YINI L.

Yini Liu is a highly accomplished educator with over seven years of international teaching experience in China. Originally from Southern China, she moved to Toronto in 2010 and pursued an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry – Biomedical Research at McMaster University. Graduating at the top of her class, she received multiple prestigious accolades, including the National Canadian Chemistry Merit Award. Dedicated to professional growth, Yini earned her IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning while teaching in China and participated in an AP Chemistry workshop by the College Board, further enhancing her expertise in advanced science education.

Yini’s impact as an educator is evident in her students’ outstanding achievements. In 2022, her AP Chemistry students achieved a success rate 5.5 times higher than the international average, and one of her students earned the Global Gold Award for the Canadian Chemistry Contest. Her ability to inspire and challenge students has made her a sought-after mentor in the field. Currently, Yini is furthering her dedication to education by completing her Master of Teaching at the University of Toronto, reinforcing her commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.

Courtney P.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Texas at Austin. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy at the same institution, having successfully completed three out of four years of the program. Last year, I took a break from my studies to teach mathematics and science to 4th and 5th graders at Prairie Lea ISD. In addition to my teaching role, I provided after-school tutoring for students ranging from Kindergarten to 12th grade in subjects tested by the STAAR exam.

I possess considerable experience in delivering small-group and individualized interventions for students in need of remedial support, as well as those who are bilingual emergent or have special educational needs. While my formal educational experience is less extensive, I have a rich and varied background in tutoring that dates back to my freshman year in high school. Over the years, I have assisted students in navigating challenging Advanced Placement courses, including Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, U.S. History, and World History.

In my leisure time, I enjoy managing the 35-acre farm where I reside, engaging in kickboxing, playing with my two dogs, and sketching. I consider myself a skilled cook and a passionate baker. Additionally, I have developed a strong knowledge base in war and military collectibles, antique firearms, sports card trading, and coin collecting, largely influenced by my fiancée’s business in these areas.

 

Heather M.

Heather loves meeting students where they are. She approaches teaching by first asking what is it the student understands and where are the gaps in knowledge that block success. Then, with sensitivity to how the student learns best, she works with the young person to fill in those gaps. She enjoys learning along with the student if it is new subject matter or if there is a new way of learning the subject matter. When she was in the classroom, in three years, Heather taught three different Geometry curriculums as directed by the Math Chair because of her ability to implement new ideas quickly. Heather is an educator, a writer, an encourager, and one who makes learning fun. Heather asked a student “Isn’t it fun to learn about these things?” And the student looked at her and said, “It is fun with you.”
Heather looks forward to making learning fun again for your child.

 

 

 

Colleen S.

Colleen Simmons realized as a child she wanted to become a teacher. She loved learning how to read and do basic math from her mother, Donna, who she says was still her best teacher ever! Growing up in Illinois, she started helping her peers and younger children with reading and math homework when she was in 6th grade. Like the acting bug that some folks get, teaching became her passion. Graduating in 1981 from Millikin University with a B.S. in Biology, she pursued further training and completed a teacher certification program at the U of I Springfield soon after. She began teaching and continued to add certifications and degrees to her resume. She obtained a middle school concept endorsement on her standard certificate, a second B.S. in Special Education from EIU, and two M.S. degrees in Educational Administration from EIU and Teacher Leadership from U of I Springfield, respectively. Throughout her career, she has not only worked in the classroom, but she also has privately tutored students after school. Her reputation as a caring and supportive teacher is something she cherishes. In 2019, Colleen and her husband retired to Texas. Retirement didn’t last long, since she found herself missing the enjoyment she got from working with students. In 2021, she began working once again as support staff, tutor, and ultimately, teacher in a science classroom. This year, she is working on a new challenge. She, along with a couple of friends, began developing a home-school pod service to help families who want another option for educating their children. Along with tutoring, Colleen enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and learning something new, like painting a watercolor, playing a new strategy game, or reading a mystery novel.

VANESSA G.

Vanessa graduated with a Master of Science from the University of Toronto, specializing in cell and developmental biology. She is currently a Research Scientist at the University of Toronto, studying a protein pathway involved in epithelial (skin) cancers. Vanessa is also a Teacher’s Assistant and teaches lab sections of undergraduate level biology courses. She also has 3+ years of formal tutoring experience, teaching all levels of Biology and Chemistry (AP, IB, University level), as well as Science at the elementary-high school level. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys going out for coffee and pastries with her friends, and training martial arts. Vanessa believes that each student learns differently, and she believes that getting to know your student is the best way to understand how they learn, as well as implementing accountability and self-discipline through a mentor-mentee relationship rather than the traditional teacher-student relationship.

