Alina M.

Alina is originally from Germany, where she taught German, Geography, Art, and Biology to students in grades 4–10 for eleven years. During her university studies, she completed several internships in different schools and also worked on a pediatric oncology ward, supporting children and teenagers as they prepared to return to school.
Alina recently moved to Canada with her husband and their two dogs and now teaches in the Sea to Sky School District. She brings patience, empathy, and strong organizational skills to her teaching, while providing thoughtful, individualized support to each student. Alina believes that learning takes perseverance and encourages her students with her motto: “Everything is difficult before it becomes easy.”
In her free time, Alina enjoys exploring the beautiful nature around Squamish with her dogs, crocheting, reading, and occasionally baking and cooking traditional German dishes.

Rich T.

This summer, Rich and his labradoodle, Bernie, drove 6,800 kilometers from Maine in the US to BC. His family joined him in Squamish as he pursues a Master of Education in Social Studies Education from UBC. Before becoming a teacher, Rich worked as a trial lawyer arguing cases in criminal court. He traded closing arguments for something far more rewarding: the moment a student finally “gets it”.

With over 16 years of teaching experience in both private and public schools, Rich has helped thousands of young people of all abilities overcome obstacles and improve as students. Succeeding in school is neither simple nor easy. But being a “good student” requires skills and a change in mindset that can be learned. It starts with a deep breath and continues with a fresh approach to learning. That new approach could be as basic as creating a system for tracking assignments or as complex as learning new ways to synthesize information into an essay. Everyone can improve. All students can learn hard things. Complicated subjects can be broken down into simpler pieces. Step-by-step, learning happens. Rich is dedicated to helping students believe in themselves and reach for results they can be proud of.

When not in the classroom himself, you’ll find Rich training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, playing the guitar, or watching movies with his family.

Khizer M.

Khizer M. graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, specializing in process control and advanced modelling techniques. With a strong academic background in mathematics and science, Khizer specializes in tutoring subjects such as algebra, calculus, chemistry, and thermodynamics. He has extensive experience explaining complex concepts in a simple, clear, and structured way, helping students build both understanding and confidence. Known for his patient and supportive approach, Khizer adapts his teaching style to match each student’s learning needs and pace. He is passionate about guiding students to improve their problem-solving skills and achieve their academic goals. Outside of tutoring, Khizer enjoys travelling, swimming, and going to the gym, bringing energy and enthusiasm into every session.

Marlee S.

Marlee S. has a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in English Literature and Creative Writing from Susquehanna University. Wanting to be an author, she has been writing from the time she was young. This passion caused her to pursue literature and writing both in higher education. During and after college, she has tutored both high school students and college students in essay-writing, even helping college applicants to write their admissions essay. Currently, she is substitute teaching in Manatee County while pursuing a career in teaching English. In her free time, Marlee likes to read, work on her novel, watch anime with her brother, and beat her parents at pickleball.

CHARLOTTE G.

Charlotte G. is a passionate and engaging educator specializing in English and History. She holds a Master of Teaching from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Western Ontario, where she also gained international academic experience through studies at the University of Copenhagen.

Charlotte has taught at three independent schools in Toronto, two of which offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Most recently, she taught Grade 9 and 10 English within the IB Middle Years Programme, where she designed inquiry-based lessons that foster critical thinking, literary analysis, and student voice.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that strong relationships are key to meaningful learning. She prioritizes connection and engagement, creating supportive environments where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and building confidence. By combining structured skill development with student-centered, inquiry-based approaches, she tailors her teaching to meet individual learning needs.

An Ontario Certified Teacher with additional qualifications in reading instruction, Charlotte is committed to helping students strengthen their skills, build confidence, and achieve their academic goals!

Tim G.

Tim G. has extensive experience in math and science, graduating with a PhD in Physics from the University of California, Riverside where he conducted research in galaxy evolution using the world’s premier ground and space-based telescopes. During his studies, Tim also discovered and nurtured his passion for teaching and mentoring while instructing numerous introductory physics and astronomy courses over a 5.5-year period as an award-winning Teaching Assistant (TA). Educating students with a wide range of skills, backgrounds, and interest in STEM, and majors ranging from liberal arts to engineering, Tim approached each student with engaging energy, adaptability to meet their needs, and patience, whether in class or one-on-one during office hours. Beyond simply teaching the material, Tim focused on building students’ critical-thinking skills and problem-solving abilities as well as on fostering an appreciation of the material by connecting it to real-world scenarios. Tim also sought to build positive relationships by being a mentor in addition to a teacher, leveraging his experiences to help students with questions regarding college and beyond. This personalized teaching style was well received by Tim’s students, a sentiment reflected in the 2 Outstanding Teaching Assistant awards Tim received from his department.

