Private Tutoring in North Toronto

Adrian is a seasoned executive with more than 18 years experience building, leading and motivating teams in a diversity of industries: Waste Management, Capital Markets, Manufacturing, Interactive Gaming and Equipment Rental Solutions.

His strengths include developing and executing on strategy, growing revenues, fine-tuning operational efficiencies to produce consistently profitable revenue and cross-enterprise collaboration to devise and implement initiatives that impact bottom and top-line results

I am the founder and CEO of Prep Academy Tutors (formerly Write at Home Tutoring ) where we bring qualified teachers into your home and provide thorough weekly reports based on our collaborative goals for your child.

Upon completion of my undergraduate degree at Western, I completed a M.DPE from OISE, U of T and was employed for 3 years at OISE running an infant developmental lab, before embarking on my tutoring business.

SPECIALITIES: CHILD PSYCHOLOGY | EDUCATION | PSYCHOMETRICS | INTERPRETATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL TESTING | EDUCATIONAL GOAL SETTING AND MEASUREMENT |SPECIAL EDUCATION

Our mission at Prep Academy Tutors is to attract and build a network of franchises made up of people who recognize the importance of community, and share a passion for education and business. We strive to deliver the educational tools required for students to not only build self confidence, but achieve higher levels of academic excellence and success.

Jessica is an experienced academic and strategic planner with over 10 years experience working both in the medical administration and education management industries. She holds a bilingual Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Education from Glendon College at York University. She is skilled in all areas of office administration, strategic leadership and training, content management, and quality improvement.

Jessica brings these skills to the management of recruiting and on-boarding new hires at Prep Academy Tutors by leveraging process improvements through the use of new and innovative technologies.

Adam has a passion for math and for making math accessible and meaningful to his students. He has a Combined Honours B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from York University and a B.Ed. from OISE (U of T). Adam has tutored students in math at levels ranging from Grade 6 to Grade 11. He has been a substitute teacher for the Toronto District School Board for the last 16 years, where he has taught Grade 9 – 12 Math classes.

Adam is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) focusing on Accounting and Finance. Adam has a graduate certificate in the Accounting program and has completed all exam requirements for his CPA designation. At present, he is working for a large Accounting firm in the GTA. Adam is a former varsity rugby player at University and an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Adeel earned his Masters in Education Technology from the University of British Columbia in 2015 and his Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University in 1999. In addition, he has a degree in Economics from Brock University and a diploma in Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster from Georgian College. Adeel has Basic Qualifications to teach Junior and Intermediate Divisions, as well as qualifications in French, e-learning, and technology integration. Adeel strongly believes that each teaching opportunity should be unique to the students and that a strong relationship between teacher and student is vital to learning. He loves to teach coding to all grade levels, especially through the creation of computer games. Teaching French is also a passion of his, as he loves to see parent’s reactions when their children pick up a Parisian accent. Outside of the classroom, Adeel likes to spend his time playing with his two children and exploring the Muskoka region for great beaches and ice cream stands.

Alan is a graduate of the McMaster Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program with over eight and a half years of high school teaching experience with the Toronto District School Board. His qualifications include biology, chemistry, science, math (grade 9-10), and special education. He is currently the Assistant Curriculum Leader of Chemistry at his school. Along with having taught the senior science courses several times throughout his teaching career, he has also taught GLE (learning strategies) and credit recovery, and FOS (focus on success), so he comes with experience on helping students achieve success in their academics.

As an Ontario Certified Teacher from Lakehead University, Alana is a passionate young professional. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education along with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Geography. Alana is qualified to teach at the Primary and Junior levels with Additional Qualifications in both Special Education and Primary/Junior Mathematics. Alana believes that students learn differently than one another which is why she creates lessons modified for each individual; she completes this with patience, organization and enthusiasm. Alana has experience with children ages three to thirteen inside and outside of the formal school setting. She has been a camp counselor, children’s activity coordinator, arts and craft coordinator for private company as well as a children’s literacy instructor. Alana attended a French Immersion Elementary School giving her a considerable background with the French language, which continued throughout high sc hool. Once a tutored child herself, she now thrives on working through math problems, creating stories, forming science experiments and working on social studies with children. She is always excited to take on new students to help them gain the skills and confidence needed to be hard-working successful individuals. While continuing her professional development, she also enjoys volunteering at schools, jewelry designing, scuba diving and the outdoors!v

Amanda is a full time teacher at a private school in Toronto. She has been in the educational industry for over 15 years. She graduated from Seneca college in the early childhood program. Amanda has taken additional qualifications in special education and consistently participates in educational workshops to further her knowledge and experience. Amanda is passionate about working with children and helping them gain the confidence they need to succeed.

Amanda is a senior math tutor with experience teaching math to both high school and university students. She is in her fourth year of completing a Bachelor’s of Science from The University of Toronto where she is specializing in comprehensive mathematics. After graduation Amanda plans to continue on to do a Masters and then a PhD in Mathematics. She has worked for Oxford Learning Center for three years and loves to teach. On top of all of this Amanda is also fluent in 4 languages and loves to read and write in french, spanish and english in her free time. She has taught both french and english literature in the past to high school students.

Amanda Zoltak is an Ontario Certified teacher who received a Master of Teaching at OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) in the Primary/Junior grade levels. In addition to her degree, Amanda has completed additional qualifications in special education and reading. As an educator, Amanda is dedicated to eliminating the barriers that prevent students from succeeding. Her personal teaching philosophy is that students learn best in an inclusive environment where they feel safe and respected. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys snowboarding, baking and spending time with her friends and family.

Amara is a graduate of McGill University with a degree in Mathematics and Chemistry. She completed her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Toronto OISE, and is currently completing a Masters of Mathematics for Teachers at the University of Waterloo. Amara has tutored extensively in senior mathematics and science for the past 5 years. At present, she is working as an occasional teacher in the Toronto District School Board. Prior to this she was the head of science and mathematics in the Middle Years Program at an International Baccalaureate (IB) world school. In addition to tutoring and teaching, Amara has worked as a dance instructor for the past 6 years.

Amy is a mother, teacher, and yoga instructor who was born and raised in Toronto. She loves learning and travelling and can speak 4 languages (English, French, Cantonese, and Mandarin). Amy has worked extensively with children and youth of diverse backgrounds in daycares, learning centres, and independent schools. She has been a teacher for over 10 years, specializing in teaching all elementary subjects (including French). Amy also has experience tutoring high school English and Math as well as experience working with ESL students and those with special needs.

Amy’s passion for teaching sparked when she was in elementary school. She will never forget the most dedicated and creative teacher she had in both Grades 3 and 4. Amy still recalls and shares the division dance her teacher taught her to help students easily remember the steps of long division while moving, singing, and having fun. She was inspired by her teacher’s unconventional techniques and she strives to bring the same passion for innovative teaching to her classes.

Amy studied at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Environmental Science followed by a Bachelor of Education in the Primary/Junior grade levels. She is Tribes trained and has also completed additional courses in Music (Orff Pedagogy), ESL, and Special Education to further her art of teaching and to effectively assist students with different needs in a safe and positive learning environment.

Amy believes that every student is unique and has the potential to succeed. To engage students in learning, she uses humour, connects the topic to real life, and tailors her lessons to the student’s interests and level. When Amy is not teaching, you may find her doing yoga with her daughter, baking vegan cupcakes, or spending time with friends and family.

Amy Palmer is an Ontario certified teacher, having received her Master of Science from the University of Alberta, her Bachelor of Education from Western University and her Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. Science and mathematics are a passion that Amy enjoys sharing with students. She loves to help others find a specific interest that inspires learning and provides a different view of the world. Amy has taught children in elementary, junior high, high school and college aged young adults for the past 15 years. The specific methodology changes, but the enthusiasm for discovering new things in a way that works for each person is the same. Amy is motivated by the confidence each student gains after accomplishing a difficult task. She is passionate about developing a love of learning in each student based on their interests and specific abilities. Amy has lived in France and Australia and her favourite animal is a platypus.

Andres is a Teacher Candidate earning his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. His teachable subjects include Mathematics and Science at the Intermediate level (Grades 7-10), and Mathematics and Physics at the Senior level (Grades 11-12). He has also volunteered and worked with students in the Primary and Junior divisions.

Andres has a welcoming, relatable and accepting personality which allows him to quickly form relationships with students to create a safe space to learn, ask questions and excel. This is imperative to learning intimidating subjects such as math and physics successfully, because inquiry is the key to discovery and success in these areas. This means that by asking questions, students will not only learn and understand mathematic and scientific concepts, but will be able to apply them in the real world. His patience and approachability are qualities that create such a learning environment.

In his spare time, Andres likes to watch and play golf, soccer, and baseball – he is a huge fan of all Toronto sports teams. He also enjoys hiking and travelling, and has even climbed a mountain in the Himalayas!

Andrew Plessas is an OCT Certified Teacher who graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from York University and a Bachelor of Education from UOIT in Intermediate and Senior levels. He later took Additional Qualification courses in Primary and Junior Education, allowing him to teach students of all grade levels. He is a passionate TDSB High School Teacher with a specialist in Biology and is currently teaching Science at Leaside High School. For over 15 years he has dedicated his time to working with youth, in camps, tutoring, volunteering in schools and teaching in private schools and with TDSB. He has worked with a diverse set of students who were behavioural, ESL and special needs students, who were autistic, nonverbal, and had ADHD, as well as Down syndrome, and has developed a keen ability to identify students strengths and weaknesses and work with their unique needs in order to create an individualized plan to help them succeed. He believes that with dedication and the right support all students can succeed.

Anita completed her bachelor of education for primary and junior division at Canisius College located in Buffalo in 2006. She then continued on to obtain her master in 2009. Growing up in Cape Breton Nova Scotia, she attended Saint Mary’s University, having achieved her Bachelor of Commerce with a major in accounting and minor in economics. Her passion for learning guided her to become an educator. Moreover, Anita has experience teaching as an elementary school teaching for the past twelve years. She has taught kindergarten through grade six. Her love of teaching is demonstrated within her captivating classroom, always keeping her students minds engaged. Being a firm believer of creating a one on one relationship with each of her students, adhering to their uniqueness and learning styles. Whether it is math, language or social science, Anita strives to deliver rich and enjoyable lessons to her class. Her other areas of interest include practicing yoga and mindfulness. Completing both her yoga teacher training program in 2017 and qualified to teach meditation and mindful living. Incorporating these interest into her teaching styles enables children to self regulate and express themselves.

Anna graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science in Honours Kinesiology. She has since completed her Bachelors of Education at Lakehead University specializing in Junior/Intermediate with Math and Science as her teachable. Throughout high school she backpacked South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as participated in a three-month exchange in France. She has recently returned from three months in South and Central America.

Anna has worked with children through a variety of different experiences both in and out of the classroom. She has worked at a Summer Camp for over 5 years and has experience helping organize active afterschool programs. Anna spent the summer of 2015 doing private tutoring for a family who lives in Toronto but vacations in Turkey. There, she worked daily with their two boys. Anna has taught English, Math and Science in grades 6-10, but has also worked with students as young as grade 3. From all of her experiences she has developed a passion for working with children, allowing them to reach their goals, and allowing her students find out the “why and how” on their own through inquiry based and hands on learning.

Anna often works with Prep Academy as an organizational coach. In this role she guides students with organizational skills such as calendar planning and teacher-student communication as well as note taking and test-preparation skills.

In her spare time Anna enjoys running, playing soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and continuing to travel around the world.

Anne is a devoted teacher with over 15 years of experience, spanning all grade levels, with an emphasis on Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. She has a Masters of Science in Education and is in the process of becoming OCT certified. She has taught math, science and literacy in Elementary schools, and math and science in high schools and at the University of Buffalo, New York as an Adjunct Science Instructor. For the last few years, since moving to Toronto from New York, she has tutored many students from grades 1 through 12 and has helped them to excel in both Math and Science. She has a passion for teaching and understands that every student learns differently. She believes that it is vital for the teacher to recognize how students process information and use this knowledge to guide them in their learning process. She tries to make the lessons as relatable as possible to invoke curiosity, so students begin to think beyond the subject matter and explore future career choices. Her ultimate goal is to create a learning environment where the students are encouraged to do their best and to feel a sense of accomplishment. In addition to teaching, she enjoys singing and learning to play the harp.

Born and raised in Belgium, Antoine grew up speaking French and has always loved sharing aspects of his first language and home culture. He has now lived in Toronto for more than 5 years. After working in the Film & TV industry for a while, he decided to start working with youth in a variety of settings.

An accomplished pianist and musician, Antoine has worked on over 10 after-school musical productions with kids in the North York area of Toronto. He led thousands of Film & TV workshops teaching media literacy and filmmaking skills to kids in classrooms of the entire GTA and South Central Ontario area.

A few years ago, Antoine decided to become a full-time teacher and travelled to Micronesia to teach English and Social Studies to high school students on the remote island of Weno, in Chuuk.

Today, Antoine is preparing to teaching students at the Junior-Intermediate level. With his Master in Teaching, Hon BA in French and BFA in Film and TV, Antoine aims to bring languages, art and a whole lot of fun to his classroom.

Antoine strongly believes in learning with lots and lots of practice and examples, setting simple achievable goals, with little steps for great results!

Antoine is excited to share his love for culture, literature, music, French, travelling, eating, movies and TV shows, and so so so much more!

Arden graduated summa cum laude from Yale University with a Bachelor’s in Classics (Latin). A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she was awarded the George A. Schrader Humanities prize at graduation for her contribution to the cultural life of the college. Since then, she has worked extensively as a tutor, mentor, and classroom teacher, helping students reach their goals in fields as varied as SAT prep, English prose style, French literature, musical composition, and mathematics.

Arden scored 2340 on the SAT, achieving a perfect score in Critical Reading and reaching the 98th percentile in Math. She received perfect scores on all three of her SAT IIs: Literature, French, and Molecular Biology. Her insights into the test are supported by her experience creating instructional and practice material for both the SAT and SAT II Literature Subject Test.

Empathetic, friendly, and enthusiastic, Arden has an infectious passion for learning. She is fluent in French, has translated a novel from German, and studied Ancient Greek along with Latin at Yale. Outside the classroom, her interests include songwriting, classical music, game design, philosophy, and gender.

Armand Pede earned a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto (2005), and earned three Masters degrees in Integrated Arts, Education, and Mathematics from Athabasca University (2011), Medaille College (2012), and the University of Waterloo (2018), respectively. He is also an OCT-certified teacher with over 13 years experience in the private school industry. In 2018, he was awarded the Edyth May Sliffe Award from the Mathematical Association of America, which is a national education award for distinguished mathematics teaching at the middle and high school levels, recognizing outstanding work to spark students’ interest in mathematics. Armand has published two books, one in the field of Mathematics at the Grade 9 level, and the other in the field of Physics at the Grades 11–12 levels. He is also in the process of completing a third book for publication at the undergraduate level in the mathematical field of Complex Analysis. Over the years, Armand has been a member of various professional societies, including the American Association of Physics Teachers, American Mathematical Society, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Physical Society, Mathematical Association of America, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Outside of work, he was a professional tennis player in 2005, and enjoys astro-photography, archery, baseball, soccer, volleyball, remote-control airplane building and flying, and oil painting.

Ashley is a recent graduate of Nipissing University’s concurrent education program. She spent six years completing both her bachelors degrees in Physical Health Education as well as her Primary/Junior Education degree. In the summer of 2019 she got her bilingualism certificate as well as completed additional qualification training in french as a second language (FSL).
Ashley has been working towards becoming a teacher since she was very young. Her passion for helping children has led her to obtain a variety of certifications including but not limited to: High Five training for Healthy Childhood Development, Mental Health First Aid for Adults who Interact with Youth as well as many certificates from the National Coaching Certification Program including nutrition, concussion training, fundamental movements as well as multi-sport instruction.
Ashley’s love of teaching and children has driven her towards many different jobs. These jobs include nannying, working pre-school and school-aged programs for various organizations as well as three years of summer camp coordination for children aged 3-14. Most recently, Ashley has worked in classrooms as an EQAO preparation tutor as well as a facilitator of outdoor experiential education. Upon graduating this spring, Ashley will be working for the Trillium Lakelands District School Board as a Grade 1 French Immersion Teacher until the end of the school year.
Ashley is excited to assist future students in discovering their passions, achieving their goals, and inspiring curiosity and desire for life-long learning. Her goal is to create a safe, caring and welcoming environment that is inclusive, responsive and adaptive to student’s needs and wellbeing.

Audra is an Ontario Certified Teacher from Toronto. She attended Brock University, and graduated in 2018 with an Honours Education degree in Junior/Intermediate Integrated Studies . Following graduation she completed an Additional Qualification in order to gain her Primary Certification.

