MEET THE TEAM
We are learners. We learn from our students and we learn for our students. Meghan, BJ, and the Strive for Fives coaches have spent decades in the classroom supporting their students while also branching into expertise from editing college textbooks, teaching at local universities, teaching online students in the United States and abroad, and writing national curricula. Our staff is filled with teachers who have attended and even lead AP Summer Institutes, AP Readings, and even have written AP test questions. We are only experts in what we do so our students can benefit from our learning. We learn for YOU!
THE FOUNDERS
We are proud public school teachers who have a proven track record of success in the classroom. However, since COVID, we are driven to change the system. Knowing the benefits and challenges of standardized testing and finding it hard to change the system from within, we decided to change it from outside the confines of the local schools. The freedom has allowed for the most creative learning environment in Berks County and beyond. This is true learning without walls: bringing down the walls of school districts in order to build something stronger!
CEO and Co-Founder
AP World History: Modern and AP Macroeconomics
BJ Dramby
Wyomissing Area Social Studies Department Chair with 24 years classroom experience, AP Reader and Question Writer, Instructor for Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Coach for the National Math and Science Initiative, Fiveable Curriculum Writer and Cram Session Presenter, Alvernia University Adjunct, BCIU Instructor, Apple Trained, Virtual Instructor Certificate from Tulane University, Scoutmaster, and Soccer Coach
CEO and Co-Founder
AP Statistics & Keystone Algebra 1
Meghan Tierney
Meghan is the Wyomissing Area Mathematics Department Chair with 9 years of classroom experience. Meghan has also been an AP Reader, a Coach for the National Math and Science Initiative, a Curriculum Writer for IDEA Public Schools, a content contributor for a high school Statistics textbook, and an active tutor. When not working with students, Meghan enjoys spending time at the Delaware beaches.
Meet Our Team
AP Psychology Coach
Erik Uliasz
Teaching since 1994! AP Reader and Table Leader, Instructor for Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Consultant with the College Board, Coach for the National Math and Science Initiative, AP Psychology Curriculum Writer and Content Lead for Wisewire, Online psychology tutor for Carnegie Prep, Online psychology instructor with the Page School in China, Albright College Adjunct, Apple Trained, Cross-country and Track & Field Coach. When not teaching psychology, Erik can be found running around the trails of Wyomissing, spending time with his family and dog in Ocean City or in other outdoor adventures.
AP Economics
Tim Hetrich
With a Masters of Economics - University of Delaware and teaching from 1982 to 2023, Tim is our senior Coach and true team mentor. Tim has taught APUSH and both AP Economics courses. AP Reader, Program Manager for the National Math and Science Initiative, Albright College Adjunct Professor of Economics, Cross Country and Track Coach. Tim enjoys traveling with his wife and adult children, kayaking, fishing, hunting, gardening and working around his property.
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AP American Gov't and Politics
Chris Kersikoski
Started teaching in 1999, AP Reader, Model Senate Advisor, Apple Trained, Varsity Golf Coach for 21 years! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three boys. Much of that time revolves around watching my boys play soccer, lacrosse, and basketball for their school as well as travel teams. When I get a spare moment...you can find me trout fishing in the local stream or playing a few rounds of golf.
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AP United States History
Travis Kurtz
Travis has taught at Governor Mifflin since 2002 and teaches THREE AP courses; AP European History, AP Human Geography, AP United States History. AP Reader, Coach and Content Developer for the National Math and Science Initiative, AP for All facilitator instructor, Head coach of the Governor Mifflin back-to-back county Chess champions. When not working, Travis likes section hiking the Appalachian Trail and disc golfing with my son. I'm also a self-taught moonwalk expert.
AP Literature & AP Research
Joelle Lamboley
Having earned a master's degree from Georgetown University and teaching since 1996, Joelle has vast knowledge and expertise to share! Joelle has been a coach for the National Math and Science Initiative, a College Board Reader and Table Leader, Academic Dean for Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Georgetown University alumni interviewer, varsity tennis coach, and Quiz Bowl head coach. When not working with students in various capacities, Joelle can be found fox-watching in the Wyomissing Park System while listening to old punk rock. She also makes several trips a year to Reno, Nevada, where most of her family resides.
AP Calculus AB
Ryan Hassler
Ryan brings to our team a Ph.D. in Math & Science Education from Temple University. Varied experiences include: Former High School Math Teacher, Former Online High School Math Teacher (Keystone National High School - AP Statistics), AP Statistics Reader, Coach for the National Math & Science Initiative - AP Calculus BC, Teaching Professor of Mathematics Penn State Berks, Co-Owner The Collegescape LLC K-12 Educational Consulting Company, Reading High School Reveal Math Curriculum Coach and more! Mr. Hassler has received many notable awards and recognition, and is a true advocate for STEM education. Additionally, he serves as the current Chair of the Board of Directors at Helping Harvest Food Bank and is invested in making Berks County Pennsylvania a better place to learn and live.