Maggie Jacobberger was born and raised in Lafayette, CA. She graduated from Harvard College after receiving an excellent public school education at Happy Valley Elementary School, Stanley Middle School, and Acalanes High School. While at Harvard, she wrote for the Harvard Crimson and taught Writing, Reading, Journalism, and Math classes to students in the Fresh Pond Enrichment Program. After graduating from Harvard with an honors degree in History, she wrote, researched, and edited a biography of Frances Grant, one of Radcliffe College’s earliest African-American graduates. Maggie has been tutoring and mentoring students in Lamorinda for over 16 years. She started as a peer tutor at Acalanes High School and in 2003, founded and ran a local tutoring business prior to founding Smart Cookie Learning. In addition to feeding hungry minds, Maggie enjoys exercising, cooking, eating great food, and cheering for the World Champion San Francisco Giants.
Donovan Messier began tutoring students as a freshman at Saint Mary’s College and has been teaching math to students in a fun and engaging way for over 12 years. Working with students of all ages and ability levels one-on-one or in small groups, he is familiar with the local curriculum from basic elementary school math all the way through Algebra 2/Trig. Using this knowledge, he is able to engage students in all concepts by making math relevant to their interests and learning styles. Additionally, basketball is a passion for Donovan, who has coached local teams and camps for over 10 years, including the last six as a head coach for the Acalanes Boys’ Freshman and Junior Varsity basketball teams. Donovan also has a background in consulting and project management.
