LINA P.
With over two decades of experience in education, Lina is a dedicated teacher committed to supporting students’ academic growth, confidence, and individual learning needs. She holds both a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts (Specialized Honours), and has completed extensive additional qualifications, including Specialist certifications in Religious Education, English, and Special Education. Her professional background spans teaching English and History in the Intermediate and Senior divisions, as well as supporting diverse learners in literacy and numeracy through specialized training in working with students with intellectual needs.
Throughout her career, Lina has focused on creating inclusive, structured, and engaging learning environments where all students can thrive. She is passionate about literacy, differentiated instruction, and helping students develop strong communication and critical-thinking skills.
Outside of her professional life, Lina enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, reading, and spending time outdoors. These moments keep her grounded, inspired, and connected to the world beyond the classroom.
HEATHER G.
Heather has been guiding and coaching students for nearly three decades, bringing extensive experience in academic counselling, executive functioning coaching, and post-secondary advising. She has worked in leadership and guidance roles at some of Canada’s leading independent schools, including Appleby College and Havergal College, as well as internationally at Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland. Most recently, she served as Director of Guidance and Counselling at the National Ski Academy in Collingwood, Ontario.
Heather specializes in post-secondary advising, helping students successfully navigate the university and college application process in Canada, the US, and the UK. She has particular expertise in NCAA athletics pathways, supporting student-athletes through eligibility, recruitment, and scholarship opportunities. In addition, Heather provides executive functioning coaching, guiding students in developing organization, time management, and study skills that allow them to thrive academically and personally.
Her approach is student-centred and holistic, blending academic planning with social-emotional support to ensure students feel confident, resilient, and well-prepared for their futures. She has extensive experience helping students build strong study habits, manage stress, and develop the independence needed to succeed in post-secondary settings.
Heather holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto, a Master of Arts in Physical and Health Education from Queen’s University, and multiple undergraduate degrees in Physical Education, Health Studies and Women’s Studies. In addition to her school leadership roles, she has been a frequent presenter to students, parents, and community groups on topics including university admissions, executive functioning, and mental health.
Families and students consistently value Heather’s warmth, professionalism, and depth of experience. She combines practical, step-by-step guidance with a caring and encouraging presence, making her a trusted partner in helping young people prepare for the next stage of their academic journey.
Michelle R.
After receiving my Bachelors at the University of Maryland, I went on to earn a Masters degree from the University of South Florida in teaching.
This is my 12th year in education. I have taught in Manatee and Sarasota county public schools, including 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades. I currently work at a school in Sarasota that is a faith-based homeschool co-op. I teach classes of students in grades 4-8, providing instruction and academic support in all core subjects.
Brandon H.
Brandon graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Master of Science in Physics, where he also worked as a graduate teaching assistant for four years, teaching physics labs and tutoring students in physics and mathematics. He has supported students from a wide range of backgrounds, helping them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and tackle challenging concepts. He is highly skilled in math and physical science instruction from the middle school level all the way through college coursework and has tutored extensively in that age range. Brandon is patient, adaptable, and committed to making complex ideas accessible to all.
He’s also a well-known asset at any trivia night, thanks to his habit of collecting utterly unnecessary (but surprisingly useful) random facts.
Ezra H.
As a physics researcher and educator, Ezra has gained 7 years of experience instilling students with the guidance and the insights they need to grasp complex topics. He received his B.S. in Physics from the University of Minnesota, and his M.S. also in Physics from San Diego State University. He has taught math to students from elementary through upper division college courses.
Ezra’s enjoys sharing his excitement about math and theory providing deep insight into how the natural world can be quantified. This has translated well into finding ways unique to each learner that make them capable of finding solutions to novel problems on their own after being guided through examples. The flash of recognition that occurs after a student comes to truly understand a concept is a spark he enjoys creating again and again.
Kelly B-R.
I am a 26-year veteran K–12 Reading and Language Arts teacher with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and a specialization in Language and Literacy from the University of Miami.
Over the course of my career, I have worked as both a classroom teacher and a private reading coach, supporting neurotypical and neurodivergent learners who need targeted support to become confident, fluent readers and writers.
As an accomplished Youth Literacy & Learning Specialist, I provide one-on-one and small-group coaching to strengthen foundational reading skills—including phonemic and phonological awareness, decoding automaticity, vocabulary development, and text comprehension. My approach is structured, supportive, and rooted in evidence-based practices.
My goal extends beyond improving reading proficiency: I aim to help students enhance their executive functioning, organizational, and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. These tools support focus, reduce anxiety, and build the academic confidence and competence students need to thrive.
Alexys W.
Alexys is a university student obtaining her BA in psychology, with the intention of working towards pursuing a doctorate. She has a passion for working with kids and is experienced. She has been working with the City of Brampton for 3 years as a program instructor. She has run various recreational programs for kids, including writers craft, STEM, art, and much more. She enjoys working in a classroom setting with kids and being able to help them develop their skills and passions. From her experience with teaching kids she has always found many ways to make sure all her students feel safe and comfortable while learning and she is able to cater to any need of her students to ensure that they remained focused and engaged with their learning. She allows for creative ways to help kids learn that is not strictly by book, she allows learning games, activities and peer discussions to add onto the students time learning. Alexys is dedicated to what she does and wishes for success in the future for all her students, while helping them reach all their goals.
MAYAKO T.
Mayako is an Ontario Certified Teacher in the Intermediate/Senior Division and is also certified in the state of Massachusetts with a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement. She earned a Bachelor of Science from McGill University, and a Master of Education from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. She has completed additional workshops and conferences with College Board, Southern New Hampshire University and the United Nations Headquarters. Mayako has taught science in public schools in Massachusetts before relocating to Toronto, where she currently teaches Grade 9 science at an independent private girls’ school. Being a Third-Culture Kid who grew up across Canada and Singapore, she is passionate about working with multicultural, multilingual, international and diverse learners. She loves participating in fun science experiments and wants to share that passion with students in her class. Mayako has experience completing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) as a student herself, has taught the Advanced Placement (AP) Curriculum in the United States, and currently teaches from the Middle Years Program. She has also worked in various educational summer programs associated with Harvard University and the University of Toronto. Mayako is passionate about travelling, experiencing new cultures and exploring new places and restaurants across Toronto.
Jacob M.
Jacob is currently working on earning his PhD from the University of Rochester. Having graduated from BSU in 2018, he celebrated by cultivating his love of nature on a cross-country camping trip across the lower forty-eight and Alaska. The last seven years, he’s spent pursuing his other passion, teaching. Working as an Adjunct Professor and TA at the University of Rochester, he has enjoyed learning to adapt the curriculum to his students’ individual needs.
Gloria C.
Gloria C. is a recent graduate of Western University, completing an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in French Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and English Literature. She is a current teacher candidate at Western University, in the postgraduate Bachelor of Education program, with a specialty in junior, intermediate, and French education. As a tutor of eight years and counting, Gloria has experience working with all ages on a plethora of subjects and needs. As part of her B.Ed program, she has also worked with an entire grade 6 class, consisting of 31 students with vastly varying needs and interests. Her teaching philosophy includes fostering a safe and comfortable environment for students to learn – something she eagerly implements into her tutoring, as well. Gloria loves working with students to help them thrive academically and emotionally, whether that is in a one-on-one setting, or within a group setting. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her friends and pets, and gaming.