Proudly Veteran owned and operatedMeet Our Team
Our dedicated educators are passionate about helping students reach their full potential.
Leadership
Dr. Nick Whitehead
Founder & Visionary of GradePower Learning®
Dr. Whitehead founded Oxford Learning in 1984 with a mission to transform how students learn. His deep research in epistemology—the philosophy of knowledge—led him to pioneer the cognitive learning methods that serve as the foundation for GradePower Learning today. Rather than offering "band-aid" fixes or rote memorization, Dr. Whitehead's approach focuses on developing the underlying brain functions—such as executive function, focus, and critical thinking—that allow students to master any subject independently.
Under his guidance, our programs have expanded to provide a "whole child" approach to education for students of all grades, from preschool through college prep. His philosophy drives our Beyond Tutoring® and Advantage High School Success™ programs, ensuring that whether a child needs help with reading, writing, or math, they are building the transferable skills needed for lifelong success.
Dr. Whitehead's commitment to Interactive Coaching has redefined the role of the tutor. Instead of simply providing answers, our coaches use his principles to foster metacognitive awareness, helping students understand how they think so they can overcome learning disabilities like Dyslexia or ADHD and tackle high-stakes hurdles like SAT® and ACT® Test Prep with genuine confidence. By praising the process and effort over natural talent, Dr. Whitehead continues to help GradePower Learning turn academic struggles into active minds and high self-esteem.
Andrew Learned
Center Director & Owner
Andrew Learned is the owner of GradePower Learning Valrico, a tutoring and test-prep center in Valrico, FL. He opened it in 2013 with a mission to help every student reach their highest potential. Through individualized programs and cognitive learning strategies, he has helped thousands of students earn Bright Futures Scholarships and gain acceptance to great schools such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, and beyond. In the Valrico and Valrico area, GradePower Learning proudly supports families from leading schools such as Bloomingdale, Newsome, and Brandon High, with individualized SAT® and ACT® preparation. Andrew lives in FishHawk Ranch in Lithia, Florida, and attended Alafia Elementary School and the University of Tampa. A U.S. Navy officer and veteran, his passion for education and belief in the life-changing power of one great opportunity also led him to serve in the Florida House of Representatives, representing Brandon, Riverview, and Bloomingdale, where he worked on education policy — including launching the Purple Star School program to support military-friendly schools. A lifelong learner, Andrew remains deeply committed to strengthening the Valrico and Valrico community and the families his centers serve.
Florida House of Representatives profile
Therese Doebler
Admin
Therese Doebler is an Admin and joined GradePower Learning Valrico in 2017. She kept students learning and the business running through the COVID-19 pandemic, the center's relocation, and the owner's military deployments. Her attention to detail and dedication helped the Valrico center keep thriving. Therese is a University of South Florida chemical engineering graduate and a longtime SAT® and ACT® tutor. She was honored as a franchise-wide Teacher of the Year. Outside the center, she plays Ultimate Frisbee and travels around the world competing in professional tournaments, bringing the mindset of discipline, teamwork, consistency back to her students.
Philip Cottone
Center Director
Philip Cottone is Center Director and an education speaker with more than 10 years of experience. His work centers on gifted education, where he has taught and supported students from elementary through high school. He develops practical strategies that encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, and he collaborates with parents, teachers, and administrators to build supportive learning environments. He regularly presents at conferences and workshops and stays current with research and best practices in gifted education. His presentations blend insight with evidence-based strategies.
Our Tutors
Meet Our Team
Expert Tutors
Our tutors are fully trained in the GradePower Learning system and passionate about helping students succeed. Contact us to learn more about our amazing team!
What Makes Our Team Special
Qualified Educators
All tutors have post-secondary education and are fully trained in our cognitive learning methodology.
Passionate About Learning
Our team genuinely cares about each student's success and goes above and beyond to help them achieve their goals.
Collaborative Approach
We work closely with parents and teachers to ensure a unified approach to each student's education.
Results-Driven
We track progress and celebrate achievements, keeping students motivated and on track.
Interested in Joining Our Team?
We're always looking for passionate educators who want to make a difference in students' lives.
Contact Us