KEANNA R.
Keanna is a Bachelor of Education candidate at St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Science degree and hands-on experience supporting students from preschool through Grade 12. She has completed classroom practicums and has experience as an Early Childhood Educator and youth basketball coach, working with students across a range of ages, abilities, and developmental stages.
Through her experiences in education, Keanna has developed a strong ability to break down challenging concepts, adapt instruction to individual learning needs, and create engaging learning experiences. She understands that every student learns differently and takes the time to build positive relationships and understand each student’s strengths, interests, and areas for growth.
Keanna believes that learning should be an experience that students can feel excited and proud to be a part of. She strives to help every student discover their own strengths, build confidence, and develop a genuine enjoyment of learning. She creates a positive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and challenging themselves.
Keanna brings energy, patience, creativity, and a genuine passion for helping students reach their academic goals. She looks forward to supporting students, celebrating their progress, and helping them recognize that they are capable of more than they may initially believe.
FIONA G.
Fiona is working towards a Bachelor of Arts in English in order to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree, and has been on the Dean’s List for two consecutive years. With over three years experience volunteering with young teens in theatre and a year of tutoring, she has developed a true love and skill for helping and teaching others. Fiona believes that learning should be fun, and knows how to evaluate and meet the individual needs of students as they strive for excellence. She has a passion for languages, not only for English itself, but also in studying Italian and Latin, as well as the unique language of Chemistry. On the weekends, she enjoys watching movies with friends, swing dancing, and readings books with a cup of tea.
DARYNA U.
Daryna holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland and is currently completing her Bachelor of Education at St. Mary’s University, with two Grade 6 classroom practicums under her belt. Alongside her teaching background, she has a genuine love of math and science and is working toward a physics degree, which fuels her passion for tutoring subjects like calculus.
This passion shapes how she teaches: Daryna enjoys breaking down math concepts step by step, helping students see the logic behind a problem rather than just memorizing steps to get to an answer. She believes confidence in math comes from understanding why something works, and she adapts her explanations until a concept genuinely clicks for each student.
She also teaches English and IELTS preparation, and is fluent in both English and Ukrainian. Outside of tutoring, she brings the same curiosity that drives her toward physics into every subject she teaches, and enjoys helping students build real confidence as learners.
Gabriel J.
EN: Gabriel is a pre-service teacher currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Secondary English at McGill University. He has experience working as an educator, substitute teacher, and tutor, and has had the opportunity to support students in both English- and French-language school settings.
Through his work with the English Montreal School Board and several French-language school boards, including the CSSPI, CSSDM, and CSSMB, Gabriel has worked with students of different ages, academic levels, and learning needs. He has also volunteered as a tutor with McGill’s LearnQuest program and Batshaw’s Youth program, where he has had the opportunity to support young people through accessible and individualized learning support.
Gabriel’s main area of expertise is English, but he has also provided academic support in French, history, geography, and mathematics. He enjoys helping students understand material that may initially feel difficult, adapting his explanations to their needs, and creating an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and building confidence.
Gabriel is fortunate to be working toward a career in education and values the opportunity to support students not only in their academic progress, but also in developing the confidence and independence they need to succeed.
FR: Gabriel est étudiant en formation à l’enseignement secondaire en anglais à l’Université McGill. Il possède de l’expérience comme éducateur, enseignant suppléant et tuteur, et a eu l’occasion d’accompagner des élèves dans des milieux scolaires francophones et anglophones.
Dans le cadre de son travail auprès de l’English Montreal School Board et de plusieurs centres de services scolaires francophones, notamment le CSSPI, le CSSDM et le CSSMB, Gabriel a travaillé avec des élèves d’âges, de niveaux scolaires et de besoins différents. Il a également fait du bénévolat comme tuteur auprès du programme LearnQuest de McGill et du programme jeunesse de Batshaw, où il a eu l’occasion d’offrir un soutien scolaire accessible et adapté aux besoins des jeunes.
Le principal domaine d’expertise de Gabriel est l’anglais, mais il possède également de l’expérience en français, en histoire, en géographie et en mathématiques. Il aime aider les élèves à comprendre des notions qui peuvent leur sembler difficiles au départ, en adaptant ses explications à leurs besoins et en créant un environnement où ils se sentent à l’aise de poser des questions et de développer leur confiance.
Gabriel est heureux de se préparer à une carrière en éducation et accorde beaucoup d’importance à l’accompagnement des élèves dans leur progression scolaire, tout en les aidant à développer leur autonomie et leur confiance en eux.
Giani C.
Giani is a highly experienced literacy specialist, Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), Educational Diagnostician, and educator with more than 20 years of teaching, coaching, and tutoring experience. Throughout her career, Giani has been guided by one fundamental belief: every student learns differently, and effective instruction begins with understanding how an individual child thinks, processes information, and connects with learning.
Giani earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington. She continued her advanced training through Midwestern State University to become an Educational Diagnostician, developing specialized expertise in evaluating how students learn and understanding how learning differences can affect academic performance.
