Michelene O.

Michelene graduated from Saint Xavier University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Special Education. In 2007, she graduated from DePaul University, Chicago with a Master of Education in Language, Literacy, and Specialized Instruction. After being a Reading Specialist for many years, Michelene developed a deep passion to continue her learning and pursued educational leadership graduate studies at National Louis University. She has always had a love for working with Pre-K-8th grade children and guiding them to reach their full potential. She is patient and kind while utilizing multiple intelligences, accommodating different learning styles, and keeping in mind individual interests, talents, and strengths. Currently, Michelene is pursuing doctoral studies in Curriculum Instruction at Loyola University, Chicago.

Alongside having years of tutoring and teaching experience, Michelene also tutors students where she fosters engaging, personalized one-on-one interactive lessons. Additionally, Michelene has additional certifications in Special Education, Reading Specialist, Education Leadership, and Wilson Reading Systems. Michelene truly believes that engaging students using their curiosity and interests is crucial in helping them gain the confidence they require to succeed. In her spare time, Michelene enjoys traveling, ballet/Pilates, learning new things, as well as spending time with her friends and family.

Serena L.

Serena is a friendly and enthusiastic tutor with a broad range of experience working with kids, teenagers and adults. Her specialty in the Sciences but is passionate about all areas of education. Serena has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Ottawa in Biology as well as a Master’s of Science degree from the University of Guelph.

In her free time, Serena is active in the community and plays or coaches in softball, dodgeball and martial arts. As a student who once needed extra help before thriving academically in her later years, Serena understands that students all have the potential to succeed and is excited to help students find their own excellence.

Nikki P.

Nikki is passionate about inclusive learning and has a talent for making learning materials come alive for both kids and adults. Currently attending the University of the Fraser Valley specializing in Adult Education, she has discovered a passion for Literacy and Teaching English as a Second language at all levels. She also has pursued Professional Tutoring qualifications through the National Tutoring Association as a Certified Intermediate Tutor. Currently an Instructor at the Centre for Arts & Technology teaching Professional Development courses. Nikki has lived in many places across Western Canada and has stayed in Kelowna for the fishing and vast hiking opportunities. A huge fan of YLW tacos, you can catch her tutoring both online and in-person with a huge focus on helping students and parents reach educational goals.

Sean M.

Sean McJunkins II has been a teacher for 8 plus years, working in a variety of roles and managing a litany of responsibilities. He first obtained his English and Africana (an interdisciplinary study of the world from an African perspective) double major from Rutgers University. Currently, he is pursuing his master’s in special education, with only his practicum hours remaining. This allows for Mr. McJunkins to provide a number of services and further apply his years of experience in co taught and other varied environments for diverse learners. Growing up in New Jersey, he long has enjoyed the season and outdoors, promoting his move to the Midwest to further serve students who historically have experienced disenfranchisement systemically. In this productive struggle, he found that the classroom was useful, but many students needed support in a more specific manner. Sean hopes to help close that gap through providing his services to families and believes that all work and progress begins with trust and relationships. He is excited to apply these virtues in his work with families and stakeholders.

A majority of his experience has been focused on high school aged children, but his ability is not limited to only older scholars. In his time as a lead teacher in the Chicagoland area, he has created, proliferated, and redressed in person SAT, ACT, and Core Curriculum standardized mastery assessments. Mr. McJunkins’ deep understanding of standards and scaffolding of skills has served numerous communities well, and he brings that same tenacity to the needs of our scholars and clients. He enjoys playing various instruments like guitar, drums, and piano, as well sharing his deep understanding of all music genres. As a lifetime scholar himself, Sean McJunkins II is excited to learn from and teach those who are seeking guidance towards their best self and highest potential.

Ruby S.

Ruby has a PhD in experimental medicine and a Masters in regenerative medicine. She brings over 15 years of experience as an educator and has worked with students in elementary school all the way to medical professionals. She has worked with students in an one-on-one format, small groups and large classes. Ruby engages with her students through virtual and in-person formats. Ruby also provides tailored support for ACT, SAT, and SSATs. She applies various strategies honed over a decade of experience in standardized test preparation to support and coach her students. With her tailored approach, her students gain the confidence to strategically tackle test preparation material and critical thinking skills to effectively apply their core knowledge.

