Michele T.

Michele Taylor holds a BS in Psychology and a MSEd with a focus in Elementary Education. She is a Certified Teacher, ESE (Exceptional Student Education) Specialist, and a Certified Behavior Analyst. Michele’s experience spans many successful years as a classroom teacher, an Adjunct Instructor at a local college, leading a special education department, and working as a Mental Health Therapist. With this strong background, Michele brings both expertise and empathy to her work, creating individualized learning plans that meet students where they are and guide them toward success.

Michele believes that every child can thrive with the right support, and she is passionate about building confidence as much as academic skills. Parents appreciate her patient, encouraging approach and her ability to make learning engaging while addressing each student’s unique needs. Her experience working with diverse learners helps families feel confident that their child will be understood, supported, and challenged in the right ways.

Outside of tutoring, Michele loves watching her son play lacrosse, catching beach sunsets, and spending quality time with her fur babies.

Alexandra K.

Hi, I’m Ali! I’ve been an educator for over a decade and have always believed that every child deserves to be seen for their unique strengths and full potential. I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education (K-12) with endorsements in Reading and Autism, and I currently serve as a Professional Learning Facilitator in Sarasota County Schools.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching, coaching, and supporting students, families, and teachers. My passion is helping children build confidence, close learning gaps, and develop skills that will serve them both in and out of the classroom. I especially enjoy working with students who may need a little extra support in reading, writing, or organization and I love finding creative, engaging ways to make learning click.

Outside of education, I’m a wife, mom of two girls, and coffee lover who enjoys adventuring with my family and bringing creative projects to life. My goal as a tutor is to create a safe, encouraging space where your child feels supported, motivated, and ready to grow.

Alexander C.

Alexander is a graduate of Phillips Academy, an elite boarding school in Massachusetts, and currently studies at McGill University. He specializes in admissions consulting for boarding schools and colleges. After successfully guiding applicants to gain acceptance at prestigious institutions such as Yale, Tulane, and UNC, he began developing proprietary testing materials, as well as specialized courses in essay writing, interview preparation, and extracurricular activities.

Sean H.

Sean is an experienced educator and mental performance coach with a passion for helping students build mental skills, develop effective learning strategies, and reach their academic goals. With over seven years of experience working with diverse learners—including students, athletes, business professionals, and service members—Sean specializes in fostering confidence, motivation, and resilience in the classroom.

Sean holds a M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology from Florida State University and a B.S. in Applied Psychology from East Stroudsburg University. His background in psychology and performance coaching allows him to teach students valuable study habits, test-taking strategies, and mindset techniques to improve academic performance. Whether guiding students through challenging coursework or helping them overcome test anxiety, his approach is centered on providing personalized support to enhance learning and long-term success.

Outside of tutoring and coaching, Sean enjoys sports, staying active, spending time with his wife and two dogs, and exploring new books, movies, and podcasts.

 

 

Gillian M.

With over 25 years’ experience in independent schools, as both a teacher and an administrator, Gillian brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role at Prep Academy Tutors. Gillian’s particular passions include expertise in Senior English (Grade 11, 12, and AP), and coaching students in university prep and executive functioning and organizational skills.

As a classroom teacher with a Masters Degree in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Gillian knows the balance of patience and personalization necessary to reach and ignite every student. She excels at building trust through warmth, humour, and friendly advice, all while nurturing students to build the executive functioning skills they’ll need to be able to define their own success, and strive for happiness.

In her roles as a school leader, serving as Vice Principal at Trafalgar Castle School, and Head of Senior School at Havergal College, Gillian has spent countless hours guiding families through the challenges of supporting young people in a complicated world, helping students set goals, find balance, and thrive–both at school, and beyond.

Gillian would love to meet you!

Larissa C.

Larissa is currently pursuing an MDCM & PhD combined program at McGill University. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with an Honours BSc degree in Physiology, and from McGill University for her MSc in Neuroscience, as a McCall MacBain Scholar (’21). She volunteers as an educator for Concussion Legacy Foundation and BrainReach, leading community outreach programs in elementary schools around Montréal. In her 8-year involvement in research, she has authored papers examining lifestyle impacts on cognitive processes, specifically one focusing on children with learning disabilities.

