JEFF M.

Jeff has a PhD in philosophy and has taught as a university instructor for over a decade. He started teaching at 16, as a snowboard instructor, and quickly discovered he has passion for human connection and contributing to the development of others. All of his work experience since has been with youth and young adults in various learning contexts, like running summer camps, and teaching English in Japan. Jeff believes real learning is life-changing, and is convinced that the question “why?”–even, and sometimes especially, when it is asked in the form, “why do I have to do this?”–is a powerful route to this kind of meaningful change. Jeff hasn’t only studied a lot, he’s experienced a lot, too: at 17, he left home to study abroad; he’s lived in eight cities in four countries, and travelled to over 30; he’s studied four languages in addition to the French and English he grew up speaking; and he’s made all kinds of connection throughout. This capacity for connection makes Jeff particularly alive to the lived experience and uniqueness of his students, giving him a distinctive human touch. He is currently studying to become a psychotherapist.

Kiran C.

Kiran Chahal has spent over a decade as an Academic Coach, Lecturer, Teacher and Administrator in advising offices, and everywhere in between, working with students across post-secondary and academic settings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University, and is currently deep in doctoral coursework in the Humanities department at York University. Along the way, she’s been a Graduate Teaching Assistant advising undergrads and running tutorial sessions, and she carries a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from HarvardX for good measure. What sets Kiran apart is that she’s sat in nearly every seat in the room, student, teacher, administrator, at institutions of every kind, and that gives her a real feel for what someone needs at each stage of their academic journey. Over the years she’s coached students through organization, study strategies, and the sometimes-daunting process of writing applications to bachelor’s and master’s programs, always leaning on intuitive learning and a healthy dose of Socratic questioning to help students find answers that actually stick. These days, she’s especially passionate about fostering independent critical thinking in the age of AI, a topic she’s actively researching. When she’s not working with students, Kiran is probably somewhere with a book in hand, quietly trying to beat last year’s reading count, planning her next solo trip, or spending time with the people she loves most.

SOPHIA G.

Sophia is an Ontario Certified Teacher who earned her Master of Teaching from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Toronto Metropolitan University. Her love of working with children started long before the classroom; as a teenage babysitter, then as a camp counsellor and tutor, she discovered the moment she still finds most rewarding: watching a child realize they are capable of far more than they thought. Sophia has taught classes in Grades 6–8 across the TDSB and has been tutoring since 2019. She works with students in Grades 3–8 across all subjects as well as high school students in language, social studies, and history. She has supported students with diverse learning needs, including exceptionalities and English Language Learners.

Sophia believes students learn best when they feel valued and connected to their learning and the world around them. She takes the time to get to know each student, discovering what motivates them, and creating personalized lessons around their interests, goals and learning style. Sophia creates sessions that are warm, enthusiastic, and encouraging, helping students build confidence while developing a genuine love of and curiosity for learning. When she’s not teaching, Sophia can be found immersed in a new craft project, with loved ones, or tending to her houseplant collection, which has officially outgrown her windowsills.

 

STEPHANIE R.

Steph is a passionate educator who believes that every student can succeed when learning is personalized, engaging, and supported with patience and encouragement. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English, History, and Philosophy from the University of Toronto, as well as a Master of Teaching from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).

Through her teaching experiences within the Toronto District School Board, Steph has designed and delivered lessons, created and assessed assignments, and supported students with a wide range of learning needs. She has worked closely with students both in the classroom and one-on-one, including Multilingual Language Learners (MLLs), helping them build confidence, strengthen their skills, and achieve their academic goals.

Steph specializes in English, History, and the Social Sciences, with particular expertise in reading, writing, critical thinking, and essay development. She is also open to supporting students in other subject areas when appropriate.

Recognizing that every student learns differently, Steph creates customized lesson plans tailored to each student’s strengths, needs, interests, and goals. By connecting learning to topics that matter to her students, she helps make lessons engaging, meaningful, and effective.

Her goal is not only to help students improve academically, but also to foster confidence, curiosity, and independent learning skills that will support their success both inside and outside the classroom.

MADDISON M.

Maddison graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Behaviour, and a Minor in English and Cultural Studies. She also concurrently completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Mohawk College, and she taught in a Montessori school’s Toddler and Preschool rooms shortly after. In 2026, she will be graduating from OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) at the University of Toronto with a Masters of Education in the Intermediate/Senior grade levels. Throughout her life, Maddison has developed a deep passion for working with young children and guiding them to reach their full potential. In recent years, this has expanded to a love for working with older students to refine their skills and hlp them engage critically with the work they complete. Maddison 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, Maddison enjoys reading, journalling, and thrifting, as well as spending time with her friends at cafes or new restaurants, or taking time to visit family.

 

 

NICOLE D.