Now back in the suburbs of Chicago where Tim grew up, he continues to exercise his passion for teaching, tutoring math and science to local middle and high school students with the same care and energy as when he was a TA. In his free time, Tim is pursuing data science and picking up hobbies like gardening. He is an avid sports fan, loves watching movies and going to the theater, and enjoys hiking, camping, and road tripping with his family and dog, Ralph. He also especially enjoys having seasons again (even winter!) and partaking in seasonal activities.

Melissa D.

Melissa has more than 15 years of experience working for major media organizations as a journalist and in educational standardized testing and assessment. She has also worked with English Language Learners, gifted/twice-exceptional students, and served as a parent and academic coach. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, she enjoys mentoring students in research, writing, analysis, and visual storytelling.

She believes a successful writing partnership begins with the development of a shared visual calendar of goals that helps students break down tasks into manageable steps. She enjoys helping students develop a system of visual organization, color coding, and time management paired with technology to encourage accountability and help manage the writing process.

Technology today offers emerging tools for gathering information and feedback. Melissa believes it is essential that a student develop a unique voice along with research and executive function skills that build confidence across all means of communication, independent of technology. The positive habits that a student develops working with a writing coach pay off in high school, college, and professionally.

Outside of mentoring and serving as a writing coach, Melissa also helps students develop data analysis, presentation, and visual storytelling skills that yield impact beyond the classroom. Her goal is to foster a student’s love of communication and analysis.

Her most rewarding role has been guiding her sons through their academic journeys with diligence, transparency, and humor. She remains passionate about helping students of all backgrounds build confidence and succeed.

Corinne B.

Throughout her 25+ years of classroom teaching, Corinne B. relied upon several core principles to ensure successful student learning. First, students are participants in the learning process; they bring themselves and their experiences to it. They are not empty vessels for expert instructors to fill with information. Whether the student is 5 years of age, or 50, each holds a wealth of ideas, memories, skills and feelings – and these form the ground of all learning. Second, she values questions and answers equally; a student’s evolving intellectual confidence means demonstrating both ways of knowing. Finally, a student should be able to apply what they are studying to the everyday world; to make the abstract into something observable or measurable. Corinne’s instructional approach has been validated by the academic success of hundreds of her students, and by twice being granted the DePaul University Excellence in Teaching Award (2007 & 2024). Corinne holds a doctorate in sociology from the University of Chicago, and has designed multi-disciplinary teaching curricula and lessons for many years. Her work in single-student education is marked by an individualized approach emphasizing the interests and talents of the pupil. Learning goals and metrics for successful evaluation are shared with students and parents/guardians at the outset of the tutoring relationship, and updated as the pupil’s educational experience unfolds.

Julie M.

Passionnée par la langue française et la transmission du savoir, elle a débuté sa carrière comme enseignante de français au Collège de Stanstead, où elle a enseigné tant le français en langue maternelle qu’en langue seconde. Cette première expérience lui a permis de développer une approche pédagogique adaptée à une diversité d’apprenants.

Elle a ensuite poursuivi son parcours au Collège Regina Assumpta, où elle a continué à enseigner le français en langue maternelle, consolidant ainsi son expertise et son engagement envers la réussite scolaire de ses élèves.

Parallèlement à sa carrière en enseignement, elle a également partagé son savoir-faire en couture auprès d’enfants et d’adultes, démontrant sa créativité et son désir de transmettre des compétences pratiques.

Grande passionnée de lecture, elle accorde une place importante à la découverte et au plaisir des mots. Elle aime également offrir des conseils utiles en matière d’organisation scolaire afin d’aider les élèves à développer des méthodes de travail efficaces et durables.

Kristen B.

Kristen is a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) student in Psychology at Concordia University. She is fascinated by how people learn and think, and loves helping students tackle challenging concepts by finding strategies that make learning clear and manageable. Her studies in cognition, developmental psychology, and research methods enable her to make complex ideas accessible for students with diverse learning styles, allowing them to engage with the material more effectively.

Outside of school, Kristen has developed strong problem-solving skills through hands-on experience in the construction industry. This practical experience helps her break down challenging material into achievable steps, ensuring sessions stay focused and engaging. She has also mentored students, including foreign exchange learners, and guided groups in exploring historical and cultural topics. These experiences have strengthened her ability to connect with individuals, adapt her teaching to diverse needs, and foster a supportive learning environment where students feel confident to ask questions and explore new ideas.

Tutoring across the humanities and sciences, Kristen brings a patient, analytical, and encouraging approach to each session. She works with students to break down challenges, strengthen skills, and grow confidence, while nurturing curiosity, independent thinking, and a sense of autonomy in their learning. Kristen is passionate about creating a positive, inspiring learning environment that encourages students to grow both academically and personally.