She has tutored students up to the undergraduate university course level in biology, chemistry, psychology, and English. Her success comes from her unique approach to tutoring and career consulting that draws from her
versatile background as a licensed pilot, ski coach of Alpine Canada Coach Education, violin teacher with an Associate Diploma (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and ski patroller at Mont Tremblant to name a few. As an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, she instructs aviation theory, leadership, and communication skills; she also specializes in instructing university and scholarship application writing within and outside of the Forces.

Being born and raised in British Columbia, she is an avid backcountry skier and hiker. When she’s not on a mountain, you could find her exploring the city by bike.

Kaitlyn G.

Kaitlyn attended high school level at the Study School, college level at Dawson in Pure & Applied Science (also took the Health Science courses, anatomy, organic Chemistry, etc. ), and university level at Concordia in Civil Engineering. While she has an affinity towards math, science, and physics, most subjects were enjoyed at some point! Kaitlyn can help generally with homework and understanding, but is also very helpful with test and exam preparation.

Raemyn C.

Raemyn graduated the Concurrent Education Program at York University and specializes in the intermediate/senior division for English and Social Sciences. Her dedication and passion for education helps her create an engaging learning environment for students of various learning styles. She is a great organizational coach and can help your child in becoming more organized and feel more confident in accomplishing their work in a timely manner. Raemyn has experience working one-on-one with students. She has worked in the PAWS Program at York University where she helped at-risk university athletes enhance their organizational skills and keep their grades up to ensure their success in both school, and their chosen sports. Raemyn also has experience working in a high school alongside a mentor teacher to gain first-hand experience within a classroom setting. In her free time Raemyn enjoys watching hockey, spending time with friends and family, and travelling.

 

SAMANTHA I.

Samantha is an award-winning Canadian and international educator, who has presented her teaching strategies at the University of Toronto, the Solutions Tree Conference in Singapore, and contributed her lesson plans to the First Nations Caring Society. She received her undergraduate degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario in 2009, and her Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto in 2012, where she was awarded the prestigious Kathy Bickmore Peacemaking Award in Education. She has experience teaching in Toronto, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. She has attended intensive professional training in Italy, and facilitated workshops for teachers in Cambodia. She is experienced in the International Baccalaureate program, Reggio Emilia approach, and inquiry-based learning. She is certified K-12, with additional qualifications in Special Education, Guidance, and additional coursework in remedial reading/writing.
Samantha approaches her students with kindness, a sense of humour, and encouragement. She has experience in tutoring a wide range of subjects, with a passion for literacy. In her spare time, Samantha has traveled to over 35 countries, practices martial arts,, and plays the piano.

MARISSA B.

Marissa joined Prep Academy Tutors in 2014 after completing her Bachelor’s of Education (Primary/Junior) with a program focus in Special Education at Queen’s University. Since then, Marissa has taken additional qualifications in Special Education (part 1 and 2), Communication Needs: Autism, Reading, Kindergarten, and Primary/Junior Mathematics. In 2015, Marissa participated in a conference in Oregon to learn how to train teachers in Direct Instruction. In addition to Direct Instruction, Marissa also has trained teachers in the Wilson Reading System.

Marissa is passionate about making learning come alive for her students.  She works hard to find new and creative ways to reach every learner.  As an educator, it is her mission to inspire her students to become life-long learners who strive to ask questions and find answers.  Developing confidence and making learning fun are top priorities during Marissa’s tutoring sessions.  Students learn that it is through challenging themselves that they can learn and grow (even if they make mistakes along the way).  Marissa firmly believes that all students are unique and deserve to be educated in a way that incorporates their strengths and interests into their learning process.  

When Marissa isn’t teaching, you can find her hanging out with her puppy Rufus, or riding her horse, Rex.