Lilah G.

Hi! I’m Lilah, and I’ve been a secondary school teacher with the TDSB for the past six years. I mainly teach English, Social Sciences and Family Studies. During the school year I work at an alternative secondary school, which I really love.

English is definitely one of my main areas of experience. For about five years, I’ve taught English through TDSB summer school and night school, particularly ENG4U (Grade 12 University English), so I’m very familiar with the course and what students need to be successful. I’ve worked with students on everything from essay writing and thesis development to reading comprehension, literary analysis, grammar, and just becoming more confident writers overall.

Before becoming a teacher, I also had a background in Child and Youth Care, so building relationships with students and making them feel comfortable has always been really important to me. I’m patient, approachable, and I try to explain things in a way that actually makes sense rather than making schoolwork feel more complicated than it needs to be. I also know that every student learns differently, so I’m happy to slow things down, break things into smaller steps, or approach something in a different way when needed.

Outside of teaching, I love animals, being outdoors and in nature, reading, and musical theatre.

Vanessa W.

Vanessa is an experienced educator, academic leader, and university admissions consultant with more than 25 years of experience in independent education. For the past six years, she has worked with Prep Academy, helping students and families navigate the university admissions process with confidence and purpose.

Vanessa brings extensive Ontario independent school experience to her work. She served as University Counsellor at St. Clement’s School in Toronto, where she guided students through the Canadian, U.S., and international university application process. She also worked as a counsellor at Havergal College and as Academic Director at Holy Trinity School, where she supported students in achieving their academic and post-secondary goals.

Her approach is highly personalized, helping students identify universities and programs that align with their strengths, interests, and aspirations. From course planning and school selection to application strategy, personal statements, scholarships, and interview preparation, Vanessa works closely with each student to develop authentic and compelling applications.

Currently pursuing a Doctor of Education at Western University, Vanessa combines evidence-informed practice with a deep understanding of today’s evolving admissions landscape. She is passionate about helping students discover pathways that are both academically fulfilling and personally meaningful, making the university application journey an empowering and rewarding experience.

SHOKOOFA D.

Shokoofa is a private high school mathematics teacher and academic mentor who supports students across all stages of their STEM journey—whether building rock-solid foundations or aiming for top university admissions. A former international competitor, she represented Canada at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, medaled at the Asian-Pacific Astronomy Olympiad, and earned admission offers to Brown University and the University of Toronto’s Engineering Science program. Shokoofa brings deep expertise across the Ontario curriculum, as well as AP, IB, SAT, and national math contests. While she regularly coaches ambitious learners through advanced Olympiad proofs and selective US college applications, she is equally passionate about breaking down core concepts into intuitive, approachable steps for students looking to overcome math anxiety and master the basics. Outside the classroom, Shokoofa designs custom fabrication projects, listens to a lot of music and loves playing basketball.

 

 

 

AARON L.

Aaron is an executive functioning coach and Ontario Certified Teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching and mentoring students of all ages. He specializes in helping students build essential skills for academic success and personal growth, including organization, task completion, time management, problem-solving, and goal setting.

In his sessions, Aaron uses practical tools, custom templates, and interactive digital strategies to make managing schoolwork structured and achievable. Leveraging his specialized background in Middle School Math, Special Education, and Educational Technology, he creates low-floor/high-ceiling approaches that build confidence and keep students engaged. Aaron works closely with each learner to set personalized short- and long-term goals tailored to their unique strengths and learning styles.

His coaching philosophy focuses on helping students build sustainable habits, manage their workloads, and take true ownership of their learning. Aaron has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent learners, including students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and IEPs. Drawing on his background as a classroom teacher and youth sports coach, he provides a structured, encouraging environment where students feel supported to overcome challenges.

Aaron is passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential. His goal is to help learners build the resilience, independence, and self-belief needed for lifelong success both inside and outside the classroom.

CALEB G.

Caleb is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Education from St. Mary’s University, with a specialization in elementary school teaching. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, where he majored in Psychology and developed an interest in supporting others. After serving as an assistant coach, and then later a program coordinator for a youth track and field club, Caleb developed a passion for creating age-appropriate, yet challenging programming to help kids become confident in themselves and their skills, which he is excited to translate into a classroom environment. During these roles, he learned the importance of building rapport and developing positive relationships for impactful learning.

