Saumya M.
Saumya has a vast background in various subjects that she is qualified to tutor. She has a background in Arts & Culture through her high school’s SHSM program, focusing on Vocal Music and Musical Theatre. During this time, she taught music theory to grades 9-11 students.
Saumya completed her undergraduate education in Neuroscience, Biology, and Chemistry at the University of Toronto. She is currently finishing her Master of Science degree from the University of Toronto in Cell and Systems Biology. She plans to complete an MD/PhD degree and eventually teach undergraduate university courses as a professor.
Saumya has experience teaching undergraduate small-group tutorials as a Teaching Assistant at U of T Mississauga. Her subjects of expertise include general chemistry, biology, and psychology. She has also given guest lectures and created advanced case studies for human anatomy courses at UofT.
Saumya has won numerous academic and public service awards for her commitment to student success. She has mentored high school and university students academically since 2017. In her free time, Saumya enjoys musical theatre, indoor cycling, solving sudoku puzzles, and trivia games!
Camilia D.
Camilia is a professional and passionate tutor with over 6 years of experience teaching and tutoring. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in biology, and is pursing her Doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine. Camilia is a certified ESL instructor, and has worked with students at a variety of grade and ability levels. Camilia loves teaching, learning, art, music, cooking and travelling. On her free time she takes photographs and runs outside 🙂
NANCY C.
Nancy comes to Prep Academy after 35 years in education, with the last 28 years as the Director of University Counselling at a private school in Vancouver, BC. Nancy has worked with over 2,000 students and parents by helping them to achieve their goals which includes acceptance into top tier post secondary institutions in Canada, United States and Abroad. Nancy holds 4 degrees from Western University (Kinesiology), UBC (B.Ed. & Masters in Ed. Admin) and UC San Diego (College Counseling).
Nancy brings a wealth of experience in post-secondary counseling and over the years, she has established strong connections with university representatives from all over the world. She has been recognized by Stanford University and The University of Chicago as an outstanding educator in the field of post-secondary guidance and in 2021 received the Distinguished Service Award from the International Association for College Admission Counseling. As part of this honour, nominators described Nancy as forward thinking, kind, compassionate and creative.
Nancy’s collaborative approach will provide Prep Academy students with one to one guidance on the university process and can specifically address any or all of the following:
- Program selection
- “What’s the Dream?”
- Post Secondary short list
- Proofreading writing supplements
- Interview tips & techniques
- Application assistance
- How to Decide?
In her view, there are two main drivers of post secondary counselling: to keep students calm about this process by not getting overwhelmed. And two, to keep parents informed along the way.
Brian N.
Brian N. is a current teacher at Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute and Baccalaureate School (IB Program) in Kitchener, Ontario. He currently teaches grade 9, 10 and 12 math at the school, but has tutored and is comfortable with all Ontario mathematics content (JK- Calculus, IB and beyond!). His qualifications are as follows: Primary, Junior, Intermediate Senior Division Teachable, as well as Intermediate Mathematics and History, as well as Senior qualifications in Music. He is eager to come along side the PAT team and help students.
GREG W.
Greg is a highly motivated and qualified individual with a strong academic background and teaching credentials. Holding a Bachelor of Education from UBC, Vancouver (Secondary) and an Honours BA in Education (Teacher Stream) from Trent University with a major in History, Greg achieved recognition on the Dean’s List. Furthermore, he graduated with honors from the American School of Paris, receiving the prestigious ‘Excellence Award’ and Scholarship (Lyle Nicholl Award) upon graduation.
In the realm of teaching, Greg has undertaken various significant roles. As a student teacher at Vancouver Tech Secondary School and Charles Tupper Secondary School in 2023.
Beyond academic achievements, Greg has a wealth of experience in practical teaching environments. Serving as a Day Camp Instructor and Coordinator at the Sports & Wellness Center from May 2019 to August 2022, focussing on programming thematic units and sports activities for diverse age groups. His proficiency in supervising children with varied learning and healthcare needs, coupled with effective communication with both facility management and parents, underscores his ability to navigate multifaceted responsibilities.
