Bryana T.
Bryana is a dedicated STEM educator, graduate researcher, and teaching assistant with a passion for helping students discover the excitement of science. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Texas at San Antonio through the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, where her research focuses on developing innovative bacteriophage therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Bryana earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a minor in Biochemistry from Baylor University. Her strong academic foundation, combined with extensive laboratory research experience, allows her to connect classroom concepts to real-world scientific discovery in ways that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding.
As a Teaching Assistant at UTSA, Bryana teaches introductory biology laboratory courses, leading her own classroom of college students while developing engaging lessons, evaluating student work, and helping students master foundational biological concepts. She has also worked as a STEM camp counselor, introducing younger students to geology and the natural sciences through hands-on activities that make learning both fun and memorable.
Bryana specializes in biology, chemistry, genetics, cell biology, and health sciences, while also tutoring elementary and middle school mathematics, English Language Arts, reading, writing, and social studies. She supports students preparing for AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP English, AP World History, STAAR exams, GED testing, and college-level biology and chemistry courses. Her broad academic background enables her to work effectively with students ranging from elementary school through college.
Students and families appreciate Bryana’s patient, encouraging teaching style and her ability to explain difficult STEM concepts in a clear, approachable way. She believes the best learning happens when students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and discovering how concepts apply to the world around them. Her goal is not only to improve grades and test scores, but also to help students become confident, independent learners.
Outside of academics, Bryana enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, creative writing, and exploring great films. Whether she’s researching new medical treatments or discovering a new story through literature or cinema, she is driven by a lifelong curiosity and a genuine love of learning that she enjoys sharing with her students.
Benjamin N.
Benjamin N. is a highly experienced educator, healthcare professional, and retired United States Army veteran with more than 30 years of experience teaching health sciences and medical technology. His career has combined military service, higher education leadership, clinical laboratory science, and student mentorship, giving him a unique ability to connect academic concepts to real-world applications in healthcare and science.
Benjamin began his teaching career while serving in the United States Army, where he was selected as an instructor for an Advanced Medical Laboratory Program. He served in that role for six years before continuing his career in both healthcare and higher education leadership following his military retirement. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply passionate about teaching, mentoring, and helping students build confidence in challenging subjects.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, a Master of Arts in Health Services Management, and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. In addition to his teaching background, Benjamin has served in numerous leadership roles within higher education and healthcare, including Department Chair for Allied Health programs at San Jacinto College, where he oversaw multiple healthcare training programs and helped significantly improve student success, enrollment, and certification pass rates.
Benjamin specializes in science and health-related subjects including Anatomy, Biology, Genetics, Pathophysiology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Geography, and Health. He also supports students in middle school mathematics, STAAR math preparation, elementary education, and academic writing. His broad educational and professional background allows him to adapt his instruction to students with a variety of learning styles and academic goals.
Known for his structured, supportive teaching style, Benjamin focuses on helping students truly understand concepts rather than simply memorize information. Families appreciate his patience, professionalism, and ability to encourage students to believe in their abilities while developing stronger study habits and academic confidence.
Benjamin is excited to continue sharing his knowledge and experience with students and helping them achieve long-term academic success.
Heather G.
Heather Grant has been guiding and coaching students for nearly three decades, bringing extensive experience in academic counselling, executive functioning coaching, and post-secondary advising. She has worked in leadership and guidance roles at some of Canada’s leading independent schools, including Appleby College and Havergal College, as well as internationally at Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland. Most recently, she served as Director of Guidance and Counselling at the National Ski Academy in Collingwood, Ontario.
Heather specializes in post-secondary advising, helping students successfully navigate the university and college application process in Canada, the US, and the UK. She has particular expertise in NCAA athletics pathways, supporting student-athletes through eligibility, recruitment, and scholarship opportunities. In addition, Heather provides executive functioning coaching, guiding students in developing organization, time management, and study skills that allow them to thrive academically and personally.
Her approach is student-centred and holistic, blending academic planning with social-emotional support to ensure students feel confident, resilient, and well-prepared for their futures. She has extensive experience helping students build strong study habits, manage stress, and develop the independence needed to succeed in post-secondary settings.
Families and students consistently value Heather’s warmth, professionalism, and depth of experience. She combines practical, step-by-step guidance with a caring and encouraging presence, making her a trusted partner in helping young people prepare for the next stage of their academic journey.
Heather holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto, a Master of Arts in Physical and Health Education from Queen’s University, and multiple undergraduate degrees in Physical Education, Health Studies and Women’s Studies. In addition to her school leadership roles, she has been a frequent presenter to students, parents, and community groups on topics including university admissions, executive functioning, and mental health.
JOLENE S.
REBECCA B.
Rebecca graduated with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Toronto in 2019. She then completed her Master of Teaching degree in the junior/intermediate division at the University of Toronto through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Rebecca is qualified to teach grade 1 through grade 9. Rebecca was a varsity athlete throughout her entire undergraduate career, being awarded for her athletic, academic, and leadership accomplishments. She has a strong passion for education, which has been solidified through her work in research labs and her experience educating children and teenagers. Rebecca has a history instructing both in large groups and in one-on-one settings. She is trained in the Reading Mastery Direct Instruction approach and enjoys working with struggling readers. Most recently, Rebecca has been head instructor for kinesiology at a university based summer camp, educating youth in grade 3 to grade 10.
NICOLLE B.
Nicolle graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University (USA) with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree and is entering her second year of her Bachelor of Education program at Brock University. She is specialized in teaching the primary/junior grades (k-6) but has qualifications in special education and English up to grade 12. Nicolle is familiar with EQAO and volunteers to scribe each year at different schools across Halton. This year, Nicolle taught all subjects in a grade 5/6 class, with a focus on grade 6 EQAO practice. Combining what she has learned at Brock and in her practicums, Nicolle has been able to develop different methods and styles of teaching to reach differentiated learners. Through her inclusive teaching practices and interactive lessons, Nicolle creates a fun and positive learning environment where students feel comfortable to explore new and different ways of thinking. She has tutored in the past and has also worked with little readers programs teaching students as young as 3 to start reading. Nicolle feels that it is extremely important to get to know her students and find out how they learn to forge a unique path to success for each individual student. On her spare time, Nicolle loves to read, watch hours of cooking shows and then attempt (and fail) at making the recipes and gardening. Tomatoes are her specialty!
RYAN C.
Ryan is a passionate educator who believes in harnessing the unique interests and potential of each student. He graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree specializing in music, has conducted graduate research in music theory and education, and is currently a Junior/Intermediate teacher candidate in the Master of Teaching program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Ryan has been working with children as an educator and mentor since he was 14 and started as a hockey referee, which he still loves doing to this day. He has also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor, where he learned that play and imagination are just as important as learning the skills. Ryan is also a trained SSAT coach, and he enjoys guiding students to achieve success in the test-taking process. For the last five years Ryan has worked as a private music instructor, working with children of all ages to foster a love and passion for music and the arts. It is his goal to always ensure that students leave each lesson with new ways of engaging with their music. These experiences have helped develop Ryan’s philosophies around education; that each student is unique and should be given the chance to engage and produce knowledge in their own way. When students feel a connection to knowledge that is made meaningful from their own experiences, the passion for learning will follow.