Her credentials in literacy instruction are particularly extensive. Giani is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and holds Texas certifications as a Reading Specialist, Master Reading Teacher, Educational Diagnostician, and Elementary Generalist, along with additional endorsements in English as a Second Language and Gifted and Talented education. She has also received specialized training in structured literacy programs including Reading by Design, Basic Language Skills, and JET, as well as Orton-Gillingham-based instruction.
This combination of classroom experience, diagnostic expertise, and specialized literacy training makes Giani particularly effective with students who struggle with dyslexia, decoding, phonics, spelling, fluency, reading comprehension, and written language. Rather than simply helping students compensate for areas of difficulty, Giani works systematically to strengthen the underlying skills necessary to become more capable and confident readers and writers.
At the same time, Giani’s expertise extends far beyond reading intervention. She works with students across the academic spectrum, from elementary learners developing foundational literacy skills to middle and high school students tackling sophisticated reading and writing assignments. Her tutoring areas include elementary academics, middle school Language Arts, AP English, writing, spelling, college essay writing, and English preparation for the SAT and ACT, as well as comprehensive STAAR preparation.
One of Giani’s greatest strengths is her ability to understand why a student may be struggling. Her background as an Educational Diagnostician gives her a valuable perspective when working with students who have learning differences or complicated academic histories. She can identify patterns in how students approach reading and writing and then adapt instruction to address individual needs while building on existing strengths.
For advanced students, Giani applies that same analytical approach to higher-level literacy skills. Whether a student is learning to evaluate an author’s argument, develop a thesis, analyze rhetoric, organize an essay, or refine a college application essay, she helps students break complex language tasks into understandable components and then put those pieces together effectively.
Families appreciate Giani’s ability to combine deep professional expertise with patient, individualized instruction. She understands that students who have struggled academically may arrive at tutoring already believing they are “bad at reading” or “not good at English.” Giani works to change that experience by providing instruction at the appropriate level, recognizing progress, and giving students concrete strategies that allow them to experience success for themselves.
Above all, Giani is passionate about helping students discover the power—and ideally even the enjoyment—of reading. Whether she is teaching phonics to a beginning reader, providing structured literacy intervention for a student with dyslexia, strengthening a middle schooler’s writing, or helping an advanced high school student master rhetorical analysis, her goal is to build a strong and lasting foundation for how students read, write, communicate, and think.
Outside of education, Giani is an enthusiastic reader herself, with a particular fondness for urban fantasy novels. She enjoys sharing her love of books with students—while fully recognizing that convincing every student to share her enthusiasm for urban fantasy may be one teaching challenge even she can’t solve.
JADE A.
Jade is an aspiring elementary educator currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education at Mount Royal University with a minor in Mathematics. She has earned and maintained a Dean’s List and Honour Roll recognition and holds a diploma from SAIT specializing in New Media Production and Design. Her academic background allows her to bring both analytical and creative approaches to learning.
Jade has hands-on experience tutoring, teaching swimming, leading day camps, and supporting children in her community. She has helped students strengthen their reading skills while building confidence in their ability to learn and succeed. Through her field experience, she has supported Grades 7–9 students in Mathematics and Literacy, including learners with diverse learning needs.
Her time in the program has shown her how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, and confident in their learning. As President of the MRU Education Undergraduate Society, Jade advocates for student needs, organizes professional learning opportunities, and contributes to education committees.
Jade believes every student learns differently. Her tutoring approach emphasizes patience, encouragement, and adapting instruction to each learner. She breaks complex concepts into manageable steps while fostering confidence, independence, and effective study habits. Her goal is to make learning engaging and approachable while helping every student recognize their potential.
FELIPE B.
Felipe is an enthusiastic and student-focused education professional who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Justice and Catholic Studies and possesses classroom instruction experience. Throughout his university education, he excelled in History, English, Science, and Mathematics, earning a place on the Dean’s List every year and receiving various academic scholarships.
Felipe is passionate about helping students build confidence and achieve their academic goals through patient, encouraging, and personalized support. He has experience working with students one-on-one, teaching elementary and junior high students in classroom settings, and communicating effectively with students and families. He is also fluent in Spanish.
Having experienced academic challenges during his own primary and secondary education, Felipe understands firsthand the importance of effective academic support. This perspective motivates him to create engaging learning environments, adapt instruction to individual student needs, and help students develop both their academic abilities and confidence.
Felipe’s engaging, clear, and student-centered approach, combined with his academic achievements, teaching experience, and genuine desire to help others succeed, makes him a well-prepared and qualified tutor.
Academic Coaching, English Language Arts , History, Math, Primary Junior (1-6) – All Subjects, Science, Social Studies
Vilma C.