At Peterborough Youth Space (September 2021 – July 2022), Greg assumed the role of a Tutor and Mentor for marginalized youth in the ‘Downtown Youth Space,’ providing valuable support for those facing social and educational challenges. His engagement as a Tutor for The Peterborough Petes OHL team in June 2020 – September 2020 further exemplifies his dedication to connecting with students and delivering engaging curriculum content.
With a global perspective acquired from living abroad for seven years and fluency in French, Greg brings a unique and diverse skill set to any educational setting. Currently pursuing a Recreational Pilot’s License, he continues to broaden his horizons and remains committed to excellence in both academic and practical aspects of education.
TALFRYN J.
Talfryn is a certified teacher in both the UK and Alberta, boasting over 20 years of experience working with a diverse array of students across various abilities and subjects. Beginning his career with a strong foundation in Science and Math, he quickly diversified into teaching humanities at different academic levels.
His expertise extends to catering to the needs of both typical and atypical (LD) students, allowing him to customize approaches that bolster individual student confidence in their learning journey. Through his role as a learning coach, Talfryn has successfully supported students operating below grade level, adeptly closing learning gaps and fostering academic progress relative to their peers.
His proficiency in executive functioning skills has significantly contributed to alleviating student stress levels. By assisting them in effectively planning their study time, managing homework, and completing assignments, Talfryn ensures a manageable and structured approach to their academic responsibilities.
Rebecca S.
Rebecca is currently completing her first year in the Master of Teaching program with a specialization in primary/junior education, at the University of Toronto. She recently graduated from Queen’s University and received a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology. Through her undergraduate and graduate studies, Rebecca has worked as a teacher and mentor to young students of varying ages. Most recently, she completed a practicum placement teaching students in the fifth grade, and she is about to begin her second placement in a kindergarten classroom. Outside of teaching, Rebecca also has a passion for mentorship and supporting students with diverse needs. She has worked as a mentor to at risk students in a weekly after school program, to help children develop positive life and academic skills. She has also mentored first year psychology university students throughout her undergraduate studies, as well as exchange students in her final year. In both experiences, she was responsible for answering any queries and supporting these students in adjusting to their new environments. Rebecca strives to foster growth and development in the students she works with, and she is keen to implement effective evidence-based teaching strategies in her practice. In her spare time, Rebecca loves to travel, paint, crochet, and spend time with her dog and cat!
Lucía L.
Lucía L. was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. In Colombia, she attended an Italian immersion school for twelve years. She moved to Canada in 2014 and graduated from York University with a BFA in Dance. Since graduation, Lucía has worked as a professional dancer and teacher for over five years. Simultaneously she worked as a Student Recruiting Associate at The Bishop Strachan School, interviewing and assessing Junior School and Boarding School student applicants. At BSS, she developed strong relationships with incoming students and families and learned different teaching and learning methods from exceptional faculty. Lucía is a Master of Teaching (Primary/Junior) candidate at OISE, University of Toronto. She enjoys teaching Math, Spanish and Italian, supporting students studying skills and strategies. She is an enthusiastic and creative teacher passionate about building confidence in students learning.
Gowsiga T.
In 2011, Gowsi earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Political Science from York University. The following year, she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Human Rights and Equity Studies from the same institution. Seeking to deepen her expertise in human rights advocacy, Gowsi pursued and completed a Master of Arts in Immigration and Settlement Studies at Ryerson University in 2013. In 2019, she furthered her education, obtaining a Master of Teaching (Intermediate/Senior Level) from the University of Toronto (OISE).
Post-OISE graduation, Gowsi embarked on her teaching journey with notable institutions including the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), The Bishop Strachan School, and the University of Toronto Schools. Guided by a teaching philosophy emphasizing the creation of a nurturing and positive learning environment, she prioritizes tailored instruction that caters to individual learner needs and styles.
Jessica D.
Jessica has a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Sciences from the University of British Columbia, and is currently in her final year of clinical studies in the Master’s of Sciences in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.