During her classroom placements Audra rediscovered her passion for education and helping students reach their educational goals. Audra believes that education should be a conversation, and constantly adjusts her teaching practice to meet the needs of her students.

Outside of the classroom Audra plays roller derby in two leagues and helps to coach both of her teams. She applies her education background in order to facilitate practices, plan long term training strategies, and uses feedback from skaters in order to improve training programs. She also has a musical background and is a drummer.

Being an active and musical person herself, Audra understands how important sports and the arts can be in a student’s life. She uses these experiences to connect with her students and to help spark joy in their learning.

Beth is an Ontario Certified Teacher within the Primary/Junior division. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Anthropology and Philosophy. Beth then traveled to Asia, where she discovered her passion for teaching. She taught English in Taiwan for over eight years before returning to Canada in 2012 to become a certified teacher. Beth received a Bachelor of Education from York University in the Urban Diversity program at Regent Park in 2013. She has since volunteered as a classroom teacher in Regent Park, worked as a childcare provider for two pre-school aged children, and most recently returned to Taiwan last year to complete a one year contract teaching grade one using the Ontario curriculum.

Beth is an experienced teacher with a strong commitment to students and their learning. Having worked with children of all ages, she believes in creating an atmosphere where students participate actively in their learning. She feels students should see themselves reflected within the curriculum in order to enrich their learning experience. As a teacher, Beth also strives to provide a variety of differentiated instruction and positive reinforcement to support student achievement and learning.

In her spare time, she loves listening to music and enjoying the outdoors. She is also passionate about the arts and is an avid storyteller.

Brenna obtained her Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University in 2016. Since then she has been an occasional teacher with the Toronto District School Board, taken several additional qualification courses (math and French) in order to enhance her teaching skills, spent a year teaching English in France, and has returned to school to complete a Masters. She enjoys getting to know students and creating a supportive yet challenging learning environment. In her spare time Brenna enjoys cooking, learning new languages, walking her dog and spending time with friends and family.

Brittany completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). She is in the junior/intermediate division with French as her teachable. Brittany completed a BA in Second Language Teaching at the University of Ottawa with a minor in Advanced French as a Second Language.
Brittany has experience volunteering in junior/intermediate French classes as well as tutoring students aged 10-20 in French, English and Math. She strives to help students develop a love for languages and reach their full potential using creative problem solving strategies and differentiated instruction.
Outside of teaching, Brittany enjoys cooking, reading, playing board games, and exploring Toronto. She looks forward to meeting and working with you!

Callie Bowman has a Masters of Teaching from the University of Toronto. She is a qualified OCT teacher and has been working at a Toronto independent school for over 2 years, teaching mostly middle school math and science. Before becoming a teacher, Callie worked many different jobs including as a bird researcher, motivational speaker, and youth baseball coach. While not working with children and youth, she enjoys playing sports including hockey, volleyball, and rugby, making pancakes, and spending time with her partner and dog, Bobby.

Carol Waters is a retired elementary school teacher with thirty years experience. She taught kindergarten to grade three during her career, and her qualifications include primary specialist and special education. A Lead Literacy teacher for seven years, she coordinated various workshops for colleagues centred on language development for primary students. She also taught the well-regarded Kindergarten Language Program (KLP) for ten years, also known as the KELLI Program, which focuses on enhancing oral communication and early literacy skills.

Carol has a Bachelor of Arts and Education degree as well as a diploma for Developmental Service worker. She coached volleyball, track and field, the Junior W5H teams and the Eco club.
Carol’s love of reading and literature extends to volunteering to read with students at her former school, and participating in an adult book club. She greatly enjoys outdoor activities, particularly exploring hiking trails throughout the province.

Cheryl is an Ontario Certified Teacher, licensed to teach students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. Proudly born and raised here in Toronto, Cheryl graduated from the Concurrent Education program at York University in 2009, with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Growing up with a sister seven years her junior, Cheryl found meaning in her early role as caregiver, cheerleader, guide, and teacher. This led to her interest in pursuing a career in teaching at the Primary/Junior level. After university, Cheryl began working as a self-employed private tutor, as well as teaching Saturday school grammar classes. She has experience tutoring students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, as well as tutoring students with learning differences. She then held a full-time teaching position as a Junior/Senior Kindergarten teacher at a private school, followed by a 4-year position in a private Montessori school. During her time at the Montessori school, Cheryl acted as classroom assistant, coordinator of the aftercare program, primary level French teacher, elementary level choir teacher, and overall “Jill of All Trades.”
With regards to her philosophy on education, Cheryl believes that every student has different and special needs – no two students are the same! She believes that the best approach to teaching is to get to know the student as an individual, and how they learn most effectively. Knowing a student’s learning style and interests helps to inform the structure of the lessons.
In her spare time, Cheryl is a big fan of cooking and baking, and all things Harry Potter! She has a deep love for sushi, pop music, and her rescue cat, Carbon.

Chris graduated from York University with Bachelors Degrees in Professional Writing, Religious Studies, and Education. He has worked in classrooms across Toronto, from Oakdale Park Middle School to SEED Alternative, giving him a diverse experience as an educator. He has also worked for close to a decade in the non-profit/charitable sector, training and developing skills in public speaking and communications. He is also a published author, with several other books on the go, and is intimately familiar with the world of creative writing and publishing. Altogether, Chris is an expert tutor in the fields of writing, research, and presentation, capable of preparing anyone for what they will need to access whatever post-secondary institution they’re aiming for, and ensuring they will be successful there.

Christelle is an Intermediate/Senior Teacher who graduated from OISE’s Master of Teaching program at the University of Toronto. Christelle successfully completed a double degree in Honours Life Sciences and French at McMaster University. Christelle loves working with diverse youth to help them reach their full potential. Christelle successfully completed all her teaching placements in French and Biology, where she used various techniques to allow students to find learning fun and engaging! In two of her placements, she had the opportunity to work in IB schools. Additionally, Christelle has been tutoring for the past two years. In her free time, Christelle loves to swim, hangout with friends, and eat food from different cultures!

Christina is currently completing an Honours Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto. She specializes in Health and Disease which focusses on subjects such as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. She has achieved a Dean’s List Scholar status and has been awarded numerous academic scholarships for her excellence in the sciences.
Christina has tutored many students ranging from elementary to high school students in both academic and advanced placement science courses, both in one-on-one and small group settings. She often receives positive feedback from her students as she is able to clarify complicated concepts in a manner that is easy to understand. Christina is currently looking to tutor any prospective students in need of assistance in the sciences. She is looking forward to engaging with her new students to promote their academic success and confidence in the sciences.

Claire graduated from the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in April 2019 with her Masters in Teaching. Before that, she completed her undergraduate degree in law at Carleton University. Claire has finished additional qualifications in Intermediate Mathematics, Teaching English Language Learners, Special Education, and Reading. Claire spent the previous school year supplying with the Peel District School Board, and prior to that taught at the Brighton School, a school for students with learning exceptionalities. Claire uses her patience and enthusiasm to engage her students, and keep them on track to achieve success. Claire is aware of the importance of individual learning, and therefore understands how creating learning plans based on each student’s needs and goals is the most conducive way to see results. With her teaching experience and education, Claire is able to support students in Kindergarten to Grade Eight, as well as Grades Nine to Twelve in English, History, and Law. Claire will be spending this school year supplying with the Peel District School Board again, and hopes to obtain a long term teaching position soon.

As a graduate of French Language and Literature at York University and a candidate of Western University’s Bachelor of Education, the combination of teaching and languages are my calling and passion. By April of 2021, I will be licensed as an Ontario Certified Teacher. In high school, my interests drew me to work and volunteer in schools, at summer camps, and in youth organizations and charities. In university, I had the pleasure of teaching grade twelve English at a private school. In my spare time, I volunteered in elementary French immersion classes. Now, in teacher’s college, so far I have taught grade 10 French core, grade 10 French immersion, and grade 12 French immersion. As well, I have many years of experience in tutoring English and French, as well as essay editing, aiding students with their university applications, and helping university students in social studies courses. As a tutor, I aim to foster an engaging, personalized, and interactive lesson, while maintaining communication with the parents and guardians. My various experience has made me a confident tutor and teacher, and it would be a pleasure of mine to help your child reach their academic goals.

Claire is currently a Master of Education student at OISE, University of Toronto and she is graduating soon in January, 2020. She held a Master in Linguistics with a specialization in teaching foreigners Chinese as a second language. She also studied in Japan as an honor exchange student. Prior to attending University of Toronto, Claire worked in international education for over 8 years, both in public and private sectors. She is very experienced in teaching students mandarin with diverse cultural and academic experiences.

Claire understands the nuances of how foreigners learn Chinese and modifies her instruction based on student strengths and needs. She believes that she is a positive, influential role model and mentor for all students, because she is able to attend to individual needs and she has a passion to make a difference in students’ language learning.

Claire is a life-long learner and enjoys learning new things with technology and tries to incorporate all different materials into her lessons. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, dancing, painting, writing and vegan cooking.

Colleen has a Masters of Teaching in general sciences and biology for Intermediate/Senior grades from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She also holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree specializing in biopharmaceuticals. Colleen has developed and presented both grade 9 and 10 general science courses that were adapted for her students. She works tirelessly to create content that highlights the strength in her students while supporting the development of their needs. Colleen has always found meaningful volunteer opportunities in education, she has traveled to several remote Indigenous communities to present hands-on science experiments. She is passionate about merging content and experiences together to make learning fun. Colleen has worked in a northern Quebec community as their senior science teachers for two years. During this time, she has returned to school to gain the Intermediate Math qualification.

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Concetta Roche is on her way of becoming a certified teacher and will be as of May 2020. Concetta is from Hamilton, Ontario, where she attended McMaster University to complete her Undergrad in Honours Theatre and Film with a Minor in Music. As well she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Musical Theatre Performance from Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto. Concetta grew up with a deep passion for the arts and took various opportunities in performing, behind the scene work and as well teaching at music studios to allow her passion to grow. It was teaching at a music studio in Hamilton where she discovered her passion for teaching and working with children/ teens. When she decided to pursue her teaching career, Concetta applied and has now completed her Bachelor of Education at Redeemer University. It is through teaching that Concetta has been able to foster her love of Music and Drama.

Through her Bachelor of Education, Concetta has been able to teach a variety of grades ranging from grade 3/4- grade 10. Through that experience, Concetta was able to teach a variety of subjects from Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Art etc. Concetta has taught in a full class setting to small groups and to one- on-one. Through her placement Concetta had the opportunity to differentiate instruction and create lessons and materials based on the needs of the student. Concetta would foster and engage personalized lessons based on who her student’s were in the classroom.

Concetta truly believes that engaging students using their curiosity and interests is crucial in helping them gain confidence they require to succeed.

Courtney is an Ontario Certified Teacher, holding a Bachelor of Education and a BA in English and History, both from Queen’s University. Courtney is qualified to teach English and History at the Intermediate and Senior grade levels. She also has experience teaching Primary and Junior grade levels in her teachable subjects, as well as in mathematics.

Courtney has had a variety of classroom experiences during her time in the Queen’s University’s Concurrent Education program. In addition to her traditional English and History placements, Courtney has experience in at-risk programs, ESL classrooms, and in the Ontario Literacy Course. These experiences have led Courtney to develop a teaching philosophy based around inclusive and differentiated learning. Additionally, Courtney is an advocate for positive learning spaces and for teaching critical thinking skills in order to facilitate strong communities of learners in today’s schools.

Courtney is very passionate about learning opportunities outside the classroom. She has over five years of experience in Elementary Outdoor Education, Intermediate/Senior Leadership Programs, and Outdoor Co-Operative Learning programs. She believes that learning that takes place outside the classroom can further any student’s understanding of material, and, more importantly, teaches students to work together and support one another.

When Courtney isn’t working in educational programs, she could be found rock climbing, attending Broadway (or Mirvish) shows, or reading the latest book she bought.

Damien has a Combined Honours degree in Biomechanics and Physiology, as well as an Education degree. Damien is a full-time grade 8 teacher with the Toronto district school board.  He is qualified to teach all subjects at the grade 6, 7 and 8 level as well as the high school sciences. As an athlete himself he values a life and work balance. He spends most of his down time Coaching Rugby (Provincially, Club & School Levels), Rock Climbing, Camping, Canoeing and intentionally getting lost in the woods looking for adventure with his dog and loved ones.

Daniela graduated magna cum laude from York University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Specialized Honours French Studies. A portion of her studies included a term in Quebec and a semester abroad in the Rhone-Alpes region of France. Having completed her primary studies within the Francophone school system and an Extended French program at the secondary level, Daniela is perfectly fluent in both English and French. She recently completed a language and culture program in central Italy to refine her Italian. Daniela’s language skills have allowed her to pursue a multitude of work, volunteer and travel opportunities, and connect with people across the world to gain more of a global perspective.

Daniela’s background in childcare and education spans over a decade. She has experience working with children and youth as a recreation worker. Daniela has volunteered with students studying French at the Core, Immersion and Francophone levels. Most recently, she has designed and conducted virtual activity sessions to engage with children in an online environment.

Daniela approaches each interaction with positivity, patience and empathy. She endeavours to foster personal growth and strives to see children reach their full potential.

Danielle received her Bachelor of Arts from Western University with a double major in English and Media, Information, and Technoculture (MIT). After graduating in 2015, she earned her TEFL certification and moved to Seoul, South Korea to work as a Teacher for the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. For two years she worked with grades 3 through 6 to develop their English language and math skills through enjoyable and engaging content. During her time spent in Korea, Danielle realized her passion for education and decided to move back to Canada to further her career. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Education at York University at the Junior/Intermediate level. Danielle specializes in teaching English and History at both Senior and Intermediate levels. She also holds qualifications to teach Math, Science, and Social Sciences at Primary and Junior levels. Danielle’s focus is to act as a positive and motivating leader to instil self-confidence in her students. She hopes to create a fun and comfortable learning environment tailored to the needs of each individual student. Apart from education, Danielle enjoys playing soccer, attending concerts, and traveling. Last year she stepped into her 30th country, New Zealand! She hopes to travel to 50 countries before age 50. Stay tuned!

Danielle is an Ontario Certified Teacher who completed her post-secondary education at Queen’s University. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and English, and a Bachelor of Education participating in the Artist in Community Education program track. Her certified teachable subjects are English and Drama at the senior level, and she has completed the Junior Qualification, certifying her to teach both math and literacy in grades 4-10. Danielle also holds a Special Education Qualification. Danielle has taught in both the public and private school setting, and currently works for the Toronto District School Board. She has experience working with those aged 6-18, and has taught both middle school and high school classes. She has also spent many summers working as a counsellor, Videographer, Head of Arts Activities and Program Director at her overnight camp (Camp Shalom). These experiences have allowed to better understand how students of all ages learn and work best, allowing her work effectively with students and facilitate their success. Danielle sees the value in learning through action, and aims to balance instruction with activities. She always works to ensure she builds a rapport with students and creates a safe and supportive environment so they can feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks. Danielle also has experience working with students and campers putting on plays, and in her free time she enjoys listening to musicals, singing, playing piano and seeing theatre whenever she can. She also loves to read, and after reading 50 books last year she has a tough record to beat!

Darius is a full-time teacher and is excited to be a member of the Prep Academy Team. Darius is certified to teach grade 4-12. His subjects range from math, English, ESL, history and computer media. He has experience in investments, insurance and taxation and always integrates financial literacy in his lessons.

Darius believes in a judgement-free learning environment. He believes that this kind of environment help students foster self-advocacy, self-awareness and a strong sense of responsibility.

Darius speaks both Cantonese and Mandarin.

David completed his Specialized Honours Degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences at York University in 2011. He then pursued his Bachelors of Education at York University in 2012. While at York, David competed on the Varsity Tennis Team and achieved 2 gold medals. He is currently qualified to teach the following subjects: All Primary and Junior subjects, Health and Physical Education, French, ESL, Special Education, Cooperative Education, Religion and Science. His additional qualification courses allow him to teach all the way from primary to the senior level (K – 12).

David is a passionate and devoted teacher who is a Specialist in Health and Physical Education. He is currently teaching Health and Physical Education with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. For the last 10 years, he has devoted his time to working with kids in summer camps, tutoring, and summer school programs within the TCDSB, TDSB, and various private schools. David has many years of experience working with kids who have behavioural challenges, are ESL, and children who have special needs. He has worked with kids who are autistic, non-verbal, ADHD and who possess other learning differences. He has been able to create lessons that meet the needs of all of his students and helps to make learning fun and practical. He is a true believer that all kids have a passion for learning!

David is a huge sports enthusiast and enjoys coaching. He has worked with many kids from beginner to collegiate level athletes in basketball, volleyball, soccer and tennis. David firmly believes that a healthy body allows for a healthy mind!

