Mira T.

Mira is a certified teacher with seven years of classroom experience in Philadelphia elementary schools. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Master’s in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Mira currently serves as a literacy coach, training and supporting new teachers in effective reading instruction and classroom strategies. Mira believes that literacy is a fundamental right, and specializes in literacy intervention to help every student become a successful and confident reader. When she’s not teaching, Mira loves to go camping and hang out with her pup at the dog park.

Carly K.

Carly Kiess is a K–8 literacy specialist with over ten years of experience helping students become confident, capable readers and writers. She has worked as a teacher, principal, and instructional coach, and now partners with schools to improve reading instruction across classrooms. Carly has coached dozens of teachers and school leaders to strengthen their literacy practices—and in every role, she’s helped students make real academic gains, including significant jumps in reading proficiency. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and is trained in programs like CKLA, UFLI, Fundations, and Heggerty. Carly is known for building strong relationships with students and families, and for designing lessons that make reading click. Parents appreciate her calm, clear approach and her ability to meet kids right where they are—while helping them reach the next level. While she’s not working, Carly enjoys spending time with her children, running, and sampling the best pastries in Philadelphia.

ANDREA R.

Andrea R. was born and raised in San Diego, CA but has happily been on the east coast for over 15 years. After graduating with honors from Wesleyan University, she moved to NYC to get a Masters of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education and begin her career as an educator. For over 12 years she worked as a classroom teacher, special education specialist, and interventionist at an elementary school in NYC. She has been expertly trained in many hands-on math and reading intervention programs that she has used to help her students excel. Kids love her good humor and energy, and she makes learning engaging and fun. Under her tutelage, her students find joy and confidence in and out of the classroom!

Stacey C.

With a robust foundation in early childhood and special education, along with her credentials as a licensed learning consultant specializing in neurodiversity, Stacey brings expertise and passion to her work with students.

As a Neurodivergent Specialist, Stacey’s approach, grounded in the constructivist theory, prioritizes experiential learning through dynamic, hands-on activities, social and emotional engagement, and meaningful project-based outcomes.

Justin B.

Justin is a certified teacher originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, who relocated to British Columbia to pursue his teaching career. Before heading West, he earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours in Biology Research) and a Master of Science (Research-Based Thesis in Pathology) at Dalhousie University.

As a lifelong athlete, Justin grew up playing competitive hockey. Through years of coaching, he discovered his passion for teaching young people, which ultimately led him to a career in education. He went on to complete his Bachelor of Education at Acadia University in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.

During his academic career, Justin was awarded over $100,000 in research and academic scholarships and contributed to eight research publications, including three as a first author.

In his spare time, he enjoys snowboarding, playing hockey, golf, and volleyball, and road-tripping across the country with his family. As an intermediate French immersion teacher, Justin is passionate about building strong relationships and creating a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.

JOSEPH D.

Joseph is a dedicated and passionate educator with a strong background in mathematics. With 8 years years of tutoring experience, he has worked with students of all ages, helping them build confidence and master challenging concepts. Holding a BBA from Trent University he specializes in making learning engaging and tailored to each student’s unique needs.

Beyond teaching, Joseph enjoys working out and playing sports, bringing creativity and enthusiasm into every lesson. Whether breaking down complex equations or guiding students through literary analysis, he strives to make learning both effective and enjoyable.

EMMA C.

Emma is a passionate educator with a degree from the University of Calgary, specializing in teaching K-9 students with extensive and specialized experience in both literacy and math instruction. She has worked as a Literacy & Math Instructor at a school for students with learning disabilities, where she customized educational plans to meet the unique needs of each learner. Trained in specialized instructional methods such as Wilson Reading System, Orton-Gillingham, Woodin Math, Jump Math, Chisanbop and Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing, Emma is dedicated to helping students build confidence and succeed academically.

Emma’s approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive, engaging environment where students feel empowered to grow. Her expertise in both literacy and math, combined with her background in early childhood and outdoor education, science and social studies enables her to connect with students in a variety of ways.

In her personal life, Emma is fun-loving, and enjoys painting, hiking, skiing, travelling, playing sports, and spending time with her dogs and cat. Her diverse passions make it easy for her to relate to students from all walks of life, fostering strong, positive connections with the students she works with.

Kelly D.

Dr. Kelly D. brings over 16 years of educational experience, specializing in literacy development and student achievement. With a Ph.D. in Literacy and Curriculum Development from St. John’s University, he has a strong foundation in helping students enhance their reading and writing skills, improving literacy scores by up to 80% through targeted, evidence-based strategies. As a former ELA teacher and literacy coach, Dr. Downing is skilled in creating individualized learning plans that address each student’s unique needs, ensuring academic growth and confidence. His leadership as Executive Director of a college and career readiness institute further highlights his commitment to preparing students for long-term success, both academically and professionally. Dr. Downing is passionate about inspiring students to reach their highest potential.

LILY A.

Lily is a NYS-certified Special Education Teacher and Literacy Specialist with 21 years of classroom experience teaching students with a variety of learning needs. In addition, she has extensive experience privately tutoring students, from elementary to high school, to address their unique learning styles. Over the years, she has developed a passion for helping students who struggle with learning how to read, particularly those with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Lily understands that reading is the foundation of success in both the academic and career world. She believes that all children can learn to read, but for some, the road will be more difficult. These are the students that she is passionate about helping to find their way to becoming skilled, fluent readers. She is a strong believer in a “structured literacy” approach to teaching reading as this is a necessary method of instruction for many students. In addition to her New York State teaching certifications, Lily is certified as a Level One Dyslexia Practitioner in the Wilson Reading System. She is also CERI certified by the International Dyslexia Association as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist.

ELECTRA W.

Electra is currently pursuing a Master’s of Child Study and Education at the University of Toronto. She has completed a Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Studies with a minor in English accredited by Toronto Metropolitan University. Through her Master’s studies, Electra has completed a teaching practicum in a kindergarten classroom and is currently completing her second practicum in a grade four classroom. In her undergraduate studies, Electra completed placement experiences in a grade 1/2 classroom, a kindergarten classroom, and an EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Electra has a plethora of diverse employment experiences with respect to teaching and learning. Electra has hired, trained, and managed instructors for Engineering Outreach programs (STEM-based additional programming). Through this employment, Electra reviewed curriculum outlines, activity sheets, and material requests for grades 3 to 8. Electra has experience as a Senior Program Instructor for Engineering Outreach programs, where she created, developed, and delivered STEM programming to students from grades 1 to 12. Moreover, Electra has experience as an Emergency Supply Teacher, where she covered the duties and responsibilities of absent teachers ranging from kindergarten to grade 12. Electra has extended knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, and best practices. She is culturally responsive and always incorporates an equity lens into her practice. Electra is highly experienced with children with exceptionalities and always implements strength-based approaches that consider the whole child.