Amy L.
Vanessa D.
Vanessa graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Mathematics and is continuing her education at UofT OISE in the Master of Teaching program. Vanessa’s experience includes working in various schools as a mathematics intern, supporting grades 7 through 12. Through these experiences, she has developed the ability to explain mathematical concepts in an approachable way while adapting her teaching to meet the individual needs and learning styles of each student. Vanessa is passionate about helping students build their knowledge and confidence. She strives to create a supportive and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
In her free time, Vanessa enjoys running, swimming and playing with her pet bunny. She also loves to travel and hopes to visit Greece one day.
Intermediate Math (7-8), Primary Junior (1-6) – All Subjects, Senior Math (9-12)
Beverley C.
Beverley is a retired elementary teacher with 35+ years of experience. She is passionate about reading and language acquisition. She approaches teaching with passion, humour and empathy.
She holds a B.A. from University of Western Ontario and specialist qualifications in ESL and vocal music. After retirement, Bev volunteered with a school in Cambodia teaching English to young students.
When not teaching, Bev enjoys singing, musical theatre, yoga and reading.
Nancy C.
Nancy offers your child individualized attention to his or her academic needs. With over a decade of tutoring experience with kindergarten age to high school sophomores, she has collaborated with parents and teachers to deliver weekly lessons that match the family’s tutoring goals. Nancy’s commitment to her students prompted two families to request that she continue her services after they moved from away from Pasadena. The switch to online tutoring was seamless.
Nancy has a particular fondness for tutoring children in reading and language arts. Her tutoring career began when Common Core demanded that kindergarteners master what was once the reading expectations of first graders. One child, who entered first grade lagging in reading began to work with Nancy at his teacher’s referral, and with mom’s unwavering support, the child’s impressive determination, and Nancy’s skill in teaching phonics-based reading, he moved from ‘low’ test scores in first grade to meeting grade-level expectations in second grade.
Beyond primary school reading, Nancy has worked with intermediate and middle school students to improve their English Language Arts skills as well as helping high school students master their Honors English classes.
The spillover to other academic subjects can occur with these students: 2nd grade math word problems become easier when math skills match reading abilities; social studies analysis becomes clearer when one can analyze story elements; and beginning essay writing can improve when a child is proficient in answering reading prompts.
When Nancy is not spending time with her tutoring clients or in a classroom as a substitute teacher, she enjoys gardening, yoga, museums, live theater and classical music concerts. And of course, reading.
Andrew V.
Andrew has a master’s in English, having capped off his courses with a creative thesis, a book of formal poems entitled “Sierra.”
In college, he won two awards for his poetry; received a fellowship; and published—and presented—three academic articles (Milton, Kafka, Dante).
Since graduation, he has written a graphic novel, and has taken up piano, frame drum, and Grecian lyre.
As a warm-hearted, seasoned academic, Andrew knows how to move through projects with humor and determination.
Civita T.
A lifelong learner herself, Civita holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from McGill University. Throughout her more than 30-year career, Civita has been recognized for her passion for education, her commitment to empowering students, mentoring educators and building strong parent relationships. Civita began her career as an elementary school teacher in Montreal, Quebec. During this time, she taught students from Kindergarten through Grade 6 in a variety of subjects, including English Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Art, and Religion. She continued working with students at the high school level, teaching Geography, History, Ethics, and Religious Culture. Beyond the classroom, she served as Student Leadership Coordinator, Cooperating Teacher, mentor to newly hired teachers, and member of the Quebec Ministry Examination Evaluation Team. Her transition into educational administration led to leadership positions at the elementary, high school and adult education sectors. After a rewarding and fulfilling career in education in Montreal, Quebec, Civita retired and began an exciting new chapter in Florida. Together with her husband, she embraced the warmth and beauty of coastal living while remaining deeply connected to family. She is the proud mother of two sons and is joyfully awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild. Outside of her professional life, Civita enjoys cooking, sharing good food with family and friends, and appreciating the simple pleasures of life. Civita’s journey reflects a lifelong passion for education, leadership, family, and community.
Melina S.
Melina is a dedicated and compassionate educator with a passion for helping students build confidence, curiosity, and independence in their learning. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Southern Connecticut State University, where her coursework and internship experiences in early childhood education and child development strengthened her understanding of how children learn and grow.
Her experience in education began at KinderCare Learning Center, where she supported young children through hands-on learning experiences. Working with children during these formative years reinforced her belief that every child learns differently and deserves to feel supported throughout the learning process.
Melina currently works as a building substitute teacher at an elementary school, supporting students across grade levels PK-5 and different classroom environments. During her time with the district, she was selected as the long-term substitute teacher for a third-grade classroom, where she assumed responsibility for daily instruction, classroom management, lesson implementation, and classroom routines. This experience further developed her teaching skills while allowing her to support the individual needs of her students.
Melina believes meaningful learning happens when students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and discovering what works best for them. Outside of the classroom, Melina enjoys reading, staying active by going to the gym and swimming, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Juan S.
Dr. Juan S. graduated from the Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. He completed a Masters and Doctorate in Education from the University of Florida. He completed his teaching internship in Houston, where he taught in a Grade 6 class. He has worked as a teacher, instructional coach, and as an Assistant Principal and Principal. In 2026, he jumped at the opportunity to offer tutoring to students that need additional assistance. He enjoys working with kids and expanding their horizons. In his spare time he likes to travel, play racquetball, and spend time with his family.
Giani C.
Giani is a highly experienced literacy specialist, Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), Educational Diagnostician, and educator with more than 20 years of teaching, coaching, and tutoring experience. Throughout her career, Giani has been guided by one fundamental belief: every student learns differently, and effective instruction begins with understanding how an individual child thinks, processes information, and connects with learning.