David received his BA from McMaster University. He then became an Ontario certified teacher after completing his Graduate Diploma in Education at Griffith University in Australia, where he specialized in primary education. David also holds OCT additional qualifications in ESL, mathematics, special education, and physical education. He has also completed tribes and Wilson Reading Program training. He has 7-years of English teaching experience where his focus has been teaching students in the intermediate grades. Throughout his teaching, David has gained experience working with students who have learning differences, and he uses adaptive instructional techniques to ensure each student achieves success. David enjoys helping students with test taking strategies and has experience preparing students to write the SSAT.

David strives to make learning a fun and positive experience, where students can feel confident in a supportive environment. In his free time, he loves exercising, playing sports, and exploring the city.

Deanna is an Ontario College of Teachers certified biology and history teacher at the intermediate and senior levels. In the near future, she hopes to gain additional qualifications in math and social science instruction, as well. In addition to holding a Master of Teaching (MT) degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, Deanna has also obtained an MSc in biology and an Honours BA in humanities from York University. For her academic achievements in these areas, she has earned several scholarships and awards, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, which she was the recipient of for two successive years.

Though she is an accomplished academic, teaching is Deanna’s true calling. Altogether, she has over 6 years of experience working and volunteering in education-related contexts with students of all ages and academic levels. In particular, she has obtained extensive volunteer experience with the national charitable organization, Let’s Talk Science, as well as York University’s Bethune College Junior Fellow Program, and U of T’s Global Ideas Institute. In addition to working as a teaching assistant for several undergraduate science courses at York University, Deanna has also acted as a course instructor for a variety of educational summer programs, including York University’s Helix Summer Science Institute and the University of Toronto Schools’ Bright Lights in the Lab summer camp. Deanna has obtained important experience teaching science, biology, and history in a number of Toronto Schools, as well, including North Toronto, Harbord, Riverdale, and W eston Collegiate Institutes.

When she is not busy teaching, Deanna enjoys playing video games, discussing politics, gardening, and hanging out with her cat, Thomas.

Diane graduated from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) with Highest Honorary Distinction and is currently a permanent teacher with the Toronto District School Board. Diane has taught students from Grade 1 to 8 including Gifted, Special Education Integration and English as a Second Language. Since graduating, Diane has taken additional qualification courses in Special Education (part 1), Kindergarten (part 1), English as a Second Language (part 1), Mathematics (part 1 & 2), Reading (part 1 & 2) and is currently taking her Reading Specialist.
Diane is a passionate educator with a student-centered approach. Diane strives to provide students with a safe and inclusive learning environment where they can become creative and holistic thinkers. By working together with students and their families, Diane will utilize her knowledge in technology and modify the delivery of content to help spark an interest in your child’s learning.
As once a tutored child herself, Diane has lived through the benefits of 1:1 and small group learning. In addition to her education, Diane spent most of her extracurricular time as a child and teen playing baseball at a competitive level. This has led to Diane’s love for fitness and coaching.

Diane has an Advanced Early Childhood Education Certificate and has been working with children both in early learning environments as well as child care programs for over 30 years. Diane’s experience as a manager and child care provider have given her a tremendous amount of experience. Her creativity and supportive learning environments ignite an excitement and joy of learning.

I am on Ontario Certified Teacher at the Intermediate/Senior level. I have an Honors Bachelor of Arts from York University and a Bachelor of Education from OISE/UT in French and Economics. I also completed an ESL and Special Education AQ course from OISE/UT.
I have taught French and ESL at several private schools to students in grades 2 to 12 and am currently a full-time private French tutor to Middle and High School students (Grades 6-12). I am originally from Switzerland, perfectly bilingual in French and English, and have been tutoring French for more than 20 years . I love to travel, play sports and draw.

Divya recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Geoscience, GIS, and Psychology. She completed a teaching assistant position at the University of Toronto in the Earth History, Mineralogy, and Petrology. During the summer months, Divya has worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Toronto, providing students as well as professors assistance with creating visuals, simplifying articles, editing scientific articles. She has an open perspective, and is adaptive in her methods of solving problems. She is currently working towards expanding her technical skill set by participating in a data science program.She enjoys collecting minerals, 3D printing, reading, and swimming. Along with an affinity for science, Divya has a passion for math, taking electives in calculus, statistics, and linear algebra. She has also participated in several of the University of Waterloo Mathematical Competitions.

Dora is a passionate and enthusiastic educator that strives to get students interested in what they are learning. She is currently completing a Master of Teaching degree from the University of Toronto through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. In addition, she earned her Honours Bachelors of Arts in Public Policy and Urban Planning from the University of Toronto. Upon completing her Masters, Dora will be licensed to teach both primary and junior levels for English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Language Arts and Reading.

Dora has previously worked with the TDSB in the Power Your Future program as a math assistant and tutor. The program provided incoming and current high school students a significant “leg-up” in their classes by engaging them in intensive curricular practice in all subject areas—making Dora is very familiar with the Ontario Curriculum expectations. She has also been engaged in community education partnerships through the University of Toronto, including the MYRA project, where she worked with high school students to engage them in community research and improve their math, English, geography and social science knowledge.

Currently, Dora has shifted her practice to teaching younger students. Her diverse educational background has strengthened her academic foundations and encouraged her to put a strong focus on student achievement and success in her practice. Dora believes in varying the type of teaching techniques she uses to cater to each specific student. She tries to be innovative and engaging by customizing sessions to suit her student’s developmental needs and learning style. By promoting a trusting and driven learning relationship with her students, Dora encourages communication to help students achieve their goals and build confidence in their learning.

Dylan is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with a wide variety of teaching experience. His Basic Qualifications are in music and English, in the Intermediate and Senior divisions. He discovered his passion for teaching while giving one-one-one music lessons as a summer camp counsellor when he was in high school. Since then he has dedicated his time to grow as a professional educator, and continues to seek opportunities for professional development whenever he can.

Dylan attended York University and achieved his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music. While attending York University, Dylan’s focus was on pedagogical approaches in both music and English, a lens which he brought with him to all of his classes, and continues to hone now. Throughout the duration of this program, Dylan worked as a Residence Don, and helped mentor students in areas of academic balance, and transitional skills to foster a sense of independence and growth. He witnessed firsthand, both as a new student, and as a student leader, how impactful individualized mentorship can be.

After achieving his BFA, Dylan worked as an after school program staff member at Upper Canada College. He worked with students from Kindergarten to grade 6 and created a warm welcoming environment. He helped students with homework from their classroom teachers, both individually and in small groups, and was able to craft an atmosphere in which working on their homework was both fun and rewarding for them. He ran athletic and academic clubs, and empowered his students to express themselves creatively whenever possible. Some of the most rewarding work he has accomplished is witnessing his students learn a new concept, and then observe them using this concept in their play.

Most recently, Dylan returned to York University and achieved his Bachelor of Education. He continued to work in schools, and spent his summers continuing to teach music at summer camp. He successfully completed three practicums in a diverse range of schools in the Toronto District School Board, and has certified with the Ontario College of Teachers. He is excited to share his experiences in order to encourage academic growth and a sense of empowerment in his students. In his free time, Dylan enjoys reading science fiction, playing board games with friends, and finding new experiences in Toronto.

With a long history of working with students, and a passion to see all of his students achieve all that they are capable of, Dylan is confident and excited to help students find success in their academic pursuits.

A longtime student and a lifelong learner, Edward recently received a PhD from the University of Toronto’s Department of Art History. There, he honed his teaching practice, leading his own undergraduate courses, tutorials, and exam workshops. Additionally, he received certificates from several teaching training programs at the U of T, including “Teaching in Higher Education 500,” “Advanced University Teaching Preparation,” and the “Community Engaged Learning Seminar for Doctoral Students.” This background inspired Edward to embrace innovative and creative forms of pedagogy and to appreciate the diverse ways that people learn. Once a struggling math tutee himself, Edward knows what it’s like to work toward difficult learning goals and he understands what it means to help others reach theirs. As such, he bases his teaching style on empathy and dialogue: his priority is to guide students in finding their own voices and to exercise the intellectual skills they need to do so. From there, he aims to empower students to become critical thinkers, informed observers, creative makers, and unrestrained learners. On top of putting his teaching skills to good use, Edward is currently pursuing a number of scholarly, creative, and professional outlets, including writing, visual design, and illustration. He’s also a big fan of music, the arts, bicycles, and dogs.
Edward’s teaching specialization covers the humanities and social sciences and, more generally, writing and presentation skills (English-language only). A comprehensive account of his teaching experience and philosophy is viewable here: https://bit.ly/2Wc0ndF

Elisa B. is a graduate from York University in the Bachelor of Education Program with French as a Second Language as her teachable subject. Prior to York University, Elisa earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in French (Major), Italian and Spanish (Minors) from University of Toronto (Summa Cum Laude) and a Master of Education (Language and Literacies), from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Her empathy towards students and passion for languages and teaching are a combination which many parents and students alike have commented on. She enjoys travelling, exploring new countries, canoeing and swimming. She has a strong understanding and commitment to inclusion and differentiating instruction, depending on student learning style and needs. Elisa also understands the importance of ensuring that parents and guardians are involved the learning process and kept abreast of the student’s challenges and progress.

Elizabeth completed her Bachelor of Education at Lakehead University. Before that, she completed a TESOL certificate from Oxford Seminars and spent two summers working with ESL students in the UK at King’s Summer. While in the UK, Elizabeth worked as a Cover Teacher and taught a variety of subjects including English and History. This experience allowed Elizabeth to work with students from ages 11-16. Elizabeth completed her Master of Arts in English Literature at Trent University in 2015. She taught university seminars where she developed a love of small group teaching. It is within groups and individual work that higher learning occurs. Elizabeth has worked as a tutor since partway through her Bachelor of Arts when she began peer mentoring fellow university students. Elizabeth began tutoring younger students after finishing her Master’s. She has helped students develop a love of reading, prepare for the literacy test, learn how to write essays, and used kinesthetic learning technics such as walks to encourage students to achieve their full potential. She believes that teachers are guides that inspire students to become lifelong learners who actively question the world around them.

Ellie has been with for Prep Academy Tutors since 2015. She completed her Bachelor’s of Education at the University of Ottawa in 2014. Since graduating, Ellie has taken additional qualification courses in special education, mathematics and reading. In 2017 Ellie graduated from the Master’s of Education program with a focus in global education, teaching and learning at the University of Ottawa. Ellie began working with the Toronto District School Board in 2017 where she started working as an occasional teacher and is now a contract teacher in the elementary panel.
Ellie is very passionate about supporting all students in areas of weakness to ensure students are gaining confidence and the skills that will help them become independent learners. Ellie believes that learning is lifelong and it is important to build a set of foundational skills to ensure that students have opportunities to achieve their goals.
As a certified teacher and an academic coach, Ellie understands the importance of creating a team environment with the student, parents, teachers and other educational professionals. Since working with Prep Academy Tutors she has become very familiar with Direct Instruction (Reading Mastery and Corrective Decoding) and the Wilson Reading System. She has seen the benefits with both programs while using them with her clients. She also advocates that it is important to recognize that all students learn differently, which is why flexibility in our instruction and teaching should be valued.
Ellie also has experience supporting students in mathematics and believes that having a strong understanding of the foundational basics in math is essential for further development. Ellie has experience teaching the 3 part math lessons that are seen in our school systems today, and she believes that connecting math to the real world is not only engaging to our students but can also help foster confidence and strength in mathematics.
Ellie looks forward to working with you and the Prep Academy family to support all educational needs and development.

Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in Honours Biology in 2016 and went on to complete a Master’s in the History of Science in 2017. During her undergraduate degree, Emily was a Biology, Science, and Math tutor, a tutor for students with learning disabilities, and a Cell and Plant Biology teaching assistant. While she enjoys academic research (Emily once spent a summer in rural Manitoba staying up all night to study bats), her years of tutoring gave her a deep appreciation and love of teaching, which is how she came to find herself in the education field! Emily works with students to create a learning space that feels organized, motivating, and safe. She places importance on taking the time to understand a student’s learning style in order to craft a roadmap and set goals that will help the student get to where they want to be. When Emily is not tutoring, she is an educator and coordinator at the High Park Nature Centre, as well as a certified yoga teacher. She lives with her rescue dog, Arlo, who she often gets told looks like a miniature fox.

Fiona has a BA in Geography from McGill and a Junior-Intermediate B. Ed from Queen’s. These university qualifications first took her around the world to work at international schools. In South Africa, she taught high school Geography and Economics at a time when democracy was just returning to that nation. In both Switzerland and Laos she found her niche as a grade five and six classroom teacher.

After settling back in Canada to start a family, Fiona used her experience in education to start a Muskoka Preschool and to volunteer as a tutor at Glen Orchard Public School. Still loving travel, Fiona homeschooled her two sons in all subjects from grades one to eight while they explored over 100 countries together. During her children’s high school years at Rosseau Lake College, Fiona held positions of Parent Guild President, Running Coach, Grades Seven and Eight Language Arts Teacher and Board Director. She also created a 50th Anniversary book for the school plus an RLC Yearbook for her younger son’s graduating year.

Fiona believes that learning should be both fun and purposeful. She encourages students to develop organizational skills to allow for creative and confidence-building experiences.

Frank has three years’ experience teaching the Canadian curriculum. As an academic instructor, he is committed to creating safe, stimulating, and supportive learning environments that empower all students to discover their individual strengths, support others, and engage in their larger community. His teaching experiences are in mathematics and economics in secondary and post secondary education, in both the IB and AP streams. Frank earned a Master’s of Art Degree in Economics at Carleton university, and Master’s of Art Degree in International Economics and Finance at Ryerson university. In his spare time, he volunteers at his church and for other community events.

George received his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in 2009 with a double major in Math and Chemistry, followed by a Bachelor of Education at Tyndale University specializing in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior levels. George’s diverse experiences working with students of all ages and backgrounds, as a classroom instructor, home tutor, and international teacher have framed his love of learning and passion to teach.

Following his B.Ed., George worked as a contract teacher in England in his first year and has gained invaluable experiences in a classroom setting. He has worked with students who excel at Math/Science as well as students with LD’s and helped them gain confidence and positive results. Since coming back from the UK, George have been teaching for a number of private institutes as well as 1-on-1 tutoring all across Ontario. George is also fluent in Mandarin and loves to play board games and watch basketball in his spare time.

Georgia earned her Master’s of Teaching from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education through the University of Toronto. In addition, she has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and a post-graduate degree in Child and Youth Counselling from Humber College. Georgia has teaching qualifications in the primary/junior division with an additional qualification in Special Education. She is currently working on her Intermediate Visual Arts qualification from the University of Toronto. Georgia comes to us with a wealth of experience working with students from a variety of educational and behavioural needs. Her research focus for her Master’s thesis surrounded supporting students with anxiety in the classroom and as such, she exudes an empathetic and understanding nature when it comes to teaching. She believes that building relationships with students is fundamental to achieving success and uses a variety of differentiated teaching strategies to support her students. Georgia thrives to ensure that every student she works with feels valued and is taught according to their personal learning styles.
In her spare time, Georgia enjoys spending time riding and training her two horses at a facillity where she also teaches horseback riding lessons. She enjoys spending time with her family and golden retriever Savannah, golfing, playing volleyball and cheering for the Raptors.

Gowsiga (Gowsi) is currently completing her Master of Teaching for the intermediate/senior level at the University of Toronto (OISE). While her teachable are social science and history she has experience teaching intermediate/senior English. She holds two Bachelors degrees in Political Science, and Human Rights and Equity studies from York University. In order to broaden her knowledge, and passion for human rights advocacy she went on to pursue a Master of Arts in Immigration and Settlement Studies from Ryerson University. Gowsi has a broad range of teaching experiences with junior/intermediate/senior students with various levels of English proficiency. Fostering a nurturing and positive learning environment, along with differentiated instruction which focuses on each individual learner, and learning style is key to student success!

In her spare time, Gowsi is committed to her work as a mentor with the Munk School of Global Affair’s Global Ideas Institute where she can motivate bright young minds to tackle the world’s wicked problems using research and knowledge. Furthermore, she is a trained classical dancer who believes that dance is a form of self-expression and creativity.

Haley is currently a second year International Education Studies major at Wilfrid Laurier University, which is the first program of its kind in Canada. She intends on graduating in 2023 and in the fall of 2021, Haley will complete her TEFL certificate. Her program gives her a unique education experience for teaching in international contexts and different education curriculums such as The Cambridge and The IB curriculum in various subjects.
Haley has worked with children in various environments, including a co-op term at John Wanless P.S., and volunteering with the Community Association of Riding for the Disabled (CARD). She developed her love for teaching during her volunteer work teaching children in Ecuador and Argentina.
Haley approaches teaching with patience, kindness, and positive reinforcement. She strongly believes that learning is not one-size fits all, and that creating bonds with students is an important part of connecting them with the learning material. When students connect with the material then a love for learning will follow.

