Team Bios

Hello, I’m Depa Saha, the founder of PupilPrep. I established PupilPrep in 2020 with a clear vision to support and guide young learners through their academic journeys. As a proud Bronx Science alum and a first-generation college graduate from the Bronx, I am deeply committed to addressing educational disparities and empowering students to achieve their full potential. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Business Management, specializing in Finance and Operations Management, at Stony Brook University.

With several years of experience tutoring students from kindergarten through 11th grade, I have had the privilege of helping learners in a variety of subjects, including foundational topics, SAT prep, and SHSAT prep. My dedication to education and community engagement drives my passion for helping students overcome challenges and reach their academic goals.

Having grown up in the Bronx, I understand firsthand the importance of providing equitable access to quality education. This motivates my commitment to bridging gaps in educational opportunities and creating positive, lasting change for students. I am excited to continue contributing to the success of students and making a meaningful impact through PupilPrep.

Fun fact: I also have a background in wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and MMA!

Hello everyone! I am Iris Wu and I am so excited to be the Program Coordinator for PupilPrep. 

I am currently an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University working towards my Bachelors in Business Management with a specialization and minor in Accounting. I want to get my Masters and become a CPA in the future, and work in audit or tax and eventually assurance or consulting services.

My first encounter with tutoring was when I was in 5th grade as it was super common within the American Born Chinese community. Eventually, in 7th grader I started to tutor international students and elementary students, but I returned to tutoring during the pandemic. Ever since meeting some of the many hard working members of Pupilprep, it has inspired me to aid students and families in the community more.As a first generation student, a daughter, and an older sister I am familiar with the experience of blindly navigating the education system. I simply hope to help families and students work towards bridging the gaps that language barriers and certain environments create. I can’t wait to get to know everyone on the team and work with like minded mentors. Fun Fact: I’m super into making art, I love painting, embroidery, and making small clay charms.

Hello, I’m Sameer Hussaini, and I’ll be joining the PupilPrep team as an Outreach and Fundraising Coordinator. I’m a Bard College alum, and am currently pursuing a major in Biology at Queens College.

I have experience both being a mentor with PupilPrep, and engaging with people at Bard regarding fundraising and other outreach efforts. I thoroughly enjoyed my time being a mentor with PupilPrep during the pandemic, and I look forward to continuing with PupilPrep as an Outreach and Fundraising Coordinator.

Fun Fact: I love making short documentaries, whether it's on historical events or even things I find interesting, like marine biology.

Hello! My name is Tiffany Dong, and I’ll be joining as the Administrative Coordinator. My journey with PupilPrep began as a mentor from Fall 2023 through Summer 2024, during which I had the pleasure of working closely with many students and parents. 

In addition, I’m a senior in high school planning on majoring in computer science. I have experience as the Outreach Director for Encode Justice which works around promoting ethical AI, where I gained experience in coordinating outreach efforts and managing communication through social media and email. I’m thrilled to continue contributing to PupilPrep and look forward to the work ahead! 

Fun Fact: I love music performance and I play the piano, clarinet, and bass clarinet! 

Hello! My name is Safiya Bell, and I will be joining PupilPrep as an Administrative Coordinator. I have been tutoring with PupilPrep since October of 2022, and I genuinely enjoy helping children reach their full potential. I am currently a senior in high school planning to major in either Public Health or Biology. 

I have experience running my school’s Drama Club social media account, as well as handling communication as both the President of my school’s Library Aides Club & the Secretary of the Poets and Writers Club.

I’m excited to offer my prior expertise and take on a more hands-on role in this organization!

Fun Fact(s): I love building Lego sets, & I currently play the trumpet!

Hello! My name is Myles Coven and I am Administrative Director at PupilPrep. I am currently a senior at The Bronx High School of Science. I hope to pursue a career in medicine or teaching, hopefully both!

Outside of school, I enjoy playing piano and pursuing my hobby of photography. I love to travel around New York City, taking photos of the incredible architecture!

As Administrative Director, my responsibilities include responding to emails, recording mentor’s hours, accepting new mentors and mentees into PupilPrep, matching mentors to mentees, and responding to parent feedback.
Fun Fact: I am proficient in reading and composing Latin!

Hi! My name is Stephanie Cao and I will be joining PupilPrep as an Event Coordinator. I am currently a Junior at Midwood High School, preparing my journey for college. In the future, I hope to continue a career in medicine. 

I have worked with PupilPrep during the spring term and it provided me with great experience and new opportunities. During my time here, I grew more experience in assisting others that need extra support in their education. In addition, this organization provided me with responsibilities that will benefit me in the future. I am excited to see how I am able to contribute to the PupilPrep team to host events throughout the year. 

Fun Fact: I played several sports throughout my life such as ballet, swimming, lacrosse, and figure skating.

Hello! My name is Jinnat Rae, and I’m excited to join PupilPrep as the Operations Manager. I am currently a junior at Stony Brook University, majoring in Biology and Business Management on the pre-med track.

Having previously worked as a mentor at PupilPrep, I’ve had the privilege of supporting students in their academic journeys and collaborating with an inspiring team of mentors. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the impact of personalized education and community-driven initiatives.

In addition to my work with PupilPrep, I serve as a Research Assistant at Stony Brook University Hospital and as the Media Coordinator for the Student Media Office at Stony Brook. These roles have allowed me to hone my organizational, communication, and leadership skills—skills I am excited to bring to my role as Operations Manager.
I am passionate about empowering students, fostering meaningful connections, and contributing to their educational success. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact through PupilPrep!

Fun Fact: I am learning how to speak French and Hindi!