Meet The Team

Executive Director at EduTutorVA - 

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Brenda Tarquinio is a master teacher with 30 years of experience in education.  She has earned National Board Certification in both the areas of Middle Childhood Generalist and Physical Education. Mrs. Tarquinio holds degrees in Elementary Education as well as a Master's degree in Educational Leadership.  She has primarily taught 4th-6th grade, physical education, and most recently- as an English learner teacher. In 2011, Mrs. Tarquinio was awarded the Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year award by the Washington Post.  She has mentored many new teachers over the years and has guided colleagues through National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certifications.  Brenda is excited to serve as a mentor for the next generation of educators and continue to support students in ACPS- her former school system!

Brenda will support reading tutors at John Adams ES and Polk ES in Alexandria City Public Schools.

As a college senior, Hana Hashim works as EduTutorVA's marketing and communications intern. In her administrative role, she supports daily operations, assists with administrative tasks, and helps manage the workload of over 160 tutors. On the marketing and communications side, she contributes to social media management, website design, and LinkedIn outreach to strengthen brand awareness and expand donor engagement. Through her work, Hana supports EduTutorVA’s mission by helping streamline operations and grow its community impact.

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Mackenzie Escobar is an educator with experience in elementary instruction, math intervention, arts integration, and curriculum development. She currently works at Middleburg Community Charter School, where she supports students and teachers through targeted intervention and creative, hands-on learning. She holds a master’s degree in education from Stanford University and has completed additional training through the Kennedy Center, Harvard Project Zero, Cornell University, and Columbia Teachers College. She is currently completing her Reading Specialist certification through Shenandoah University and serves on the board of the Virginia Charter School Alliance.

Outside of the classroom, Mackenzie is the founder of Learning Adventure Bus, an educational enrichment program that connects learning with real-world experiences throughout the community.  Mackenzie is also a mom of two and an avid runner who is currently training for her first 100K race. Mackenzie will support math tutors at Potowmack Elementary and Dominion Trail Elementary in Loudoun County Public Schools.

Shalini Upadhyaya is an associate professor at Virginia State University, where she teaches biology and education courses and has the privilege of coaching new teachers. Over the years, she has held various roles, including instructional designer, mentor, chair, and assistant to the dean, though coaching new teachers remains her favorite. With 19 years of combined experience in K-12 education, community college, and university settings, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. Shalini is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where both teachers and students can thrive. She loves exploring new teaching philosophies and sharing innovative techniques that empower her students to become active learners. 

Beyond the classroom, Shalini finds joy in gardening, which teaches her patience and the beauty of nurturing growth, both in plants and in people. She also enjoys diving into a good book, as it opens her mind to new ideas and perspectives. Shalini’s goal is to inspire and uplift those around her, creating a positive impact in the educational community. She is excited to share this journey with others! Shalini will support math tutors at J.L. Francis Elementary School and River City MS in Richmond City Public Schools.

Flavia Lopes is a former elementary educator in various roles of a special education teacher, coach, and most recently as an accountability specialist. She holds two Masters degrees, one in Special Education and other in Curriculum and Instruction. She is passionate about supporting all students' access to curriculum and encouraging students to become lifelong learners through fostering an environment of curiosity and questioning. Flavia will support tutors at Poe Middle School and Mason Crest Elementary School in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Kathy Harrington is a veteran educator, Reading Specialist, and Instructional Coach with 31 years of experience in Alexandria City Public Schools, including extensive classroom teaching in kindergarten and first grade. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from George Mason University and an M.A. in Education with a Reading Specialist certification from Virginia Tech. Kathy spent over 15 years helping build and refine the English Language Arts curriculum guides for ACPS and is trained in specialized literacy interventions, including Reading Recovery and Orton-Gillingham. As mother of a fourth grader and a sixth grader, Kathy is deeply passionate about helping young readers build confidence, skill, and a genuine love for books—a passion reflected in her extensive, personal collection of children’s literature. Kathy will support reading tutors at William Ramsay Elementary and Naomi Brooks Elementary in Alexandria City Public Schools.

Katie Philipp is a former English Language Learner teacher and EL Curriculum Specialist with 19 years of experience in diverse school districts including, the New York City Department of Education and Alexandria CIty Public Schools. She received a B.A. in Humanities from Washington College, a M.S. in Education from the City University of New York, and a M.A. in Reading Education from the University of Virginia. Katie is also a mom to two boys who are in fifth and first grades in Fairfax County. Katie is passionate about providing equity for students and families across their educational experiences. Katie will support math tutors (morning and afternoon cohorts) at Woodville Elementary in Richmond City Public Schools.

Anu Upadhyaya is a former special education teacher as well as a regular education teacher, building level administrator, central office director and a federal monitor/data analyst with the Virginia Department of Education. He is passionate about finding meaning behind the numbers and values strategies that are supported by data to make the decisions that are in the best interest of students. Anu is a team player ready for any challenges that comes his way. He believes in being a lifelong learner and teacher. He is currently finishing up his classwork to be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst to support students with autism. Anu will support morning math tutors at Broad Rock Elementary School in Richmond City Public Schools.

Laura LaPorta is a former classroom teacher with Masters in Teaching with specialties in both science and history. She earned her degree from James Madison University, where her focus was specifically on middle school learners. With middle school being such a formative and complicated time in students' lives, Laura has always had a passion for helping this age group thrive in it. She has taught both science and social studies over the years as well as STEM, and gifted and talented. She is currently still substitute teaching in all grade levels in her previous school district. Laura will support 6th grade math tutors at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington Public Schools.

Larenda Garvin is an accomplished educator and transformational school leader with over 22 years of experience supporting students, families, and educators in underserved communities. Throughout her career with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, she has served as a classroom teacher, instructional facilitator, dean of students, assistant principal, and principal. A National Board Certified Teacher, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Principal of the Year, and North Carolina Regional Principal of the Year, she has led schools in improving student achievement, school culture, and family engagement.

Larenda’s expertise in school transformation, leadership development, and instructional improvement has made an impact locally, nationally, and internationally through professional development, conference presentations, and educational partnerships. She is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening educational systems, and creating opportunities for students and educators to thrive. She is thrilled to join the EduTutorVA team! Larenda will support math tutors at Westlawn Elementary in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Jackie Dopson is an experienced educator with a background in elementary and special education, reading intervention, and executive functioning support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She has served as a Special Education Team Lead, supporting teachers, coordinating student services, and overseeing individualized plans and accommodations. 

She currently serves as a Learning Center administrator and Reading Interventionist, supporting students with academic, reading, and executive functioning skills while also collaborating with and supporting teachers in meeting the needs of diverse learners. She is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, build confidence, and become independent learners. Jackie will support afternoon math tutors at Broad Rock Elementary School in Richmond City Public Schools.

Michelle Lunn is a math educator with over 20 years experience working with students.  She holds a B.A. in Secondary Math Education from the University of Delaware and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia.  She has worked as both a middle school teacher and elementary math coach in Arlington Public Schools.  She currently spends her days with her two young children while working with students in math individually through her tutoring business.  Michelle is passionate about helping all students grow their confidence as mathematicians by meeting them where they are.  Michelle is looking forward to supporting tutors at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington Public Schools after having started her teaching career at Kenmore 20 years ago. Michelle will support 7th grade math tutors at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington Public Schools.