Programs
Student-Family Partnerships
Mission
Our mission is to empower high-achieving, under-resourced Charlotte area students and families to achieve long term economic mobility through strategic family-centered advocacy and impactful community connections by providing collaboration with a trained and trusted Student-Family Advocate (SFA) whose partnership centers on student growth & development as well as family stabilty & self-sufficiency, health & wellness, education & careers, and financial literacy & management.
Academic Support & College Planning
Mission
Our mission is to support high-achieving, under-resourced juniors and seniors in navigating the transition from high-school to college by providing personalized tutoring assistance with their school academics, standardized testing prep, and college advising mentorship so that they can have the opportunities and access to pursue their career dream path.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to participate in CLTRising. It has undoubtedly profited me in a variety of ways. The best thing about this program, in my opinion, is that each student receives individualized attention, which gives students the confidence to open up and ask questions when they need assistance. Maryanne, my mentor, has supported me through my daily struggles as well as with my academics. Additionally, this program allowed me to learn more about college applications and supported me as I made the move from high school to college. Overall, CLTRising gave me a fantastic mentor and enabled me to be successful in getting into a great university.
Dhanya J.
CLTRising Student
I am incredibly grateful for the support CLTRising has given me with my college admissions journey by offering SAT/ACT tutoring services in English and Math, providing feedback on admission and scholarship supplements, and giving advice on the college admissions process. I not only boosted my SAT score and received assistance with revisions on my supplemental essays, but I also gained constant guidance to become successful when applying to college.
Shanly V.
CLTRising Student
This program gave me confidence to know that I will be prepared for college admissions. Their help with SAT preparation and the college application process is phenomenal, and now I've been admitted to a top school!
Jaime C.
CLTRising Student
CLTRising is the best service one can get for the SAT and ACT, which also includes help with college planning. They have great tutoring sessions, helpful tips and lots of resources. Alice is an amazing math tutor and Maryanne is a blessing. She helps out with literally everything from college essays, SAT ELA tutoring, making sure that the student stays organized, to helping them believe that they can achieve anything and solve any problem. Plus, CLTRising is also very understanding of their students’ situations and is flexible. All you have to do is be willing to give them your best.
Anita O.
CLTRising Student
Participating in CLTRising has been a smart decision for me. My tutors provided me with ample resources and strategies to tackle the SATs. I was also offered individualized attention, addressing my specific needs and concerns, which helped me gain confidence and clarity. My instructor also helped me identify my strengths and unique qualities and helped me craft a compelling personal essay for college admission. Thank you, CLTRising!
Alphin V.
CLTRising Student
CLTRising has provided opportunities to students at Harding such as afterschool tutoring, scholarship writing, and a personal mentor during the Questbridge process. The opportunities and resources afforded have led to students receiving full academic scholarships to Ivy League institutions such as Dartmouth College and The University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, students who been accepted into High Point University, Elon University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Colorado State University.
Chemier Bufford
IB Coordinator at Harding University High School
The program is tailored to my son's needs, tackling the areas that he needed to improve his scores. My son improved drastically, over a 100 points on his SAT reading and writing score, allowing him to be accepted into many Ivy League schools as well as other top universities. The coaching is personalized, not limited to tutoring but also includes help with essay revisions and university applications.
Jaime C. Sr.
Parent of CLTRising student
CLTRising has helped me significantly and has put me on a fast path to success. In addition to tutoring and college application help, Matt has provided me with finance internship opportunities while I am attending Dartmouth. This has helped me to build my resume and gain experience that otherwise would have been very difficult as a college freshman.
Vicente V.
CLTRising Student
Statistics
We offer a holistic approach to the college planning, test preparation, application, and matriculation processes. A litmus test of our success is the quality of universities that accept CLTRising students with financial aid relative to initial student benchmark.
Team
Founders
× Matt earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland and his MBA at University of Pennsylvania. Matt currently leads investing efforts at Ten Oaks Group. Matt’s volunteer work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters ignited his passion for helping under-resourced students and families, and he is dedicated to investing back into the Charlotte community through multiple avenues.
Matt Magan
Founder
× Elizabeth earned her undergraduate degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and MBA and JD at the University of Pennsylvania. Elizabeth currently serves as an operating partner for Ten Oaks Group. Elizabeth’s work for the public defender’s office during law school sparked her passion for justice reform, and she is committed to optimizing lives in Charlotte for all.
Elizabeth Magan
Founder
Directors
× Maryanne Hogan has almost 15 years of experience working with students grades K-12 in various educational settings. Maryanne has served as a tutor, executive functioning coach, and teacher. In directing the CLTRising Academic Support and College Planning program, Maryanne strives to build positive relationships with students and their families, seeking to work together as a team to support growth, confidence, independence, and achievement. She is passionate about meeting students where they are and encouraging them to reach their full potential to be able to pursue their dream career.
