Our Team
Peter Farber
Instructor
Peter Farber is a dedicated educator with an extensive career spanning over three decades. His journey in education has taken him from the vibrant classrooms of public, private, and charter schools in the United States to the diverse educational landscapes of China, where he has both taught and held leadership roles in various provinces. Mr. Farber has enriched the minds of students from kindergarten through college, focusing on making learning engaging, relevant, and meaningful.
In the late 1990s, Mr. Farber brought his passion for history and social studies to high school students in southeast Queens and Brooklyn Technical High School, two of New York's dynamic educational settings. His innovative teaching methods and commitment to student success left a lasting impact. Seeking to broaden his horizons and embrace global education trends, Peter relocated to China. There, he not only taught but also led schools across several provinces, integrating cross-cultural experiences into his curriculum and fostering a global perspective among his students.
Peter graduated with Outstanding Academic Achievement Honors from Binghamton University. Furthering his education, he earned a master's degree from Queens College and pursued graduate work towards his PhD at the City University of New York Graduate Center. Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Peter is a seasoned traveler, having visited about 40 countries.
Jack Shamblin
Instructor
Jack Shamblin is an English language teacher with a rich background in live arts and teaching performance construction workshops both domestically and internationally. With a five-year tenure in Lisbon as a teacher and theatre artist, Shamblin has achieved fluency in Portuguese and continues to study Portuguese, Spanish, and French, embodying a learner's mindset. His passion for linguistics and its role in shaping life informs his teaching approach.
Shamblin's unique skills and experiences enable him to foster a welcoming classroom environment. He tailors his teaching methods to accommodate his students' diverse learning styles and needs, ensuring that each individual feels empowered to express themselves confidently and creatively. Utilizing theatre games and a mind-body approach, he encourages students to delve into self-expression while enhancing their interpersonal skills.
He holds a B.A. with Honors in Theatre Arts from The University of Iowa and boasts an array of certifications, including the C.E.L.T.A. from Cambridge University, England; a Private Career School Teacher Permit License from the University of the State of New York Education Department; a Reiki Master Certification from the International Reiki Center; and a certification in Abletonlive Music Production from Beatlab Academy, Los Angeles, CA.
Theodore J. Durst
Instructor
Theodore has a long history with computer-based education and training in the corporate environment, higher-education and in K-12 schools. He has served as the staff technologist for the Rider University Center for Innovative instruction, supporting faculty and students with the integration of technology into their learning processes.
In addition, he has served as a technical Editor, writer, trainer, speaker, percussionist, visual artist, coordinator and a delegate to the NJEdge.net Distance Learning Laboratory. A serial entrepreneur and veteran of many technology startups, he has demonstrated practical applications for high-school-level math in business and daily life. He sees technology as a suite of tools for engaging with students that are left behind by the educational system and combined with the techniques of psychology a tool that can help us all reach our potential.
He holds Master of Arts degree in Psychology from the New School for Social Research, A Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Rider University from which he also received his training in mental health counseling. He holds a number of technical certifications and specialized training in fields ranging from radio communications to accounting. His research combines computer science, psychology and telecommunications.
Alex Raykin
founder and CEO
Alex embodies the spirit of a lifelong learner and educator. With decades of experience as a music educator, he has also delved deeply into self-development, psychology, economics, and entrepreneurship. His passion for empowering youth extends beyond the realm of music, inspiring him to establish a school dedicated to equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive.
Life Masters Brainery isn't just about financial acumen; it's a hub where young minds learn to navigate their social worlds and master themselves through critical thinking, emotional regulation, and resilience. Alex's vision is for every child to unlock their potential, manage their finances with savvy, communicate with confidence, and lead with self-awareness.