PrepNow Tutor - Chris M.
Christopher is known for his calm, grounded, and thoughtful presence, bringing care and curiosity to everything he does. His highly adaptive approach is a win for students of various backgrounds and abilities, especially reluctant learners who are easily overwhelmed or lack confidence. Having served as a teaching assistant at Suffolk University and Harvard Extension School has allowed him to sharpen his teaching skills, especially regarding the writing process—from developing research questions and annotated bibliographies to final papers and presentations.
Christopher graduated cum laude with a BA in psychology and a minor in economics from Harvard University. He’s set to graduate with a PhD in clinical psychology from Suffolk University in 2030. Volunteering at the National Suicide Lifeline inspired him to pivot into psychology research, and he began working as a PTSD-trial-therapy coordinator at the National Center for PTSD in Boston. His doctoral research focuses on the intersection of sleep, stress, and anxiety.
As an undergraduate at Harvard, he served as a college application tutor for domestic and international high schoolers. “It was deeply rewarding to watch students clarify their voices, gain confidence, and ultimately secure admission to American universities. Seeing my first student get accepted to a top college is probably my proudest moment as a tutor,” he shares.
Christopher’s approach is infused with principles of psychology; “I’ve learned how important it is to reduce anxiety and build self-efficacy when working toward challenging goals,” he notes. He aims to foster clarity and confidence by breaking down complex concepts into manageable parts, which helps students find more effective, systematic approaches. “I also try to create a supportive space where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, because I believe real learning happens when we’re not afraid to struggle a little.” For him, good teaching isn’t about answers; it’s about “guiding students to discover how they learn best.”
He’s proud to share that his research on anxiety, stress, and coping has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. A valued member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, he was also invited to speak at the Stickgold Science of Sleep Series.
Outside of his work as a researcher and tutor, you can find him logging miles around the Charles River, experimenting in the kitchen, or jamming out at alt-rock concerts around town. Fun facts: he was a pitcher on Harvard’s varsity baseball team all four years, and he’s “on a quest to find the best all-you-can-eat sushi” in Boston.
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