Harris is an OCT certified teacher working towards a career in data science. Born and raised in Honduras, Harris has a Masters degree in Physics and a Bachelors degree in Mathematics. Harris has two years experience teaching high school in Toronto and a total of 12 years of combined tutoring experience dating back to his Undergraduate years. During Graduate school, Harris taught physics labs to pre-med students and gave lectures in physics to first year physics classes. His experience spans from tutoring math (grades 9-12 and first year university) and physics (grades 11-12, IB and first year university), tutoring grade 10 science, grade 11 computer science, grade 12 data management, and grade 12 calculus from the TDSB curriculum. Given his data science pursuit, he can also be of assistance with beginner’s Python programming language as well. Most computer science courses in high school are moving towards teaching object-oriented programming. Harris is a huge fan of comedy and sports so he uses both of those aspects to connect with students.

Heather graduated from McMaster University with a bachelor of honours commerce. Heather has had a life-long passion for education, and has many years of experience teaching students of all ages and personalities! While at McMaster, Heather was the Head Administrator of the First Year Orientation Program where she discovered her skill as an academic coach. She mentored many first year students, teaching skills such as note-taking and efficient studying. Her enthusiasm and energy are contagious, making her not only an effective teacher, but also a fun one. Her philosophy on teaching is that one does not create greatness in students, one uncovers it. Heather is also a trained SSAT coach, and she enjoys guiding students in preparing for this examination. In her spare time Heather is a ski instructor, with her background in ski racing. When not teaching, you can find Heather out on a cross country run or enjoying a book at home with her cat.

Hillary is a teacher candidate from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. She will be graduating from the Master of Teaching program in June 2020. Prior to this program, she spent another 4 years at the University of Toronto where she obtained a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Currently, Hillary is earning her Ontario teacher certificate at the secondary level where she specializes in Science Biology as well as PhysEd. Although her expertises are in the high school level, she is also comfortable with tutoring Math and Science from Grade 1 to 8. Hillary has many years of experience working with younger children through previous private tutoring, after-school programs, summer camps, volunteering opportunities, etc. Hillary is dedicated to her students’ success as well as academic and personal growth. She is here to help learners to maximize their potentials and reach their personal goals. Hillary is not only an educator, she is a researcher, an athlete, a sister, a wife, a friend, and a plant lover…! Check out Hillary’s website to learn more about her: https://hillarytse.weebly.com/

My name is Hooman Razavi. I graduated from University of Toronto with degree in Biochemistry in 2006 and then finished my B.Ed in 2007 at OISE. Since graduation, I have taught for the last twelve years in schools in Toronto and China and tutored many students from various backgrounds. I enjoy interactions at every level and love to see when my students ask questions, learn something new and share their ideas with me. I truly believe in the idea that success has more to do with hard work than natural depositions and try to cultivate good skills and love of learning in my students.
I enjoy playing Basketball, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Soccer and love reading Philosophical books especially classics to enrich my perspective on Education and life in general.

Huma received her undergraduate degree in English from Queen’s University in 2009 and her Bachelor of Education from Trent University in 2015. She has received additional qualifications in teaching English Language Learners and Kindergarten. Huma has delivered goal-oriented curriculum lessons in classrooms from Kindergarten to grade 6; she has taught digital literacy through game design; and, she has sensitized her students to the magic in their lives through science and art programs. Huma believes in a holistic approach to education: only through focusing on the whole child can we ignite students’ passions and natural abilities. Huma’s lessons will take your child on adventures through uncharted lands, form friendships, learn life-lessons, and feel unmatched freedom—all through the pages of treasured books.

Iain Bain is a second year teacher candidate at York University in the Junior/Intermediate division, grades 4-10. Born in Ottawa and the eldest of six, he moved to Toronto to complete his undergraduate degree in journalism and economics at Ryerson University. Upon graduation, Iain moved to Toulouse, France to work as a communications specialist in the aerospace sector. It was during this time that he honed his bilingual skill-sets. Returning to Canada, Iain then completed two post graduate certificates in French linguistics at Ryerson University. Working as a personal trainer to fund his education, Iain discovered his affinity for working with children. Over the course of a year, Iain studied the Orton-Gillingham system designed to instruct students with dyslexia. He then continued on to work as a freelance tutor for various subjects utilizing this systematic multi-sensory approach. Iain eventually decided it was time to pursue his Bachelor of Education.

Iain’s teaching philosophy entails developing engaging and interactive lessons that not only deliver the material but also incites curiosity and inquisition on the part of the pupil. Iain has spent his first year placed in a rotary core French classroom where he has designed and implemented inquiry based projects inspiring creative responses to real life scenarios such as cooking, traveling, sustainability and all in French. Iain loves working with children especially in French and thrives on the challenge of discovering new ways to conceptualize mathematics.

During his first year at York, Iain provided after school homework help in mathematics, French and English. While French is his primary teachable, Iain had elected to take several mathematics courses given his experience and passion for the subject. Iain has helped students consolidate mathematical theories, explore differentiated tactics to solving problems and subscribes to the development of student perception of the topic rather than prescribe procedures to be committed to memory. He is well versed in the math curriculum from grades 4 to 9. In this way, Iain develops his students’ strengths in order to develop a strong understanding of mathematical concepts.

Iain’s passion for travel and time spent in France is where his love of the French language originates. He dropped out of the Extended French program in high school after the 10th grade due to a lack of interest. Iain believes that students must grasp a tangible connection to the language in order for them to succeed in the subject. Constructing lessons and adapting assignments in order to inspire genuine interest will result in the desire to learn the grammatical principles of the language. Iain learned to speak French by living it, then pursued formal instruction in order to consolidate the oral skills he had learned. Constructing a real connection with the language is crucial for the student’s success as a future francophone.

Innah has been a registered early childhood educator for the past seven years.  She has experience working with kids in all age groups from infancy to 12 years of age.  Innah has an educational background in early childhood education as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a post-graduate degree in Autism and Behavioural Sciences and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  Innah has a hard working knowledge of creating, developing, facilitating and evaluating program plans and workshops.  She has been tutoring students aged 3-10 years in a one-on-one capacity since 2018. Innah also had the opportunity of running a Learning Pod for a family in Toronto from October 2020 until January 2021.  The Pod had a mixed age group of students ranging from preschool to kindergarten. While teaching this Pod, Innah used different teaching strategies according to the unique needs of each child. She has the passion, skills and determination to help each child reach their milestones and optimize their full potential.

Irene is an Ontario Certified Teacher at the Intermediate/Senior level and has taught in the Toronto District School Board for over ten years. She graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science and went on to complete her Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa. Irene is qualified to teach grade 9/10 Science, grade 11/12 Chemistry and grade 11/12 Biology. She also has experience teaching grades 1-10 Mathematics as well. Outside of teaching, Irene enjoys more active and creative ventures including: Zumba, table tennis, piano, scrapbooking, baking/cake decorating and is currently learning how to salsa and crochet!

Ivey Nee is currently a primary/junior teacher candidate in the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (OntarioTech University). In her final semester of the Education program, she is set to receive her OCT certification in January 2020. Prior to attending OntarioTech University, Ivey studied at York University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Biology. Experienced in teaching primary and junior students with diverse cultural and academic experiences, Ivey understands the importance of incorporating this diversity into how she teaches and modifying her instruction based on student strengths and needs. She believes that when students see themselves reflected in what they are learning, they develop a deeper understanding of the content. Passionate about helping students develop literacy skills, Ivey has volunteered as a Kindergarten reading tutor where she worked alongside the classroom teacher to plan strategies to target different student needs.Ivey is also trained in the Direction Instruction Reading Mastery Program, and she enjoys helping struggling readers gain success. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, going to the gym, and spending time with friends and family.

James graduated with his Bachelor of Education Degree from OISE at the University of Toronto in 2005 and has been a certified educator in the elementary independent school system ever. Prior to entering the teaching profession, James spent 12 years in the private sector working in the areas of sales, sales management, and sales training for two Fortune 500 companies. Since entering the teaching profession, he completed a one-year internship program at Havergal College in Toronto working with the Junior Division teachers in grades 4-6. He then spent two years as a homeroom teacher for grades 4 and 7 at Bayview Glen in North York; eight years as a homeroom teacher for grade 5 at Pickering College in Newmarket; and most recently, the last three years as a homeroom teacher for grade 6 at Kingsway College School in Etobicoke. He is trained in the delivery of the JUMP Math Program as well as the remedial Direct Instruction Reading Mastery Program.

It is through these experiences that he has learned first-hand that all children are unique – no two have the same needs, interests, or learning styles. It is important for educators to invest the time to understand and connect with each student and support them in a way that is both effective and meaningful.

In his spare time, James enjoys officiating house league hockey for the GTHL and spending summers at his family cottage in Muskoka.

Jamilyn graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Studies (ECS) and a minor in Sociology. She is currently in her second, and final, year in the Masters of Teaching (MT) program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto in the Primary/Junior division. Both of these programs provided her with a variety of valuable practicum experiences that further reinforced her passion towards teaching. In Grade 5, she began attending Saturday school to learn how to speak, read, and write in Mandarin. She won many verse-speaking competitions and has a high school language certificate for Grade 9 Mandarin. She hopes to travel to China someday to use what she has learned and to further strengthen her language fluency. When she turned sixteen, Jamilyn began teaching swimming. She is currently Red Cross-certified and teaches integrated swim lessons at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital for children with varying abilities. She has also helped lead aquatic programs such as inpatient swims, Snoezelen (sensory therapy), March Break Swim Camp, and the Integrated Education and Therapy program. In addition, she is certified with the Red Cross as a Youth Leader and teaches the Babysitting course.

During her time in the Early Childhood Studies program, Jamilyn completed practicums in two Early Learning Centers, a Grade 1/2 split classroom, and a kindergarten classroom. Jamilyn particularly enjoys supporting students through their early literacy development. When she was younger, she led her younger siblings through the Hooked on Phonics program that focused on letter recognition, reading, and reading comprehension. This passion was revisited during her third year ECS practicum at in the Grade 1/2 split classroom, as she was trained in the “We Will Read” program and worked one-on-one with four Grade 1 students who were below grade-level. Jamilyn designed developmentally appropriate individualized lessons and activities for each of them. At the end of the program, each child read a book to their classmates proudly, and independently.

During her time in the Masters of Teaching program at OISE she completed a practicum experience in a Grade 6 classroom where she focused on Math, Language, Social Studies, and Media Literacy. Her second practicum in the MT program was in Grade 1 where she led all subject areas. Jamilyn learned she has a passion for teaching students about advocacy. During her time in the Grade 6 classroom, she led a Social Studies and media literacy unit on the Rights of a Child. In the Grade 1 classroom, she led a Social Studies unit on advocacy and activism and included the students to a fundraiser held by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital called “Capes of Kids”. She looks forward to continuing to learn and apply her experiences in her upcoming practicums.

Jen is an Ontario Certified Teacher, holding a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from Queen’s University. She has experience teaching children of all abilities from Kindergarten to Grade 6, and has worked in both TDSB and private school settings, such as Bialik Hebrew Day School. Jen has additional qualifications in Special Education, Teaching Math, and Teaching Reading, which enables her to effectively engage students with a variety of learning needs. Having completed the French Immersion program at Lawrence Park CI, Jen enjoys working with both French and English subjects. She has a passion for inclusion, along with compassion for children with disabilities, and intends to pursue this throughout her career as a teacher. Jen has gathered a wide range of experience working with children with special needs in both classroom and recreational environments, including Bloorview School Authority. Additionally, Jen is trained on the Remedial Programs of Direct Instruction Reading Mastery and The Wilson Reading Program and she enjoys working through these programs with struggling readers and writers. As an educator, her goal is to empower students to engage in and enjoy their learning, overcome obstacles, and reach their academic potential.

Jennifer is an Ontario Certified Teacher at the intermediate and senior level, and is certified to teach Chemistry and Physics. She studied chemistry and concurrent education at York University, graduating with Honours. She has taught chemistry and physics throughout her high school placement during her undergrad, and has experience working with math classes from grade 9 to 11. Jennifer is currently working at a private school teaching grade 11/12 chemistry and grade 11 functions. Aside from working at schools, Jennifer has experience leading academic camps in the summer with students ranging from Grade 3 to 8, and has been consistently volunteering with children aged 1.5 to 5 years for more than 12 years.

Jennifer believes that all students have the potential to succeed in their studies and uses different strategies to make the understanding more clear for her students. Her volunteer experiences as well as providing after-school help for students has assisted in her development of various approaches to help each individual students.

Aside from teaching, Jennifer enjoys physical activities, such as Ultimate frisbee and fencing, as well as baking.

Jennifer has been teaching for the Toronto District School Board for 20 years. She has also been tutoring students for 15 years in the Toronto area. Jennifer graduated from the University of Western Ontario with her Bachelors of Education.

Throughout her 20 years in the Toronto District School Board, she has taught all grades from JK-Grade 6.  Jennifer has obtained her Physical Education Specialist as well as an additional qualification in Reading Part 1 and Special Education.  Additionally, Jennifer has guided students through the Leaps and Bounds remedial math program.

Jennifer enjoys helping students set achievable goals and focus on how to attain them together. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys playing volleyball and tennis with her two daughters, aged 13 and 11.

Jennifer is a Certified Teacher who holds an AQ in Special Education and specializes in working with students using Assistive Technology. As a Technology Consultant, she has supported over 180 students in the past year, by integrating learning strategies with specialized software in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). Jennifer empowers her students through rapport building and differentiated instruction to effectively overcome learning barriers. She has worked with students with various exceptionalities including autism, ADHD, CP, dyslexia and auditory processing disorder.

Jennifer’s expertise in leading educational technology include: Google Apps for Education (GAFE), Google Read & Write, Kurzweil 3000, WordQ/SpeakQ, Dragon Naturallyspeaking and Smart Ideas. As software designed to support cognitive processing, teaching students how to effectively integrate them with authentic practice can help achieve better communication, writing, organization, comprehension and test-taking skills.

The combination of her Ontario curriculum knowledge from K-12 and familiarity of technology in education makes Jennifer effective in targeting individual student needs to boost self-confidence and independence. Recognizing the importance of family and community involvement, she values connections with parents and teachers/administration to keep communication about student progress open.

Since 2013, Jennifer has experience working with learning and literacy engagement programs in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and independent schools. The program she specializes in is a STEM-focused integration of social justice and literacy/numeracy. In addition to working with K-8, she also teaches grade 10-12 Ontario credit courses including English, Business and Social Sciences.

Jennifer holds a B.Ed. in the primary/junior divisions from Lakehead University as well as a B. Design from Ryerson University. She was certified by the Ontario College of Teachers in 2012. In addition, she also has AQs in Music and Intermediate History.

As a world traveler, Jennifer also has experience teaching ESL in South Korea for 3 years, running sewing and tailoring workshops in Sri Lanka and was involved with a literacy engagement camp in Onigaming First Nation, near Thunder Bay. Jennifer loves learning just as much as teaching. She is inspired by travel, photography and cooking. Her personal learning pursuits include becoming Google Certified, becoming better at plant identification and making time for crafts.

After graduating from high school with a French Immersion Certificate of Bilingual Studies, Jessica completed her Bilingual (English and French) Bachelor of Sociology degree at York University’s Glendon College. During her postsecondary education, Jessica also pursued a career in teaching through the OCT concurrent BEd program. Jessica has experience tutoring students in grades 4 – 12 in math, literacy, and social studies, as well as teaching both French immersion and core French in the classroom setting.

Jessica has found that one-on-one mentorship is where she excels. Jessica has been a site supervisor and mentor to both high school and post-secondary students as part of their experiential learning curriculum for programs such as co-operative education, project management, and medical administration.

Jessica’s professional experience includes clinical research and data analysis. She is especially interested in sharing her enthusiasm for data analysis with young developing minds. Jessica provides experiences to help students develop problem solving skills and grow their confidence.

Jo-Anne Celine is French Canadian, originating from Western Canada where she attended a French Academy in her youth. She has taught French Immersion for over 20 years with the Toronto District School Board, focusing on the primary years. She brings several years experience in teaching FRENCH IMMERSION. She was instrumental in helping set up a Grade 1 French Immersion Program for the York Regional School Board and has been a chair teacher, supporting administrators and organizing extra curricular activities. She earned her B.A.( Specialized Honours in Psychology-member of Dean’s Honour Roll) in 1980. Upon graduation she became a Sales Representative and thereafter, Bilingual National Sales Manager for the Canadian Distributor of Fieldcrest towels and linens. Returning to school she pursued her Bachelor of Education at the University of Toronto ( Member of Dean’s Honour Roll) in 1992. She is certified by the Ontario College of Teachers to teach both primary and Junior grades levels. Jo-Anne has additional qualifications in French, a Reading Specialist and math. Jo-Anne recently retired from full time teaching with the T.D.S.B in 2016. She is currently an occasional teacher with the Toronto District School Board. She has had a very successful teaching career and has a strong dedication to ensuring her students are successful.
Jo-Anne has been a Bilingual Corporate Trainer for Canon Canada where she trained Sales Representatives from various Canon Dealers across Canada. Jo-Anne is dedicated, patient and enjoys working rirh children and adults. Her passions are cooking, hosting dinner parties and travel.

