Raluca B.

Raluca is an experienced language educator and tutor with more than 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics in 2002, with a major in English and German and a minor in Italian, providing her with a strong academic foundation in language acquisition, communication, and cultural studies. A native Romanian speaker, she is also fluent in English, German, and Italian, bringing both linguistic expertise and cultural insight to her teaching. Raluca specializes in English, Romanian, German, and Italian instruction, helping students of all ages build confidence in communication, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, and comprehension. She provides personalized one-on-one lessons tailored to each student’s goals, whether they are preparing for travel, advancing their careers, reconnecting with their heritage, improving academic performance, or developing conversational fluency. Her patient and supportive teaching style creates an engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making meaningful progress. In addition to language instruction, she has extensive experience helping elementary and middle school students strengthen reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking skills. Raluca believes that strong relationships, individualized learning plans and consistent encouragement are the keys to student success. Her passion for languages and cultures continues to inspire her work, and she takes great pride in helping students achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.

Mirella C.

Mirella is a Spanish and Italian tutor and educator with more than 20 years of experience helping students build confidence in language learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian. Mirella has worked with students of all ages, from elementary school through college, in both classroom and one-on-one settings.

Known for her patient and encouraging approach, Mirella creates a relaxed learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, practicing conversation, and learning at their own pace. She tailors each session to the student’s individual needs, whether they need support with grammar, conversation, reading comprehension, homework, or test preparation.

Mirella believes language learning should feel approachable and engaging, not stressful. She enjoys bringing culture, conversation, and real-world examples into her lessons to help students feel more connected to the language and more confident using it every day.

Debora C.

With over a decade of tutoring experience—beginning at just 15 years old—Debora has supported a wide range of learners, including elementary students, middle and high school students, and adult professionals across all proficiency levels. She is passionate about helping students build strong language foundations, whether they are just beginning their literacy journey or working toward advanced fluency.
Debora is an Italian L2 specialist from Florence, Italy, with a strong background in language learning and international education. She studied English, French, Spanish, and German throughout her academic journey, and further enriched her experience through cultural exchanges in Toulouse, Rouen, and Berlin.
After spending nearly three years in Canada, where she expanded her intercultural perspective, Debora returned to Italy to deepen her expertise. She earned her Master’s degree in Teaching Italian as a Second Language (L2) from the University of Bologna and now teaches independently, as well as through platforms such as Lingoda.
Debora is known for her structured, engaging, and highly personalized approach. She creates a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, building confidence, and developing their communication skills at their own pace. She particularly enjoys working with younger learners, supporting early literacy skills, language development, and confidence in reading, writing, and speaking.
Outside of teaching, Debora continues to explore her passion for languages and cross-cultural communication—bringing curiosity, energy, and a global perspective into every lesson.

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.