Bara Sapir has over 30 years of experience in test preparation, mindset optimization, and test anxiety reduction. As a pioneer combining mindful and holistic techniques into the learning process, she has revolutionized test preparation and energized the learning process. By addressing the four pillars of learning: content mastery, best methods in test-taking strategy, time management, and optimal mindset, students gain deeper understanding and potent skills that improve their performance to earn higher test scores. Bara’s expertise has long been recognized by peers in the field and she is widely featured in the media, including The Wall Street Journal, Poet&Quants, CosmoGirl, CNN-Forbes, and Positive Thinking.

Bara holds Masters degrees in education (Jewish Theological Seminary) and art history (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor) and certification in hypnosis, Neuro-linguistic programming, integrated life coaching, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for teens (MBSR-T). She is a founding board member of the National Test Prep Association, on leadership at the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants, and on the board of the National Entrepreneurial Women of Marin.

Bara trained as a professional artist and taught at retreats and at the university level. This teaching combined holistic, mindful, and creative modalities to help participants engage with themselves in a deeper way. She loves to inspire students and creatives to flourish and explore approaches to tackle new challenges, embodying the same core beliefs and values that she extends to her test prep clientele. She is an ordained kohenet, bringing together creativity and spirituality through coaching, leading and teaching life cycle rituals. Her desire to help others goes beyond test prep and wellness, as she is also passionate about animal rescue, and is co-founder of Animal Advocates of Contra Costa County, an advocacy organization.. When she is not coaching students, creating art, or fulfilling her duty as a kohenet, you’ll find Bara at home with her adorable rescue pups, Chata, Murphy and a foster dog or two, and sometimes, even a bivouac of monarch butterflies. Want to learn more? Visit her website to get to know her better!

Alan Brown

Alan Brown manages and leads City Test Prep on a daily basis, working with students, parents, tutors, and a handful of education organizations and clubs to exceed their expectations in academic and test prep performance. Through Alan’s leadership, the service has expanded beyond in-person tutoring to live, online tutoring, reaching more students eager to receive City Test Prep’s expert guidance and training.

Alan has extensive marketing and management experience spanning entertainment, education, and automotive industries. He previously worked at Warner Bros. Entertainment for 15 years, where he quickly rose to VP of tour marketing and artist development. Alan led and managed many large events, including marketing with American Express and the organization of Fleetwood Mac’s performance at Bill Clinton’s inaugural ball in 1993, and the logistical and creative contributions to the first several years of Lollapalooza festivals.

Alan works tirelessly to meet and exceed client expectations. He has been an active force helping students globally achieve their highest test scores and admittance into top schools.