Farah Blount

Co-Founder, Program Manager, Student Liaison

My name is Farah Blount, and I am the founder of Mind of a Child Tutoring. I created this initiative because I believe every student deserves access to the academic support they need to reach their full potential, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

When I was a middle school student, I worked hard and consistently earned strong grades, yet I still felt the pressure to keep up and excel. There was one subject that I continually struggled with, and I often wondered how different my experience might have been if I had consistent access to tutoring outside the classroom. Would additional support have helped me strengthen my understanding, build my confidence, and ease the anxiety that sometimes made me question whether I truly belonged?

As I began talking with my peers, I realized that I was not alone. Many students wanted additional academic support but did not have access to affordable tutoring opportunities, particularly one-to-one tutoring where they could receive personalized attention.

Those conversations helped me discover my passion for supporting other students. I wanted to create something that could help students facing challenges similar to those I had experienced. I understand how important it is to have someone willing to listen, encourage you, and help you work through subjects that may feel difficult. I want students to know that asking for help is a strength and that struggling with a subject does not define their abilities or their potential.

I came to understand that talent and determination are universal, but opportunity is not. That realization inspired me to take action and turn my passion for helping other students into something that could make a meaningful difference.

I co-founded Mind of a Child Tutoring on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically, build confidence in their abilities, and pursue their goals without financial barriers limiting their access to the support they need to succeed.

Josephine Jean-Charles

Co-Founder, Marketing and Student Liaison

My name is Josephine Jean-Charles, and I am the co-founder of Mind of a Child alongside Farah Blount. We created Mind of a Child Tutoring because we believe every child deserves access to the support, guidance, and educational resources they need to succeed.

Our vision was shaped in part by our own experiences as students. I learned firsthand how challenging academic transitions can be, particularly when students enter a new environment with unfamiliar expectations and responsibilities.

My transition from a charter school to an independent school in middle school was a significant adjustment. The academic environment was very different. Teachers expected students to take greater ownership of their learning, manage their time, study independently, and approach their schoolwork with a level of responsibility that I was not accustomed to. While I worked hard to become more independent with studying and completing my homework, I quickly realized that independence alone was not always enough. I needed additional guidance to understand the new academic expectations and develop the skills necessary to meet them.

Looking back, I believe that individualized tutoring and academic support beyond what my school provided would have made my transition to middle school much smoother. As I spoke with my peers, I also realized that many of them were experiencing similar challenges and could have benefited from additional academic support.

That experience shaped my belief that tutoring should be about more than improving grades. Effective tutoring can help students build confidence, develop strong study and organizational habits, strengthen problem-solving skills, and better understand their individual learning needs. Most importantly, individualized support provides students with a comfortable environment where they can ask questions, make mistakes, and receive the guidance they need without feeling embarrassed or overwhelmed.

Through Mind of a Child, we hope to provide students with the kind of support we know can make a difference during important academic transitions. Our goal is to help students build the confidence, skills, habits, and knowledge they need not only to succeed in the classroom, but throughout their educational journey.

Phoebe Friedman

Co Founder, Program Manager, College Tutor Liaison

I am currently a student at Barnard College with a strong commitment to education, mentorship, research, and community service. At Barnard, I serve as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and an Access Barnard Peer Mentor, where I have the opportunity to support fellow students as they navigate their academic and college experiences.

Tutoring has been an important part of my work for several years. I have worked with middle and high school students, as well as K–8 students in Harlem, Washington Heights, and Morningside Heights. I believe every student benefits from individualized support, encouragement, and having someone who is genuinely invested in their success. As a tutor, my goal is not only to strengthen academic skills, but also to help students build confidence and become more comfortable in their abilities.

I value hard work, collaboration, and giving back to my community. I am especially passionate about working with young people and helping students develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to reach their academic potential.

Merle Anselm

Parent Liasion

My name is Merle Anselm, and I am an educational advocate and consultant dedicated to advancing educational equity and expanding opportunities for students. For more than 15 years, I have focused on empowering students to succeed in rigorous academic environments and reach their full potential.

Through my consulting work, I have partnered with students and families to help them navigate educational pathways, identify enrichment opportunities, and develop strategies that support academic growth and achievement. I am passionate about ensuring that all students have access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baruch College and bring more than 25 years of professional experience in event planning, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. Throughout my career, I have used my experience to bring people, organizations, and resources together to create meaningful opportunities for students, families, and communities.

Education has always been important to me, and I believe that when students are given access to the right opportunities and a strong support system, they can build confidence, discover their strengths, and achieve their goals.

Samantha Shakes

Program and Technical Director

I received my B.A. from the University of North Florida, where I studied Sociology and Mass Communication. My educational background has strengthened my understanding of people, communities, communication, and the importance of creating opportunities for young people to grow and succeed.

I am passionate about supporting children as they explore their creativity, strengthen their educational skills, and develop confidence in themselves. I believe every child has unique abilities and deserves encouragement, patience, and support as they learn.

What inspires me most is seeing children thrive. I enjoy helping young people discover their strengths, express their creativity, and recognize their potential while supporting their educational and personal growth.