Mikayla W.
Hi! My name is Mikayla and I am currently at Ontario Tech University finishing up my Bachelor’s of Education, which will qualify me to teach kindergarten through grade 6. Prior to teachers college, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Trent University, deepening my understanding of how children grow and learn.
Over the years, I’ve gained valuable experience working in diverse educational settings, from daycares to elementary schools. This background has given me insight into the unique learning styles and needs of each child. I also have experience facilitating the UFLI structured literacy program to further support your child’s language development.
I am passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable and empowered to succeed. I believe that every achievement, no matter how small, should be celebrated, as it fosters confidence and a love for learning. My approach is rooted in kindness, patience, and compassion, ensuring that your child feels valued and understood. Together, we can unlock their potential and make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Outside of tutoring I love to go on walks, spend time with friends and family, and baking!
Katherine M-O.
Katherine (Kat) graduated from Alliant International University (online study) in 2021 with a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She spent a few years working in higher education in financial aid and, later, in a registrar’s office. Since 2019 she has also worked as an online tutor for Russian students, ages ranging from 4 to 45. In the past students have received training for interview skills, spoken English practice, preparing for international exams, grammar, and much more! Her passion is to inspire students and engage them in the subject matter they are studying.
In her spare time, Kat enjoys taking photos of and spending time in nature, journaling, reading and has recently taken up drawing and painting.
CHERYL M.
Hello! My name is Cheryl. I have a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Arts. two Post-Baccalaureate Certificates, a Reading Recovery Certificate, an English as an Additional Language Certificate and an Orton Gillingham Multisensory Certificate.
I have taught for 41 years as a classroom teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, resource teacher and a literacy support teacher. My grade level focus has been kindergarten to grade 6.
I enjoy finding a way to help every student achieve their academic and language goals.
Jen S.
For 15 years Jen has taught 1st and 3rd grade at various suburban and urban school districts in the Chicagoland area. She loves being a teacher and tutor and has a passion for education; especially when working with students in a tutoring setting! While at the University of Chicago she graduated with her degree in English Literature while also being a student-athlete and captain of the softball team. She went on to complete her Masters of Elementary Education with her LBS1 endorsement. During her career she has hosted 9 student teachers in her classroom and has loved to coach them and watch them grow as educators. In her spare time she coaches her daughters in softball, basketball, and golf as well as fosters dogs for a local dog rescue.
Kristina C.
Kristina has been teaching in Downers Groves School District 58 for the past 8 years. Beginning her career in 2nd grade for one year, moving to 3rd grade for six years, and now enjoying her first year teaching 4th grade this school year! She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University, and since then obtained her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Western Governors University. While at Illinois State University, Kristina studied abroad twice, once to Costa Rica and a second time England. In England, she completed half of her student teaching experience in a 4th grade classroom. Her passion is to teach students that have different interests and abilities, and be their biggest cheerleader. Students’ growth is endless, once they realize their potential!
When not teaching, Kristina enjoys cooking for her family, baking m&m cookies, and socializing with friends. She comes from a big family with many younger cousins, and often found herself in the role model position from a young age. She is looking forward to getting to know more local families and aiding in their child’s academic success!
Ella H.
Ella Handley is currently a Teaching Candidate in the Okanagan School of Education at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. She has completed her undergraduate studies specializing in chemistry at UBC Okanagan. Ella has always loved working with children and helping them succeed in what they are working towards. She has spent the last 4 years as a supervisor at a summer camp and tutoring children in elementary math. She grew up in Castlegar, British Columbia where she fell in love with camping and being on the lake. In her spare time she participates in competitive 5 pin bowling. Ella believes that every child can excel if they are given the chance and meeting the child where they are at is critical in helping them move forward in their academic endeavours.
Kelsea S.
Kelsea Shea is a recent graduate from San Diego State University with both her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She is currently in the Master’s program at SDSU and a 2nd grade long term substitute in Poway while she completes school. She completed her student teaching in 4th grade and has subbed in all grades! Kelsea is originally from Los Angeles County but currently lives in Pacific Beach with her 4 best friends (and two cats)! She used to be both a camp counselor and programs assistant for Mission Bay Aquatic Center where she would teach water sports and marine science to 6-14 year olds.
As an educator, she believes that she has the responsibility to support and advocate for the young minds of our future generations. She also believes that it is her job to create a motivating, safe, and positive environment in which students can grow as both learners and peers. She aims to be a role model for her students that encourages a growth mindset by growing together. Throughout her student teaching and future classroom, Kelsea’s instruction is equity-driven and unique to the student where they can learn in many engaging and educational ways. Whether this be through access to visual, kinesthetic, collaborative, or auditory supports, the learning of the student is built around them and their characteristics. Kelsea grounds her teaching on the notion that every student is a valuable contribution to their classroom and the world around them, therefore the instruction and environment in which they learn in, must be rich in value as well.
Alya S.
Alya is a dedicated and compassionate elementary school teacher with over four years of teaching experience. She has her master’s degree in Childhood Education and is licensed to teach students in grades 1-6. She has experience teaching students in a variety of settings, including public, charter, and accelerated curriculum schools.
Alya has extensive experience implementing targeted instructional approaches that meet various students’ academic learning styles and needs, including students with IEPs.
While in graduate school, Alya tutored elementary and middle school students in Reading, Writing, and Math. She also created supplemental curriculum material that aligned with state standards in order to provide differentiated instruction for these students.
In her free time, Alya enjoys practicing yoga, going for walks on the beach, and hiking. Alya believes that in order to best meet the learning styles and academic needs of each student, frequent and open communication with parents/guardians, and differentiated instruction is imperative. She looks forward to the opportunity to work with you!
Bailey K.
Bailey has been teaching elementary education for four years, with experience in both first and fifth grade. She earned her Associate of Arts in Teaching in 2018, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a focus on Special Education in 2020, and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction in May 2024.
Bailey’s teaching philosophy revolves around creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where students feel safe and supported. She believes in tailoring her instruction to meet each student’s unique learning style, ensuring that every child can thrive academically and personally. In addition to her expertise in reading and math, she has a deep passion for helping students develop research skills, think critically, and engage creatively with subjects.
Bailey also values strong collaboration with parents to help students achieve their goals and build the skills they need for lifelong learning. Outside of teaching and tutoring, she enjoys competitive swimming, loves sports, and appreciates cozy movie nights in with her cats, George and Toby.
Eden K.
Alongside having years of tutoring experience, Eden has a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and is a certified teacher. Eden grew up in Manchester, England where her parents fostered young children. That’s when she discovered her passion for educating children and she then came up with numerous exciting and engaging ways to educate children. Tutoring has allowed Eden to immerse herself in one-to-one personalized lessons that harbour children’s curiosity and interests, specializing in maths, reading and writing. Eden has a passion for traveling, therefore moved to Canada at 23 to fulfill her dream of living in the mountains, mountain biking and snowboarding. Through these experiences, in England and abroad, Eden has developed a deep passion for working with children and guiding them to reach their full potential.