Meet The Wagner Prep Team
A small team of expert educators dedicated to thoughtful, personalized support.
OUR APPROACH TO BUILDING THE TEAM
Experienced educators. Skilled communicators. Genuine mentors.
We believe students learn best from tutors who are steady, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in their growth. Every Wagner Prep tutor is carefully selected for their academic background, professional experience, and ability to build strong relationships with students and families.
Some tutors are full-time educators. Others are professionals who bring deep subject expertise and a passion for teaching. All are college graduates trained in Wagner Prep’s personalized approach to test prep and academic support.
We hire thoughtfully, support collaboratively, and ensure every family works with a tutor who is prepared, communicative, and aligned with our student-first philosophy.
Leadership Team
Mike Wagner
Founder, College Admissions Advisor, SAT/ACT Reading & Writing Tutor
Mike is the founder of Wagner Prep and the guiding force behind our test prep and college advising programs. He brings more than a decade of experience helping students raise scores, strengthen academic skills, and navigate college admissions with clarity and confidence.
With a background as a high school history teacher and years spent supporting schools, nonprofits, and families across New York City, Mike built Wagner Prep around personal attention, steady guidance, and a deep understanding of how students think.
His work blends expertise in SAT and ACT strategy, strong admissions knowledge, and a calm, organized approach that helps families feel supported rather than overwhelmed. Mike works with a select group of advising students each year and tutors a small number of students in SAT and ACT Reading and Writing.
Families value his clear communication and steady presence. Students appreciate his straightforward teaching style, humor, and the genuine connection he builds with them.
To learn more about Mike’s background and advising approach, visit his full bio here.
Marley Perlstein
Head of Instruction, Math and Science Tutor
Marley is Wagner Prep’s Head of Instruction and the person who ensures every student receives thoughtful, strategic, and consistent support. She oversees curriculum, guides our tutors, and collaborates closely with Mike to maintain the high academic standards families trust.
Marley brings deep academic training to her work, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a Master’s degree in Biostatistics. She has been tutoring since 2017 and is experienced in SAT and ACT prep as well as Algebra, Geometry, Biology, and other math and science subjects.
Parents appreciate her patient, thorough, and highly supportive teaching style. Students describe her as calm, clear, and exceptionally skilled at breaking down difficult concepts.
Before joining Wagner Prep full-time, Marley worked as a data analyst at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. She stays current on testing updates, instructional best practices, and the evolving college readiness landscape through ongoing professional development.
Outside of tutoring, Marley enjoys traveling, reading, and attending music events.
Tutoring Team
Want to hear more from families who have worked with our team?
Student & Family Support Team
Megan Fisk
Relationship Manager
Megan is often the first point of contact for families and serves as a warm, steady guide throughout the entire process. She helps parents understand their options, clarifies next steps, and ensures they feel supported from the first conversation through their student’s final test or application milestone.
Megan collaborates closely with Marley to help identify the right tutor–student match and works behind the scenes to keep the experience organized, clear, and stress-free. She also oversees Wagner Prep’s referral relationships and represents the company within schools, community organizations, and professional networks.
With a background in operations, marketing, and student services, Megan brings strong communication, thoughtful guidance, and a calm presence to every family she works with.
EZ Ticon
Executive Assistant
EZ keeps Wagner Prep running smoothly. He supports internal communication, manages scheduling logistics, and maintains the systems and tech platforms that allow tutors and families to enjoy a streamlined experience. He also oversees billing and ensures parents always have clear, accurate information.