Meet the instructors behind Bothell STEM Coach

Originally from Venezuela, Fernando holds a B.S. in Physics from Texas A&M University and an M.Sc. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Helsinki in Finland, with a focus on general relativity and the physics of the early universe. He has been teaching and tutoring physics since 2017 and is passionate about helping students develop a deep understanding of the subject through engaging, technology-supported instruction. Fernando has taught physics at the college level for several years and has led the AP Physics 1 program since 2024.

Julie majored in Physics at Furman University in Greenville, SC. She taught physics for seventeen years before leaving the classroom in 2022 to pursue a career in higher education consulting. During her time in the classroom she taught conceptual physics, honors physics, AP Physics B, AP Physics 1, and AP Physics 2. The class average on the AP Physics 1 exam for Julie's students was consistently higher than the national and state averages — in fact, in her last two years of teaching, 100% of her students earned a passing score on the exam. Julie has a passion for working with young people and is excited to continue sharing her love of science through Bothell STEM Coach!

Wendy has been teaching Physics and Math for over two decades. She holds a Master's degree in Physics from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she conducted gravitational wave research under Professor Peter Bender. After graduating, she spent four years as a high school Physics and Math instructor, teaching AP Physics C for three of those years. She then took time away from the classroom to focus on her family, during which she taught part-time at the college level. Wendy is now a tutor with Bothell STEM Coach and has thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with high school students. A mother of three, two of her children have already taken AP Physics C, with the youngest set to take the course next year. Guiding AP students through the challenges of preparation and study has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.

Youssef earned his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UC Irvine, where he also served as an engineering lab instructor. He has been teaching physics since 2017. An educator, engineer, and athlete, he teaches the mindset of continual education and prepares students to become adaptable and well-rounded so that their success extends well beyond their academics.

Hunter has a B.S. in Applied Physics and is currently working on his M.S. in Nuclear Engineering, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He has been a prominent STEM tutor on campus since 2024 and is pursuing a career in physics education at both the college and high school level. Hunter has a deep passion for helping others better understand the world around them and develop practical problem-solving skills.

Full bio coming soon.

Stephanie has a degree in Mathematics and was a classroom math teacher for 10 years, teaching everything from 8th grade math through AP Calculus AB and BC. When her daughter was born in 2021, she left her teaching job and started tutoring part-time. She has loved being able to continue helping students as a tutor while also having time to spend with her family. She enjoys helping students gain a deep understanding of math concepts and build confidence in their math skills.

Full bio coming soon.

Full bio coming soon.

Full bio coming soon.

Candice has a Master's degree in Gerontology and a BA in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. She has over 10 years of online teaching experience with an emphasis on improving student success and confidence. She has in-person classroom experience working with students ranging from at-risk to accelerated, and has provided individualized curriculum for up to 40 students at one time. She lives with her husband and two children on a mini farm with mini cows and goats in the big state of Texas.