JOHN HAMBYJohn is a founder and partner of Hamby Associates and directs the Consulting and Counseling arenas for the group. Prior to establishing Hamby Associates in 1990, John served for fourteen years as the Clinical Director of the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health in San Antonio, located in the South Texas Medical Center.
For the past twenty years, John has been consulting with the leaders of professional firms, public entities, not-for-profit organizations, private schools, churches, and single family offices. He enjoys applying his clinical and organizational experience in helping CEOs and board members develop their leadership skills and improve their working relationships. He has authored several proprietary documents on the roles of governance and the executive office and frequently leads in-service training or retreats for organizations.
John graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a Master’s degree and Doctoral degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. He completed his clinical training at the Texas Research Institute for Mental Sciences in Houston, Texas. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
LYNN HAMBYLynn is a founder and partner in Hamby Associates specializing in educational and career direction. As a Licensed Consultant for the Highlands Ability Battery for over twenty years, she helps students and their families navigate the college search process and identify appropriate college majors. She also works with college graduates who are evaluating their options regarding employment or graduate school and individuals in various professions seeking to clarify their professional and personal goals.
Lynn has developed and directed the SAT/ACT Preparation Program since 1998, working with hundreds of high school students from the San Antonio area. She helps students prepare for the SAT and ACT through courses offered three times annually. She uses a course model that relies on professional teachers who are experts in their fields and experienced with the SAT and ACT content and structure.
Lynn attended Northwestern University and graduated with honors from the University of Texas, Austin, with a BA in English. After attending graduate school in English, Lynn shifted her focus and received an MA in Counseling Psychology from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas. She is licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (Ret.) and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (Ret.).
STEPHEN HUDSONSteve joined Hamby Associates in 2007 as the mathematics instructor. His broad teaching experience has included GT and Pre-AP instruction, Middle School through High School, uniquely equipping him to instruct the SAT and ACT concepts. Steve himself was a National Merit Honorable Mention Scholar. He is currently on the Mathematics faculty of St. Mary’s Hall.
Steve received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Baylor University. After a career in business, Steve returned to school to earn his teaching certification in 2002 and his Master’s degree in Education from Regis University in 2007, with Honors. As a firm believer in life-long learning, Steve earned his First Degree Black Belt, together with his son, in Kuk Sool Won, a Korean martial arts form.
Steve believes that education is a partnership between student and teacher and that his role is to create the environment where inquiry and challenge are welcomed and celebrated. His years of experience have shown him that math can be tough for some students, but that barriers can be broken down by creating a positive learning space. His one goal, through these nine evenings, is to bring all those years of prior math instruction into focus so that his students can attain their best possible score.
GURKAN BEKARGurkan joined Hamby Associates in 2016 as the reading, writing, and language arts instructor. His experience has included teaching various GT and AP English and Social Studies courses as well as creative and technical writing. His broad background prepares him to equip students with the skills necessary to reach their potential on the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and ACT. Gurkan is on the English and Social Studies faculty of Design and Technology Academy (DATA), a magnet school in the North East Independent School District.
Gurkan received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas-El Paso in 1996. After a career in business, Gurkan returned to school to earn his teaching certificate in 2004. At heart, Gurkan is a philomath, a lover of studying and learning, and his goal in education has always been to impart that same passion to students. To accomplish this goal, he strives to create a learning environment that is both safe and challenging. When students feel comfortable asking questions and taking risks, they are better able to leave their comfort zones and grow as learners.