Meet the 2026 Achievable Awards nominees

The annual Achievable Excellence in Education Awards celebrate and honor outstanding teachers, tutors, and educational professionals who go the extra mile. These awards recognize individuals who consistently strive to inspire, motivate, and support their students on the path to academic and professional success.

After reviewing this year’s nominations, we are excited to announce our 2026 category finalists: dedicated tutors, counselors, teachers, and organizational leaders who truly excel at their craft. Public voting for these distinguished finalists is now officially open and will remain available until April 6, 2026.

On our list, you’ll find professionals devoted to guiding students through college, graduate, medical school, and other admissions processes, using innovative methods to deliver results. These inspiring leaders are raising the bar for their professions through their commitment to student growth and passion for expanding learning opportunities.

Exceptional educators play a pivotal role in connecting students with their interests, bridging diverse communities, and empowering learners to reach their goals and dreams. At Achievable, we wish to honor individuals who have made lasting, positive impacts on countless students’ lives.

And the nominees for this year’s Achievable Excellence in Education Awards are…

Award categories and nominees

The Achievable Awards celebrate exceptional impact in education across five distinct categories, highlighting both individual excellence and organizational triumph. We are proud to share and highlight this year’s finalists, each of whom has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, drive, and commitment to their students and clients.

Best Tutor (Individual)

The Best Tutor award honors some of the top academic counselors and spotlights exceptional individual achievement in instruction and test preparation.

Meeraj Patel

Intuitive Test Prep | Connect with Meeraj on LinkedIn

Meeraj Patel’s work is guided by a rare combination of deep subject expertise, personal mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student transformation. As the founder of Intuitive Test Prep, he is among the most respected tutors in academic and standardized test preparation, leveraging nearly two decades of experience to deliver top-tier results.

What distinguishes Meeraj is his relentless focus on how each student best learns. He thoroughly assesses unique challenges and customizes his lessons with proven, systematic strategies. Meeraj’s unrivaled attention to detail, rigorous standards, and authentic care ensure that his students not only achieve standout academic and test results but also develop skills and abilities for lifelong success.

Countless learners who previously struggled with standardized exams or specific subjects have successfully rebuilt their knowledge from the ground up under his expert guidance, transforming uncertainty into mastery. With relentless dedication, clear communication, and an individualized student-first approach, Meeraj Patel exemplifies what it means to be a high-impact tutor.

Rebecca Cobb Ramirez

Ask Ms. Bec | Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn

Rebecca Ramirez, widely known as Ms. Bec, is admired by her students for her powerful educational leadership. She creates transformative learning environments where every student, whether advanced, on-level, or in need of extra support, feels inspired and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Her signature blend of skill-building and encouragement has earned her a reputation as both an award-winning tutor and a trusted educational counselor. Ms. Bec establishes a classroom culture that enables students to explore their abilities confidently, advancing from hesitation to achievement. Her talent to meet each learner at their individual starting point makes her a truly effective educator.

Beyond direct tutoring, Ms. Bec extends support and clarity to students’ families, establishing trust throughout the education journey. Her consistent success in generating meaningful growth, self-belief, and connection has made her an impactful force in her educational community.

Yulius Haryadi, MD

yuliusharyadi.com | Connect with Dr. Haryadi on LinkedIn

Dr. Yulius Haryadi specializes in providing skilled test prep and visionary career counseling to international medical graduates pursuing residency in the U.S. As a mentor, counselor, and role model, Dr. Haryadi dedicates his expertise to expanding opportunities in medicine worldwide.

After earning his medical degree from the University of Indonesia and completing residency in the U.S., Dr. Haryadi developed a renowned practice centered on clinical excellence, high-impact mentoring, and rigorous test preparation for future physicians. Through targeted courses, personalized coaching, and quality online resources on the USMLE and residency process, he has become one of the most influential test-prep tutors for aspiring doctors.

