Lauren W-R.

Lauren is a certified teacher in three languages (French, Spanish and Latin) and also teaches Italian. She studied these languages throughout high school and college, earning a Bachelor of Arts in French Language & Culture with a minor in the Classics, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education (Vassar College, SUNY Purchase and Mercy College). She spent two semesters living abroad in France. She taught for 20 years in a New York State public high school, taking students on trips out of the country (to France, Italy and Canada) when possible to experience the language and culture authentically.

Lauren enjoys getting to know each student she teaches. She uses various tools to diagnose where the student stands along their continuum of language learning, so that she can address their needs and provide a customized teaching plan that will ensure their progress in learning the language. Lauren makes language learning fun by using an interactive approach that will have the student speaking and understanding the language in a short period of time.

Ava S.

Ava graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Specization History, a Minor in Music, and a Certificate in Italian. Ava is currently attending Western University’s Bachelor of Education program for Intermediate/Senior History and English. Ava has always had a passion for teaching! She began teaching private piano lessons at age 13, and has been uncertified supply teaching in the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic Board for the past four years. In her free time, Ava enjoys playing piano and volleyball, baking, reading, and travelling. Ava values engaging lessons, clear objectives, and student feedback in her instruction and is very excited to be a part of the Prep Academy Tutors team!

Clifton S.

Clifton is a certified teacher. He grew up in Metairie and has lived in Orleans Parish for over 40 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in second language education as well as two master’s degrees, one in Spanish and a second in French, all at the University of New Orleans. Clifton has taught Spanish at Br. Martin, UNO, and Holy Cross High School, and French at Br. Martin, UNO, and Loyola.
In addition to teaching in the classroom setting, Clifton has conducted face-to-face tutoring sessions at coffee shops or at students’ homes and, when necessary, sessions on Zoom. Clifton has worked with elementary, junior high, high school, and college-level students.
Students have frequently written reviews of Clifton’s teaching, saying that his explanations are clear and easy to understand. Students also say that he is funny and very understanding of their difficulties.
In addition to French and Spanish, Clifton has tutored students in Italian and Latin. He has working knowledge of Romanian and Swedish.
Clifton has travelled extensively in Central America and has been to Brazil, France, and Italy. He feels that it is essential to share cultural experiences along with the vocabulary and grammar rules involved in learning a new language.

PAOLA S.

Paola is a seasoned educator with a heart for helping students thrive. With over 25 years of experience in education, she has a strong background in Special Education, Reading Education, ELL, and FSL instruction. Paola has taught children one on one and in small groups for more than 15 years. Paola has also worked to develop IEP’s with students and parents.

After a successful teaching career, Paola has decided to pursue her passion for teaching by transitioning into tutoring. She still loves teaching but wants to focus on providing personalized support to children with diverse needs. Paola has a warm and welcoming personality that shines through in her approach to teaching, creating safe and supportive environments where students feel valued and motivated to learn. She believes in fostering a love for learning in each of her students.

In addition to her teaching experience, Paola has a rich personal life. She has traveled extensively and lived overseas. When she’s not teaching, Paola enjoys spending time outdoors, walking her adorable Aussie Shepherd puppy, swimming, and hiking. She also loves to cook and create a warm and inviting home for her friends and family. Paola’s passion for education and student success is evident in everything she does.

Yolanda R.

Yolanda is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with many years of experience teaching French, Spanish and Italian, languages she is fully fluent in. In addition to teaching mainly at the high school level, Yolanda is also a seasoned tutor. She enjoys working with students of all ages, one on one, as she maintains high curricular learning expectations delivered with positivity and encouragement.

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.

Luca F.

Luca is a fourth-year Humanities student at York University, currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in language and cultural studies. He has earned a Certificate of Proficiency in Italian Language at York University.
Luca is eager to apply his academic background and communication skills in a professional setting. He values clarity, patience, and aims to support students in developing confidence in their learning.
Outside of his studies, Luca maintains an active lifestyle through tennis, soccer, yoga, and regular workouts. He looks forward to contributing to a positive learning environment and gaining experience while helping others achieve their academic goals.

EMILY L.

Sabrina D. B.

Sabrina is beginning her 23rd year as an elementary school educator for the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board. She developed a passion for children from a very young age and knew she wanted to pursue a career in education, leading her to begin volunteering in daycares, schools, and babysitting in her early teen years. Sabrina received a double major degree in French and Italian Language and Linguistics from the University of Toronto and subsequently went into the Faculty of Education at York University. She began teaching right after graduation and embarked upon a versatile professional journey with students of all ages. The majority of her experience is in the elementary classroom in the junior and intermediate divisions, however she is also specialized in early reading strategies and has helped several children bridge the gaps in their literacy skills in the primary grades, summer school sessions, and private tutoring. Additionally, Sabrina acted as an instructional coach for her school board to mentor teachers in their daily teaching practices, with an emphasis on numeracy, literacy, inquiry and technology. Sabrina also has French, Italian, and Religion as teachables for high school, which led her to take on a position for modern languages on Saturdays with Grade 11-12 students. Although this was an enriching experience, her passion remains with guiding younger children along their personal learning endeavors. In her spare time, Sabrina is an advocate for wellness and mental well-being. She embeds this philosophy within her classroom to create a comfortable and safe learning space for her students by incorporating daily mindfulness activities to coach them on how to manage stress and their emotions. Sabrina makes her own well-being a priority by remaining active on a daily basis – through nature hikes, yoga practice, and strength training – and practicing her own mindfulness techniques through prayer, reading, and journaling.

Cynthia P.

Cynthia is a certified teacher with a doctoral degree in education. She has over 20 years experience teaching both in the classroom and tutoring. As a school teacher she worked mainly with middle school students. As a tutor she has worked with students from first grade to the college level. Her years of experience and passion for teaching (and learning) give her the expertise needed to create targeted lessons that support learning and meet her students’ specific educational needs.

Dr. Pellegrini got her doctoral degree from Florida International University. She has a master’s degree in reading and learning disabilities from the University of Miami and a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences. She also studied in Italy where she lived and taught English to high school students and to adults. Cynthia is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian.
Outside of her professional life, Cynthia enjoys gardening, watching documentaries, travelling, playing with her animals, and of course, reading. She often uses knowledge gained from these passions to connect with her students and spark their curiosity for places and things they may know little or nothing about.

Cynthia understands children and has a knack for creating a good rapport with her students. She makes them feel comfortable and makes every effort to celebrate their progress and successes. With her, students are made to feel like new challenges are always surmountable, with a little effort. Cynthia’s students enjoy her classes while working hard to reach their academic goals.