John R.

John D. R., M.Sc. is a Research Scientist for LuJo BioScience Laboratory (LuJo). He received a B.Sc. from Texas A&M International University, Laredo (2001), and a M.Sc. from the University of Texas at San Antonio (2006). Starting in 2011, he worked as a Senior Research Scientist for Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics (LHNVD) as Research and Development scientist specializing in infectious diseases. in 2007, he was a Staff Scientist with Conceptual Mindworks, Inc. developing anti-terrorism research using non-thermal atmospheric plasma and robotics for all branches of the military at Brooks Air Force Base.

Mr. Rodriguez possesses extensive experience with respiratory pathogens, molecular epidemiology and the development of pathogen diagnostics. He has trained several UTSA, LuJo, and LHNVD personnel (since 2000), has co-authored and published over 18 peer reviewed scientific articles on molecular diagnostics and microbiology, has presented scientific abstracts, posters, and lectures.

Mr. Rodriguez was also a certified former high school science and medical magnet school instructor for the Carrizo Springs CISD for two years (2009-2011). He is also a former UIL Science and Current Events coach who has taken teams of students to the regional competitions for 3A classification schools. His field of expertise are grades 9-12: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Microbiology, Health Careers and Technology, with associated hands-on teaching labs. He is held in high regard by his former hometown teachers and colleagues while teaching at Carrizo Springs High School.

Amir M.

Amir is a passionate educator with extensive experience tutoring high school, university, and MCAT sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as mathematics courses such as advanced functions and calculus. With a strong academic background in biomedical sciences and a 3.96 GPA from Toronto Metropolitan University, he excels at breaking down complex scientific and mathematical concepts into engaging, easy-to-understand lessons. Amir has worked with students from diverse backgrounds, designing personalized study plans, practice exams, and interactive sessions tailored to individual learning styles. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and building confidence, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in both the sciences and mathematics. Fluent in English and Farsi, Amir is dedicated to creating a supportive and motivating learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. Outside of tutoring, he enjoys powerlifting, exploring new research topics, and mentoring students to help them achieve their academic and career goals.

Julie D.

Julie is a dedicated and experienced tutor with a strong academic background in mathematics, having completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies in the field. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she now resides in New Jersey. Julie combines her love for rigor and processes (so crucial in math and science) with a creative flair, indulging in arts and crafts, baking, and grilling. As a mother and wife, she brings a nurturing and patient approach to her tutoring, committed to helping students confidently achieve their academic goals.

Cassidy P.

Cassidy earned a B.S. with a double major in Physics and Mathematics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology while playing varsity softball and working in Residence Life. After graduation, she worked as a scientist for the Department of Defense for three years. During that time, she earned an M.Th. in Theological Studies from Liberty University. Cassidy then served as an Assistant Pastor for four years, enjoying mentoring students and teaching all ages. Her husband’s career as an Army nurse relocated them to San Antonio, where they had their first child.

Cassidy has tutored, formally and informally, throughout high school and college. Passionate about learning and, consequently, teaching, she is always gaining new knowledge and skills — from coding to music to cooking and beyond. Her other passions include her faith, motherhood, and health and fitness. She also enjoys reading and doing puzzles.

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.

Natnael M.

Natnael is a Computer Science student at Toronto Metropolitan University. He has 7+ years of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science experience, 8+ years of Mathematics Experience, both at High-School and University levels. Natnael also has 2+ years of Tutoring experience, with both one-to-one and in groups. Lesson plans are flexible and catered to the student, with an emphasis on understanding why something happens, not only what to do to solve it.

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.

RALPH S.

Ralph is near completion of his combined degree program at the University of Lethbridge. He is in the General Major in the Sciences/Math Education program. Ralph has completed teaching practicums through the University of Lethbridge and aspires to be a teacher. Ralph is passionate about helping students succeed and enjoy their learning. He also has experience tutoring. You can expect Ralph to be flexible and punctual in addition to building positive relationships with his students. Ralph understands that learning is enhanced through positive relationships and so strives to connect with his students. Some of Ralph’s hobbies and interests are reading, being in the outdoors, spending quality time with his dog, and running.

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.

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.