Dr. Haryadi’s commitment extends far beyond exam performance: he equips learners with critical communication skills, self-confidence, and strategies vital for healthcare advancement. Through his ongoing efforts as a leading tutor and counselor, he ensures that professionals from every background can thrive, positively shaping both individual trajectories and the wider future of medicine.

Randee Schneeberg

JettPrep | Connect with Randee on LinkedIn

Randee Schneeberg embraces a student-driven, modern approach at JettPrep. Her strategy redefines test preparation for today’s learners by fusing structured methods with approachable guidance, helping each student manage high-stakes exams with newfound assurance.

Her adaptable and empathetic teaching style reinforces Randee’s stellar reputation. Rather than relying on rigid frameworks, she develops personalized study plans that promote consistency, minimize test anxiety, and foster real progress. Her work with JettPrep demonstrates how the right tutor-led guidance can dramatically improve academic results and shift attitudes toward challenging material.

A hallmark of Randee’s approach lies in forming trusting connections and building supportive yet high-expectation environments where accountability thrives. As a mentor and advisor, she guides students step by step toward meaningful independence in their study practices while maintaining high motivation throughout.

Immanuel Olarinde, MD

Connect with Dr. Olarinde on LinkedIn

Immanuel Olarinde is dedicated to lifting students through education, mentoring excellence, and serving as one of the healthcare sector’s best tutors and most insightful academic counselors. He guides learners at critical academic and career crossroads, equipping them with practical strategies and personally tailored advice honed from real-world achievement.

As a leading tutor and strategic counselor, Immanuel emphasizes measurable performance coupled with holistic personal development. He enables students to cultivate strong credentials while also building lasting confidence, disciplined habits, and a long-term vision of success, making quality support accessible to those from even the most underrepresented backgrounds.

Combining deep mentorship skills with powerful academic guidance, Dr. Olarinde exemplifies everything a standout tutor is meant to achieve: transformative opportunities and impactful, student-centered success that elevate individuals and inspire communities alike.

Best Tutor (Organization)

The Best Tutoring Organization category recognizes organizations that are leading the way in exceptional academic support, test preparation, and student advancement. These companies demonstrate a proven record of high-impact results and transformative student achievement.

Pollak Tutors

pollaktutors.com | Connect on LinkedIn

Pollak Tutors is led by Rob Pollak, who has earned acclaim for providing highly personalized and results-oriented tutoring services. Renowned for their individualized academic support and student success stories, especially impressive ACT score improvements, Pollak Tutors is recognized not only for excellent instruction but also for a deep-rooted commitment to the communities they serve.

Setting themselves apart from other companies, Pollak Tutors employs methods beyond traditional ones. They offer customized one-on-one tutoring, targeted small-group classes, comprehensive test prep strategy guidance, and educational workshops for both students and parents. Their investment extends into executive function coaching and free academic resources, demonstrating their holistic focus on student growth and achievement.

The true hallmark of Pollak Tutors is the blend of expert, top-quality instruction with exceptional care and mentorship. Students experience not only significant improvements in grades and test scores but also elevated confidence in their approach to learning. This unique combination makes Pollak Tutors a valuable ally for families seeking a partner for lasting educational success.

PieRSquared

piersquared.org | Connect with Beth Segers on LinkedIn

PieRSquared embodies an effective tutor philosophy, delivering personalized, high-caliber academic assistance driven by an unwavering commitment to student well-being and community impact. Under founder Beth Segers’ leadership, PieRSquared establishes a nurturing atmosphere where every learner feels valued and connected to a larger mission.

PieRSquared thoughtfully matches each student with the ideal tutor based on individual needs, ensuring highly effective, tailored support. This precise matching process not only improves academic performance but also boosts each student’s enrichment and active engagement in learning.

Beth’s dedication shapes an uplifting, motivating culture among both students and volunteer tutors. By fusing individualized academic support with a powerful community ethos, PieRSquared’s approach delivers positive educational outcomes that extend into students’ personal growth well beyond the classroom.

