Our Team
Our Directors
Chris Schaber
Co-owner, Director and Tutor
He/Him/His
Chris triple majored at the UW, graduating with degrees in Physics, Astronomy and History. Four years later, Chris added to his accolades an MS in Mechanical Engineering. His passion for engineering and alternative energy led to a job at the Institute for Lifecycle Environmental Assessment. Chris believes “patience is the key to tutoring” and loves helping students with difficult concepts. In his words, “education is a joint exploration of ideas. I lead the way and share my experiences so students will develop their own understanding of the subject matter. Tutoring is so fulfilling; it motivates me, and in turn the student, to achieve the educational goals we both desire.” Chris loves hiking, rooting for Seattle sports teams and hanging out with his three boys.
Michelle Schaber
Co-owner
She/Her/Hers
A graduate of the Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest, Michelle has been an educator for the last 25 years. She spent over a decade running classrooms at the University of Washington’s Children Center in Laurelhurst and Montessori Children’s House in Redmond. In 2011, she pivoted to running her own Montessori school focusing on small classroom learning. In addition to her role at her school, she uses her experience and keen sense of organization to sharpen the focus and direction of University Tutoring. She’s also responsible for the aesthetic of the UT office. In her free time, Michelle loves attending Mariners games, hiking, exploring on her electric bike, and hanging out with her three boys.
Alec Downing
Director of Marketing, Educational Consultant
He/Him/His
A former radio news anchor and journalist, Alec brings his passion for writing, social sciences and more to University Tutoring. Alec graduated from Seattle University with his bachelors’ in communication and media, specializing in journalism and strategic communications. His writing has been published in The Seattle Times and Crosscut. While in high school he attended Green River College and earned his Associate in Arts through the Running Start program. Alec works with students on a wide range of subjects as a tutor and also serves as our Director of Marketing. Outside of the office you can usually find Alec rooting on the Mariners and Ballard F.C., watching anime or learning a new board game. He has the eventual goal of becoming a middle school teacher.
Cara Smith
Office Manager
She/Her/Hers
Cara has been working at University Tutoring since Summer 2021. Cara graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a bachelors in childhood development as well as food and nutrition sciences. She loves pouring back into the community through working with youth. Prior to working at University Tutoring, she worked for Boys & Girls Club of Seattle as well as Seattle Cucina who taught kids about nutrition and cooking in after-school programs. Helping kids grow and learn makes every day at University Tutoring a treat. Outside of work, Cara really enjoys supporting women’s soccer, reading books, playing board games and spending time with fiancé Katie and her dog Phineas.
Zack Toombs
Director, Educational Consultant
He/Him/His
Zack is an experienced teacher and tutor with a passion for Science, particularly the environment. He studied Environmental Education at Huxley College on the WWU campus in Bellingham. After working in different youth recreation programs and education positions, Zack found his passion in tutoring. Zack works with students of all ages, with his favorite topics being SAT/ACT Prep, Mathematics, and helping teach strong study skills.