Instructors Writing Classes Writing Tutor College Essays| PopSmart Academy

Priyanka Raha - Principal Instructor

Priyanka Raha is the Founder and Chief Learning Coach at PopSmart Academy. She founded PopSmart Academy to inspire curiosity and ignite a lifelong passion for learning. At the academy she teaches science, public speaking, and writing. With a deep commitment to confidence-building and personalized instruction, Priyanka has a proven record of guiding young lerners to excel in science tournamnets, master effective communication, and achieve their individusl goals. She holds an MBA degree from Purdue University and is a sought-after keynote speaker, as well as a contributor to ParentMap and Thrive Global. She also regularly publishes at popsmartacademy.com/blog. She was instrumental in organizing the TEDx Youth at Seattle. An active member of the local school community, she is committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and creators. and promoting a better future through education.

Aly Mirasol - Writing Instructor

Aly Mirasol is an ELA instructor at PopSmart Academy. A former middle school English teacher, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Creative Writing & Literature through Harvard’s Extension School. She loves working with kids—with experience as a summer camp director, swim coach, band leader, and teacher—and her favorite skills to foster are those of creativity and critical thinking, which apply to all aspects of life! To date, she has helped over 80 kids self-publish their own creative novels, and she loves seeing the culmination of their hard work on her bookshelf each morning. Her teaching style is centered on enjoyment and engagement, and it is heavily influenced by her own school experience in other countries, such as Japan and France. Ultimately, she wants all kids to be able to express themselves, to be confident in their own skills, and to find some joy in the writing process.

Marissa Maxfield - Writing & Public Speaking Instructor

ollege (Class of 2017), where she was both a contributing writer for two campus newspapers and a Division III varsity athlete. Her background reflects a deep love for language, storytelling, and the power of communication in connecting people and ideas. At PopSmart Academy, Marissa brings her enthusiasm for writing, creativity, and self-expression into the classroom. She is passionate about helping students discover their unique voice and build confidence in their writing through exploration, reflection, and imagination. Beyond the classroom, Marissa is equally devoted to spirituality and wellness. She has led tai chi and meditation classes, practiced sound healing, and is currently completing her certification as a yoga teacher. She believes that mindfulness and creativity go hand in hand — and that learning is most meaningful when students feel grounded, curious, and inspired.

Dristi Chandra - Writing, Public Speaking & Science Instructor

Dristi Chandra is a Writing, Public Speaking, and Science instructor at PopSmart Academy. She is a UW Senior pursuing a degree in Biology and Neuroscience at the University of Washington. Her zeal for teaching kids comes from her vast volunteering experiences in teaching underprivileged kids various subjects such as English and Mathematics. Alongside writing, Dristi also possesses oratory skills as she is a seasoned debater. Her participation in various MUNs (Model United Nations) and debate competitions across the globe. She was chosen as a top 8 debate panelist at the World Scholar's Cup at Yale University. This sets her apart as a proficient public speaker as well. Having grown up in India, she has closely observed the implications of receiving quality education at an early age. She believes that the skill of writing embarks clarity of thoughts and critical thinking skills. Proper writing techniques set a good foundation for the future as kids endeavor various writing challenges throughout school and college.

Sneha Biswas - ELA (English Language Arts)

Sneha Biswas is an ELA (English Language Arts) instructor at Pop Smart Academy. She is a writer, educator, and lifelong explorer of ideas. She holds a B.A. in English from Presidency College, Kolkata, and has built a diverse career spanning writing, communication, and education. From crafting content for global audiences to teaching young learners the beauty of language, Sneha brings both creativity and clarity to her work.

An author of two published books, In the Gossamer of Imagination and You and Me Never Us, she blends literary insight with empathy, helping students discover their voice through words. At PopSmart Academy, Sneha inspires learners to think deeply, write authentically, and embrace curiosity as a way of understanding the world.
Sneha is a brooder and a lustful wanderer at heart—restless in spirit, deeply reflective by nature. She finds joy in the little epiphanies of life, the hidden meanings in conversations, and the thrill of untold stories.