Joanna is an experienced French tutor and has been teaching this beautiful, international language for 7 years– and counting! She has been learning French for most of her life, from taking Extended French and AP French throughout school, to continuing her learning at York University’s Glendon College in Translation Studies. Moliere’s language also lead her to spending two years as an English teacher in France, instilling a love of language-learning in students aged 4-15. She is currently completing her Master of Teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at U of T and has her French teaching qualifications for Primary-Junior classrooms. She is excited to take her creative approaches to teaching math, literacy, and more!

Joanna is a language-learner herself, speaking 4 fluently and currently learning 2 others, so she understands the struggles that come with comprehension, speaking, and, those pesky grammar tenses! More importantly, she can apply all of these learned strategies to your own learning needs, finding the one that fits you best. Joanna believes in helping everyone find their own way of learning and she is there to guide anyone to find their path. She is patient, communicative, and organized– making sure that all needs and concerns are met in an effective, creative, and comprehensible manner.

Jonathan graduated from the Master of Teaching program at OISE in 2016 in the Junior/Intermediate division. He also holds an additional basic qualification in the Primary division. In 2014, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies from Queen’s University. He currently teaches Grade 3-6 English and 1-8 Music at an independent school in Toronto, and recently completed his fourth year of teaching full time.

Jonathan is comfortable working with students of all ages and tutoring most subjects up to Grade 8, as well as Grade 9-12 English and Social Sciences. As a homeroom teacher and tutor, Jonathan has extensive experience as an academic coach, helping students develop individualized learning strategies and higher-order skills that help them achieve success at the next academic level. As a classroom teacher, Jonathan has taught many subjects up to Grade 8, including English, Math, History, Social Studies, Drama, Music, and Art. He trained with the Wilson Reading System and Direct Instruction, which he uses to help students develop their reading fluency and literacy skills.

Jonathan has a diverse academic and artistic background, and he is a formally trained musician. He spent many summers as a counsellor, sailing instructor, Leader-in-Training Director, and Program Director at Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park. His commitment to his students, creativity and versatility, along with his warm personality and sense of humour allows him to build rapport with students, and tailor his instruction to meet their individual needs and personal learning styles.

Joshua Anandappa is a final year student at the University of Toronto and will be finishing his honors degree in Life Science at the end of 2019 with a minor in French and Psychology. Joshua initially planned on a career in the field of biology but was drawn to a teaching career after working as an assistant teacher in a nearby elementary school. In particular, Joshua enjoyed working in a classroom environment and utilizing different strategies to create lessons for students. Since then, Joshua has had a wide range of experience teaching different age groups, ranging from teaching french in a preschool enviornment to math and english in a classroom enviornment. Joshua believes that mutual respect between the teacher and the student is important at any age and is an important factor in facilitating the students’ learning.

Alongside his school and work, Joshua is involved in many extracurricular activities, such as playing the piano, cricket and karate. Music, in particular the theory behind why certain genres of music sound the way they do, has always fascinated Joshua. Similarily, languages have always been another interest of his, even to the point where he would study French outside of school, as he did when he took part in the Explore program- an intensive immersion program in which students live in a native French speaking town for a month.

Joshua plans on pursuing his Bachelor’s of Education and becoming a teacher. He looks forward to learning about how psychology plays a role in learning and also hopes that as a teacher he may be a positive influence in the lives of his students.

Joyce is an Ontario Certified Teacher. She grew up in Toronto, completing a bilingual undergraduate degree at Glendon College, York University, double majoring in English and Mathematics. As well, she completed a Masters Degree in English Literature at the University of Toronto. She is currently the Math Department Head at a Toronto District School Board secondary school. She is certified to teach intermediate/senior Math, English, ESL, and Special Education. During the summer months, Joyce teaches summer school and enjoys travelling. She is a strong believer in helping students build a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy as well as a joy for learning. It is her hope that all of her students become lifelong learners and appreciate the values of hard work, kindness, and gratitude.

Justin earned a Bachelor’s degree at University of Toronto in 2015 specializing in Molecular and Cellular Biology. During his time at U of T, he contributed to research at the Toronto General Hospital to improve health outcomes for those suffering from kidney failure. Currently, he is completing a computer engineering degree at Ryerson University with an emphasis on bioinformatics. When he is not attending class during the day, he is conducting psychological evaluations of new patients at a mental health clinic.
He is passionate about teaching and has tutored students of all ages in math and science from grades 3 to 12. He has experience teaching many students simultaneously at a tutoring centre and as a one-on-one tutor in their homes. At Ryerson, he is often tasked with helping first-year university students with their studies and helps clarify concepts for his classmates.
He is an avid sports fan and he can be frequently seen spending his leisure time playing soccer and hockey. His other interests lie in game development, chess and philosophy.

Karl is a practiced educator with quite a variety of experiences in teaching, tutoring and education in general. Growing up in Newcastle/Bowmanville, Ontario, Karl’s first teaching experience was teaching martial arts to students of all ages, skill levels and ranks. It was there that he first learned the truth to the idea that everyone has a unique style of learning.

Later attending York University for a Bachelor of Science in Physics, Karl had the opportunity to become a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Session) Leader, a program where the leader would facilitate a study group for students in the leader’s assigned course. The PASS Leader would perform as a model student, attending classes and taking notes, even though they had previously taken the course and earned a high grade. Facilitation of this study group did not involve tutoring or re-lecturing any material, but instead was to provide the students with study and learning tools to carry forward into their studies in later courses while also providing insights to the relevant course material. It was here that Karl learned the value of facilitation in all forms of education to allow students to develop the skills for independent study.

After graduating from York, Karl went on to the University of Guelph to complete his Master’s of Science in Physics. Part of the responsibility of being a graduate student is working as a Teaching Assistant, which was an awesome experience. Karl taught tutorials, and even some lectures in classes such as Quantum Mechanics, Mathematical Physics and Solid State Physics. In this position, Karl further practiced facilitation to once more give the students the confidence in themselves and each other rather than relying on the teacher for answers!

Since graduating from Guelph, Karl went on to numerous other teaching and tutoring positions outside of post-secondary academics. Karl had a contract position with TAIE international institute to teach grade 12 Advanced Functions to 50 ESL students, split between two classes. There, he learned how to properly structure a full high school course, including assignments, tests and other evaluations. Karl is also a trained SSAT coach, and he enjoys guiding students through the test-taking process. His most recent experience has been as an educator at Reptilia Zoo, where he ran birthday parties and tours for people of all ages to teach them about reptiles and their conservation. In his spare time, Karl spends lots of time with friends and family. He also enjoys running role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, where he gets lots of practice with improv and creative writing!

With plenty of private tutoring experience in addition to these experiences, I am confident and excited to help anyone I can succeed in their studies. With lots of practical experience in the field of physics as well, I hope that I might inspire some of you to pursue science like I did!

Kate grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and moved to Muskoka in 2011. A graduate of Queen’s University in English Literature, Kate is a strong communicator in both the English and French languages. Kate has completed her Bachelor of Education in the Primary/Junior division. She is very passionate about helping children to learn across disciplines and to discover their unique abilities, creativity, and confidence.

Kate Hallarn is an Ontario Certified Teacher. She grew up in Toronto, Ontario and completed an Undergraduate Degree in Social Science at the University of Toronto. As well, she recently completed a Post Graduate Degree and received a Master of Teaching at OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) in the Primary/Junior grade levels. Additionally, she is completing an AQ (additional qualification) in Special Education. She has a profound interest in early literacy and completed research in this area during her time studying at OISE. Kate truly believes that engaging students using their curiosity and interests is crucial in helping them gain the confidence they require to succeed. In her spare time, Kate enjoys going for jogs engaging physical activity, and baking, as well as spending time with her friends and family.

Kate’s teaching journey began more than ten years ago when she moved to Thailand to teach ESL. She fell in love with teaching, and eventually returned to Canada to pursue a B.Ed. and an M.A. in Second Language Education from OISE at the University of Toronto. Since then, she has worked as an ESL / Language Arts tutor, supply teacher with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, and an ESL instructor at Centennial College (Toronto) and Trent University (Peterborough).

Kate’s students have taught her that learning is largely relational. She believes that how students feel about themselves, their teacher, and the subject itself has a tremendous impact on their level of academic investment and performance. With this in mind, Kate strives to build positive relationships with her students, increase their confidence levels, and help them develop a personal connection to the topic at hand. Kate really enjoys tutoring, as it provides a unique opportunity to help students achieve their goals in a way that is both fun and manageable.

Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in Primary/Junior Education from York University’s Faculty of Education. She also holds a B.A. in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Toronto. While completing her Social Service Worker certification through Seneca College, Kate discovered her passion for working with kids and decided to pursue teaching as a career.

Kate has worked in various TDSB schools, an after school literacy program based out of an independent bookshop, and as a science camp counsellor. She has worked with students from Kindergarten to grade 8. Kate loves learning about her students’ communities and interests. She has also volunteered with Frontier College as a tutor for adults with learning disabilities and with Sunnybrook Hospital.

Kate is a born and raised Toronto resident who enjoys yoga, exploring the city’s many parks and ravines, and horseback riding.

Katherine received her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Geography from Western University. She has gone on to complete her Masters of Teaching at OISE in the Junior/Intermediate division. Katherine has experience teaching English, Geography and writing skills to students in the intermediate grades (7-9), and she has also worked with primary students in the areas of math, science and english. Katherine is also a trained Direct Instruction Reading Mastery and Spelling Mastery tutor and an SSAT coach.

Katherine has had practical teaching experience in both the public and private school systems as well as doing volunteer work as a mentor/coach in the Thames Valley District School Board. These experiences have taught her the importance of differentiated instruction and assessment in order for all students to succeed. She enjoys individualizing lessons and working one-on-one with students to reach their academic goals and build confidence. Katherine will be tutoring in Toronto during the school year and is available in Muskoka during the summer.

Katie graduated from York University/Glendon College with a B.A. (Hons) in French Studies and Environmental Studies as well as a Bachelor of Education. Katie is a full time teacher with TDSB, and teaches Core French in a middle school. Katie has classroom experience teaching French, Math and Language as well as 6 years of tutoring experience in many different subjects with a variety of students. With this experience, she is comfortable tutoring math from K-6, as well as French and English from K-10. Katie enjoys working with students 1-on-1 and building programs that suit the needs of each individual student. While academics are always a focus, her program also works to build the self-confidence of her students. In addition to her qualifications in French, Katie is currently working toward a specialist qualification in English as a Second Language. In her spare time she enjoys walking her dog, cooking and baking, and reading.

Kelly recently graduated from the University of Toronto Concurrent Education Program. Kelly is certified by the Ontario College of Teachers to teach Intermediate/Senior Mathematics and Health and Physical Education. Kelly has a passion for mathematics and strives to help students understand and appreciate the beauty of the subject. She strongly believes in integrating student interests into curriculum material to increase attentiveness and interest in the subject area. On Kelly’s off time she coaches girls’ fastpitch, focusing the physical and mental aspects of the game that create successful athletes.

Kelly is a full time teacher at an IB Private Academy in North York. She graduated from Nipissing University with a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Bachelor of Education. Kelly has many years of experience teaching within the Ontario school system, but has also taught and tutored in England, Spain and Australia. Her passion for travelling and seeing the world allows her to use her personal experiences to inspire all of her learners to be global citizens and have broad perspectives.

Kelly has qualifications to teach grades 4 through 12 and has taught at both the elementary and high school level. She believes that every student is a unique individual and that differentiation should take place for all learners. This is why Kelly has also obtained her Special Education. Through getting to know each of her students and building a strong relationship with them, Kelly helps them discover their personal learning style and a variety of techniques they can use to help them grow. Using real world examples and making the students learning relevant to the 21st century is extremely important to Kelly. Once a student understands the “why” of what they are learning, they become more passionate and excited to master each concept.

A learning environment needs to be supportive, safe, challenging and of course fun. Kelly ensures that every student enjoys their learning experience by tapping into their personal interests and working with their learning style. Beyond teaching, Kelly loves to play hockey and golf as well as spend time with family and friends.

Kody just recently graduated from York University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Atmospheric Science and also a Certificate of Meteorology. Kody’s studies covered the topics of Physics, Math and Chemistry by their applications to the physical world through the lens of weather. He has experience tutoring high school students in a one-on-one setting but is available to all ages of students. Before the pandemic Kody’s favourite pass-times were playing sports including hockey and rugby now hes looking forward to the snowboarding season.

Kristin graduated from York University earning an Honors Double Major in Spanish and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She then went on to complete her second degree, with a Bachelor of Education at the Primary/Junior Level. After graduating, she worked as a supply teacher at Branksome Hall, teaching grades JK to 6 in all subject areas. Kristin is currently a full-time teacher for grades Pre-K to SK and has extensive experience teaching children of all ages. She has also worked collaboratively with Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Pathologists, helping students with cognitive, sensory, motor, and speech and language challenges achieve success in the classroom. As part of her professional development, Kristin is trained in the Handwriting Without Tears and Wilson programs as well as in the O.G (Orton-Gillingham) method. Kristin is a passionate teacher who firmly believes that educational instruction should not follow a “one size fits all” approach, but must be adapted to fit the unique learning styles of each student.Kristin graduated from York University earning an Honors Double Major in Spanish and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She then went on to complete her second degree, with a Bachelor of Education at the Primary/Junior Level. After graduating, she worked as a supply teacher at Branksome Hall, teaching grades JK to 6 in all subject areas. Kristin is currently a full-time teacher for grades Pre-K to SK and has extensive experience teaching children of all ages. She has also worked collaboratively with Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Pathologists, helping students with cognitive, sensory, motor, and speech and language challenges achieve success in the classroom. As part of her professional development, Kristin is trained in the Handwriting Without Tears and Wilson programs as well as in the O.G (Orton-Gillingham) method. Kristin is a passionate teacher who firmly believes that educational instruction should not follow a “one size fits all” approach, but must be adapted to fit the unique learning styles of each student.

Laurel received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and History in 2010, as well as a Bachelor of Education from Western University in 2011. She has also earned her additional qualification specialist in Special Education. Laurel’s teaching experiences have been in Ontario and Kuwait. She has worked mainly with Elementary and Senior students through her work as a classroom teacher as well as working one-one with students. Laurel understands that building relationships and using positive communication with students and their parents are essential to ensure a student’s success, whether they are in grade 1 or grade 12. This helps students feel supported while taking ownership for their learning. In addition, she focuses on developing an understanding of each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Laurel loves learning, through any medium, and her priority is making sure students understand and enjoy what they are learning.

In addition to teaching, Laurel loves animals, adopting two cats and a dog from Kuwait. She also loves to travel, and this year she has visited Great Britain, Oman, and the Seychelles! In her spare time, Laurel likes to read, do yoga, cook, and spend time with her husband. She also loves nature, especially water, and enjoys swimming and scuba diving!

Leah has been an Ontario Certified Teacher since 2011. She graduated with Honours from York University, where she majored in Humanities and minored in Children’s Studies. Thereafter, Leah attended the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto and is qualified to teach in the Primary and Junior divisions.
Leah is currently a full-time Kindergarten teacher working in a school board in the Greater Toronto Area. She is a passionate educator who believes that all students can succeed. Leah plans her lessons with the mindset that each child learns differently and thereby incorporates a hands-on and engaging approach to learning. Leah also believes in providing students with positive feedback to encourage their own growth and confidence as learners.
Leah is qualified to teach all subjects in Kindergarten to Grade 6. She has a passion for literacy, and continues to build her own professional knowledge in the areas of guided reading and writing. In addition to her Bachelor of Education, Leah has also acquired five additional qualification courses: Special Education, Reading Part 1 and 2, Writing and ESL (e.g., English as a Second Language). Although having taught a variety of grades throughout her teaching career, Leah is drawn to teaching younger grades. She finds it incredibly rewarding to be a small part of setting the building blocks for future learning and growth.
Leah has a dog named Toby. In her spare time, she loves to organize doggie play dates at the park and take him for walks in the ravine. She has a way of sneaking stories, adventures and anecdotes about Toby and his friends into her lessons!

