Leadership Team

Since 1988, our team of experts has calmly, caringly, and expertly guided thousands of families through the process of preparing their students to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners. We’ve had many imitators over the years, but we’ve stayed ahead by evolving and refining every aspect of our service: our pedagogical approach, our customer care, our course materials and technology, and, most importantly, our expert tutors, the face and heart of Summit. Our commitment is to your success, on your terms: a commitment to find the right tutor, to customize the optimal program, to create a schedule that works for you. Get to know us.

Charles O’Hearn

Owner/Founder

While an undergraduate at Yale University, Charlie provided personalized, in-home tutoring services to students in the New Haven area. Seeing a need for one-on-one, in-home tutoring and test preparation, he launched Summit Educational Group in Wellesley, MA in 1988. Charlie has written a number of highly regarded test preparation books, which are used by tutoring companies and schools around the country. He is an expert in the field of tutoring and test preparation and is a frequent speaker and panelist at education conferences, forums, and schools around the country.

Michael Dean

Executive Director

Michael received a BA in Film from Emerson College and MA in Library and Information Science from Simmons College. He has held several different management positions during his 10+ years at Summit, and his customer service focus and integrity make him well-suited to his latest role managing Summit’s Massachusetts office. Michael is highly-regarded among school and independent counselors throughout New England and New York as a trusted test prep partner who does all he can on behalf of his clients.

Drew Heilpern

Chief Brand Ambassador

Drew graduated cum laude from Duke University with degrees in Biology and Elementary Education. He then completed his PhD in Immunology from Tufts Medical School. After completing his postdoctoral fellowship, Drew began tutoring for Summit where his passion as an educator quickly made him one of Summit’s most requested tutors. Outside of Summit, Drew is busy with his two girls both under the age of two, his two cats, and talking shop with his wife, Carol, who is also a Summit tutor.

Ali Kaplan

General Manager, Tutor and Teacher Services

Allison earned a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Ohio State University. After 20 years in higher education, she turned her attention to test prep tutoring. In her current role, she is committed to hiring, training and supporting Summit’s outstanding tutors. Allison was excited to volunteer as a tutor for Summit’s scholarship program. In her spare time, she plays board games, reads avidly, and discovers new recipes.

Katherine Lee

Chief Finance Officer

Katherine received a B.S. in Economics from MIT and a graduate certificate for Special Studies in Administration and Management from Harvard University. Before joining Summit, she worked as an independent financial management consultant for various clients. She has over 25 years of experience working for large corporations and small high-tech startups, including prior positions as Co-Founder & CFO at Modo Labs, Inc. and CFO & EVP of Online Environs, Inc. She enjoys teaching at Korean school on weekends.

Kathy Linhares

Marketing Director

Kathy received a B.A. in Communication from Emerson College and an MBA from Boston University. She has over 25 years of experience defining, developing, and executing marketing strategy for Fortune 500s, national nonprofit organizations, and regional companies. Before joining Summit, she worked at leading Boston marketing and technology agencies, as well as on her own as a consultant for various clients. She is a dedicated mom of two, avid traveler, and outdoor enthusiast.

Whitney Longworth

Director of Business Development

Whitney graduated cum laude from Connecticut College where she was a selected scholar for the Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy. Her early career focused on client relations in the retail and entertainment fields. Whitney enjoys collaborating with our school and counselor partners in her role at Summit. She is an expert panelist and frequent guest speaker at industry conferences. Outside of work, she enjoys planning elaborate events.

Jeff McClure

General Manager, Course Materials & Services

Jeff graduated summa cum laude from Boston College with a degree in Economics and concentration in Finance. He went on to complete the CFA Charter program while working in the financial services industry. Originally from Philadelphia, Jeff has worked for several large brokerage and banking firms, where he specialized in educating clients on products and best practices. Outside of work, he enjoys playing ice hockey and spending time with his wife and two young children.

James Saelee

General Manager, One-on-One Tutoring

James is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he double-majored in Music and Political Science. While there, he volunteered as a math and reading tutor for Berkeley Unified School District. James has more than a decade of experience in the field of test preparation. At Summit, he oversees operations for its one-on-one tutoring division and helps families navigate the testing and admission landscape. Outside of Summit, James enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and listening to podcasts.

Joshua White

Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Training

In his role as Director of Curriculum, Joshua oversees the development, implementation, and oversight of Summit’s curriculum, instruction, and training. Prior to his role, Joshua spent 3 years as a Summit tutor and classroom teacher, preparing students for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, and essay-writing. With over 10 years of tutoring experience, Joshua has taught students from kindergarteners to senior citizens in everything from cooking to computers.

Laura Rothman

Director of Business Analysis

Laura is originally from Bolton, Massachusetts. She attended Applewild School in Fitchburg and Middlesex School in Concord. She earned her bachelor’s in Mathematics and secondary concentrations in Economics and French from Bates College. She has tutored the SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, and additional math subjects since 2010, and joined Summit in 2015 as a Program Director. Outside of her work for Summit, she enjoys volunteering with the Boston rowing community.

Core Team

Catharine Todd

Director, One-on-One Tutoring Operations, MA

Catharine graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University with a degree in computer science. After working in the software industry for 10 years, Catharine took time off to raise three children. She reentered the workforce with a passion for education, tutoring for the SAT and ACT, and mentoring students at Mass Bay Community College. She joined Summit in 2020 as a Program Director. Outside of Summit, Catharine enjoys long walks on the beach with her dog, Simon.

Christine Wantman

HR Generalist

Christine earned a B.S. from the School of Business at the University of Connecticut. After pursuing a career in public relations, she spent 10 years leading recruiting efforts at a Boston advertising agency. Christine chose to shift her attention to spend more time with her family while also dedicating countless hours to volunteerism focused on elementary education, food security and children’s health. Christine joined Summit in 2021 as a part time HR Generalist. She is the happiest when spending time with her husband and their two teenagers.

Marvin Wolfert

Lead Program Director & Data Analyst

Marvin Wolfert has been a Summit tutor since 2004, and has served as a Summit Program Director since 2012. Marvin graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a degree in English Literature, and also holds a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Marvin’s professional background includes 15 years in estate and business planning law and 7 years in retail management. Away from Summit, Marvin is a proud and busy grandfather, and an avid reader and runner. Marvin has also run over 20 marathons since 2008, including multiple Boston Marathons.

"The system is great, very simple to use."

Vedika K.

“Allison is a great tutor, and really patient and calm as well as experienced. She always gave my younger daughter the feeling of being more relaxed and less stressed. Jessica went to Derby, but was also accepted at Thayer and Tabor! Thank you.”

Cristina F, Parent

“Absolutely top-notch in terms of staff. Knowledgeable, professional and friendly! Perfect materials aimed at ensuring all critical areas are covered. Wonderful services in terms of students' abilities to take diagnostic tests in a testing environment at Summit's offices.”

Debbie N., Parent

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