Our Team
Devon Rossler
Devon Rossler is the Owner and Founder of Devon Rossler Tutoring. She has over 15 years of continuous advancement and expertise in education. Devon taught elementary school in the Orinda Union and Walnut Creek Unified School Districts, in addition to facilitating and training teachers in all subject areas. She developed curriculum in math, reading, writing and grammar that is still being used in classrooms today. Devon is passionate about helping students grow academically, while also instilling confidence and self-esteem. She loves seeing her students’ growth and progress when working one on one and in small group settings. Devon always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Growing up she turned her basement into a classroom, and friends and family became her students. She loves to read and also enjoys traveling, hiking and playing tennis in her spare time.
Owner and Founder
Katie Sahm
Katie Sahm has worked as a Bay Area educator for the past 16 years. Katie taught fourth and fifth grades in the Orinda Unified School District, founded and managed a local summer camp, has mentored beginning teachers, and tutored countless students. Katie has her Masters in Education, an administrative credential, and was named one of Contra Costa County’s Teacher of the Year finalists for 2020. Katie serves as the Director of Operations for Devon Rossler Tutoring. She works closely with Devon and all of the tutors to ensure students have a meaningful and productive educational experience. She loves doing yoga, reading, and spending time with her husband and two young sons.
Director of Operations
Sarah Bennett
Sarah Bennett holds a B.A. in Sociology from UCLA and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Saint Mary’s College. Raised in Orinda and a proud alumna of its public schools (K–12), Sarah began her career in advertising and film production—look for her maiden name, Sarah Fernbacher, in the credits of two Pixar films! She later followed her passion for education, earning her teaching credential in 2013. Since then, she has taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Del Rey Elementary in Orinda and has worked as a substitute teacher and tutor throughout the Bay Area. Sarah now lives in Lafayette with her husband and their three energetic boys.
Office Manager, Tutor
Kyra Ruegg
Kyra was born and raised in the Bay Area. From a young age she has always wanted to be a teacher and went to Chapman University to get her credential and masters. After moving back to San Francisco, started her teaching career in Oakland and is now currently teaching in Orinda. Kyra strives to create a learning environment that is fun, engaging, and creates experiences not always found in a traditional classroom. In her free time, Kyra loves to find new restaurants with her husband, read, and explore everything that SF has to offer.
Tutor
Terry Pollack
Terry Pollack taught elementary school for 26 years before retiring from the Orinda Union School District in May 2023. She holds advanced degrees in educational leadership and has been a professor at San Jose State University. Terry continues to enjoy working directly with students to help them achieve their learning goals and potential. Terry also enjoys quilting, hiking, reading, visiting her son in Washington DC, and spending time with her husband and border collie, Ziggy.
Tutor
Jami Mackey is a Bay Area native. She graduated with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies and MS in Curriculum & Instruction. She has a passion for learning and has been working in education for more than seven years. She has experience working with students in preschool to twelfth grade. She believes in making learning fun and engaging for students. Math and reading were her favorite subjects as a student. Jami enjoys working 1:1 with students, because she can provide personalized learning and students have the time and attention they need to flourish. A fun fact about Jami is that she volunteered in Romania for a month working with children in foster homes and hospitals, engaging children in play-based therapy. Jami and her husband have a son and a daughter who keep them very busy! They love going on day trips, reading, engaging in art, and cooking in their free time.
Tutor
Jami Mackey
Julia Prinzi
Julia Prinzi is an east coast native with a BA in Creative Writing and a Master’s in Education. She is currently teaching 3rd grade in Oakland public schools, having previously taught at both the elementary and middle school levels in the Orinda Union School District as well as Canyon School in Moraga. She believes in the power of creativity to inspire learning and help students embrace academic challenges with confidence. Julia loves connecting with students and helping them to see their own potential. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with dogs, painting, and making up songs!
Tutor
Tom Sheridan
A beloved DRT tutor from his time living and teaching in the Bay Area, Tom Sheridan currently lives in Columbia, Missouri, where he teaches Special Education and coaches women’s tennis at Battle High School. He continues to see students in grades 3–8 virtually. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Tom received his Bachelor's degree in K–12 Special Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2012. He has since taught in special education and general education classrooms in the USA and the UK across public, private, Catholic, and charter schools. Tom’s motivation to see his students succeed, grow, and become independent thinkers drives him to craft learning opportunities specific to his students’ learning styles. He focuses on building relationships with students and challenging them in their thinking to push them to their greatest potential. In his free time, Tom enjoys playing music, tennis, hockey, golf, and pickleball, and loves to hike and stay active.
Tutor
Tina Zwahlen
Tina Zwahlen is a passionate and experienced educator with a teaching degree from Brigham Young University. With a wealth of experience teaching in various states, she has worked in 1st, 2nd, and 4th grade classrooms. 16 years ago, Tina settled in Orinda, where her 4 children attended local schools. Currently, she works as a Literacy Specialist in the Moraga School District where she continues supporting students in their reading and language development. In her spare time, Tina loves traveling, spending time with her family, and is a devoted college sports fan.
Tutor
Misha Mistry
Misha graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Integrative Biology and a minor in Cal Teach (STEM Education). Beyond academic pursuits, her passion lies in tailoring education to meet the unique needs of each student. With many years of experience in individual tutoring for K-12 students, Misha understands the importance of personalized learning journeys. During her Cal Teach minor, she immersed herself in teaching roles at Berkeley Elementary School, ASCEND TK-8 School, and Richmond High School, honing her skills in adapting to diverse learning styles. Throughout the pandemic, Misha dedicated her time to Connect-In-Place, where she developed and taught middle school students in after-school enrichment programs. Currently, as a medical assistant at New Day Pediatrics, she continues her journey toward becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, driven by her commitment to individualized care. Outside of her professional pursuits, Misha enjoys creating art, baking, biking, and discovering new music and cuisines.
Tutor, SAT Prep Specialist
Vanessa Navarro
Vanessa Navarro recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. In her first semester, she found that the tutoring center at UC Berkeley was instrumental in her success in rigorous math classes. The support and guidance she received inspired her to give back, and she began tutoring in various math topics ranging from pre-calculus to multivariable calculus. She is now a first-year Master’s student at UC Berkeley, studying Data Science. In her spare time, Vanessa loves cooking, baking, crocheting, and spending quality time with friends.
Tutor
Madison Bailey
Madison Bailey is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Biology on the single-subject teaching pathway at Saint Mary's College of California. Originally from Southern California, she is dedicated to making learning accessible and engaging for all students. Madison gained valuable experience as a college-level biology lab TA, where she enjoyed supporting students as they navigated complex biological concepts. As a former college athlete, she developed a strong sense of discipline and teamwork. In her previous role as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, she empowered young girls to build confidence and embrace their potential. Madison believes in the importance of inspiring curiosity and self-assurance in her students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, and trying new recipes.
Tutor
Gena Bullio
Gena Bullio is a current college student majoring in philosophy with a passion for guiding students through the writing process. Whether working on analytical essays, personal narratives, or research papers, she excels at helping students organize their thoughts, develop strong arguments, and refine their writing for clarity and impact. Gena’s tutoring style is thoughtful and encouraging, fostering a welcoming and productive space where learners feel supported and motivated.
Beyond academics, Gena serves as the leader of her school’s Wealth Management Club. There, she demonstrates initiative and leadership by mentoring peers in career development and financial literacy—skills she believes are essential for long-term success.
In her free time, Gena enjoys reading, writing, and hiking the trails around the Bay Area, always seeking inspiration in both nature and ideas.
Tutor