DARREN M.
Darren has been an educator for over 25 years, including 15 years spent teaching high school physics. He graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and has master’s degrees in Secondary Science Education and Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University and Manhattan University, respectively. In addition to his role at Prep Academy Tutors, Darren advises students applying to college as an independent educational consultant and teaches skiing at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, VT. Darren enjoys working with students to build their self-confidence and getting to know them as people.
Reanna T.
Reanna is currently in her fourth year at Ivey Business School at Western University, where she is completing her Honours Business Administration (HBA) degree. Prior to entering Ivey, she studied Business Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS), majoring in Accounting. Reanna has spent two summers working at KPMG in Big Four audit, gaining experience with clients in both Consumer and Industrial Markets and Private Enterprise. Alongside her professional experience, Reanna is passionate about supporting other students academically and professionally. She currently volunteers at Western University, where she tutors students in business-related subjects and provides guidance on resumes and other career-related materials. As a KPMG Campus Ambassador, she has also helped students strengthen their resumes and cover letters and prepare for interviews. Having extensive experience with Ivey’s case-based learning method, Reanna can support students in courses including Business 1220, Business 2257, Economics 1021 and 1022, and Mathematics 1228 and 1229. Reanna is also pursuing her CPA designation and understands firsthand that accounting courses take time, practice, and consistent engagement with the material. She enjoys helping students work through challenging concepts and develop a stronger understanding through practice and repetition. Outside of academics and work, Reanna enjoys hot yoga, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Katie P.
Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s esteemed Creative Writing program. She has over six years of experience as a professional copywriter, screenwriter, and comedy writer. Katie’s original TV script was selected as a finalist in a national comedy writing competition; the short film she wrote and produced was an official selection of the 2021 Revival Film Festival; and the “TED Talk” she wrote about a powerhouse social justice organization’s transformative five-year tenure received a standing ovation from a live audience of over 700 guests. Writing is Katie’s most ardent passion. She is committed to helping students from diverse backgrounds master writing and language skills that not only support their academic and career success, but encourage their unique voice to flourish – building confidence as both writers and people. Katie’s expertise ranges from academic and creative writing to ACT/SAT prep, homework help, college admissions essays, and résumés. Because writing skills are like Pokémon. You gotta catch ‘em all. Outside of writing, Katie loves reading, crafting, houseplants, punk/emo music (it was not a phase), and way too much karaoke.
Sela C.
Sela has graduated with an Honours Business Administration degree from Richard Ivey School of Business and Huron University. She is currently doing her Masters in International Business at Ivey, Stockholm School of Economics, and London School of Economics with the CEMS Graduate Program. She has taught English and North American cultural studies to Cornell University Graduate International Students, and has travelled to India and Uzbekistan with Ivey Business School’s LEADER Project. There, she worked as a lecturer and coach in a business course to entrepreneurs, undergraduate students, and corporate representatives, with concepts including strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and other business fundamentals. She specialises in business, especially preparing for pre-Ivey courses, BUS1220 and BUS2257, having helped with grading for these classes. Sela grew up in Hong Kong and did the International Baccalaureate in high school, and has experience in Mandarin, English, Math and History. She just finished an international consulting placement in Lima, Peru and an internship in Hong Kong. Outside of teaching, Sela has run two marathons to raise funds and awareness for epilepsy, is doing a Hyrox in December, and has travelled to over 30 countries, recently climbing the Salkanty trek to Machu Picchu.
Nazia B.
Nazia is an experienced college and university professor who has taught at both graduate and
postgraduate levels. Based in London, Ontario, she has also served as a research and evaluation consultant. In addition to her teaching roles, she has collaborated with think tanks and consulting groups on socio-economic research and social service delivery projects in Pakistan and Canada. Her Canadian experience includes research positions with the City of London, the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness, and the Ontario Centre for Workforce Innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University. Nazia holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics and an MSc in Economics from the University of Karachi, Pakistan. She earned her PhD in Educational Studies from the University of Western Ontario in 2015. She currently teaches part-time at the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. Nazia uses a mentoring approach to support students’ academic and professional development. Her teaching interests include business mathematics, cost accounting, statistics, microeconomics, macroeconomics,
econometrics, qualitative research methods, project management, program evaluation, and academic writing. In her spare time, Nazia enjoys listening to music, cooking ethnic cuisine, and watching autobiographies and documentaries.
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.