Oriane F.

Oriane Falkenstein is an accomplished educator of many years and curriculum writer with extensive experience in teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. She has a dual General Studies and Jewish Studies background. Her international teaching certification spans from primary to senior levels, with specialist qualifications in Special Education, Guidance, and English as a Second Language. Oriane is known for her unwavering dedication and total commitment to her students. Oriane is skilled in promoting organization, study skills, critical thinking, and executive functioning. She has a natural ability to inspire and engage her students.

In addition to her love for the classroom, Oriane has always enjoyed tutoring students one-on-one. Her personalized approach allows her to focus on each student’s unique learning needs and goals, providing them with the individual attention and support they need to succeed.
As a lifelong learner, she is a strong believer in professional development and constantly seeks new knowledge and skills and the latest developments in her field.

Oriane is a children’s book author, showcasing her creativity and love for literature. She is an avid reader and enjoys lap swimming, working out at the gym and is a crazy dog lover!

Jonathan T.

Jonathan is a passionate former teacher turned CEO with a love for teaching and ability to produce results by building relationships with students and steering them in the right educational path.

STEPHANIE I.

Stephanie graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Arts in Child Study & Education in the primary/junior grade levels. During her time at OISE, she completed three practicum placements, which were in SK at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute Child Study, grade 3/4 in the TDSB, and her teaching internship / extended practicum was grade 1 in the TDSB. Prior to entering her master’s at University of Toronto, Stephanie was an educational assistant that supported students in KG- grade 8 with academics, social skills, vocational skills, and social emotional learning. Through the combination of her employment opportunities and the unique position of the master’s degree, Stephanie has developed an in-depth understanding on teaching children Ontario curriculum using a child-centred approach that is best suited to each child’s needs. Stephanie truly believes that all children learn best when they feel safe, welcome, and secure, and it is her teaching mission to ensure all students she interacts with feel welcomed and include by developing strong relationships and creating a fun environment. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys camping, kayaking, yoga, and other exercise activities that promote a healthy lifestyle for her well-being.

Alain Z.

Alain Zaramian holds a B.A. (Classical Languages, Religious Studies) from the University of Toronto and an M.A. and Ph.D. (Classical Languages) from the University of Texas at Austin, where he also taught Latin and ancient Greek languages and literature. In 2018, he was awarded the Classics Department’s annual award for teaching. He additionally has many years of tutoring experience, working with high school and university students in a broad range of subjects across the humanities and social sciences. He is currently working on his first book, a study of ancient Greek and Roman religious poetry.

In his spare time, Alain loves to read, watch movies, and cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kayla H.

Meet Kayla Hicks, a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student. Kayla grew up in Oklahoma City where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Oklahoma State University. There she taught high school students from Phnom Penh, Cambodia formal grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation of spoken and written English. She also tutored college students in English, Essay writing, and Psychology. Kayla then moved to Illinois to work toward her Graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Midwestern University where she is expected to graduate in May of 2023. Kayla has gained professional experience as a Speech Pathology graduate student who has facilitated evaluation and intervention in neurodegenerative disorders of communication (TBI/ABI, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Cognition, Aphasia, etc.) and children with unique communication needs (Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder, AAC, Autism, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Articulation, Language, Social learning, etc.) Through speech and language intervention, she has been able to foster her love of teaching and support students and adults with unique needs across multiple subjects to meet their educational goals. She has been able to make her students feel more confident in the classroom and their personal life by supporting improvement in writing, reading, vocabulary, language, speech, and math.

Kayla’s experience has allowed her to be flexible and adaptable with all students. She offers a calm, yet welcoming demeanor, infectious joy, candor, and positivity. In her spare time, Kayla loves going on walks, playing games, laser tag, and dancing. Kayla also spends her time helping out at a local dance studio, where she gets to share her love of dance. You can catch Kayla with a big smile on her face, helping someone become their best self.