A history of empowering students…
In August of 2009, Roni LaBarbera established The Learning Curve as a tutoring service to help local students meet their full potential. She has since expanded into a thriving business that has helped hundreds of students across the Triangle meet their academic goals and prepare for college.
We employ dedicated and professional tutoring staff specializing in many areas of math, the sciences, reading, writing, and English language conventions. Our services include subject-based tutoring for middle and high school students, as well as personalized programs preparing students for the ACT, SAT, college application preparation, and first-year college writing. Additionally, throughout the year The Learning Curve reaches students onsite and at local schools with workshops, boot camps, and other events designed to meet the varied academic needs of our communities.
Whether our clients need help succeeding in a single class or guidance and tutoring getting into their dream college, we are here to help. Give us a call or email to see how we can be of service to you today!
Our Staff
Roni LaBarbera
Owner, College Admissions Counselor, Lead Tutor
Roni LaBarbera has a Bachelors of Science in Zoology from the University of Rhode Island and a Post Baccalaureate Teaching Certification from Framingham State College in Massachusetts. While attending graduate school she worked as a civilian microbiologist at the U. S. Army Natick Research Laboratory. She currently holds teaching certifications in both Massachusetts and North Carolina and has taught high school science, math, SAT and ACT Preparation.
Roni was an ambassador for the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce and a 2004 Leadership graduate. She does charitable work for the Barium Springs Home for Children and is the founder of The Afghan Women’s Education Project, a non-profit dedicated to educating Afghan Women. She currently sends or assists 4 young women attending college here in the United States. She speaks publicly for the rights of women and has been featured by Girl Rising and Intel as a hometown leader for women’s rights.
In August 2003 Roni began working for The Davidson Center, specializing in the areas of math and science. In October of 2009 she became the Center Director for the new Mooresville office. In 2009 she struck out on her own and created The Learning Curve LKN INC. She has since assisted hundreds of students with college planning, SAT and ACT preparation and math and science tutoring.
Roni works as an admissions counselor and lead tutor at The Learning Curve, empowering local students to success through guidance with high school class selection, assisting them through the standardized testing experience, and helping them navigate college admissions.
Richard Luttrell
Lead Tutor
Rick was the first tutor hired at The Learning Curve LKN, INC. He is originally from Tennessee, as you can tell by his addiction to orange clothing. He taught for many years at both North Mecklenburg High, and South Iredell High; at both schools he taught AP and IB mathematics. Rick currently tutors math I, II, III, AFM, pre-calculus, calculus, AP and IB math. He also teaches SAT and ACT mathematics at The Learning Curve. Rick is noted for his interactive lecture style, attention to students’ individual needs, and innovative methods for conveying complex mathematical concepts. He has received many teaching awards at both the high school and college levels.
In his spare time Rick makes and sells pottery, and refinishes furniture.
Thomas Simonson
College Admissions Counselor, Lead Tutor
Thomas Simonson coordinates English and Reading services and serves as a Lead Tutor at The Learning Curve. He is the author of our reading and writing curriculum for standardized testing and college preparation. He has lived in North Caroline from his late childhood and earned an Associate in Arts degree at Mitchell College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Master of Arts degree in English Literature at Wake Forest University. His critical and creative work has been published at each of those institutions, and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Working across the Triangle has afforded him the opportunity to serve clients’ needs as a tutor, writing instructor, and copy-editor over the past ten years. At The Learning Curve, he specializes in rigorous ACT and SAT prep for the English and Reading portions of the test and in helping high school students prepare competitive, rounded applications to their programs of choice at colleges around the country.
Michael Cox
Staff Tutor
I am originally from Central Illinois, specifically the city of Decatur. In 1972, I graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in English and minoring in Philosophy. I returned to Eastern to work towards a Master’s degree, but opportunities in Manufacturing Management arose and I began a twenty-seven year journey in that profession.
In 2002, I decided to return to my academic roots and, as I was a resident of Statesville, NC, at the time, I started teaching Developmental English classes at Mitchell Community College. I entered a Master’s Degree program at UNC Charlotte and received my degree in English Studies from that institution. I taught all levels of writing and literature courses at MCC until my retirement in 2017. I have been married to my wife, Sandra, for 46 years, and, together, we have two children: our daughter, Meghan, and our son, Ryan. I am a life-long fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears (thanks, Carolina Panthers for the great trade for the number one pick in the NFL draft!).
Cindy Kosofsky
Staff Tutor
Cindy was born and raised in North Carolina. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee after college, and later lived in Palo Alto, California, before returning to North Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Intermont College and a post graduate teaching certificate from East Carolina University. Cindy has been teaching history and English at Langtree Charter Academy for the past eight years. She was a substitute teacher at Mount Mourne IB School for seven years before joining Langtree Charter Academy. Cindy has worked in the high-tech industry in Silicon Valley and been involved with numerous start-up companies. She enjoys international travel, the arts, soccer, tennis, and being a lifelong learner. Cindy is passionate about students, education, and enjoys working with young adults
Hannah Brawley
Staff Tutor
Hannah was born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University, has a Bachelor of Arts in English, and is licensed to teach English Language Arts to grades 6-12, as well as English as a Second Language to grades K-12. Hannah currently works at Pressly School, the alternative school in Statesville, NC. Seeing that "aha!" moment when a student finally understands a difficult concept is what keeps her motivated. When she's not working, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband, working outside, painting, and curling up with a good book.
Scott Hudson
Staff Tutor
Scott was born in Chicago and raised in Phoenix. He has taught math for over 20 years and in six different states. He has his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Arizona and Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. Prior to teaching, he worked in business and banking. Scott has 11 years of experience coaching basketball, softball, and golf. Scott is an avid tennis player, who enjoys the beach and scuba diving. He has a passion for tutoring and enjoys seeing his students succeed.
Lea Morris
Staff Tutor
Lea has lived in North Carolina her whole life and she loves this state! She earned her degree in Cellular/Molecular Biology at Appalachian State University in 2020. Lea loves all of the natural sciences, but her passion is in genetics! She can tutor biology, chemistry, Spanish, and math. Lea also is a substitute teacher for Rowan County Schools. Academia is a very important part of her life, and she hopes to inspire young minds to further their educational career and follow their dreams. Her passion outside of the sciences is music and theatre. Lea loves going to see concerts and plays! In her spare time she enjoys traveling! Her favorite state outside of North Carolina is Michigan! Lea loves the cold weather and Ann Arbor is one of her most favorite cities. She also enjoys playing golf, shopping, and hanging out with friends!