TAMARA M.
Tamara has been an Ontario Certified Teacher (O.C.T.) since 2005, teaching grades K-12 across most subject areas. Tamara held a variety of classroom teaching positions with the York Region District School Board for 11 years before transferring to private education, then more recently, tutoring. Tamara is certified and trained in specialized reading programs such as Direct Instruction (D.I) and Wilson Reading Systems (WRS). She has Teachables in the following subjects: Reading, Primary/Junior Mathematics, Special Education, Visual Arts, Instrumental/Vocal Music, and Guidance/Career Studies. Tamara also holds a Master’s of Psychology from Chicago School of Professional Psychology, specializing in Child/Adolescent development and behavior. (M.A. Psych) She is certified in Mental Health First Aid/Crisis Intervention (M.H.F.A., 2018), and has co-facilitated a therapy group for counseling children ages 7-9 years who present with A.D.D./A.D.H.D. at Kinark Family Services. As well, at Prep Academy Tutors, Tamara teaches and coaches students at all grade levels, and differentiates instruction for a variety of learning needs and diagnosed learning challenges, supporting them through many academic, and social-emotional challenges. Tamara believes in a holistic approach to teaching, and designs lessons that adhere to most recent evidence-based teaching practice (such as learning for/as/of understanding), develop social-emotional learning (SEL), which promotes students’ overall intellectual, social/emotional and mental needs. Outside of teaching, Tamara enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, as well as reading, exercise, painting, and photography.
Emily M.
Emily is a Bachelor in Child and Family Studies with Honours graduate with her Bachelor of Education and OCT in progress with Nipissing University. She also has her Early Childhood Education diploma from Conestoga College. Emily has 10 years of elementary school experience in a grade 1 classroom. She is also Strong Start certified. Emily also tries to incorporate interests of the students and relates lessons back to their interests. She would love to make a good relationship with the students which will lead to improvement in skills and lessons.
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.
ERICA L
Erica will be an Ontario Certified Teacher specializing in the Primary/Junior division at the end of March. She currently attends the University of Toronto for her Masters of Teachings, and has completed her honours in English and Anthropology. Erica has worked in both the Catholic and Public School Board, and has experience teaching Grades 1-5, 10, and 11. Erica has experience working with students who have Special Needs, and those who require Reading Recovery. Erica is dedicated to helping students grow academically, and enjoys creating engaging activities for her learners. Furthermore, Erica explores different methods of teaching to engage various styles of learners, and works towards creating inclusivity.
In addition to helping educate young learners, Erica has interests in baking, spending time with her family, watching movies, horseback riding, and painting.
CASSANDRA M.
My name is Cassie and I am a Junior/Intermediate/Senior certified teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers. I am currently an Occasional Teacher with the Toronto District School Board and Durham District School Board.
I completed my Bachelor of Music at Queen’s University, specializing in Education. I then completed my Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University specializing in Music and Outdoor and Experiential Learning. From there I went on to complete and my Master of Education at the University of Toronto, specializing in Developmental Psychology and Education with a special interest in mental health in the classroom. My interest in the field of mental health in the classroom has led me into the area of academic coaching. I enjoy working with students on time management, organization of school materials, proper note taking skills and overall mindfulness in an academic setting.
In addition, I have had several opportunities to work with children outside of the classroom. I worked as a camp counsellor, coordinator, and director for the University of Toronto, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, and the Kids Cancer Foundation of Alberta.
Oustide of teaching, I love reading, horseback riding, playing recreational softball, travelling, photography, being outdoors, and spending time with my family.