Nicole D. is a former Montessori teacher currently completing her Masters in Teaching at OISE. She grew up in New York City and moved to Toronto in 2012 for her Undergraduate Degree at The University of Toronto, focused on a multidisciplinary study of Food Justice and Sustainability. She then went on to complete her Casa (ages 2.5-6) diploma from the Association Montessori Internationale, as well as her Infant/Toddler diploma from the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. She worked as a teacher in a Montessori toddler room before returning to school full time for her Masters degree. Nicole has worked with children since she was essentially a child herself. (Fun fact: Her first childcare job at age 10 was as a mother’s helper to Stanley Tucci’s three children.) She has worked extensively with children ages 0-10 as a teacher, nanny, camp counselor, workshop guide, and birthday party performer.
As a neurodivergent student who struggled in school early on (particularly with math), Nicole especially enjoys working one-on-one with young neurodivergent students, and has developed an arsenal of tricks to make learning more approachable and enjoyable for those who struggle like she did.
As well as her passion for working with children, Nicole is a self-taught musician who sings, plays bass, guitar and ukulele, and accordion. She is currently in four bands—including a Bug-themed pop band—but she loves singing and writing songs with kids the most.

 

 

Alanna D.

Alanna is an OCT‑certified educator and experienced tutor who brings over eight years of expertise in early childhood and elementary education to Prep Academy Tutors. With a Master of Arts in Child Study & Education (in progress at the University of Toronto) and a strong academic foundation in Early Childhood Studies, Alanna specializes in helping learners build self-confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.
Alanna has taught and supported students in a wide range of settings that go beyond the classroom. She excels at adapting lessons to meet diverse learning needs—whether supporting language and literacy through phonemic awareness and multimodal learning or guiding individualized math instruction and supporting students to find their voice across areas of curriculum.

Her tutoring approach is warm, relational, and highly individualized. Drawing on her background as both an educator and a former private tutor, Alanna collaborates closely with families to create customized learning plans that honor each child’s strengths, interests, and developmental needs. She uses tools such as anecdotal notes, checklists, photos, and student work samples to track progress and ensure her instruction is responsive and meaningful.

Beyond her classroom and tutoring experience, Alanna has worked extensively in enrichment settings, including STEM‑based programming, creative arts learning, and physical activity programs. She is passionate about fostering confidence, curiosity, and resilience in every learner she works with.

Alanna believes deeply in inclusive, equitable education and strives to create learning environments where every child feels seen, supported, and capable. As both an educator and former English Language Learner herself, she brings empathy, cultural responsiveness, and a strong advocacy mindset to her work.

In her free time Alanna is passionate about fitness, health and wellness. As a personal trainer she aspires to open a children’s gym for typically developing as well as neuro-divergent children in her future. Warm, patient, and deeply committed to student success, Alanna ensures that every learner she works with feels celebrated, supported, and empowered to grow

 

THOMAS J.

Thomas J. is an Ontario Certified Teacher. He grew up in Toronto, he studied at TMU (Ryerson) to complete an Undergraduate Degree in History. As well, he completed Bachelors of Education (Intermediate-Senior) and Masters of Education specializing in Social Justice Education at Lakehead University. Thomas grew up with a deep love of travel and took the opportunity to explore the world through his love of soccer, often watching as many games as he can while away, especially Fulham FC in London. When he decided to pursue teaching as a career Thomas emphasized dynamic learning, where the teacher and students engage in a mutual learning environment. It is through teaching that Thomas has been able to foster his love of history, social studies and language comprehension. During the summer Thomas teaches at Continuing Ed, encouraging students to prioritize using learning as a way to survey their post-secondary interests. In his spare time Thomas plays tennis and works one-on-one with children ranging from 6 years through high school. He has supported the improvement of their reading, writing, vocabulary and math skills. Thomas believes that by building a strong relationship with his students he is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning. This has been displayed at Caring and Safe Schools where Thomas was not only a teacher but a mentor in helping students develop socio-emotional skills and academic skills. Thomas sees every opportunity to continue to develop his skills for empowering students academically and through confidence.

 

 

 

Julia P.

With over a decade of experience tutoring learners of all ages in literacy-based subjects—including English, Geography, History, and Social Studies—and up to Grade 6 in Math and Science, I bring both expertise and enthusiasm to every lesson. As an OCT-certified high school teacher with a Master’s degree in Education, I am passionate about helping students succeed not only academically, but also in building confidence and curiosity. My approach is rooted in kindness, fun, and meaningful relationships, because I believe learning flourishes when students feel supported and inspired. Alongside academics, I also bring a love for teaching yoga, encouraging balance, focus, and wellbeing as part of the learning journey.

 

Robert J.

Robert has a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from Laurier University. He is an OCT certified teacher, currently doing supply work in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. His main teachable areas are J/I/S English, but he also has plenty of in-classroom experience with the intermediate math and sciences curriculum. Robert is excited to be joining the PAT team and help students throughout the region achieve their goals.