not made for sub-zero temperatures, she moved back to the Golden State 36 hours after graduation; she jokes she crossed the Minnesota state line, heading "home," before the ink was even dry on her degree. Throughout her career, she's worked as a Youth Mentor, Student Activities Director, middle school ELA teacher; she's worked at the Children's Museum of Sonoma County writing their educational content, and most recently, has worked primarily as a tutor for middle school youth. She loves connecting with students and seeing them grow into amazing adults; in fact, she's still in contact with many of her former students. She lives in a Tiny House on Wheels ("THOW") that she designed herself; and she loves the color red, her cat Penny Lane, coffee, and the Oxford Comma.

Erica Wheeler
Erica graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in History. Erica then continued on at San Francisco State University to earn her Educational Specialist K-12 Credential with an emphasis in Mild/Moderate Disabilities and a Masters in Special Education. In her early career Erica was a classroom teacher in Brisbane, California and was a reading intervention tutor for at-risk youth. She was then a middle school Education Specialist for grades 5-8 for three years in Marin County teaching in and developing an inclusive and comprehensive program for students with a variety of learning needs. Erica recently received the professional opportunity and privilege to return to her roots in Sonoma County, California to teach elementary school students. As a teacher she is passionate about helping all of her students access learning in meaningful and authentic ways. In her free time Erica loves reading, baseball, surfing, dancing and being with her friends and family. 

Gretchen Maurer
Gretchen has a M.A. in Education/Language and Literacy from U.C. Berkeley, a Single Subject Teaching Credential (English/ESL) from San Francisco State University, and a B.A. in English from Santa Clara University. She has 20+ years of experience as a teacher, mentor teacher, writing lab tutor, writing coach, and published author. She’s particularly passionate about helping people of all ages and skill levels to become more confident readers and writers. A mother of three grown children, Gretchen lives in Santa Rosa and loves to spend time with family and friends, write, read, garden, hike, backpack, swim--especially in mountain lakes--and travel.

Mike Herman
Mike has worked in many trades and professions. Most recently, he researched climate science at UC Berkeley as a postdoctoral scholar, taught physics at the JC, and math at a local high school. He and his family enjoy hiking, kayaking, and taking road trips along the beautiful California coast. Having published scientific papers in the fields of climate science and meteorology, he now studies the coastal weather and climate for fun, studies local geology, and collects rocks and minerals wherever he goes. A lifelong reader and learner, Mike cycles through an evolving bedside library of books on history, psychology, mathematics, science, and sociology. He loves to mentor learning in others, especially in math and science. A lifelong musician, Mike composes songs and especially enjoys improvising with friends on guitar and piano. He enjoys repairing broken things, improving systems, and speaking up for those around him. Also, he loves cats and dogs.

Nicholas Scrivanich
Nicholas obtained his B.S. in Mathematics from Yale University. He also graduated as a Valedictorian from Cardinal Newman High School. He peer-tutored throughout high school and college. He was a computer science TA at Cardinal Newman and worked professionally as a tutor for middle school, high school, and college students. He worked as a Youth Development Professional at the Boys & Girls Club in Magalia, CA, and specialized in mentoring students with unique thought processes. He has created connections with students and has thoughtfully helped them overcome their academic struggles. In college, he wrestled, played polo, and served as a stage magician for the Yale Magic Society. Nicholas has a passion for building graphics engines and leveraging mathematics to develop innovative creative technologies. He enjoys rock climbing and exploring the mountains, beaches, and rivers of California. Nicholas is also a dedicated slackliner. With extensive knowledge in mathematics, computer science, physics, Nicholas enables students at all levels to succeed academically.

Nicolas Gilmore
Nicolas grew up all around the SF Bay Area (South Bay, East Bay, & North Bay) and went to Chico State right out of high school.  He immediately declared a major in Pure Mathematics & minor in Spanish, graduating (in 4 years!) with a Bachelor of Science.  He first embarked on a career in healthcare at Marin General Hospital, then a career in social work at County of Napa, & finally transitioned into his teaching career in 2006.  Ever since, Nicolas has taught, tutored, & mentored students of all ages all over the Bay Area in Mathematics & Spanish.  He has taught at public schools in Fairfield & Napa, private schools in Santa Rosa, college (Sonoma State), and homeschool groups.  When he is not out & about teaching Math and/or Spanish, Nicolas enjoys time with his family up on top of a mountain.

Travis Broadhurst
Travis was born and raised in North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He graduated with a BS in Geology and a BA in Physics and was a teaching assistant for calculus based mechanics and electricity/magnetism for two years. Travis also has experience tutoring his peers in high school in all levels of mathematics, all disciplines of science, and SAT/ACT test prep. He recently moved to Santa Rosa to start a career as a geochemist in the geothermal energy industry with the hopes of developing geothermal energy to be as prominent as other types of renewable power production. When not working, Travis thrives in the outdoors and is an avid skier, spelunker, rock climber, mountaineer, and overall adrenaline junkie.