Giani earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington. She continued her advanced training through Midwestern State University to become an Educational Diagnostician, developing specialized expertise in evaluating how students learn and understanding how learning differences can affect academic performance.
Her credentials in literacy instruction are particularly extensive. Giani is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and holds Texas certifications as a Reading Specialist, Master Reading Teacher, Educational Diagnostician, and Elementary Generalist, along with additional endorsements in English as a Second Language and Gifted and Talented education. She has also received specialized training in structured literacy programs including Reading by Design, Basic Language Skills, and JET, as well as Orton-Gillingham-based instruction.
This combination of classroom experience, diagnostic expertise, and specialized literacy training makes Giani particularly effective with students who struggle with dyslexia, decoding, phonics, spelling, fluency, reading comprehension, and written language. Rather than simply helping students compensate for areas of difficulty, Giani works systematically to strengthen the underlying skills necessary to become more capable and confident readers and writers.
At the same time, Giani’s expertise extends far beyond reading intervention. She works with students across the academic spectrum, from elementary learners developing foundational literacy skills to middle and high school students tackling sophisticated reading and writing assignments. Her tutoring areas include elementary academics, middle school Language Arts, AP English, writing, spelling, college essay writing, and English preparation for the SAT and ACT, as well as comprehensive STAAR preparation.
One of Giani’s greatest strengths is her ability to understand why a student may be struggling. Her background as an Educational Diagnostician gives her a valuable perspective when working with students who have learning differences or complicated academic histories. She can identify patterns in how students approach reading and writing and then adapt instruction to address individual needs while building on existing strengths.
For advanced students, Giani applies that same analytical approach to higher-level literacy skills. Whether a student is learning to evaluate an author’s argument, develop a thesis, analyze rhetoric, organize an essay, or refine a college application essay, she helps students break complex language tasks into understandable components and then put those pieces together effectively.
Families appreciate Giani’s ability to combine deep professional expertise with patient, individualized instruction. She understands that students who have struggled academically may arrive at tutoring already believing they are “bad at reading” or “not good at English.” Giani works to change that experience by providing instruction at the appropriate level, recognizing progress, and giving students concrete strategies that allow them to experience success for themselves.
Above all, Giani is passionate about helping students discover the power—and ideally even the enjoyment—of reading. Whether she is teaching phonics to a beginning reader, providing structured literacy intervention for a student with dyslexia, strengthening a middle schooler’s writing, or helping an advanced high school student master rhetorical analysis, her goal is to build a strong and lasting foundation for how students read, write, communicate, and think.
Outside of education, Giani is an enthusiastic reader herself, with a particular fondness for urban fantasy novels. She enjoys sharing her love of books with students—while fully recognizing that convincing every student to share her enthusiasm for urban fantasy may be one teaching challenge even she can’t solve.
Lena H.
Lena is a certified Texas educator with a creative, student-centered approach to helping learners build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and discover how they learn best. She holds a Texas EC–12 teaching certification and brings several years of classroom experience working with students from early elementary through middle school, along with experience supporting learners with a wide variety of academic abilities, learning styles, and individual needs.
Lena graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts in Art, earning a 3.81 GPA. Her university studies also reflected her broad interest in the humanities and social sciences, with coursework exploring literature, culture, history, and the ways art and storytelling reflect society. This interdisciplinary background has helped shape her ability to make subjects such as English, writing, history, geography, and social studies more engaging and relatable for students.
As a classroom educator, Lena has taught hundreds of students across elementary and middle school settings and has designed more than 75 standards-aligned lessons. Her experience includes developing curriculum, differentiating instruction, incorporating educational technology, assessing student progress, and finding creative ways to present information so students can better understand and retain it.
Lena is particularly passionate about working with students who benefit from a more individualized approach to learning. She has managed and implemented IEP accommodations for special education students and has completed additional professional training in dyslexia awareness, mental-health response, and Capturing Kids’ Hearts. She has developed a strong connection with neurodivergent students, including learners with ADHD and autism, and strives to create an environment where students feel understood, supported, and comfortable asking for help.
Lena specializes in English, English Language Arts, reading, writing, spelling, and middle school Language Arts, along with a broad range of humanities and social sciences, including U.S. History, World History, Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy. She also supports students in AP English, AP Human Geography, AP World History, college essay writing, and introductory college-level English and Psychology.
In addition, Lena works with students on executive functioning, test-taking skills, and standardized test preparation, including English preparation for the SAT and ACT, as well as STAAR Reading and Social Studies. Her experience with organization, differentiated instruction, and individual accommodations makes her especially well suited for students who understand the material but struggle with planning, organization, task completion, or demonstrating what they know on assignments and tests.
One of Lena’s greatest strengths is her ability to approach academic material creatively. Her background in art and visual storytelling allows her to incorporate visual explanations, step-by-step modeling, and alternative ways of presenting information when traditional instruction isn’t connecting with a student. Rather than expecting every learner to process information in the same way, Lena works to discover what makes a concept “click” for each individual student.
Families appreciate Lena’s patience, creativity, and ability to build genuine connections with students. She believes students are more willing to challenge themselves when they feel safe making mistakes and know their teacher genuinely understands them. Her goal is to help students recognize their own strengths while developing the academic skills, strategies, and independence necessary for continued success.
Outside of teaching, Lena is an artist and storyteller who has had a lifelong love of comics and animation. She enjoys creating her own stories and artwork exploring underrepresented communities and themes of justice and representation. She brings that same curiosity, creativity, and appreciation for different perspectives into her work with students.