Lenssa has been teaching senior science, accounting, and mathematics as an Ontario & BC Certified teacher since September 2013. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in 2011 (attaining a Bachelor of Science with high distinction, majoring in Integrative Biology and Psychology), she took a year off to explore the world as a flight attendant. She returned to the school in the next fall for their teacher education program (OISE), graduating with Intermediate/Senior Biology and Social Sciences teachables. Lenssa immediately began her teaching career at an international school in Saint Lucia where she taught happily in the sunshine for two years. In search of adventure, she moved to China and taught at in international school there for three wonderful years. Since she started teaching, she has returned to school to add Junior/Intermediate Math to her teachables as well as getting a certificate for AP Chemistry. She is currently back in school (at University of Toronto), taking courses to add Senior Chemistry to that list.

Born in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Lenssa moved to Canada as a young child with her family. Since then, she’s moved around a number of times and has loved every minute of it. Having a teacher for a father and a family the impressed upon her the value of education, her love for the field was nurtured from childhood. From spending her summers as a youth helper in summer camps, a volunteer soccer coach, and babysitting the children of friends to volunteering as a tutor/ mentor to underprivileged kids during her undergrad, she has always made room for teaching. Her favourite parts of teaching are getting to know some wonderful kids and the continuous opportunity to learn new things. When she’s not teaching, she likes to spend her time with her family/friends, travelling, and exploring all that the world has to offer.

Liliana graduated from Kansas State University, with a Masters degree in Modern Languages and a perfect GPA. While working towards her degree, she taught every single level of Spanish as a second language and served as an interpreter for the Municipal Court House.
She is currently volunteering with Sunnybrook Hospital and is also fond of organizations serving youth in risk and animals. She has an undergrad in Psychology and has lived and worked in Colombia, France, United States and Canada for the last 15 years.
In her spare time, Liliana loves to travel, cook, work out, dance and seek new business opportunities wherever she sees them.

Hi, I am Lily!

I am an experienced teacher, having spent the last eight years around learning environments from several educational levels.

As a teacher, my goal is always to promote an engaging and innovative lesson so that learners can explore the subject and have a positive experience. To do so, I examine their previous knowledge and investigate their expectations about the topic. This works to create a custom learning experience.

Regarding my academic achievements, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Ecology. While developing my research, I took part in some of projects handling the collection and analysis of natural resources data.

From a more personal perspective, been around children and youth has been an exciting experience for me. Finding and nurturing talents and seeing students blossom is the greatest joy of being a teacher.

I am looking forward to helping you reach your academic goals!

Lindsey graduated from Carleton University in 2006 with a degree in Psychology, and went on to complete her Bachelors in Education from The University of Ottawa in 2007. Lindsey has been working at the Peel District School Board since this time. She has worked as a Core French teacher and Kindergarten teacher for the past 12 years. During this time she has enhanced her learning by becoming a Reading Specialist, ESL Specialist, and has continued to pursue languages outside of her classroom life. Lindsey brings a variety of games and inquiry based learning styles to the classroom. She strives to bring each child’s learning to life through engaging and hands on experiences. When Lindsey is not in the classroom or working with tutoring students she is found in the park spending quality time with her pup!

Luke is a tutor and learner who values breadth, experimentation and interdisciplinary knowledge, having radically changed majors, schools and career goals many a time. Ultimately earning an MA in Linguistics and a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Toronto, he has tutored mathematics, French, physics, chemistry and computer programming since 2016, with stints working as a university teaching assistant, dialect researcher, and even a professional web developer. He has worked with students of all ages, from elementary to post-secondary, and with diverse learning needs, such as ADHD and giftedness. Luke believes in maintaining a non-judgemental space where students are encouraged to identify and articulate their difficulties and strengths, formulate goals, and develop a sense of self-efficacy through subject mastery. Grateful to have savoured quite the cheese platter of educational opportunities, he continues to sample new ones, dabbling in theatrical clown, improv, voice acting, and the aerial arts.

Madeline is an Ontario Certified Teacher, holding a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, followed by a Bachelor of Education from York University, specializing in the Primary/Junior grade levels. Her passion for travelling and athletics led her to study in North Carolina, and obtain a tennis scholarship for the women’s varsity team with the NCAA. Additionally, Madeline has taken an Additional Qualification in Special Education, and consistently participates in educational workshops to further her knowledge. She has worked in both the private and public school systems, as a fulltime teacher, supply teacher, and as an Educational Assistant. Madeline believes that every student is a unique force with an abundance of talent. Her challenge as an educator is to provide learning opportunities that engage, challenge and empower students in realizing their highest potential. Madeline is passionate about working with children and helping them gain the confidence they need to succeed.

Maggie is currently in the Master of Teaching program at OISE, where she is specializing in English at the Junior/Intermediate level. While she has been aware of her passion for literacy from a young age, it was her curiosity towards foreign languages and cultures that led her to a career in teaching. As a result of studying French all throughout secondary school, Maggie found it easy to pick up Spanish when she travelled throughout Ecuador for three months. She felt as though through speaking Spanish, she entered a portal into another world of opportunities and decided to major in it.

Maggie graduated from UBC in 2015 with a BA in Spanish and minor in Latin American studies. To solidify her fluency, she spent 2016 in Guatemala where she completed a TEFL/TESOL certification and spent the year teaching English and volunteering at after school care programs for children. She became enamoured with the positive outlooks and genuine appreciation that she was greeted with everyday as a teacher, not to mention the children themselves. The decision to leave Guatemala was not an easy one for her, but she felt fortunate to have discovered a sincere love for teaching and wished to pursue her career as a teacher in Canada. Upon her return home she taught in an ESL school in Victoria, and felt more confident in her decision to apply to teaching programs after spending the summer instructing Mexican teenagers English.

As a learner of another language, a lover of literature and an aspiring teacher, Maggie believes that excellent communication is key to empowering future generations. She strongly believes in the power of the written word and is excited to make her students believers, too!

In her spare time she enjoys hiking, reading, running, yoga, writing, drawing, thrift & record shopping, cooking and exploring. Although she will most definitely yearn for the mountains and the ocean of BC, she is looking forward to life in Toronto and the connections she will make here.

For Mahala, teaching and working with young learners has always been her passion. She completed her undergraduate degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, majoring in Youth and Child Studies with a minor in Psychology. In 2019, Mahala earned her Master of Teaching degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, with a focus on primary/ junior education.

Having struggled as a young student due to her own learning challenges, Mahala has become very passionate about the importance of instilling a love of learning at a young age as well as a strong academic foundation. During her undergrad, Mahala volunteered with the Grand Erie District School Board and the ‘Strong Start to Reading’ program, an approach that supports the literacy skills of students in JK-grade 2. It was here that Mahala developed an interest in language acquisition development, prompting her to take the Reading and Kindergarten Additional Qualifications courses in order to better understand how she can support the language and literacy development of young learners.

Mahala ensures to do her best to support her students to help them reach their full potential. She believes in the value of fostering meaningful relationships with her students while creating a safe and supportive learning environment. By taking a collaborative approach to learning, students’ interests, opinions and ideas can be at the forefront of learning, making connections between the material and real life. With a lot of patience and enthusiasm, Mahala is happy to support students in Kindergarten through grade 6.

Misha graduated from the University of Toronto (St George Campus) with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science and Engineering. She has seven years of expert teaching experience in all levels of mathematic courses including junior, secondary and post-secondary education with a 100% passing rate. Courses that Misha teaches include (but are not limited to) Principles of Mathematics, Functions, Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Data modelling, Linear algebra and etc. She has taught hundreds of students across the Ontario from different educational backgrounds and has helped students with very low grades to achieve an above 90% average in their mathematics courses.

Misha is passionate and caring; she does everything it takes to help her students succeed and achieve their goals. She is also resourceful in providing academic counselling, options, and assessments to help students choose their field of interest.

Mariska completed her undergraduate degree at Carleton University in Linguistics and Psychology. Inspired by her work with individuals with Autism, she completed her Master’sdegree in Speech and Language Therapy. Mariska worked as a school-based Speech and Language Pathologist for many years, specializing in working with children with high functioning autism and language disorders. She then decided to pursue a career in teaching, completing her Master’s in Teaching at the University of Toronto. Mariska is passionate about helping children achieve to the best of their ability. She has specialist experience in literacy development, using evidence basedapproaches to help children develop their reading, writing and oral communication skills. She prides herself on being able to quickly build a rapport with the children she works with. She has taken Additional Qualifications in Special Education, French and Physical Education. Mariska enjoys spending time at her cottage in Muskoka during the summer with family and friends. In the winter she enjoys skiing, snowboarding and playing hockey.

Marissa joined Prep Academy Tutors in 2014 after completing her Bachelor’s of Education (Primary/Junior) with a program focus in Special Education at Queen’s University. Since then, Marissa has taken additional qualifications in Special Education, Communication Needs: Autism, Reading, and Kindergarten.

In 2015, Marissa participated in a conference in Oregon to learn how to train teachers in Direct Instruction. In addition to Direct Instruction, Marissa also trains teachers in the Wilson Reading System.

Marissa is passionate about making learning come alive for her students, finding new paths and creative ways to reach every learner. By determining the student’s strengths and weaknesses, effective strategies are developed and implemented to help them grow in their areas of weakness.

Marissa encourages her teachers and students to ask questions and reflect on their learning and teaching processes.

Learning is a life-long process; our collective goal is to help students become confident learners who are not afraid to make mistakes in order to learn.

Matt is working towards his Masters of Teaching degree at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE). Matt grew up in Toronto, moving to Kingston in 2012 to complete an Undergraduate Degree in Political Science and History at Queen’s University. He is a huge sports fan and loves playing hockey, baseball and football and is a lifelong Maple Leafs fan. Matt has always had a passion for education and teaching as he loves exploring and learning as much as he can. Matt’s excitement for learning encouraged him to pursue positions where he could explore and really get his students excited about learning. One of these positions was at the Royal Ontario Museum where he worked as an Education Programs Assistant. In this position, he helped facilitate theme based programs and taught lessons about the ROM’s galleries and collections. Matt also helped facilitate a leader in training course at the ROM where he helped participants develop their leadership skills and becoming more involved in their communities. During his time in Kingston, Matt volunteered as a Kaleidoscope committee member where he worked one-on-one with at risk youth to help them with their school work and provide social support and mentorship. On his weekends, Matt likes getting in touch with nature at High Park where he leads nature clubs for children that involve fun and engaging lessons in nature. As a tutor, Matt hopes to provide academic support in a fun and stimulating manner where he and his students can work together to solve problems.

Matt holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with fourteen years of experience as a lecturer at the university level.  Matt has also been a teacher at the high school level, and he has tutored students at both levels. The courses Matt can teach as a tutor include but are not limited to:
1) Physics grades 11 and 12.
2) Mathematics in all levels
3) Advanced Functions
4) Calculus
5) Data Management
In addition, based on Matt’s academic background, he is fully ready to be engaged in tuition for university level courses which include all branches of Mathematics in Engineering, Numerical Analysis, and Mechanical Engineering related courses.
It is also notable that Matt can tutor some Engineering software packages such as MATLAB, Office tools, AutoCAD, EES, Carrier and HVAC.

Tutoring Approach:
Matt’s first goal in both tutoring and teaching is to inspire students to be successful people in their future career.
Making connections with his students is Matt’s first step in tutoring and teaching. Identification of the student learning approach and adjusting his tuition and teaching based on student needs is a very crucial step towards success. Matt believes that motivation of the student and informing them about the applications and importance of what they are working on must be accomplished all the times, so that the student understands how his/her effort can be valuable.

Matt completed his Bachelors of Science at the University of Windsor with Honours Chemistry and a Minor in Mathematics. He then moved to Toronto where he completed a Bachelors in Education at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education. Matt is currently an Ontario Certified Teacher with a specialty in senior maths and sciences. Additionally, Matt is a trained SSAT coach, guiding students though the SSAT process at the Upper Level.

Matt has always enjoyed math and science as well as involving himself with High School Athletics. Through coaching football for several years Matt discovered his passion for working with students. This has translated from athletics to academics through his experiences teaching and tutoring.

Matt is a passionate business scholar with over 6 years of professional experience in the retail and software industries. He recently completed his MBA at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. Matt’s areas of expertise are international strategy, business communications, accounting, finance, leadership, and mathematics. Matt has extensive experience working with children of all ages, having worked as a camp counselor for five years and volunteered for several other initiatives, including at an elementary school during his undergrad at Queens University. Matt was a mainstay on the Dean’s List throughout his undergrad and MBA, winning multiple course awards for academic excellence. In his spare time, Matt is a passionate traveller, sports fanatic, and trivia nerd who dreams of appearing on the popular game show Jeopardy.

Matthew is an Ontario Certified Teacher in the Primary and Junior Divisions. He is a graduate of OISE’s Masters of Teaching Program at the University of Toronto and completed his undergraduate degree at Queen’s University in Drama & English. He loves Jalapeño Cheddar dipping sauce and writing in the third person. Matthew has over 10 years of teaching experience in various classroom and educational settings. He developed his passion for education and working with children as professional actor teaching improv, speech, and drama at Second City Toronto where he also served as the Youth & Teen Programme Coordinator. Matthew is a champion of the arts and the powerful effect they can have on students and their learning experiences. His graduate thesis looked at improv’s powerful effect on creating community in the classroom and helping students with their own confidence, problem-solving, anxiety, and voice. Matthew also worked at Sick Kids Hospital as a Therapeutic Clown, a faithful companion to patients utilizing therapeutic play, relationships, developmental and procedural support, humour and laughter. Matthew has been very fortunate to have teaching experience with students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. As a resident of North Toronto, Matthew was lucky enough to have placements at many schools in the area, including John Wanless, Armour Heights, Sterling Hall, and Crescent. Matthew is passionate about developing a strong community in his teaching and tutoring through supportive relationships. He is committed to working with parents, teachers, and students to create an atmosphere where students reach high levels of achievement and well-being. When not teaching, Matthew can be found serving as the Artistic Director of a local Toronto theatre company, or up north at his new cottage in the Algonquin Highlands.

Melody is an Ontario Certified Teacher at the Junior/ Intermediate/ Senior level. She graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Science, before starting her journey towards her Bachelor of Education. Melody is qualified to teach all science and mathematics subjects at the intermediate and senior levels. In addition, Melody enjoys teaching English to students in grades 7 through 11. She currently works with the Toronto Board of Education, and is experienced working with grade levels 5 – 12. Melody has qualifications in both ESL and Special Education. In addition to teaching, she remains active in the community by volunteering with various organizations. Melody speaks 5 languages, and loves to cook!

Michael received both his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario. His studies focused on microbiology/immunology and he spent a year researching the effects of Anthrax toxin on specific cell structures. In addition to his strong scientific background, Michael has always excelled at math and English and has completed additional qualification courses in both Intermediate Mathematics and Junior Education. He is currently employed as a supply teacher in Toronto.

Michael is experienced in working with a wide range of age groups, and has spent the last ten years operating a private tutoring business of his own before deciding to join Prep Academy Tutors. He has worked with students from Grade 1 through 12 in a variety of subjects as both a private tutor and an instructor at Sylvan Learning Centres.

Additionally, Michael serves as an academic coach for students in the intermediate grades. In this capacity, Michael works with students on organizational skills such as proper binder organization, calendaring and time management as well as proper note taking skills.

Michael is passionate about teaching and loves nothing more than helping a student become more confident in their own abilities. He firmly believes that every student has the potential to do great things when they apply themselves.

Michael has a Master’s degree in Social Psychology from McMaster University, a BA in Sociology from Ryerson University, and is currently applying for PhD programs in Psychology for Fall 2021.

Michael has been a teaching assistant through his graduate school tenure, where he taught large groups of students (~80+ students per class), but also held countless hours of one-on-one office hours with his students. As a result of being a TA for students not much younger than him, Michael has a uniquely approachable, friendly and understanding nature in his teaching style.

Michael has developed the skill of communicating complicated ideas in concise and understandable ways. Therefore, he is dedicated to giving an engaging and enlightening tutoring experience to any prospective students.

Having graduated from York University’s Bachelor of Education program in 2020 Michael is now working as a supply teacher within the Toronto District School Board and York Region District School Board. He is qualified to teach Language, Math, Science, History, Geography, Art, Social Studies, and Physical Education up to grade 8, and specializes in Arts and English for senior students. Michael also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance and, over his 9 years working in the arts, has performed and taught Shakespeare to students of all ages, worked within First Nations communities, and performed in interactive theatre pieces with students addressing relevant problems effecting their lives. Putting students at the centre of their learning and finding ways to connect them to curriculum – thereby growing their curiosity – is what excites Michael most. From there, he believes that building from their previous knowledge and developing learning goals together is an effective way to empower their drive.

Michael has traveled to China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and across Europe and he brings his passion of exploring other cultures to his pedagogy. In every lesson there is a chance to reflect the society in which we live. He is a lover of the environment, books, movies, and videogames, and usually has much in common with his students.