Reason Test Prep

reasontestprep.com | Connect on LinkedIn

Reason Test Prep continuously and expertly prepares students for challenging standardized tests, focusing on clarity, effectiveness, and student empowerment. Founded by Brian Prestia, Reason Test Prep specializes in high-stakes exam preparation and serves as a trusted resource for students seeking significant score gains.

With a results-oriented methodology, Reason Test Prep equips learners with efficient test-taking strategies, systematic instruction, and data-driven feedback. Personalized lessons and targeted practice empower students to reach maximum potential and achieve competitive exam scores quickly.

By upholding standards of clarity and accountability at every stage, Reason Test Prep establishes itself as a top choice for anyone pursuing advanced academic goals and success in college or graduate admissions.

City Test Prep

citytestprep.com | Connect on LinkedIn

City Test Prep, guided by Bara Sapir, is recognized as a leading provider for its dedication to superior standardized exam results through one-on-one tutoring and personalized learning plans. Their commitment to quality, customized support has been proven to help students achieve their goals and change lives.

Through meticulously tailored instruction, delivered via individual sessions or small groups, City Test Prep helps students chart a path to their highest academic outcomes. Their methodology focuses on clear communication, strategic skill-building, and consistent reinforcement, offering students the techniques and confidence needed for optimal performance in competitive environments.

By pairing experienced educators with purpose-built practice, City Test Prep consistently delivers measurable results. Their steadfast emphasis on individualized support and holistic development affirms the impact of their guidance and available resources.

Chariot Learning

chariotlearning.com

Chariot Learning, led by Mike Bergin, has consistently exceeded expectations for years, built on a decades-long commitment to student-focused educational excellence. Their legacy is built on expert test-prep instruction, integrity, and strategic academic support that transform both outcomes and confidence.

Chariot Learning elevates the standard through individualized curriculum design, tailoring strategies to each student’s strengths and challenges to foster critical thinking, time management, and robust academic skills. Students achieve both immediate score improvements and long-term academic foundations that extend beyond any single test.

A defining trait of Chariot Learning is its enduring mentorship; students and families receive reliable guidance, transparent communication, and sustained support throughout each stage of learning. Their approach ensures that students feel ready, confident, and empowered to excel academically.

Best Counselor (Individual)

The Best Counselor (Individual) category honors the most dedicated academic and career counselors who excel at guiding students toward their educational and professional goals.

Irina Chen

Irina Chen Coaching | Irina Chen on LinkedIn

Irina Chen is a nationally recognized admissions and academic coach who offers a deeply strategic, personalized approach to help students succeed in competitive application processes. As the head of Irina Chen Coaching, she partners with students to uncover their strengths, refine personal statements, and create compelling applications that shine in selective environments.

Her methodology fuses structured planning with meaningful self-reflection, empowering students to communicate their experiences and ambitions authentically. Irina’s balanced strategy and focus on self-awareness guide students in developing polished applications that remain true to their identity.

Students and families consistently praise Irina for her ability to build trust, provide clear direction, and simplify complex admissions steps. Her mentorship reduces anxiety while delivering improved outcomes, exemplifying what makes a counselor invaluable during the admissions journey.

Through her unwavering dedication to individualized guidance and student growth, Irina Chen enables students to move beyond apprehension and present their most confident selves in the admissions process.

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian

Shemmassian Consulting | Dr. Shemmassian on LinkedIn

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is a widely recognized educational coach, renowned for helping students gain admission to the nation’s most competitive medical schools and graduate programs. As founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting, he leads a highly respected practice that offers thousands of students personalized, results-driven admissions counseling each year.

With a PhD in psychology and a strong background in research and teaching, Dr. Shemmassian brings unique insight into how students learn and present themselves effectively. His approach blends strategic analysis with authentic storytelling, empowering applicants to stand out in today’s increasingly competitive admissions environment.

Through well-crafted online resources, individualized advising, and expert guidance on medical school applications, essays, and test prep, Dr. Shemmassian makes elite admissions strategies accessible to all. His work emphasizes clarity, structure, and student empowerment. His influence spans the admissions field, where his commitment to academic rigor and scalable mentorship continues to shape outcomes for ambitious students worldwide.

Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski

Orlowski Consulting | Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski on LinkedIn

Rebecca Stuart-Orlowski truly embodies what it means to be an educational counselor, guiding students and families through the college admissions process with exceptional clarity, strategy, and care. As founder of Orlowski Consulting, she has developed a trusted advising practice that helps students identify strengths, craft standout applications, and navigate the evolving admissions landscape.

With deep expertise in education and years of experience as an academic advisor, Rebecca delivers a highly personalized counseling approach. She meets students where they are, helping them construct clear, authentic narratives that resonate with admissions committees.

Offering one-on-one counseling, application strategy, and essay development, Rebecca empowers students to present their best selves while alleviating the stress associated with college admissions. Her focus extends beyond immediate results to long-term growth and alignment with each student’s educational journey. Her dedication to thoughtful guidance and measurable student success has made her an invaluable partner for families.

Dr. Emmanuela Stanislaus

Dr. Emmanuela Consulting | Dr. Emmanuela on LinkedIn

Dr. Emmanuela Stanislaus exemplifies student-focused excellence as a highly-rated healthcare admissions and career guidance professional. As the founder of Dr. Emmanuela Consulting, she offers tailored support to aspiring medical professionals navigating complex pathways in medicine and related fields.

Leveraging her medical background and firsthand admissions experience, Dr. Emmanuela provides expert guidance across applications, interviews, and career positioning. Her approach prioritizes authenticity and alignment, helping students tell compelling stories that highlight both achievements and motivation.

Through top-notch advising, educational resources, and mentorship, Dr. Emmanuela champions diversity by supporting learners from underrepresented or nontraditional backgrounds. She goes beyond admissions outcomes to foster resilience and clear direction in demanding professional fields. Her unwavering commitment to access, clarity, and student success has earned her the trust of those pursuing careers in healthcare.

Teege Mettille

podfol.io/profile/teege-mettille | Teege Mettille on LinkedIn

Teege Mettille is celebrated for his innovative, student-centered approach to college admissions. With deep expertise as both an admissions professional and consultant, Teege has helped countless students and families navigate the complexities of the college application process with clarity and insight.

He champions alignment over prestige, encouraging students to pursue educational paths that fit their strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Through advising sessions, public speaking, and his podcast, Teege translates insider admissions knowledge into actionable guidance that enables students to make informed decisions.

Teege excels at demystifying admissions by breaking down each stage into clear strategies and practical steps. His transparent style empowers students and families to approach the process with purpose.

Best Counselor (Organization)

The Best Counselor (Organization) category recognizes educational companies and groups that empower students through high-quality coaching and resources for academic applications and professional growth.

HelloCollege

sayhellocollege.com | Connect with HelloCollege on LinkedIn

HelloCollege, led by Kevin Krebs, is well-known for its modern college admissions guidance. The team’s mission is to make high-quality college counseling accessible, personalized, and results-driven for students at every stage of the application process. With a team of experienced counselors and former admissions professionals, HelloCollege delivers support across college selection, application strategy, essay development, and test preparation.

As a top choice for students seeking counselor expertise, HelloCollege combines structured planning with individualized mentorship. Their approach ensures students develop strong, authentic applications while staying organized and on track. By leveraging data-driven insights alongside hands-on advising, HelloCollege offers scalable support that never loses its personal touch.

Focusing on clarity, accountability, and measurable outcomes, HelloCollege helps students navigate the admissions journey, turning a complex process into a manageable, successful experience.

Write Track Admissions

writetrackadmissions.com | Connect with Write Track Admissions on LinkedIn

Write Track Admissions, under the leadership of CEO Hamada Zahawi, is a widely regarded counseling service for students seeking to craft compelling, authentic application narratives. Specializing in competitive admissions, Write Track Admissions helps students develop standout essays and materials that capture admissions committees' attention.

