MICHELLE N.

Michelle is an Ontario-certified Intermediate/Senior (Math and Accounting) and IB MYP (Math) teacher with additional qualifications in Family Studies, Junior, Co-op and Guidance, English as a Second Language, and Special Education. She graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts and earned her Bachelor of Education at Lakehead University. Over the last decade, Michelle taught at international schools in Asia, including six years as an Accounting and Math teacher to non-native English speakers in Tianjin, China, and Selangor, Malaysia. She recently returned home to Toronto after teaching MYP Math at a leading international IB school in Beijing, China, for three years.

Michelle has extensive experience working with students who need additional academic support or skill development, as well as those looking to extend their learning beyond classroom content. Her strengths include identifying areas where students struggle or lack key skills, and helping them develop these skills and concepts through personalized instruction. Known for her friendly, patient, and approachable demeanor, Michelle is currently teaching at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, watching documentaries, and spending time with friends.

OLIVERA M.

Olivera earned her Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and Psychology from the University of Toronto Scarborough. With a strong passion for child development and education, she will be pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Her experience attending an IB school in Europe gives her unique insight into the program’s curriculum, particularly in the sciences, including Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. Olivera has extensive experience in one-on-one tutoring, with a special focus on intermediate and senior math and science subjects.

Her teaching style is interactive and learner-centered, aiming to empower students and inspire a lifelong love of learning—a passion she deeply shares. In her free time, Olivera enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

DUSAN P.

Dusan is a graduate student at the University of Toronto, focusing on bioinformatics research in pediatric sarcoma at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Anatomy and Cell Biology from McGill University. With a strong passion for science education, Dusan has extensive experience in teaching high school math and science and in mentoring undergraduate students. In addition to his academic and tutoring work, he is actively involved in volunteering, including his current role at SickKids. His commitment to both research and education underscores his dedication to fostering positive outcomes for those he works with.

MAKENA R.

Makena is currently working on her dual bachelors degree in Inclusive Education and English at the University of Calgary. She is focused on elementary ages but has a range of experience working with any age group. Among her studies in the inclusive realm Makena has experience working with nonprofit organizations that aim to help bridge gaps for immigrant and newcomer children and families.

Makena is passionate about finding alternative ways of learning that can make education fun and build connections beyond the classroom. Outside of tutoring and teaching Makena is passionate about literature and spending time with friends and family.

ANNABELLE K.

Annabelle is an Ontario Certified Teacher with a Transitional Certificate as she works towards completing her final year of the Master of Teaching program at OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education). In her studies at OISE, Annabelle has been exploring accessibility through gamification and how to best ensure students are engaged and ready to learn in the classroom. Through her placements, Annabelle has had amazing opportunities to work closely with students to meet their various learning needs, including providing students with one on one support. Annabelle has always been passionate about education both inside and out of the classroom as seen through her work in museums. Before entering the classroom, Annabelle received her Master of Museum Studies from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Information. Annabelle’s museum work centred around making history accessible and engaging to students through creating interactive and informative exhibits, and school programming for students from Grades 3 through 12. Its her passion for history and the humanities that have led her to teaching and she is excited to share this passion with her students. Annabelle has been working with kids for as long as she remembers, growing up as a camp councilor and teaching karate, always looking for ways to make learning fun. In her spare time, Annabelle practices her karate as much as she can and is always looking for a new video game to play!

ANTHONY M.

Anthony Mayadunne is a multi-disciplinary educator up to the university level in Mathematics (ALM, Harvard), English (MA, UBC), and Business (MBA, U of T). He is passionate about delivering a focused and exciting learning experience to his students—whether they are in Grade 6 … or pursuing their PhD. He is also a SAT trainer (integrating both English and Mathematics sections), and University Admissions Coach for undergraduate and graduate programs, having placed many students in leading universities around the world. When invited to teach Calculus in Engineering Outreach programs (Gr 9 – 12) at U of T Engineering, he developed an engaging approach to teach a famously challenging subject: Calculus. Later, completing his Masters in Mathematics for Teaching, he specialized in teaching Calculus to meet rigorous standards: AP/IB Calculus, Engineering Mathematics, and Mathematics in Arts & Science. His warm and engaging manner has led him to mentor many students in their academic and professional careers. He hopes to persuade the world that all people (including parents) are innate mathematicians, and that Calculus can bring as profound joy as Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony, or Maurice Sendak’s Night Kitchen. So far, he has succeeded with about 50 people, and optimistically looks forward to the still 8 billion more people to go.
He has traveled extensively, living for many years in Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, and uses these experiences to write short stories, essays and poems. He describes himself in four verbs: I teach, I travel, I read, and sometimes, I write.

