Meet the Owner & Team Members

When families reach out to Tutor Doctor, they are searching for solutions. They need a problem solver who can offer a professional perspective, assess their student’s challenges, and create a plan for meeting those challenges.

Creative problem solving is Nika Fouquet’s “super power.”

Tutor Doctor Santa Monica was launched in 2013 and being a lifelong learner, Nika knew that owning a business focused on education was a natural next step when she stepped away from the workplace to raise her family. Serving as a classroom volunteer when her children were young allowed her to observe first-hand the complex learning challenges many students face on a daily basis.

Tutor Doctor offered the opportunity to operate a local tutoring practice that she could tailor to the needs of the community – while providing access to the tools and expertise that come with being part of an international educational network. The company’s approach is very student centric. Everyone learns differently, and Nika and her tutors have the freedom and flexibility to develop highly personalized programs based on what works best for each student.

Finding the right tutor can be confusing and frustrating for parents. Nika’s “concierge service” begins with getting to know each family and understanding each student’s issues, goals, and unique dynamics – in turn, she’s able custom-match each student and tutor based on specific academic goals, personality, and learning style.

Nika saves parents time and energy by carefully vetting each tutor. Asking herself if she would feel comfortable having the tutor work with her own children, she assesses candidates based not just on whether they have the right qualifications, but also outstanding people skills and a passion for what they do. Learning is often about more than just mastering academics. Tutor Doctor tutors are able to build relationships with families and students and help them feel comfortable and cared for. If a relationship does not produce the desired results, she’s committed to creating one that does.

Families appreciate Nika’s honesty, professional work ethic, and ability to listen and be fully present. She earns her clients’ trust by being transparent and helping them set realistic expectations. When it comes to creative problem solving, she knows that students and tutors must be equally invested and work together towards set goals.

And when that happens – the sky’s the limit!

Hi! I’m Jillian Cyr, and I’ve been working in education for over 15 years across a range of roles, including teaching, tutoring, and administration from Pre-K to college levels. In 2012, I went back to school and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, graduating Summa Cum Laude. My studies included both math theory and secondary education coursework, further deepening my passion for teaching.

I spent eight years at my local community college, first as a Math Lab Lead tutor and later as the Math Lab Instructor. I loved working at the community college because of its commitment to helping not only current students but also local community members. We supported learners from 9th grade through adulthood, helping them achieve their academic goals. Beyond just math tutoring, I also worked with students on time management, study skills, and technology use, providing a well-rounded approach to learning. I even developed and presented workshops to address these essential skills.

One of the things I noticed in my time working with students at both secondary and college levels was that many weren’t struggling with the material being taught, but with the foundational knowledge that should have been addressed earlier in their education. Strengthening these basics reduces future stress and anxiety while boosting confidence as students build on their skills.

That’s what led me to join Tutor Doctor. Their focus on empowering students to achieve their academic potential through personalized support resonated with me, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Tutor Doctor Santa Monica team!