Their approach is both strategic and highly personalized. Students benefit from expert guidance throughout every stage of the writing process, from brainstorming ideas to refining final drafts, ensuring each application reflects a unique voice, strong structure, and meaningful insight. This focus on authenticity empowers students to differentiate themselves while staying true to their individual journeys. Beyond essay improvement, students learning how to become better communicators, fostering clarity in how they present their stories, ideas, and ambitions.

Through expert mentorship, thoughtful coaching, and an emphasis on genuine storytelling, Write Track Admissions consistently ranks among the best organizations at turning applications into powerful opportunities.

College Ready

collegereadyplan.com | Connect with College Ready on LinkedIn

College Ready, founded by Shellee Howard, is constantly celebrated for successfully guiding students and families through the college admissions process at their own pace. Their unique planning model ensures that every step, from college selection to application timelines, is organized and accessible.

This approach emphasizes early preparation and strategic decision-making, helping students break down the admissions process into manageable milestones. With consistent guidance and clear communication, College Ready helps students stay organized, reduce stress, and make steady progress toward their academic goals.

What sets College Ready apart as a leading counselor resource is its unwavering commitment to both outcomes and student experience. Families benefit from practical tools and transparent processes that make college planning approachable. By combining structure, personalization, and long-term planning, College Ready empowers students to take control of their college journey.

MedEdits

mededits.com | Connect with MedEdits on LinkedIn

MedEdits, under the direction of Jessica Freedman, MD, is recognized as a top counseling service specializing in admissions consulting for medicine, dentistry, and other health professions. With deep expertise in healthcare admissions and a highly personalized approach, MedEdits has a proven record of guiding applicants to top-tier programs.

Their methodology centers on strategic positioning and authentic storytelling. MedEdits ensures each applicant presents a cohesive narrative across personal statements, secondary essays, and interviews, maximizing their impact at every stage. With detailed feedback and hands-on support, students avoid common pitfalls and strengthen their candidacy.

What makes MedEdits a standout is its combination of healthcare admissions experience and individualized mentoring. Students gain expert insight and a tailored roadmap that aligns with their unique backgrounds and goals. Through strategic guidance, mentorship, and subject-matter expertise, MedEdits empowers aspiring healthcare professionals to achieve outstanding admissions outcomes.

MyAdmitCoach

myadmitcoach.com | Connect with MyAdmitCoach on LinkedIn

MyAdmitCoach merges Ellin Lolis’s renowned admissions counseling expertise with advanced AI technology to deliver futuristic, personalized support to students navigating competitive applications. With a focus on MBA admissions, their individualized strategy covers every aspect, from school selection and application planning to essay development and interview preparation.

As a leader among educational counseling services, MyAdmitCoach blends structured guidance with an emphasis on authentic storytelling. Students receive actionable steps that help them stay organized, reduce stress, and make consistent progress throughout the admissions cycle.

What sets MyAdmitCoach apart is its innovative AI-driven approach. This technology-driven model helps increase access to high-quality graduate and college admissions consulting at a fraction of the cost of traditional services. Students benefit from personalized, data-driven support tailored to their unique backgrounds and aspirations, ensuring each application reflects both strategic positioning and genuine voice.

Best Teacher (Individual)

The Best Teacher category spotlights educators who foster a love for learning and create engaging, meaningful classroom experiences.

Elizabeth Kaya

Connect with Elizabeth Kaya on LinkedIn

Elizabeth Kaya is a shining example of educational impact, consistently striving to be the best teacher for her students. With a passion for creating engaging, impactful learning experiences, she transforms traditional instruction into dynamic, real-world lessons. Whether celebrating Black History Month, offering hands-on opportunities in agriculture and dairy farming, or integrating STEM concepts to ignite curiosity, Elizabeth excels at making learning accessible and memorable.

Central to her philosophy as an educator is a commitment to nurturing the whole student. Elizabeth ensures every learner feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed, promoting both academic achievement and personal growth. Her unwavering dedication demonstrates what it means to be devoted to your students, making education both transformative and inclusive.