With a strong background in writing, reading comprehension, and social sciences, Caleb is excited to help students appreciate and engage with their learning. He is most passionate about teaching students tools that can be implemented to empower them in their own learning for the rest of their academic journey and beyond.

Erin B.

Erin graduated from a thesis-based Masters program in Physical Activity Sciences at Université de Montréal, with a specialization in Sport Psychology. She is bilingual and completed the majority of this degree in French. Previously, Erin attended StFX University, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics in the Pre-education stream, with a minor in French and a pair in Fine Arts. She is highly knowledgeable in the French language and in the areas of academic and scientific writing. Her primary teachables include French, English, Health, Science, and Art. Outside of school, Erin is a competitive track and field pentathlete and heptathlete, with a diverse athletic background in soccer and hockey which she competed in for over 15 years.
Erin has experience working with children of all ages as a track and field coach, gymnastics coach, lifeguard and swim instructor, and Fit 4 Life Student Leader.

 

JEFF M.

Jeff has a PhD in philosophy and has taught as a university instructor for over a decade. He started teaching at 16, as a snowboard instructor, and quickly discovered he has passion for human connection and contributing to the development of others. All of his work experience since has been with youth and young adults in various learning contexts, like running summer camps, and teaching English in Japan. Jeff believes real learning is life-changing, and is convinced that the question “why?”–even, and sometimes especially, when it is asked in the form, “why do I have to do this?”–is a powerful route to this kind of meaningful change. Jeff hasn’t only studied a lot, he’s experienced a lot, too: at 17, he left home to study abroad; he’s lived in eight cities in four countries, and travelled to over 30; he’s studied four languages in addition to the French and English he grew up speaking; and he’s made all kinds of connection throughout. This capacity for connection makes Jeff particularly alive to the lived experience and uniqueness of his students, giving him a distinctive human touch. He is currently studying to become a psychotherapist.

Beth S.

With 30 years of experience and a Master’s in Education, Beth brings an encouraging and practical approach to tutoring that helps students become confident and capable learners. Throughout her career, she has worked with students from sixth grade through college age. Beth has engaged with students across a wide range of backgrounds and subjects such as reading, writing, SAT Prep and study skills and has helped those students develop strategies that work for them. Most recently, she served as Coordinator of Writing Center Services at Bryant University, where she worked individually with students on writing, organization, and academic success. She also taught a first-year student success course and supported students who needed additional guidance to meet their goals. Beth meets students where they are, identifying skills they need to strengthen, and building from there. Her goal is to make learning feel manageable so that it builds student confidence. Outside of education, Beth enjoys reading, staying active, and spending time with her family and her cat, Otis.

 

Sylvia S.

As an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with 20 years of teaching experience across both public and independent schools in the GTA, Sylvia offers comprehensive academic support, both in person and online, tailored to your child’s individual needs. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Education from OISE/UofT, and has completed various Additional Qualification (AQ) courses to continually enhance her instructional practice. She specializes in teaching all subjects from Kindergarten to Grade 10, as well as English and Humanities for Grades 11 and 12. Beyond core academics, she brings extensive expertise in special education, including specialized support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This targeted approach helps students strengthen both their academic and executive functioning skills to thrive inside and outside the classroom.

 

Karim E M.

Karim is a fully credentialed educator with over nine years of international teaching and tutoring experience, specializing in STEM and English from elementary through secondary levels. He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from the University of Sunderland, a Double Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry.

Throughout his career, Karim has served in key academic leadership roles—including Head of the Science Department at Khalil Gibran School—and has successfully guided senior students through rigorous Cambridge iGCSE and A-Level examinations. Fully bilingual in English and French, he brings extensive experience in delivering international curricula and adapting instruction to support diverse learning styles.

As a tutor, Karim integrates brain-based, cognitive learning strategies to help students demystify complex scientific and mathematical concepts. His pedagogical approach emphasizes metacognitive problem-solving, building student independence, and fostering self-efficacy. Whether working one-on-one or in specialized group programs, he creates a structured, encouraging environment designed to inspire confidence and drive measurable academic achievement.