Jake B.

With over 12 years of teaching experience, Jake brings a unique and important approach to tutoring. He believes that learning should be fun, innovative, and simultaneously challenging. While every child has a different learning style, a plan with input from the parent, child, and school teacher is needed in order to create the best learning path and to achieve the best outcomes moving forward. Jake believes that tutoring is an academic reinforcement that can help a child further unleash levels of understanding and achievement that they didn’t know existed.
Jake combines all of these attributes along with a masters degree and considerable business experiences. He has also developed a financial literacy program, and a combined athletic and academic program that has impacted youth tremendously. His implementation of various curriculums, and unique teaching style, have helped take individuals to their next level academically with added confidence to succeed.

From a personal perspective, Jake enjoys spending time with his wife, watching movies, and watching basketball as his dad was a 10-year Chaplain for the Washington Wizards. While in college, Jake also served as the team manager for the Miami Hurricanes Men’s basketball team.

ALESSIA P.

Alessia is an Ontario Certified Teacher. She grew up in Markham, and an Undergraduate Degree in Dance Education at York University. As well, she completed a Post Graduate Masters Degree in Language, Culture and Teaching. Alessia has completed a Bachelor of Education at York University with intermediate and senior qualifications in Dance, Family Studies, Drama, English as a Second Language and Special Education. In her spare time Alessia works one-on-one with children ranging from 6 years through high school helping them achieve academic success. She has supported the improvement of their reading, writing, vocabulary and early math skills. Alessia believes that by building a strong relationship with her students she is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning. As a mentor Alessia continues to develop strategies for working with children. She finds these experiences enjoyable and extremely rewarding.

LUKE L.

Luke is a certified teacher who has over 10 years of teaching and tutoring experience. He specializes in both elementary and secondary English and through his years of teaching is able to support students in a variety of subjects. Luke has taught Business, Civics, History, Geography, and General Social Studies. He is also proficient in supporting English language learners and students with special education needs. Luke is a patient and encouraging educator with superb curriculum knowledge.

Sally M.

Sally Mastromonaco is an experienced educator of 25 years. With a specialization in English, Reading Strategies, and Special Education, she has dedicated her career to fostering a love of learning in students from grades 6 to 12. Sally’s journey in education began during her high school years in Amherstburg, ON, where she worked at the local library and discovered her deep affinity for teaching. This early experience fueled her desire to pursue a career in education. After completing her Masters’s degree in English Literature, she moved to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to embark on her teaching journey. Known for her ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment, Sally prioritizes mutual respect and active student participation in her classrooms. She believes in empowering her students to become confident learners and critical thinkers. Beyond the classroom, Sally leads a fulfilling personal life as a proud soccer mother to her 16-year-old son. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, taking leisurely walks with her pug companion, Max, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Muskoka region.
Sally Mastromonaco’s commitment to education and her students, combined with her diverse skill set and nurturing approach, make her a highly respected and influential figure in the field of education.

OLIVIA M.

In 2019, Olivia graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History. In 2021, she completed her Bachelor of Education degree from Queen’s University with Intermediate/Senior qualifications, as well as a concentration in Exceptional Learners. She is looking forward to be working as an Occasional Teacher for the Toronto Catholic District School Board, come September.

She has considerable experience working with ELL students, and intends on taking Additional Qualification courses in Teaching English Language Learners, as well as Special Education and Primary/Junior courses in the near future. She has taught for both the Catholic and Public School Boards across the GTA, as well as virtual school settings. Her goal as an educator is to lead with compassion, tailoring instructional strategies to suit the individual needs and learning styles of her students. Olivia genuinely loves to learn, and hopes her enthusiasm will inspire her students to succeed. She values the unique perspective that every student brings to the lesson, and strives to create a positive rapport with every session. When Olivia is not teaching, you can find her playing the piano, finding her zen doing yoga, or spending quality time with family & friends!

Magdalene S.

Magdalene graduated from OISE’s Master of Teaching program and holds her Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. Magdalene has been teaching in professional and social settings since 2015 and has experience working with diverse learners. She has taught grades 1 through 12 with a focus on English, math, and the social sciences. Magdalene also has experience teaching English internationally.

Magdalene seeks to advance students’ self-confidence and self-efficacy while cultivating a love of learning and empowering students on their journey to academic success. She embodies and exemplifies an ideology that centres around self- discovery and personal growth, with an emphasis on critical thinking, adaptability, and resiliency.

When Magdalene isn’t in school or tutoring, you can find her curled up with a good book, visiting the animals at the Toronto Zoo, or taking pictures of different foods she’s tried around the city.

TANYA P.

Tanya P. is an Ontario Certified Teacher. She graduated from Trent University with a Bachelor of Arts in History with Emphasis in Education in 2015. While at Trent University, Tanya tutored two students for the student-run-organization, Trent Students for Literacy. In addition, she was also the coordinator of the Reading Circle for Trent Students for Literacy, where she supervised university students, who promoted literacy to children between the ages of two and five. In 2017, she graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Education with Emphasis in Urban Education in the Intermediate/Senior grade levels. Having been a teacher candidate in Ontario, Tanya has volunteer experience within the Toronto District School Board and the Thames Valley District School Board.

Shortly after graduating in 2017, Tanya was given the opportunity to teach in a grade eight classroom on a fly-in reserve in Pikangikum, Ontario. Tanya accepted the position due to her passion for Aboriginal education and her strong desire to understand and support students by promoting a positive self-representation of themselves and their culture. While in Pikangikum, Tanya led a school group called, Girls Club, where she supervised and led weekly activities for girls in grade seven and eight to overcome barriers, build confidence, and develop positive relationships. Tanya invited guest speakers from within the reserve to share resources with the students. Through these experiences, Tanya recognizes the importance of incorporating students’ perspectives and knowledge into lessons and school community in order to make learning meaningful and relatable. Tanya currently teaches high school for a private school in the North York area. She teacher history, geography, civics, careers, drama, and a few social science courses.

GERROD H.

Gerrod Harris has been teaching in a wide variety of classrooms and learning environments for the last seven years. While teaching music both privately and in community centers throughout Markham, Gerrod received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Education at York University. Certified to teach music and history at the intermediate and senior levels, Gerrod has experience teaching a range of history courses along with English, civics, business, and senior level social studies. Since graduating in 2017, Gerrod has continued extensively teaching music, while also volunteering and working in high schools throughout the YRDSB; joining the Prep Academy Tutors team is his latest step forward into a well steeped career in education.