VARSHA AGRAWAL

Founder & Math Teacher

I started my career in India where I had my Masters in Engineering, and worked as a data analyst for 15 years in the U.S. I also volunteered as a part-time tutor to refugees in Dallas ISD, coming up with a custom curriculum that helped them prepare for the SAT.​​​​​

​Inspired by my two daughters, Esha and Juhi, doing amazing in school, I created Murphy Learning Center in order to get back to doing what I love. I specialize in math, and my favorite feeling is when I can help kids have that "aha!" moment. At Murphy Learning Center, we know exactly what your child needs to meet their educational goals, and we'll do everything to make it happen.

CARRIE SARNA PARHAM

Curriculum Director

• Graduated from East Texas A&M with a degree in Education

• Taught 3rd and 5th grades in Richardson ISD

• Taught 6th grade English Language Arts in Plano ISD

• Homeschooled two children for 12 years; both are now enrolled in college

• Independent Educational Consultant since 2020

• Voluntary adult ESL teacher for 5 years

• Currently a Student Enrollment Specialist at Collin College

• Loves helping students learn and grow

• Dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience; believes learning is a lifelong endeavor

ROBERT JONES

Chess Director & Coach

Rob's Accomplishments as a Coach:

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• 30 students achieved Top 100 listings (by age)

• Half a dozen state champions

• A dozen regional champions

• Two national championship finalists

• Three All-USA World Youth Team members

RICKY TRUONG

Art Instructor

Ricky is an experienced, passionate, and dedicated instructor.​​​

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• Currently studying Arts at Collin College and pursuing an Arts degree

• Experienced in both traditional and digital art

• Dedicated to fostering creativity in students of all skill levels

• Helps students develop artistic techniques and express their unique visions

• Creates an engaging and inspiring learning environment

• Encourages students to unleash their full creative potential

WALTER CLINTON

Chess Instructor

• Dedicated chess instructor since 1979

• Certified USCF Tournament Director

• Author of How to Find the Perfect Mate (on Chessable.com)

• Published the article “How to Draw a Grandmaster” in Chess Life, May 2016

• Former chess coach for the Home Educators Association of Dallas, A+ Academy, and Inspired Vision Academies in Southeast Dallas

• Experienced in mathematics, data analysis, and professional development

• 15 years as District Math Coordinator and Assistant Director of Professional Learning at A+ Charter Schools, Inc.

• Former Principal and Vice Principal at Inspired Vision II

RAMON MARTINEZ

Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, SAT/PSAT/ACT Instructor

• Extensive experience helping students succeed in challenging Math and Science classes

• B.S. in Genetics and Life Sciences from UC Berkeley; M.S. in Biology from the University of Oregon

• Taught college-level Biology at Lone Star College and high school Chemistry, Physics, and Forensic Science in Texas public schools

• Specializes in standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT), with a focus on organizing essays and breaking down Math and Science problems into clear steps

• Public speaking experience through Toastmasters; believes strong communication skills help students become future leaders

KEN THORPE

English, Geometry, Computer Science, and Chess Instructor

• 10+ years of chess experience with a lifelong passion for the game

• Graduated from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) with a degree in Computer Science

• Played over 40,000 games and holds a Class A rating (1800) on Chess.com

• Fluent in chess openings, middle game strategies, and endgame tactics

• Skilled communicator with a strong ability to teach and inspire students

• Passionate about both playing and teaching chess

• Works professionally as a software developer

JOANNA KWON

K-12 English, Math, Science, & Social Studies Teacher

​Joanna is an experienced, dedicated, and patient teacher.

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• Graduated cum laude from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Psychology, with a concentration in Neuroscience

• Has three years of tutoring experience at the St. Olaf College Writing Center, where she helped over 180 students improve their essay-writing skills

• Taught 9th grade writing through a summer teaching program in Fort Worth, Texas

• Utilizes evidence-based teaching strategies to help students excel and achieve their academic goals