Kelly H.
Kelly is joining Prep Academy Tutors with a long-standing passion for supporting students and their families in the educational process. Her experience entails teaching children with autism, ADHD, OCD, and other similar diagnoses, as well as managing an inclusion program for children with special needs. With seven years of classroom experience, Kelly is thrilled to be able to work with students in a focused fashion, helping them reach their goals and feel more confident in their academic performance. She believes every child is capable of succeeding in the school environment, and enjoys helping students learn about themselves in order to do so. Kelly specializes in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, as well as English Language Arts.
In her free time, you can find Kelly outdoors, hiking, hanging out with her family and friends (usually around food, board games, or football–Go Bills!!), enjoying her energetic pup, or reading a fantasy book. She also has a penchant for ice cream (mint chocolate chip, any day of the year!). She looks forward to working with your family to support your students’ progress!
Mia F.
Mia has a Bachelor of Education degree from McGill University.
She has worked for one year as a teacher at St. George’s Elementary School and is currently in her second year of teaching at Solomon Schechter Academy.
Her specialties include English and Math for students at the elementary level. In addition, she has worked as a student teacher at Lower Canada College and Akiva where she supported the teacher’s objectives, planned, prepared and implemented original lessons and activities.
Mia believes that there is not a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to teaching would like her students to feel welcome and safe from judgment. She understands the need for differentiation and always tries to integrate multiple learning styles and techniques in her teaching.
Douglas P.
Douglas is a certified teacher, university faculty member, former museum curator, and all-around renaissance man. Few have a professional background like him: Archaeology, Astronomy, History, Paleontology, and Religious Studies are just a few of the subjects Douglas has worked and taught in. After completing a degree in History he went to work for museums in Los Angeles, including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and Griffith Observatory. During that time he acquired a Master of Arts in Teaching, taught in several school districts, and all while continuing to work in museums. Since moving to Idaho, he has worked in community based mental health, the state prison system, and currently he is at Boise State teaching Human Anatomy and Physiology Labs, (he prefers labs over lectures – they’re more fun!). Douglas’s style is very unique, interactive, and is about inspiring and not just rote knowledge acquisition. From lecturing about Dwarf Planet Pluto at the most visited public observatory in the world, to teaching inmates about fossilization and quantum mechanics, Douglas is available to help you, or your student, find new appreciation for their natural and cultural worlds, create a tomorrow that is better than today, and learn a little along the way!
Some examples of how he works:
Does your student need to work on basic reading and writing? Let’s use dinosaurs to develop those skills!
Does your student need to work on writing proper essays, developing ideas, and forming arguments? Let’s dig up something archaeological and either support or refute it!
Maybe your student needs someone to talk with while learning about the wonders of the past, the mysteries of the cosmos, and other big ideas. Let’s dive in and see where we end up!
From kindergarten to college, Douglas will endeavor to help your student achieve academically – and have fun while doing it!
Dr. Andrea D.
Dr. Andrea D. graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Psychology and Biology, and earned her PhD from Boston University. She is a Biological Anthropologist who studies wild orangutans, baboons, and other primates. When not studying primates, she teaches Writing and Anthropology at an Ivy League University. Her teaching experience includes Harvard, Princeton, and Boston University, and she served as the Resident Scientist for 8th graders in a Massachusetts public school. Having struggled with a reading disability herself, and now helping two stepsons with ADHD and other neurodivergences, Dr. D. knows how tough it can be to learn in the traditional classroom environment. As a tutor and professor, she uses multimedia, scaffolding, and other pedagogy to help every learner excel. If you or your child is struggling with executive functioning (study skills, planning, time management, etc.), she can help with strategies that she has practiced herself. Her previous experience in marketing and current experiences teaching Writing and writing her own research grants makes her an excellent choice to help with college entrance exams and essays. Dr. D. loves teaching, and helping students make connections and form an understanding of the materials. She always strives to make each learning experience a skill- and confidence-building moment so that the student leaves with more than a right answer.
JEFF Q.
Jeff has taught in both NYC and Westchester schools for over 25 years. He began teaching with the U.S. Peace Corps before obtaining a Master’s Degree in American Literature as well as a Master’s in School Administration/Educational Leadership. He has also spent over 10 years helping Westchester families navigate the SAT, ACT, and the college application process.
