Maggie O.

Maggie is an Ontario Certified teacher. Her family emigrated from Ireland to Canada when she was nine years old. Now Maggie lives in Toronto with her eleven year old daughter Aisling and Sammy, their Nova Scotia Duck Toller puppy. Maggie is known for her kind and patient humour and her compelling confidence in children. With strengths across the curriculum, she describes her teaching practice as evidence-based, guided-inquiry as influenced by her lived experiences as a student, parent and academic. For example, her primary school language learning in Irish Gaelic and high school exchange in France, where she completed the Baccalauréat de langue et litterature francaises, planted seeds for her later interest in ethnomathematics and culturally responsive teaching. In 2003 Maggie graduated with a BA in Fine Art History from the University of Toronto, and went on to teach yoga and mindfulness in newcomer, youth and justice-adjacent facilities. Twenty years later she completed an Honours BA in Political Science and Indigenous Studies also at U of T, where she became a learner of a local Ojibwe language (Anishinaabemowin). This June 2025, she will receive an MA in Child Study and Education from the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, OISE, U of T. During this degree, Maggie’s studies focused on themes of student equity, motivation and peer-based learning and she further developed her knowledge of play and arts integration. Additional defining characteristics include her unreasonable enthusiasm for diving into icy cold water, and her favourite sock colour being tie-dye-rainbow. This summer, Maggie and Aisling are competing in their first triathlon events.

 

 

Ginneh D.

Ginneh is a dedicated educator with a passion for helping students grow into confident, skilled learners. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, she has also completed 30 additional education credits through the University of San Diego’s Extended Studies program. Over the past four years, Ginneh has taught 4th and 5th grade students in English Language Arts, Writing, and Social Studies, while also tutoring learners from 1st through 12th grade in both math and ELA. She specializes in writing and reading comprehension and thoroughly enjoys making learning fun by using a variety of strategies to help students truly understand what they’re learning. Her classroom results reflect her commitment—over 90% of her students have achieved proficiency on the PSSA. Ginneh believes strong foundational skills are the key to long-term academic success. When she’s not teaching, you can find her coaching middle school basketball or planning her next travel adventure— sometimes while also binge-watching a new show and pretending she’s not already three episodes past bedtime.

Daniel R.

Daniel is a well-rounded Educator with over ten years of classroom experience. He specializes in creating curriculum that is personalized for and relevant to each of his students. He is capable of creating structured support for a variety of subjects including ESL, Math, Science, and Computer Science. You’ll also find him an empathetic, patient, and passionate tutor. Set your goals, and Daniel will help you reach them.

 

 

Judy Z.

Judy is a certified Education Specialist with over a decade of experience, passionate about helping students reach their fullest potential—especially those who need a little extra support to shine. She specializes in working with students with special needs, English language learners, and students who are struggling academically. Judy believes that with the right strategies, encouragement, and a personalized approach, every student can succeed.

Throughout her career, she has built strong relationships with students and families by creating nurturing, structured environments where confidence grows and skills thrive. She tailors her instruction to meet each learner’s unique needs, using research-based interventions and a positive, strengths-based philosophy.

With a background in both general and special education settings, and a deep commitment to patience, creativity, and clear communication, Judy is excited to partner with families and schools to make learning a successful and joyful journey. Outside of education, she nurtures her own love of learning and creativity through music, and she actively sings in a choir.

 

 

Kimberly O.

Kimberly taught English and ESL for 14 years at South Side High School. Before that, she taught ESL and English at Northwood Middle School for 10 years. Both schools are located in Fort Wayne Community Schools in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has a BA in English with a minor in French from Indiana University. She also has an MA in Education from Indiana Wesleyan. In addition, she holds a Professionalized Teaching license in the state of Indiana.
Kimberly has taught a diverse population of students including students from over 20 different countries. She has taught students with IEP’s as well as students with high ability. Kimberly’s passion is to see academic growth in students. She enjoys helping students achieve benchmarks in their learning to achieve their goals. She values getting to know the student as well as communicating with parents on a regular basis. She is very excited to be part of Prep Academy Tutors and she looks forward to meeting you!

“Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself.”
– Paulo Coelho

 

Melissa F.

Melissa is a passionate educator and mentor with over five years of teaching experience, dedicated to empowering the next generation in STEM. She earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Miami, where she taught university students cell biology, neuroscience, and research techniques through both lectures and hands-on lab instruction. She also mentored high school students on independent scientific projects, fostering curiosity and critical thinking at an early stage.

Prior to UM, Melissa completed her Master’s at Drexel University, where she taught materials science and led engaging engineering activities for middle school students from diverse backgrounds. She earned her BS in Biomedical Engineering from University of Florida.

Melissa has worked with students ranging from middle school to college and understands that learning is never one-size-fits-all. She meets each student where they are, helping to build confidence and deepen understanding at a pace that supports their individual growth. She thrives on problem-solving and loves the creativity students bring when learning to apply new math and science concepts. Knowing that complex assignments and tests can be challenging, she is committed to making learning approachable by breaking down tough topics into real-world, relatable examples.

Outside of research and teaching, Melissa enjoys hiking, kayaking, live concerts, and belting karaoke with loved ones. She’s excited to join Prep Academy Tutors and looks forward to making a meaningful impact on each student’s academic journey!

Allison A.

Allison A. earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Quinnipiac University and is certified to teach in CT, SC, and FL. After her fifth year of teaching, she was nominated for the Presidential Award in Excellence for Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) given to teachers who are recognized for being the best in STEM education – demonstrating deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable student success.

Allison was recognized for having exceptional Classroom Management skills, and has hosted many Professional Development workshops on the subject over the years. She believes it is very important to build relationships based on mutual trust and respect with each individual student. Having this foundation is crucial for a positive and effective learning environment. One that fosters motivation, engagement, and ultimately leading to improved student outcomes.

Allison believes in creating inquiry-based instruction for students. When students are immersed in the subject using hands-on and exploratory methods, they learn at a deeper level. Allison utilizes manipulatives, games, songs, and online platforms to create scaffolded, differentiated, and purposeful lessons.

Fun Fact – Allison races sailboats. She competes in long-distance, open-ocean races around the world.

Connor C.

I hold a degree in Mathematics from Queen’s University and bring over six years of tutoring experience across K–Undergraduate levels. My passion for quantitative subjects drives my teaching approach, emphasizing conceptual understanding over rote memorization. I aim to inspire students to appreciate the beauty and logic of mathematics, fostering both confidence and curiosity.

Let me know what you’re interested in! Understanding your interests helps me tailor our lessons to be more enjoyable and relevant to you.

Ava B.

With two years experience tutoring students, Ava has guided many of them in gaining reading and math skills. Elementary students are amazing. They are competent enough to take direction on how they can improve and implement strategies to succeed at school. Any deficiencies are promptly addressed. High school students are intriguing because they are just around the corner from attending college, which she finds genuinely exciting. Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She was a professional Cancer Registrar and recently earned her Certification as a Montessori Primary Guide for ages 3-6. She has an excellent command of Math, including Algebra and Geometry, as well as Science and Biology.

 

 

Madeline B.

Madeline has been tutoring mathematics since she was in high school. She graduated from University of Idaho in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and has been working in academic intervention at the secondary level since then. She believes the “Eureka!” moments students have when they finally understand something are the most beautiful and magical thing in the world. She believes it is important to treat students as the multi-faceted individuals they are, spiral in old material when teaching the new, and try new approaches if a student does not understand something. Madeline attends game nights every Sunday, book club every Wednesday, and paints when she can find the time.