Vilma is a dedicated educator with more than 30 years of classroom experience helping students build strong academic foundations and confidence in their abilities. After retiring from a distinguished career in public education in 2022, she has continued doing what she loves most—working directly with students as an English Language Arts tutor and mathematics interventionist, helping learners strengthen foundational skills and achieve lasting academic success. Vilma earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas Permian Basin with double majors in English and Spanish, along with a concentration in Secondary Education. She holds Texas teaching certifications in Secondary Spanish, English Language Arts (Grades 4–8), and Bilingual Education, providing her with the expertise to support students across multiple grade levels and learning needs. During her 30-year career, Vilma spent 16 years teaching at the high school level and 14 years in elementary education, working with students of every ability level—from those needing additional academic support to gifted learners seeking greater challenges. Her extensive classroom experience has equipped her with the instructional flexibility to meet students where they are and help each one reach their full potential. Vilma specializes in comprehensive elementary academic support, providing individualized instruction in reading, language arts, writing, mathematics, spelling, handwriting, and ESL for students in grades K–5. She also works with middle school students in Language Arts and Math while teaching Spanish at the middle school and high school levels, including conversational Spanish. In addition, she helps students prepare for STAAR Reading and Math assessments by strengthening the foundational skills, confidence, and test-taking strategies they need for success. Families appreciate Vilma’s patient, encouraging teaching style and her unwavering commitment to student success. She believes every child can learn when instruction is personalized, supportive, and engaging. Whether helping a beginning reader develop fluency, strengthening foundational math skills, preparing a student for STAAR testing, or building Spanish language proficiency, Vilma creates a positive learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn. Outside of tutoring, Vilma enjoys life in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, where she spends her time gardening, quilting, crocheting, cooking for her family, and enjoying the slower pace of retirement while continuing to do what she loves most—helping students succeed.
Suki W.
EN: Suki has completed a Bachelor of Psychology at University McGill before teaching English for a year in Japan. Suki is now back to school, pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (S-LP). She is excited to teach students from all ages in either English or French on language subjects, psychology, or general homework help. She is also eager to tutor other languages such as Mandarin Chinese and Japanese for children.
FR: Suki a complété un baccalauréat en psychologie à l’Université McGill avant d’enseigner l’anglais pendant un an au Japon. Elle est maintenant de retour aux études et poursuit une maîtrise en orthophonie. Passionnée par l’enseignement, Suki aime accompagner des élèves de tous âges, en anglais ou en français, dans les domaines des langues, de la psychologie ou de l’aide générale aux devoirs. Elle offre également des cours de mandarin et de japonais aux enfants.
Ali S.
Ali is an accomplished medical student, neuroscience researcher, and educator who is passionate about helping students build confidence while mastering challenging academic subjects. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Medicine degree at UT Health San Antonio’s Long School of Medicine with plans to specialize in neurology. Her medical education has reinforced her belief that the ability to teach complex ideas clearly is one of the most valuable skills an educator—or physician—can possess.
Ali graduated with honors from Michigan State University, earning bachelor’s degrees in Neuroscience, Genomics & Molecular Genetics, and Spanish, while also completing the university’s Honors College program. Before beginning medical school, she spent two years as a full-time research fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) studying neurodegenerative diseases. Her research experience also includes work at Stanford University, Michigan State University, and UT Health San Antonio, where she continues to contribute to neuroscience and stroke research. She has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications and has presented her research at national scientific conferences.
Throughout college, her research career, and medical school, Ali has consistently served as a mentor and educator for fellow students. She enjoys breaking difficult concepts into manageable pieces and believes every student can succeed when material is presented in a way that matches their learning style. Her patient, encouraging approach creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, working through mistakes, and developing lasting confidence.
Ali provides tutoring across a wide range of subjects from elementary school through college, making her an excellent choice for families seeking support in multiple areas. Her specialties include:
- Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and AP Statistics
- Science: Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Pathophysiology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, and Health Sciences
- English & Humanities: Reading, English Language Arts, Writing, Technical Writing, College Essay Coaching, AP English, U.S. History, World History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Studies
- Test Preparation: ACT, PSAT/SAT, STAAR, GED, TEAS, MCAT, and advanced study and test-taking strategies
Ali is particularly passionate about helping students develop the critical thinking, study habits, and problem-solving skills that lead to long-term academic success. Whether she’s preparing a middle school student for STAAR exams, helping a high school student succeed in AP Biology, guiding a college applicant through personal statement revisions, or mentoring a future healthcare professional preparing for the MCAT, she tailors every lesson to the individual student’s goals and learning style.
Families especially appreciate Ali’s ability to connect ideas across disciplines. She can explain biology through chemistry, strengthen scientific writing while teaching critical thinking, or connect mathematics to real-world medical applications. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to help students build a deeper understanding rather than simply memorizing information.
Ali believes great tutoring should do more than improve grades—it should help students become confident, independent learners who enjoy tackling new challenges. Her goal is to equip every student with the knowledge, study strategies, and self-confidence they need to succeed well beyond the classroom.
Outside of academics, Ali enjoys reading, traveling, golfing, paddle boarding, spending time with her family and cats, and returning home to Wyoming whenever she has the opportunity.