Elizabeth B.
Elizabeth is a highly experienced educator with over 30 years of expertise in special education, literacy, and early childhood development. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Elizabeth holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s Degree in Communicative Disorders from Johns Hopkins University, where she also earned certifications in Special Education and Reading for grades K-12.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has worked in both public and private educational settings, teaching students with diverse needs, including cognitive disabilities and learning differences. She is deeply passionate about fostering student growth through a “learning by doing” approach, empowering children to explore, think critically, and achieve their goals in a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether working on reading comprehension, math skills, or self-regulation, Elizabeth’s innovative, multi-sensory techniques have consistently driven success for her students.
Elizabeth’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a community where every child feels understood and accepted. She believes in the transformative power of education, seeing it as an opportunity to inspire curiosity and nurture authentic self-expression. Her passion for teaching stems from the joy of learning from her students, whom she views as partners in an ever-evolving journey of discovery.
In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys sharing her Baltimore roots, from cheering on the Ravens and Orioles to savoring Maryland’s famous steamed crabs. Her dedication to her craft and her students makes her a trusted and inspiring guide for learners of all ages.
Ollie J.
Ollie is currently studying Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (Biology) at Concordia University. He graduated John Abbott College on the honour roll, having completed two internships in environmental science research. He has experience tutoring learners from the elementary to the CEGEP level across a wide variety of subjects.
Ollie is committed to making every student feel welcome. As someone who has struggled with executive functioning, he has personal experience learning how to build routines and study effectively. Ollie believes that teaching learners to work with their unique brains is key to building long-lasting academic habits.
In his free time, Ollie enjoys crocheting, sewing, and embroidery. He also plays the drums!
David H.
With over 25 years of progressive experience in education, David is a proud promoter of student self-advocacy and independence.
Having graduated from OISE’s Child Study program, David has gone on to teach K-12 in both public and independent schools across Canada and abroad, specializing in University Guidance, Senior English, Primary/Junior Language Arts, executive functioning/study skills, health and wellness support, and socio-emotional counselling.
With a Master of International Education (School Leadership) David has experience as Vice-Principal at TFS, Head of Enrichment at Bishop’s College School and Head of Student Support at West Island College, always believing that leadership is a service industry.
David is dedicated to supporting kids who need a hand. He knows how to inspire students, and establish effective programming that fosters student involvement and parental confidence.
Deanna P.
With over 16 years of dedicated experience in education, Deanna has had the privilege of shaping young minds as an elementary classroom teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, professional development specialist, and private tutor.
Her journey in education began with a profound appreciation for the impact that targeted instruction can have on a child’s learning and self-esteem. This inspired her to pursue master’s degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy, where she discovered the transformative power of literacy in unlocking a student’s potential.
Throughout her career, she has witnessed firsthand the joy and instant gratification that comes from helping students thrive through explicit and systematic instruction in areas of need aligned to assessment data. Her style of teaching is meeting students where they are and taking them to where they need to be, while instilling the power of “yet” and a growth mindset. Instead of “I can’t do this,” it becomes “I can’t do this yet.”
Deanna’s passion for literacy and commitment to student success extend beyond the classroom walls, as she strives to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for every child. She looks forward to partnering with you to ensure your child receives the personalized support they need to reach their full potential.
Silian S.
Silian is a seasoned educator with five years of experience in leadership development, including roles as a university lecturer, researcher, and coach. Originally from Europe, he has recently relocated to Canada and has also lived in the US, Germany, and the Netherlands, bringing a rich international perspective to his teaching. Silian holds a BSc in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and an MSc in Human Resource Management, specializing in leadership development.
His deep interest in personal growth drives his dedication to tutoring, where he empowers students to take charge of their learning process through thoughtful, collaborative support. As someone who has experienced ADHD symptoms throughout school and continues to navigate them as an adult, Silian deeply values the power of tailored, empathetic support. He draws from his own positive experiences with tutoring to create a space where students feel truly seen, understood, and encouraged to thrive.
Outside the classroom, Silian loves to move and to be outside, filling his time with backpacking, biking, running, and embracing any chance to explore nature.