Maryanne Hogan:
Executive Director of Academic Services & College Planning
× Chapman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Associate who specializes in youth development. Before joining CLTRising, Chapman spent 7 school years as the lead Intensive Case Manager with Commnunities In Schools-Charlotte Mecklenburg as well as 1 year piloting a School Based Mental Health program at Charlotte Catholic High School through Catapult Learning, LLC. In directing the CLTRising Student-Family Partnerships, Chapman strives to build trusting relationships with students and their families, seeking to collaborate and advocate to overcome injustice and barriers to access. She is commited to participant driven work to help families reach their full potential.
Chapman Archer
Executive Director of Student-Family Partnerships
Family Optimization Strategists
× Casey has worked in the Human Services field since 2013 and is passionate about collaborating with students and families in order to help them achieve their goals. She is from Roanoke, Virginia and has worked in Charlotte since 2015 in various capacities at agencies such as Communities In Schools, Department of Juvenile Justice, and in CMS at McClintock Middle School. Casey is an advocate for immigrants and, in previous roles, has helped Spanish-speaking families get connected to resources and programs to enrich their lives and acclimate to Charlotte. She is thrilled to be a part of CLTRising and serve as a partner to families!
Casey D’Alessandro
Bilingual Family Optimization Strategist
Academic Advocates
× Kathryn currently works as a school counselor at Alexander Graham Middle School. Prior to this, she has four years experience at the high school level guiding students through the college application and planning process. She attended UNC Chapel Hill for undergraduate and then earned her MEd from NC State University. Kathryn and her husband Stefan met at Chapel Hill and are avid Tar Heel fans! Kathryn believes every student should have access to resources and opportunities that support their postsecondary plans. She is passionate about empowering students to set big goals and strive for success.
Kathryn Montanez
College Mentor
× Emily Sanders holds a BA in Creative Writing, an MA in English Literature, and a Certificate in Professional and Technical Writing from UNC Charlotte. After briefly exploring the marketing industry, Emily realized how much she missed education. She dedicated herself to teaching first-year writing and tutoring at Central Piedmont Community College. With a deep commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment, Emily ensures that her students feel heard and seen throughout their academic journeys. Beyond her role in education, Emily serves as an Animal Control Officer in Lake Norman. Emily has two rescue pitbulls, Sir Samson Pancake and Winifred Marceline, whom she affectionately refers to as her babies.
Emily Sanders
ELA Tutor
× Rachel Oco is a graduate of Western Carolina University and served as a high school history teacher for 9 years. She is currently a homeschool mother of two and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, crafting and sports. She believes all students can achieve success through a consistent, holistic approach that fosters a true enjoyment of learning.
Rachel Oco
ELA Tutor
×Liz Layman is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill in Classical Civilizations and has experience tutoring and teaching ages ranging from Pre-K through high school. She is now a homeschool mom of three, she enjoys weight lifting and playing board games in her free time. She believes that education should be approached holistically, addressing the needs of the whole student, whether it be academic, emotional, or physical.
Liz Layman
ELA Tutor
× After obtaining her BS in Mathematics with distinction from the University of New Mexico (GO LOBOS!), Karey has taught mathematics at both the high school and community college levels. She has also home schooled both her children and consulted and/or tutored many other homeschooled families. With a CRLA Level 3 Tutoring Certificate and 35 years experience, Karey attempts to instill her passion for mathematics through tutoring to build confidence and a love for learning in her students.
Karey Pasono
Math Tutor
× Daniel Hernandez is an engineer with a master’s degree in mechatronics/controls & machine learning from the University of Washington. On his day to day, he works as a controls engineer, writing software and analyzing hydraulic circuits for off-highway machines. During his undergraduate studies at Iowa State University, he worked as a calculus tutor and developed a strong passion for tutoring math. He believes that with the right approach, learning math is for everyone, and is committed to helping others succeed in their academic endeavors. In his free time, he enjoys playing squash and padel, traveling, and spending time with his girlfriend and dogs.
Daniel Hernandez
Math Tutor
× Christy holds a BS in Mathematics from Penn State University, an MS in Education from Cairn University, and a certificate in TESL from Georgetown University. From tutoring peers in high school to leading supplemental calculus sessions in college to decades of working as a private tutor, Christy has always been passionate about communicating the beauties of mathematics to others. Her experience as a classroom teacher spans fifteen years and three countries, and she currently teaches high school math at NorthPoint Christian Academy in Waxhaw. She loves working alongside students to cultivate joy in learning and to help each one realize their potential. In her spare time, Christy enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time in nature.
Christy Penner
Math Tutor