My name is Michelle Prioriello. As a Teacher Candidate in Math, English, Biology and General Science, I am beyond joyed to share my passion for the mathematics, the sciences, essay writing, and learning.

I have always had a keen and passionate interest for teaching and building relationships with students – qualities in which make learning interesting and engaging. My approachable personality, excellent interpersonal skills and ambitious leadership qualities are attributes that make me a desirable tutor to meet your needs. I am a trained SSAT coach, and I enjoy guiding students through this test-taking process. Additionally, my many years of schooling has provided me with excellent essay writing skills, and I enjoy teaching students how to become strong, influential writers.

My current teaching experiences at the intermediate and senior levels as well as my previous tutoring experiences provides me with the background needed to be an exceptional tutor. My coaching skills as a current dance instructor and my previous teaching assistant positions have strengthened my personal attributes such as patience, time management and organization. Lastly, my previous graduate studies at York University have provided me with the background needed to assist my students with their academic and personal needs.

I hope to be a part of your educational journeys in order to display my love of diverse and creative learning!

Nancy completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Pure Mathematics and French studies at York University in 1999.  In the same year, she also completed a Bachelor of Education degree having done a 3-year consecutive program at York University.

Nancy wanted to be a teacher from as far back as she can remember.  She knew she wanted to teach math ever since her first grade 9 high school math lesson.  She thought math sounded so “cool”.

Upon graduating from university, Nancy began teaching math and Core French at a high school with the Toronto District School Board.  She’s been teaching at the same high school for over twenty years.  She is a seasoned expert.

Nancy loves her job and finds tutoring especially rewarding as it allows her to truly advance students’ math and French skills.  In the process, she hopes to inspire students and change negative self-perceptions about math and French into positive ones.  Nancy is well known for always fostering positive and trusting relationships with her students.  She truly cares about her students’ achievement and well-being.  She maintains a high level of excellence while responding to different needs.

Nancy’s in-depth knowledge of her subjects, many years of experienced, clear communication, engaging teaching style and her care and commitment to her students make her an excellent teacher and tutor.

Nancy is married and has a 12-year-old son and a 2-year-old dog named Scruffy.  When she’s not working, Nancy enjoys walking her dog, being in nature and spending time with her family.

Nari graduated from the National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology in Tunis in 2010 with Masters of Engineering in Bio-industry and she recently earned her MBA degree from College of William and Mary in Virginia. She currently works in the real estate industry and she spends her free time on tutoring, reading and exercising. Her tutoring experience started early on in college by helping her classmates improve their understanding of scientific materiel. Being a French native speaker, she has also taught French to different grades. Among her accomplishments, she takes pride in being an alumna of the Fulbright Program.

Hello! My name is Nassim, and I am a high school tutor. I can teach several subjects such as mathematics, accounting, finance as well as financial mathematics. I am available to teach in both French and English.

My first teaching experience was at INSIM/HIMI ( Higher International Management Institute ) in Algiers where I was in charge of teaching as well as giving lectures to undergraduate students in the area of accounting, finance and mathematics. In this capacity I would follow the progress of each of my students, always providing feedback, which made it easier for them to succeed on their exams and, ultimately, earn their degree.

After that, I decided to develop my skills and knowledge by pursuing a doctorate degree in business administration at the University of West of Scotland in London (United Kingdom). While doing my doctorate studies I also attended workshops and tutorials regarding teaching and communication skills. These courses have helped me to communicate effectively with my students and determine their needs and academic goals. My experience in London has brought me an added value in term of teaching, as I believe that the British Educational System is one of the very best in the world. Therefore, I intend to use my skills and experience from the UK to help the students I tutor in Toronto.

In parallel to my geeky side, I am also a karate practitioner and a member of the JKA (Japan Karate Association). While I was training at the Whitechapel Shotokan Karate Club at Whitechapel (London), I had the responsibility of training kids as well as the new students about karate basics.

Natalie graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science followed by a Bachelor of Education specializing in Mathematics and French at the Intermediate/Senior grade levels. After graduating, Natalie spent a year tutoring in France and then 2 years teaching high school Math and Science in Melbourne Australia. Natalie has always had a passion for teaching and has made it a part of her life in various other ways including coaching swimming, mentoring, working at leadership camps, volunteering at youth centres, and private tutoring students from ages 5-18. All of these experiences have reinforced her love of teaching and her interest in making learning fun and empowering for each individual student.

Nicole Amatruda is an Ontario Certified Teacher (pending). She grew up in Brampton, moving to Hamilton to complete an Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University. During her time at McMaster, Nicole engaged in co-curricular activities as a Strength & Conditioning Student Coach for the Varsity Women’s Basketball Team. Nicole was also the goalie, Assistant Captain and club co-president of the Women’s Ice Hockey Club. Along with her involvement in co-curricular activities, Nicole completed her undergraduate thesis project in the Cardiovascular Dynamics Lab in addition to working as a Teaching Assistant in the Anatomy & Physiology Labs. Many of the experiences listed above are what motivated Nicole to pursue a career in teaching. She found that what she was most passionate about was working with others to help them achieve their full potential. Having recently graduated from OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education), Nicole is now qualified to teach Biology, General Science and Health & Physical Education in the Intermediate/Senior divisions. Throughout her teaching degree Nicole has had a diverse range of placements, teaching at both public and independent schools in Toronto. To complement these experiences, Nicole was also able complete two alternative placements: a local one, with a focus on Special Education and the other in Alberta, with a focus on Outdoor Education. Nicole truly believes that engaging students using their curiosity and interests is crucial in helping them gain the confidence they require to succeed. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys repairing, riding and maintaining her bicycle, playing guitar, backcountry camping and spending time with her friends and family.

Nik graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in 2016. He is currently a second year student of the Master of Teaching program at OISE, with a specialization in Junior/Intermediate. He has had many years of experience tutoring students in Science and Math of all grade levels in both English and in French. As a graduate of the IB program, he is fully aware of the rigours involved in completing high school on a positive note. He has also worked with younger children across various French schools in Toronto, as his bilingual skills have allowed him to work with many wonderful students. While tutoring, he strives to foster engaging and personalized one-on-one interactive lessons while helping students gain the confidence they need to succeed in school. In his spare time he enjoys playing and watching various sports, discovering new restaurants around the city and travelling the world.

Paige is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Child Study and Education through the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study at OISE. Paige is certified to teach K-6, and she also holds a qualification in Special Education. Paige graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2013 with a Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and Women & Gender Studies.

Paige’s teaching experience ranges from an Early Years Centre, to JK/SK, Grade One, Grade Four/Five and a Grade 5 class for students with Learning Disabilites. Paige has worked in both public and private schools, which has allowed for her to learn from different teachers and learning environments and to obtain knowledge of the IB curriculum in the early years.

Paige really enjoys helping students reach their full potential by making the learning experience interactive. In her lesson planning and research experience, Paige has seen the positive benefits of using an inquiry based approach to teaching students.

Paige has always worked with children in her employment and volunteer experiences, providing her with a solid foundation of child development. Paige recognizes that every student is different and therefore may require an individualized approach in their tutoring session.

Paige loves reading and writing, and enjoys sharing her passion with others.

Rachel graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelors degree in Psychology, as well as Bachelor degree in Education. She returned to York University to earn her Masters degree in Education and her ECE diploma. Rachel is certified by the Ontario College of Teachers to teach both primary and junior levels. She has a diverse and successful teaching background and a strong dedication to student achievement and success. She has been a full-time teacher in the TDSB since 2002. Rachel is trained in ERI (early reading intervention) and Jo Boaler’s “How to learn math for teachers” focused on growth mindset. She strives to help her students achieve their academic goals and to build their self-confidence through positive reinforcement. She is currently working towards her principal qualifications.
Rachel also has 2 sons and 1 daughter. They keep her busy with competitive soccer and dance. She also has a Labrador puppy to keep her company when the kids are out at their activities.

Hi, I’m Rachel. I graduated from York University with a Master’s in Economics.

During my undergraduate years at York, I had taken various courses in economic math, introductory financial and managerial accounting, as well as other finance and economic courses.I received A and A+ in economic math and accounting courses, and B+ and above in all other finance and economics courses.

I worked as a Teaching Assistant during my masters, and tutored students in economics and economic math in addition to
marking student assignments and exams.

In addition, I have also worked as a private tutor and tutored students in high school economics, accounting, and math (with a concentration on grade 10 and 11 mathematics and 12 calculus and functions).

Although I have specialized in tutoring university and high school subjects listed the above, I have also tutored for SSATs (Secondary School Admission Test), and also have experience teaching kindergarten students the alphabet and grammar.

I am a very patient person, especially when it comes to tutoring and helping my students excel. I believe that all students want to succeed, whether it be driven by internal or external factors (to get into a good post-secondary program, for example). With large classrooms and fast-paced curriculum, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Perhaps they only need a bit of concentrated, one-on-one guidance to reinforce the materials learned in the classroom, and I am more than happy to work together with the student and help them improve.

Raemyn is currently enrolled in the Concurrent Education Program at York University and specializes in the intermediate/senior division for English and Social Sciences. She is also a great organizational coach and can help your child in becoming more organized and feel more confident in accomplishing their work in a timely manner. Raemyn has experience working one-on-one with students. She has worked in the PAWS Program at York University. This program helps at-risk athletes enhance their organizational skills and keep their grades up to ensure their success in both school and their chosen sports. Raemyn also has experience working in a high school alongside a mentor teacher to gain first-hand experience within a classroom setting. In her free time Raemyn enjoys watching hockey, hanging out with friends and family and travelling.

Becca is an enthusiastic educator with bachelors degrees in Education, Psychology and English. She has taught in various elementary schools, namely in English, ESL, Social Studies (History and Geography), Visual Arts, and Science. Using her university studies in child psychology, she also created and taught a specialized course in Meta-Cognitive Skills that taught students different learning techniques and helped them to assess their needs in various subjects. This was geared towards all students, including students with disabilities. Becca has really enjoyed volunteer teaching in Special Education classrooms in elementary schools, teaching students with varying abilities (including students on the spectrum) core curriculum, life skills and learning techniques.

From the time she was 16 years old and worked her first job as a Tae Kwon Do instructor, Becca has had a passion for teaching. Since then she has appreciated every opportunity to educate children and adults in a wide variety of subjects, from jewelry making and yoga to outdoor survival and wildlife! Her teaching philosophy is to support students with learning techniques and skills needed to give advocacy, build confidence and find joy in learning – ultimately to better understand themselves.

Becca also enjoys crocheting stuffed animals, playing D&D, bugging her cat named Merlin, and teaching dog training classes.

Rebecca graduated with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Toronto in 2019. She is currently working towards her Master of Teaching degree in the junior/intermediate devision at the University of Toronto through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Rebecca was a varsity athlete throughout her entire undergraduate career, being awarded for her athletic, academic, and leadership accomplishments. She has a strong passion for education, which has been solidified through her work in research labs and experience educating children and teenagers. Rebecca has a history instructing both in large groups and in one-on-one settings. Most recently, Rebecca has been head instructor for kinesiology at a university based summer camp, educating youth grade 3 to grade 10.

Reyam is a Biological Sciences graduate with an advanced Diploma in Engineering Technology. She has 3 years experience in teaching Mathematics (calculus and advanced functions) to high school students as well as biology at all levels. She also enjoys to teach math for any grade and encourage students to love this subject!. Reyam invented a medical device for her graduation project so she can help with programming and circuit design as well!. She speaks 3 languages and loves to help people!

Hello, My name is Rizwan, and I am a High School Mathematics Tutor available to teach in both English and French. Having a Civil Engineering degree and years of experience in this primary field has not prevented me from doing what I do best – teaching mathematics!! I love to engage in the world of Mathematics by sharing it with the upcoming generation. I am a highly motivated and ambitious individual who has been able to master the world of Pure Mathematics (Advance Calculus-University Levels) and many other branches within the domain. Rizwan is also a Member of the American Mathematical Society (AMSoC)

In parallel to my geeky side, I am also a huge soccer fan, having played for over 20 years now. A few months ago, I was coached a team of U15 kids in the GTA for an upcoming international tournament.

Rohini is a second-year Master of Teaching student at OISE and her teachable subjects are Mathematics and Biology. She has an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Toronto with majors in Biochemistry and Computer Science.

Since 2014, Rohini has been a Teaching Assistant at the University of Toronto for several computer science courses, including Introduction to Programming and Software design. She is proficient in both Java and Python. Rohini has also been tutoring students, one on one, in all high school math, science, and computer science courses for several years now.

In her free time, Rohini enjoys playing the violin and piano, and her hobbies include photography and cinematography, and she is also a tech enthusiast.

Greetings! My name is Ron and I am currently a Teacher Candidate earning my Bachelor of Education at University of Ontario Institute of Technology. My teachable subjects include Mathematics and General Science, however I am also well-versed in Physics and Computer Science. I achieved a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics during my undergrad at Ryerson University, touching upon all applications of Mathematics.

I have a strong passion for mathematics and physics, and have experience tutoring all subjects of mathematics for all ages. I am approachable, friendly, understanding, and easy to get along with, making the learning more personal and relatable for the learner.

Rumana graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology. She has earned a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University in the Intermediate/Senior division, qualified to teach Biology and Chemistry. In addition, she is certified by the Ontario College of Teachers. She has previous work experience as a private one-on-one tutor as well as working in group settings at tutoring centers. Rumana enjoys creating an environment in which students feel comfortable asking questions. She is able to tutor Grade 9-10 Science, Grade 11 Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, and Grade 9-12 Mathematics. Additionally, Rumana is an SAT Coach and she enjoys guiding students in successful strategies to succeed on this test. She enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, watching sports, and gardening.

Ryan is a passionate educator who believes in harnessing the unique interests and potential of each student. He graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree specializing in music, has conducted graduate research in music theory and education, and is currently a Junior/Intermediate teacher candidate in the Master of Teaching program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Ryan has been working with children as an educator and mentor since he was 14 and started as a hockey referee, which he still loves doing to this day. He has also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor, where he learned that play and imagination are just as important as learning the skills. Ryan is also a trained SSAT coach, and he enjoys guiding students to achieve success in the test-taking process. For the last five years Ryan has worked as a private music instructor, working with children of all ages to foster a love and passion for music and the arts. It is his goal to always ensure that students leave each lesson with new ways of engaging with their music. These experiences have helped develop Ryan’s philosophies around education; that each student is unique and should be given the chance to engage and produce knowledge in their own way. When students feel a connection to knowledge that is made meaningful from their own experiences, the passion for learning will follow.

Ryan has recently graduated, with honours, from the University of Toronto with both a Bachelors degree in Education from OISIE and prior to that a degree in physical education where he specialized in biology. Most importantly, Ryan is passionate about the subject he teaches and the academic goals and success of the students he is teaching. From his experience, Ryan has discovered that student success hinges from the roots of differentiated instruction. He implements this idea by tailoring his lesson plans towards the interests and needs of the students. Ryan implements interactive and engaging in-class demonstrations, which in his experience he has seen truly reflected in the class’s performance. Uniquely, his dedication and use of humour has motivated to students to continue on trying their best and to never to give up. Ryan was highly respected at his placement schools and was viewed as a role model figure to look up to and gained valuable knowledge he is applying to his work in the field. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys watching all of Toronto’s sports teams compete as well as joining in on the action playing soccer, basketball, volleyball and baseball.

Samantha is an award-winning Canadian and international educator, who has presented her teaching strategies at the University of Toronto, the Solutions Tree Conference in Singapore, and contributed her lesson plans to the First Nations Caring Society. She received her undergraduate degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario in 2009, and her Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto in 2012, where she was awarded the prestigious Kathy Bickmore Peacemaking Award in Education. She has experience teaching in Toronto, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. She has attended intensive professional training in Italy, and facilitated workshops for teachers in Cambodia. Samantha approaches her students with kindness, a sense of humour, and encouragement. Her teaching philosophy is to view herself as a learner, responsible for learning about, and adapting to, her student’s needs. She has experience with the following curriculums and pedagogies: Ontario, AERO curriculum standards, International Baccalaureate (PYP), and Reggio Emilia. She has experience in tutoring a wide range of subjects, with a passion for literacy coaching, organizational learning, and supporting English language learners. She is working toward her Guidance Counsellor qualification. In her spare time, Samantha has traveled to over 35 countries, and practices martial arts and yoga.

Samantha is currently a co-op student at Ryerson University, studying Finance and minoring in Mathematics. She is in her third year of studies and intends to graduate in 2022. After graduating, she intends to pursue an MBA, CFA, and CPA, and join the financial industry. Samantha is proficient in mathematics and accounting. She is dedicated to helping students understand concepts in an exciting and engaging way. In her free time at Ryerson, Samantha is a Peer Mentor with the Tri-Mentoring Program, and a member of DECA U. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and drawing.

