EMILEE D.

Emilee D. is a dynamic and compassionate educator currently in her second year at Teacher’s College. With a background in Psychology from York University and extensive international experience, Emilee’s teaching journey took her to France, where she excelled as an English teacher, teaching assistant, and tutor. This global perspective has enriched her approach, allowing her to craft engaging, tailored lessons that resonate with students’ individual strengths and needs. Emilee’s enthusiasm and commitment to fostering
meaningful student-teacher connections define her teaching philosophy. As she joins Prep Academy, she is excited to leverage her diverse experience to support and inspire students, all while continuing to grow as an educator. When she’s not tutoring, Emilee enjoys exploring new languages and cultures, often indulging in her love for French cuisine. She believes that teaching is like a puzzle—sometimes all it takes is a little bit of creativity to find the perfect fit.

LAXSHAA N.

Dr. Laxshaa Nadpurajah is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in education, data analysis, digital content management, fitness, and nutrition. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration; a Master of Education, specializing in Assessment & Evaluation; and a Master of Management Analytics, both from Queen’s University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology and Criminal Justice & Public Policy from the University of Guelph.

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.

ZOYA C.

Zoya received an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from the University of Toronto with a double major in English Literature and Geography and a Minor in Political Science. Zoya is currently pursuing her Master of Teaching degree at University of Toronto, where she is focusing on becoming an Intermediate/Senor teacher in English and Geography. Zoya’s passion for teaching and education shows through her teaching practices where she approaches every student as individuals who have unlimited potential for growth and success.

Zoya has over nine years of tutoring experience, with two years of teaching experience through summer camps, and teaching in the TDSB and HDSB. Zoya’s strengths lies in her belief in ensuring every student has an individualised lesson plan where they can flourish in their learning and improve their own confidence. Throughout Zoya’s life she grew up in China, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Singapore before deciding to continue her education in Toronto. Thus, Zoya truly believes that fostering an inclusive and open environment that is grounded in trust is of the upmost importance for all students. One of Zoya’s strengths is her experience with academic coaching and learning strategies, where she as a teacher focuses not only on subject related content but also on teaching students what different test/assignment tools and strategies they can use to excel in and outside of the classroom.

When Zoya is not teaching or learning herself, you can find her enjoying whichever book she is currently emersed in, travelling to visit her family, or listening to music. Zoya love for music started when she was three years old, and since then you cannot find her in any relaxing moment where she is not humming a random tune to a random song that is stuck in her head that day.

STEPHEN C.

Stephen Carter has a BA, MA and PhD (ABD) in English literature. He was a University Teaching Assistant for five years at two Canadian universities, and he has taught and tutored elementary, high school, and college/university students for over ten years. As a teacher, Stephen helps students cultivate a love for learning, achieve academic success, and develop advanced skills in reading, writing, analysis, critical thinking and speaking.

Olivia L.

Olivia, a certified teacher based in British Columbia. Her educational journey includes completing public education in the Okanagan and earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. Before pursuing Education, Olivia majored in History and minored in French. Passionate about lifelong learning, Olivia recently achieved her beginner yoga teacher certification and has future plans for a Master’s in Counselling.

Early on, she discovered her love for working with children, gaining experience in tutoring and nannying. Olivia’s expertise extends from elementary to high school, encompassing students with diverse needs.

Known for creating a supportive learning environment, Olivia excels at fostering meaningful connections with her students. In her leisure time, she cherishes moments with loved ones, particularly her certified assist therapy dog, Reggie, a cavapoo known for spreading love among kids and adults alike. Additionally, Olivia indulges in her passion for downhill skiing whenever possible.

Ariana R.

Ariana has a degree in biochemistry from the University of Toronto.

She teaches grades 9-12 general science, and has teaching qualifications in intermediate mathematics, senior chemistry, senior biology, and 9-12 families studies.

Ariana’s first experience tutoring students was in 12th grade for her high school’s peer tutoring program. This experience was the reason she decided to become an educator.

During her free time she loves to travel, try different cuisines and spend time in nature!

Maya B.

Maya is currently pursuing her Master of Teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto. She has received her Honours Bachelor of Arts in French Language Teaching and Learning from the University of Toronto Mississauga, with minors in Education Studies and Psychology. Her significant instructional background includes various teaching placements in grade 2, 3, and 7 French immersion classes, along with many years as a summer camp instructor for children aged 4 to 11. She possesses practical expertise in teaching all subjects within the Primary-Junior age division (grades 1-6) and is especially proficient in French language instruction. Drawing from these valuable experiences, Maya excels at creating engaging lesson plans and educational activities tailored to accommodate students’ unique learning abilities. She is committed to utilizing her academic foundation in the field of education and extensive teaching experience to facilitate effective and meaningful learning opportunities for students.

HANNAH D.

Hannah D. is a dedicated Ontario Certified Teacher with a passion for education and a strong background in coaching and mentoring children of all ages. In April of 2023, she proudly graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University, completing her Bachelor of Education program with qualifications in the Junior/Intermediate Division. As of June 2023, she earned her Ontario teaching certification, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in her educational journey.

Hannah’s commitment to fostering a love for learning is exemplified by her diverse teaching experience, which includes teaching grades 3/4 and 4/5 within the French Immersion (English) program in the Waterloo Catholic District School Board from April to June 2023. With two years of classroom experience teaching grades 5-8 during her placements and four-years as an academic tutor, Hannah brings an energetic and creative approach to teaching that makes learning an enjoyable adventure for her students. Beyond the classroom, she has also worked to deliver immersive educational experiences to middle school students, connecting them with non-profits and social enterprises in Quebec City, Montreal, and Ottawa to support vital social justice initiatives. Hannah’s dedication, coupled with her boundless enthusiasm, ensures that she continues to inspire students to reach their full potential and fosters those wonderful ‘Aha!’ moments that ignite a love for knowledge.

Anya B.

Anya is a French, ESL, and Social Sciences teacher with ten years of experience, working with children from K to 12. She has also worked as a French instructor for adults. Anya is currently completing a Master’s degree in European and Russian Affairs at the University of Toronto and is passionate about history, literature, and languages. She is a native Russian speaker, fluent in French and Spanish, and has also studied German and Yiddish. Anya is excited to be joining Prep Academy Tutors and sharing her passion for learning with new students.