Makini Learn

Makini Learning is a small, faculty-led tutoring service. Every instructor on our team teaches the same courses your student is in, at the college level, and we specialize in math (high school through advanced calculus, linear algebra, differential equations) and computer science. You're not hiring a gig tutor. You're hiring a team of credentialed teachers.

What that means in practice: when we sit down with a student stuck on a Calc II integration technique, a linear algebra proof, or a Python data structure, we're not figuring it out alongside them. We're explaining it the way we'd explain it to our own students, with the years of "where does this trip people up" instinct that only comes from actually teaching the courses.

Our approach

You're not bad at math or CS. You've usually just been taught the how without the why, and the how falls apart the moment the problem changes shape. We fix that.

Real understanding, not memorized procedures. Every concept has an elegant core. We find it and make sure you actually see it. Once the why is clear, the how takes care of itself, including the next problem your teacher hasn't shown you yet.

Logical reasoning over formulas. Math and CS are languages for thinking clearly. We focus on the reasoning behind each step, so you can rebuild a solution from scratch instead of recognizing one you've seen before.

Customized pacing. Whether you're shoring up fundamentals or pushing through advanced material, we work at your speed. We meet you exactly where you are.

Demystify the hard parts. Most "hard" topics aren't hard. A prerequisite idea was never made solid. We back up to the missing piece, get it right, and the rest clicks.

Genuine confidence. When students start to understand, not just get the right answer, math and CS shift from intimidating to intuitive. That's when grades start moving, and it's the moment we work toward every session.

Meet the team

Emmanuel Maina, Computer Science & Math. College faculty member teaching computer science and computer architecture within the CUNY system at John Jay College. Background spans applied computing and engineering, with deep experience tutoring college students through both introductory and advanced coursework. Subjects: computer science and programming, discrete math, calculus, linear algebra.

Christine Oduor, Mathematics. Strong mathematics background with experience teaching calculus at both the high school and college levels. Proven track record of transforming student confidence and performance, especially with students who've been told they're "just not math people." Subjects: high school math (algebra through pre-calculus), AP Calculus, college Calculus I–III, linear algebra, differential equations.

How we work

All sessions are online, scheduled around your availability, and built around your actual coursework: the textbook you're using, the topics your class is on, the exam you're preparing for. You'll be matched with the instructor whose strengths best fit your course and goals.

If you want a tutor to "get you through the assignment," there are cheaper options. If you want to actually understand the material and stop dreading it, that's the work we do.