Mahnoor C.

EN: Mahnoor is a dedicated tutor with a special care counselling diploma and expertise in teaching elementary students across all grades in both French and English. Specializing in Science, French, and English, she offers a comprehensive and bilingual approach to education. With three years of experience in daycares and homework programs, Mahnoor has developed a keen ability to connect with students and adapt to their unique learning styles. Her patience, commitment to student success and personalized teaching makes Mahnoor a sought-after tutor for both online and in-person sessions.

FR: Mahnoor est une tutrice dévouée avec un diplôme en counseling en soins spécialisés et une expertise dans l’enseignement aux élèves du primaire à tous les niveaux, en français et en anglais. Spécialisée en sciences, français et anglais, elle offre une approche éducative complète et bilingue. Avec trois ans d’expérience dans les garderies et les programmes d’aide aux devoirs, Mahnoor a développé une capacité aiguë à établir un lien avec les élèves et à s’adapter à leurs styles d’apprentissage uniques. Sa patience, son engagement envers la réussite des élèves et son enseignement personnalisé font de Mahnoor une tutrice recherchée pour des sessions en ligne et en personne.

CHRISTINE D.

Christine Duff is a very experienced Special Education Teacher who is passionate about empowering students to excel in school. Christine brings to her lessons lots of colorful hands-on learning materials and games, as well as an infectious attitude that makes learning much more fun! Christine loves working with individual students – as well as their families – to better understand how learning differences can impact experiences in the classroom, as well as academic performance. Christine spends 1-1 time with each student to ensure that they are equipped with the kinds of skills and strategies that will help them to gain more confidence and independence – and improve their overall grades!

Christine is qualified to lead academic tutoring and coaching programs for students in Elementary School, Middle School, and High School, as well as those in college and university. She strongly believes that experiencing school success is closely tied to quality of life, and that all students should have access to fair and appropriate educational opportunities.

-Knowledgeable about learning differences such as LD, ADHD, and ASD
-Appreciative of how learning differences impact students’ mental health and well-being
-Experienced in supporting the development of Reading, Spelling, and other Literacy skills
-Skilled in helping students develop Writing Skills that enhance school performance
-Very capable of teaching Math skills and concepts, as well as new approaches to problem-solving
-Competent in Organization and Executive Function Coaching, ADHD Coaching, Academic Coaching
-Subject Areas: English and Language Arts K-12; Math and Science K-9; Social Studies K-8, Grade 9 Geography, Grade 10 History; Civics and Careers; Paragraph and Essay Writing; Applications to Colleges and Universities

Isabel M.

Isabel is in the final stages of completing her Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Humber. Her comprehensive experience includes teaching placements across kindergarten to grade 4 levels, as well as several summers as a camp counsellor for children aged 3 to 10. This background has informed her development of creating hands-on activities tailored to the interests and strengths of her students.

Recognizing the benefits of mindfulness in enhancing academic, social, and emotional learning, Isabel integrates mindfulness practices into her teaching. She has observed improvements in children’s focus, resilience, and self-soothing through this approach. Isabel emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing learning environment, beginning with providing space for students to breathe.

Isabel has undertaken projects such as creating a bullying prevention handbook for children and an anti-bias handbook, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and values integration in the classroom. As part of her focus on international education in teachers college, she spent a month in South Africa for immersive learning experiences.

Isabel firmly believes that every student can learn. Just not on the same day or in the same way.

KAROLINA S.

Karolina Solovka is a recent graduate of York University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance Creation and Research and a Bachelor of Education in Teacher College for grades 4-10. She currently teaches dance and drama at Ms. Marianne’s Power of Performing Arts studio, where she leads both recreational and competitive classes. Karolina also plays a key role in the studio’s productions, with the upcoming show being, Into The Woods Jr!

Karolina’s teaching philosophy is rooted in flexibility and adaptability, tailored to meet the diverse needs of her students. She is committed to continuous growth and development as an educator, aiming to provide her students with a rich foundation of knowledge and unforgettable learning experiences. Her ultimate goal is for her students to leave her classroom feeling confident in their abilities, eager to learn, and ready to seize every opportunity, regardless of the outcome. She is super happy to join the team here at Prep Academy and is so excited to meet her future students!