"Our family was so very fortunate to have Melissa Cook Candela in our lives! She worked with both our children over a period of five years as an English tutor, an ACT and SAT prep tutor and helped our children prepare their college application essays. She was a lifesaver during the college application process and made what could have been a very stressful process much easier. She related very well to both our children and brought out their full potentials. Melissa taught our children how to organize their ideas and thoughts so they could put them in writing. The end product was written by our child and they could own their own work. Over the years, I saw both my children gain aptitude and confidence in their writing and English skills. Both went on to college and are having great success. I attribute a great deal of their success to the excellent foundation Melissa gave them during their high school years.”

 —Renee and Tom Gossett, South Salem NY

“Excellent tutor! She’s helped me with my SAT and ACT prep and numerous papers. Very easy to work with and takes the time to make sure you understand the content step by step.”

 —Bill Gossett, South Salem NY

“Melissa to the rescue! She tutored both of my high school children—and they are very different learners. She connected beautifully with both of them and, most important, gave them confidence.”

 —Lisa Miller Pozniak, South Salem NY

"Melissa was a BIG HELP to both of my sons when they needed a little extra guidance with their school work."

–Jan Laquidara, South Salem NY

“The professor gained student respect, and they were eager and willing to contribute [to class discussion]. Many helpful questions were raised by the students and Professor Cook Candela’s responses were always clear, direct and supportive while she continually challenged them to examine their views closely. This was an extremely energetic class conducted in a highly professional manner. Overall, it was an engaging, productive and valuable session to observe.”

“An interesting, challenging, productive class. [The Faerie Queene] is a challenging work to teach, but she handled it superbly. Professor Cook Candela’s enthusiasm was contagious, her rapport superb, the lesson a success.”

“Melissa has such a good balance of serious comment, class discussion and humor. [She] made Shakespeare accessible and fun—not the frustrating experience it was before!”

“Melissa is such a dedicated and effective teacher. I want to continue with this course forever!”

“The plays come alive. Melissa’s astute knowledge and love of this material comes through. It was the first course I have taken in 44 years, but not the last! This course sets the level that other instructors should be asked to achieve.”

“What I liked best was the teacher’s preparation and ability to elicit interchange among students. We loved learning with Melissa and we can’t  wait for the spring course!”

“I want to thank you for helping me in my first college experience. You gave me hope when I really wasn’t sure of myself.  I have learned a great deal from you and I will carry it to my next class. I will never forget this class.”

“I have enjoyed your classes so much. I truly hope that I will be in another course of yours in the near future. Thank you for your dedication and love of teaching. You are an inspiration to me.”

“It has been such a pleasure to learn under you, and I know I will forever remember you. Trust me, you gave me confidence. At times I wanted to give up.”