Elizabeth’s recognition as Teacher Spotlight of the Month and her selection as a speaker at the InnEdCo conference highlight her leadership and commitment. Through innovation, empathy, and measurable impact, she inspires lasting growth among students and colleagues alike, setting the standard for excellence in her field.

LeeAnn Caradine

Connect with LeeAnn Caradine on LinkedIn

LeeAnn Caradine epitomizes educational distinction through her personal commitment and innovative teaching approach. As an educator with a background as a former foster youth and military veteran, she brings resilience, adaptability, and mentorship into every classroom interaction, ensuring students from all walks of life feel supported and capable of success.

Her teaching focuses on making learning meaningful and accessible, hallmarks of effective teaching. LeeAnn brings science to life through hands-on experiences, including raising butterflies, live insect exhibits, and the California Classroom Aquarium Program. Her integration of STEAM, experiential, and project-based learning, including 3D printing and student-led projects, empowers students to take charge of their own educational journeys.

LeeAnn’s dedication goes beyond academics. By championing PBIS initiatives and prioritizing social-emotional growth, she creates a structured classroom environment where students thrive with confidence. Her leadership in events such as science fairs and STEAM exhibitions further promotes a culture of collaboration, pride, and community engagement.

Anna Nicolaou

Learn Math With Anna | Connect with Anna Nicolaou on LinkedIn

Anna Nicolaou is an outstanding educator and a dedicated math tutor. As the founder of Learn Math With Anna and author of Achievable’s AP Statistics textbook, she has established herself among the top tutors in the field by breaking down complex math concepts into clear, approachable lessons that foster deep understanding.

With an Honors Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Toronto and extensive experience in both secondary and university classrooms, Anna exemplifies academic rigor and practical application. She ensures students not only master mathematical content but also build lasting quantitative and problem-solving skills.

Beyond direct instruction, Anna’s expansive library of resources supports students across North America, meeting diverse needs and helping them achieve outstanding academic results. Her commitment to clarity, innovation, and measurable student progress makes her work a model for modern mathematics education.

Each award category above celebrates extraordinary professionals and organizations, recognizing top teachers, exemplary tutors, and programs driving measurable student outcomes.

Have any of these tutors, teachers, or organizations made a difference in your life? Now is your chance to show appreciation by voting for them as the best in their category, honoring their accomplishments and ongoing impact.

Voting process

Voting for the Achievable Awards opens on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, and runs through Monday, April 6, 2026, giving you nearly three weeks to participate. All nominees will receive an email with detailed voting instructions, which they can share with colleagues, students, friends, and family to encourage support.

For additional details on public voting and the awards process, please visit the official Achievable Awards nominations page.

What will winners receive?

Achievable Award recipients join an elite network of nationally recognized education leaders. Each award honors recipients for proven dedication and exceptional positive impact in the education community.

Winners receive distinguished recognition, including:

• Public acknowledgement as an award recipient, with an official Achievable Award badge displayed on their LinkedIn profile.
• A digital Achievable Award badge to proudly showcase on their website and share with their professional network and educational community.
• Features across Achievable’s blog and social media channels.
• Third-party validation, which strengthens trust and establishes credibility with students, families, and educational institutions

We are committed to helping outstanding educators continue to highlight their remarkable accomplishments beyond the awards ceremony. By keeping their success visible to peers, students, and the greater educational community, educators amplify the impact of their achievements within the field.

Cast your vote today

The Achievable Awards shine a spotlight on those who embody excellence in education by celebrating dedication, innovation, and measurable, positive impact. An exceptional educator can empower students to achieve their goals, whether that means earning a top test score, acing a difficult class, or preparing for a rigorous graduate program. The nominees above each bring their own approaches and skills to their practice, but are united by their devotion to their students and clients.

We extend our thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination, and to all those committed to recognizing educational impact within their own communities. Cast your vote for the Achievable Awards by April 6th to help honor and celebrate those helping students flourish and shape a brighter future.

Questions?

For any questions, please email Tyler York, CEO of Achievable, at tyler@achievable.me.