SHELDON G.

Sheldon Gomes, an Ontario Certified Teacher, is a dedicated and success-driven educator with a strong commitment to fostering student learning and engagement. With a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University, he specializes in teaching general science, biology, chemistry, and social sciences to students in grades 6-12. Throughout his career with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, Sheldon has cultivated inclusive, dynamic classroom environments that encourage curiosity and collaboration. His expertise in differentiated instruction, curriculum development, and student assessment ensures that his teaching practices effectively support diverse learners. Passionate about integrating technology and innovative teaching methods, he continually seeks ways to enhance student engagement. Outside the classroom, Sheldon enjoys hiking scenic trails, capturing moments through photography, traveling to new destinations, and immersing himself in a good book, always eager to explore new ideas and perspectives.

 

 

Cameron W.

Cameron is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio, garnering a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. At the beginning of his undergraduate education in Psychology, Cameron rose to the roles of Research Assistant and Lab Manager in the Team on Acculturation, Risk, and the Development of Identity and Self (TARDIS) Lab. These roles involved not only data collection and management of local administrative operations but also the social awareness necessary to engage with topics such as identity-based marginalization and foster interdependent relationships with team members at all levels. As Lab Manager, he worked to centralize information and redesign organizational systems that improved collective understanding within the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Department of Psychology. Cameron continued these roles throughout their bachelor’s degree, adding positions as a Tutor and Student Administrative Assistant in UTSA’s Department of Biology, Health, and the Environment. In these roles, they utilized their in-depth knowledge of biological sciences and artistic skills to help peers achieve academic success. Throughout his undergraduate education, Cameron received awards and recognition from UTSA’s School of Art, contributing to efforts and exhibitions featured in the main gallery. As an aspiring educator, Cameron establishes the foundations of his teaching framework and practices upon his values of creativity, compassion, and communication. In serving his peers and community as a teaching assistant, tutor, research lab manager, and community worker, Cameron has exemplified the power within each of these values.

Hanieh R.

Hanieh R. Ph.D., is a highly experienced Biology Tutor and researcher with a strong academic background in medical biotechnology. She holds a Ph.D. in Medical Biotechnology from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and has extensive experience in teaching, mentoring, and conducting research in molecular biology, genetics, and cell culture.
As a Postdoctoral Fellow at Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Rezaee has mentored undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis. She has also assisted in teaching biology courses, including molecular biology and biotechnology, developing instructional materials to enhance student learning.
In addition to her academic teaching, Dr. Rezaee has worked as a private biology tutor since 2020, providing personalized instruction to high school and university students. She specializes in simplifying complex biological concepts, guiding students through problem-solving, and preparing them for exams and assignments.
Her expertise extends to research, with significant contributions in cell biology, stem cell research, and reproductive biology. She is proficient in molecular assays such as PCR and flow cytometry and has experience in experimental design and scientific writing.
Fluent in English and Persian, Dr. Rezaee is passionate about education and research, striving to inspire students to excel in the biological sciences.

 

 

 

RACHEL K.

Rachel is a PhD chemist. She has lived in Ontario her entire life and done all of her schooling here as well. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at Wilfrid Laurier University and her graduate degrees in Analytical Chemistry (MSc) and Polymer Chemistry (PhD) at the University of Toronto. Rachel loves science and math and doing puzzles. Her favourite part of teaching is when students have an ‘Aha’ moment and whatever they have been working on clicks into place! Rachel works with students ranging from grade 4 to 1st-year University. In her spare time Rachel is an avid reader and attends as many Toronto Blue Jays games as she can.

 

 

CALEB E.

Caleb holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, with majors in Biology and Environmental Science. He also possesses an Educational Support certificate from Sheridan College, equipping him with the skills to effectively assist students across diverse levels and learning challenges.

Caleb’s expertise spans the sciences, mathematics, and multiple languages, including Spanish. His ability to teach Spanish adds a valuable dimension to his skill set, allowing him to connect with students seeking to enhance their language proficiency. His patient, empathetic, and relatable approach to teaching ensures students feel supported and motivated in their learning journey.

With extensive experience as both a tutor and an instructor, Caleb has worked in various settings, including one-on-one, group, in-person, and virtual formats. His most recent role involved delivering ESL courses alongside Science and Math instruction to international students, demonstrating his versatility and cultural adaptability. Furthermore, Caleb is highly proficient in online teaching, utilizing digital platforms to create engaging and effective learning experiences.

Caleb’s diverse academic background, coupled with his teaching experience and multilingual abilities, make him an exceptional educator equipped to inspire and support students in achieving their academic goals.