Sam graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in 2014. While he was there, he majored in both Dramatic Arts and Geography, and later moved on to complete his Bachelor of Education at OISE in May of 2015. He is an Ontario Certified Teacher, qualifying him to teach all subjects at an intermediate level. He has experience teaching English, History, Science, Religion, Special Education, Business Marketing, Geography, and Civics/Careers. Sam has experience working as an Academic Coach, helping students to fine tune how to better stay organized, improving test taking strategies and their personal at home study skills.

In the beginning of 2020, Sam set out to complete his Junior Basic Qualification, certifying him to teach Grades 4-10, while further developing his knowledge of students learning in Special Education by completing the second of three qualifying degrees in that field of expertise.

Sam has been teaching Dance, Drama, Geography and Special Education at a public secondary school in Toronto. When he isn’t teaching, Sam can be found singing along at a concert, exercising with friends, or planning his next travel destination.

Sandra is an Ontario Certified Teacher. She grew up in Toronto, completing an Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology, at The University of Toronto. Sandra grew up with a love of music, dance, sport and human functions and took the opportunity to explore her field following the completion of her degree. She was an athletic therapist for the Special Olympics and volunteering included coaching various sports at Variety Village and teaching Zumba in Toronto. It was during her volunteer work at Variety Village and at various schools that Sandra discovered her passion for teaching and working with children. When she decided to pursue teaching as a career Sandra moved to North Bay and completed a Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University. It is through teaching that Sandra has been able to foster her love of the Arts, Science and Mathematics. During the summer months, Sandra travels and teaches dance. In addition she has taken various additional qualification courses such as literacy, that helps her keep up to date with the curriculum, which is ever-changing. In her spare time Sandra works one-on-one with children ranging from 5 years through middle school. She has supported the improvement of their reading, writing, vocabulary and math skills. Sandra believes that by building a strong relationship with her students she is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning. As a teacher mentor to University and high school students, Sandra continues to develop strategies for working with children. She finds these experiences enjoyable and extremely rewarding.

Sandra graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Physical Health and Education (KIN) degree. She completed her teaching internship in Toronto, where she taught Grades 5-8. At Nipissing University, she graduated with a Bachelor of Education in the Junior/Intermediate grade levels. She has since qualified at the Primary level. She then was given the opportunity to teach in a middle school science classroom at Kane Middle School. Currently, with 20+ years of experience at Silverthorn C.S., Sandra has taught in a grade seven and eight classroom in addition to teaching Music, Dance, Literacy, and the Social Sciences.

Alongside having years of tutoring experience, Sandra also tutors students where she fosters an engaging, personalized one-on-one interactive lesson. Additionally, has AQs (additional qualifications) in Special Education, Music, and Literacy. Sandra truly believes that engaging students using their curiosity and interests is crucial in helping them gain the confidence they require to succeed. In her spare time, Sandra enjoys long distance running, travelling, reading, dancing, as well as spending time with her friends and family.

Sarah is an Ontario Certified Teacher with a speciality in Intermediate/Senior Mathematics and Sciences. She is currently working as a Secondary school teacher for Math and Physics. Sarah completed the Teaching program at University of Toronto, OISE and prior to this, she attained a Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics with the Dean’s list from Ryerson University. She has been tutoring over six years from Grade 5-12 for Math and Science courses, also has an experience of teaching U.S. curriculums and SAT Prep for who were planning to go to U.S. universities. Since she has a TESOL qualification as well, she is experienced teaching ESL and helping the International students. Sarah is patient and open-minded, and she believes that all students has a weakness and strength and learn in various ways. Sarah has helped each individual to find the best way to achieve their goals. A lot of her former students successfully got into the top universities in Canada and U.S.

Sarah is a dynamic and enthusiastic teaching professional with a combined total of 33 years as a school teacher and tutor. After earning the highest academic average and valedictory awards in high school, she went on to receive a Bachelors degree from Queens University in Theatre and English. Not long after, she was fully certified as professional arts administrator by the Banff Centre School of Fine Arts. Returning to Toronto, she spent four glorious years working in professional theatre where she developed educational resources for school groups. It was here she discovered her calling as a passionate and gifted teacher. She subsequently spent sixteen years as a Middle and High School Drama, English and History teacher designing challenging, enriching, and innovative curriculum for the diverse interests and needs of students. Ever evolving, Sarah left teaching to pursue full time tutoring and has spent the last seventeen years working with students of all ages to improve their reading, writing and verbal communication skills. Above all, though, Sarah loves her students and they love her. It is this connection that results in maximum learning with measurable and exceptional results.

Ms. Martinez is a very positive and passionate language teacher who enjoys travelling and meeting people from different cultures, cooking, doing yoga, spending time with family and friends and going for walks. She grew up in San Salvador where she expressed early interest in learning foreign languages, and today she is proud of being proficient in Spanish, English, Italian, and French. After getting her Bachelor of Arts in English, she travelled the world in order to practice her language skills in daily conversation with local people. That experience helped her to not only master her language skills but also develop her understanding of diverse communities and cultures. Enriched with that experience, she moved to Canada, where she challenged her language skills to a greater degree by doing her Master in Linguistics at Western University in London, Ontario. Ms. Sarai Martinez is soon to be an Ontario Certified Teacher.

As for her working experience, Ms. Martinez taught Spanish to undergraduate students at Western University, and Core French to Grades 4 to 11 for a couple of years. Currently, she is teaching English as a Second Language and tutoring students privately. The most important goal for Ms. Martinez is to guide students and help them reach their full potential. Her teaching style is dynamic with engaging lessons and tutorials that are thought-provoking and well-prepared, in which students have the opportunity to express themselves orally and in writing, through projects, presentations, and discussion.

Finally, Ms. Martinez believes that language is an evolving, complex, and interesting code that contains particularly significant information about humanity. She strongly encourages students to learn more than one language in order to improve their communication skills, travel the world, open themselves up to a world of opportunity, and ― most importantly ― develop greater respect, empathy, and understanding towards all people of the world. She is always excited to meet new students and help them in their endeavours!

Satwinder is an Ontario Certified Teacher, holding a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a Bachelor of Education, specializing in the Primary/Junior grade levels. Additionally, Satwinder has taken an Additional Qualification in Special Education, Reading and Environmental science and consistently participates in educational workshops to further her knowledge.
Satwinder currently works as a permanent teacher with Peel District School Board with an extensive 15 years of experience in teaching children and adult’s from several cultural communities. She also has exemplary communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
Satwinder has been the coordinator for the Summer Literacy Camp for ten years which is hosted by Council of Directors of Ontario, where she coordinated the day-to-day program implementation by supporting staff to determine the best possible strategies to ensure high quality and engaging literacy and numeracy programs, recreational activities, collection of research data and overall well being of the students.
Satwinder believes that every student is a unique force with an abundance of talent. Her challenge as an educator is to provide learning opportunities that engage, challenge and empower students in realizing their highest potential. Satwinder is passionate about working with children and helping them gain the confidence they need to succeed. Satwinder ensures to do her best to support her students to help them reach their full potential. She believes in the value of fostering meaningful relationships with her students while creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, making arts and crafts, and spending time with friends and family.

Shanna earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2019 where she specialized in Accounting. She is working towards completing a B.Sc. and is currently studying to write the MCAT. Shanna’s goal is to go to medical school and earn her M.D.

Shanna’s positive attitude and outgoing personality make working with her fun! Shanna wants to help her students feel that things finally “click”! Her goal is always to help students feel confident about what they can do. Shanna loves to work with people and has many years of experience working with youth in summer camps, weekly youth programs, and tutoring up to the university level.

In her free time Shanna enjoys being active and social. She enjoys travelling, yoga, dance, gymnastics, soccer, music, singing, and she is learning to play the guitar.

Shelby is in her first year of the Master of Teaching program at OISE. She recently graduated from McGill University on the Dean’s Honours List with a Bachelor of Arts with a major focus in Sociology and a minor in Education. She has lots of experience working with children of all ages as she has worked at a sleepover camp and more recently, a day camp in Toronto. Shelby has also taught swimming for many years, thus she has experience teaching children in all environments. She loves to teach and recently finished a teaching practicum in a Grade 1/2 classroom where she taught science, math, and media units. Shelby loves to help students find the confidence they need to succeed and believes that when provided with the right support, they all can do so. She is also very interested in special education and is constantly seeking new teaching opportunities to gain experience in. Shelby loves animals and has two dogs of her own!

Shivani is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at NYU’s Tisch School of Arts in Performance Studies. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Psychology. In the past, Shivani has worked extensively as a dance and Taekwondo instructor for younger children as well as a camp counsellor for kids aged 6-12. Shivani enjoys designing leadership and personal development curriculums for educational and non-profit institutions, specifically designed for primary junior and middle school students. She loves creating unique programs that combine education and play to encourage children to be an active participant in their education!

Slavica has been a high-school teacher for over 10 years. Slavica attended University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Faculty of Education, to obtain OCT requirements for the senior division. She also completed an ABQ course in Computer Studies at The University of Western Ontario. Teaching MCR3U, MHF4U, MCV4U, and MDM4U, Slavica believes that Mathematics is a tool to understand and interpret our world. In applying 21st century learning to math, Slavica believes that there are significant opportunities to achieve success. The key to opening the door to these opportunities is a deep understanding of important mathematical skills and the utilization of sound mathematical habits.

Slavica enjoys traveling and recreational sports, such as skiing and swimming.

Sonam is a clinical research professional with a PhD in neuroscience research from the University of Toronto. She grew up in Guelph, completing her Biomedical Science undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph. Sonam grew up with a deep love for ‘all things soccer’ and played recreational co-ed soccer throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies. She discovered her love for teaching during her undergrad studies, whereby she served as a peer helper for university level chemistry and biology courses. It is through teaching that allows Sonam to foster her love of Science. In her spare time Sonam works one-on-one with children ranging from 9 years through to high school, primarily focusing on improving their math and science skills. Sonam believes that by building a strong relationship with her students she is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning. As a mentor Sonam continues to develop strategies for working with children that best suits their learning needs. She finds these experiences enjoyable and extremely rewarding. Sonam truly believes that engaging students using their curiosity and interests is crucial in helping them gain the confidence they require to succeed. In her spare time, Sonam also enjoys weightlifting and challenging her physical strength using different exercise modalities. As well, Sonam loves spending time with her friends and family and reading/watching thought provoking books/shows.

Sonya is a Teacher Candidate who completed her post-secondary education at Queen’s University. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and will complete her Bachelor of Education in July 2021. Her certified teachable subjects are English and Drama at the Intermediate and Senior level. Sonya has experience working in Reading Recovery and remediation and has taught and worked in public and private school settings. She has experience working with children and adolescents ages 7-18 through multiple placements, working in student activities, and through her many roles at summer camps (Camp Shalom and Christie Refugee Welcome Centre). Through her various mentoring and teaching experiences, Sonya has learned how students learn best and what is needed to motivate students to succeed and reach their full potential. Through this, Sonya is a strong believer in the power of one-on-one support and fostering passion and creativity through hands-on critical thinking activities. Sonya teaches with a growth mindset, believing all learning skills and abilities can develop through dedication, hard work, and a teacher that allows students to ask questions. In her free time, Sonya enjoys visual art through painting and drawing and exploring the outdoors and travelling whenever she can. You also will never find Sonya without a book in her hand or bag- you never know when you can get a few pages in!

Stacey is a recent graduate of OISE’s Master of Teaching program. She is an Ontario Certified Teacher, and is qualified to teach English and History in the intermediate and senior divisions. Stacey completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto, where she graduated with high distinction. Stacey is currently completing a Master of Arts in English at the University of Toronto.

Stacey’s teaching experience is quite well-rounded, expanding past academics and into her other interests. Stacey has a decade of experience leading a Brownie unit with Girl Guides of Canada, where she is responsible for planning and facilitating unit meetings and trips. Stacey is also an experienced and certified rock climbing instructor and yoga teacher.

Just as you would expect of an English teacher, Stacey loves literature. Some of her favourite texts include: Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Henry IV, part 1, Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, Le Guin’s The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, and anything written by Thomas King.

Stefano completed his Master of Science degree in 2017 at York University. During his time as a graduate student, Stefano worked as a teaching assistant for the department of biology and natural science. As a teaching assistant, he was responsible for directing laboratory experiments to help clarify challenging course concepts for first year students. During the summer of 2016, Stefano was an instructor for York University’s Helix summer science enrichment program for high school students. He created a one-week laboratory and lecture based program that provided Gr. 11 and 12 students with a “hands on” approach to understanding important concepts in biology and chemistry. Stefano also has experience with private 1:1 tutoring particularly in Gr. 9 and 10 general sciences as well as Gr. 11 and 12 Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

Stefano firmly believes that successfully improving a student’s understanding of science requires 1) application of these sometimes complex concepts to real world situations and 2) building the student’s confidence towards the material. His tutoring approach focuses on these two methods.

Stefano is a huge sports fan and enjoys watching a variety of different sports. On his spare time, he also enjoys cycling and playing hockey.

Prior to pursuing her career in teaching, Stella graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Kinesiology. Throughout her undergraduate degree, she worked and volunteered in a variety of classrooms and youth groups, which contributed to her passion for teaching children and her love for learning. During her Bachelor of Education at York University, Stella had the opportunity to work with students with various academic and behavioural challenges. She later completed her Master of Education at York University, where she took specialized courses in math, literacy, and special education.

Stella teaching career with the YRDSB has allowed her to gain important insight on creating engaging and academically challenging lessons for students. This experience has contributed to her flexibility and attentiveness to her students’ individual needs. Stella’s background in kinesiology has also helped her to maintain a passion for teaching math and sciences up to the grade 9 level. 

Stella also has a strong interest in both personal and professional development. She regularly attends workshops that facilitate her understanding of crucial educational values such as self-advocacy, inclusivity, organization, and mentoring. Stella attends annual literacy conferences to ensure her approaches are current and feed the needs of her students. 

Stella’s passion for creativity, commitment to growth, and investment in inclusive education is what she feels allows for an exceptional learning experience for students. She looks forward to collaborating with you and your child in the pursuit of lasting academic success!

When she’s not teaching, Stella loves cooking, baking, staying active, and watching all the box-office hits.

Stephanie Guerreiro is an Ontario Certified Teacher. She grew up in Belleville Ontario before attending Trent University for a Bachelor’s of Arts in History and Queen’s University for her Bachelor of Education. Long before entering university, Stephanie knew that she wanted to work to help students succeed in school and life. She spent the majority of her volunteer hours working with primary students in their classroom, helping the students throughout their math and literacy lessons. After graduating from Queen’s, Stephanie mixed her love of education with her passion for travel by moving to Nanjing, China for 5 years. It was here she solidified her belief that students succeed when they are encouraged to explore and have someone rooting for them. Since returning from China, Stephanie has continued to work in the education field with students ranging from Sk-Grade 12. In her spare time, Stephanie loves exploring the city by foot, listening to podcasts and spending time with family and friends.

Sujit attended both the University of Toronto Schools and the University of Toronto, earning a double major in Classics and Classical Civilizations, with a minor in Ancient Greek. He fell in love with teaching after volunteering as a classroom assistant and subsequently working professionally as an Ancient History teacher at UTS in 2006. He has over a decade worth of experience as a private tutor, classroom assistant and teacher and has recently completed his Masters of Science in Adolescent Education from Medaille College. Sujit is currently completing his Masters of Teaching Degree. Additionally, Sujit is a trained SSAT coach and a trained SAT/ACT coach, and he enjoys guiding students through these test taking processes.

Sujit’s philosophy of education emphasizes collaborative learning, appealing to a student’s interests to spark the learning process, and critical thinking over regurgitation of facts. He has designed lesson plans which favour a multimedia approach to education, using film clips, newsreel/documentary footage, music and comedy to challenge a student’s preconceptions and bring the material to life.

Sujit demonstrated his ability to assimilate and communicate a vast array of knowledge as a contestant on Jeopardy! in 2008. His wide-ranging personal interests and vast general knowledge base informs his pedagogy, as his love of pop culture ephemera (movie and TV buff, sports fan and player, avid reader, political junkie, etc…) allows him to engage with a student’s own interests and motivate their learning.

Susan is an Ontario Certified Teacher with a Specialist in Guidance. She has over 25 years experience as a University Counsellor in public and private schools – most recently at Branksome Hall and Ridley College. Susan has extensive knowledge of the International Baccalaureate Program and the Ontario Secondary School Program and can counsel students in the following areas:
-University research and admission requirements
-Building a list of university programs
-Preparing for supplementary applications
-Preparing for scholarship applications
-Building a non-academic profile
Susan has a 16-year-old daughter and loves spending time with family, as well as traveling and playing golf.