Meghan P.

Meghan has an MA in History and a BA (double major) in Classics and International Development from McGill University. She is in the final stages of completing her PhD in History and Classics at Yale University. Meghan has published a number of articles in academic publications and presented her research at conferences around the world. She speaks three languages fluently (English, French, and Romanian) and works in several others (Italian, German, Latin, and Ancient Greek).

Meghan is a passionate teacher who believes that every student is capable of excellence. Her approach is characterized by empathy, patience, and kindness. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Meghan is sympathetic to the pressures modern students face: difficulties in focus, wavering confidence, and the temptation of unethical AI use among others. Meghan has had particular success in motivating students who were especially shy, withdrawn, or otherwise on the margins of the classroom. Strategies for how to bring such a student back into the fold differ on an individual basis but are always couched in mutual respect and understanding. Frequently, students who may have been struggling the most at the beginning of the term—be it with meeting deadlines, quality of work, or something else—became some of Meghan’s strongest and most self-motivated students by the end of the academic year.

Areas of Expertise: Reading, Writing, and Critical Analysis (all levels); History (all levels); Latin; Ancient Greek; Biology (K-12); Homework Help (English: K-12; French: K-6).

Dr. Michelina N-O.

Dr. Michelina Nelson-Olivieri developed a lifelong love of reading and writing as a child growing up in rural East Texas. Her favorite writers include Jeanette Winterson, Emily Austin, and Joy Harjo.

She received her B.A. and M.A. in English from Sam Houston State University, and her Ph.D. in English from the University of Denver. During her time at DU, she taught several English courses and tutored in after-school programs and at the University Writing Center.

Michelina’s passion is helping students of all ages find their written voices and learn to understand the world around them through other literary voices.

When she is not helping students learn to read and write with confidence and ease, you can find Michelina hiking with her family on trails all over the Front Range.

Dr. Katina W.

Dr. Katina Walton views her enthusiasm for teaching as a calling and a responsibility that is driven by her commitment to student growth, equity, and excellence. Her desire to be a better teacher is fueled by the her personal experience of how effective instruction transforms lives and unlocks the potential in every learner.

She holds a Ph.D. in Literacy, Reading, Assessment, and Evaluation from Walden University, and has taught in a variety of classrooms from elementary schools to universities since 2001.

Outside of teaching, Dr. Walton finds joy in her faith, family, and community. She also enjoys encouraging others and engaging in activities that renew her spirit and strengthen her passion for education.

Travis McG.

Travis McGinnis has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Regis University, with endorsements in both Gifted and Talented Education and Social Studies. With 15 years of classroom experience in the Adams 12 and Jeffco School Districts, Travis is an expert at guiding students through Reading, Writing, and Math using goal-setting and arts-integrated methods.

In 2017, Travis was awarded the Talented Teacher Award by the Jeffco School District, and recognized for “100% student achievement,” as all his students met or exceeded their goals in Reading, Writing, and Math. In 2016, he also contributed to Devinney Elementary School winning the National Blue Ribbon Award.

Outside the classroom, Travis enjoys playing soccer, boardgames, baking sourdough bread, and writing fantasy and science fiction novels. When he’s not writing, gaming, or baking masterpieces in the kitchen, he enjoys quality time with his wife, four children, and their mini-goldendoodle puppy.

Travis’s experience as an educator, his enthusiasm for learning, and zest for life make him an ideal “smart friend” for elementary and middle-school students who could use a little inspiration to overcome challenges and master the learning process.

Kiersten G.

Kiersten is a newly certified teacher in the state of Illinois who recently relocated to Chicago from her hometown of Columbus, Ohio! She earned her bachelor’s degree from Miami University (Ohio) and completed a graduate program at Ashland University, where she obtained her teaching license. Kiersten is licensed to teach grades PK–6.

She has been passionate about education since a young age and brings a wide range of experience working with diverse learners. Her background includes student teaching internships, as well as roles as a summer school teacher and after-care teacher. Kiersten believes her creativity sets her apart as an educator, as she consistently goes above and beyond to design engaging and meaningful learning experiences. She values building strong relationships with her students and enjoys getting to know them on a personal level in order to connect their interests to learning.

Kiersten recently accepted a position as an Assistant Teacher at an elementary school in Oak Park, where she looks forward to continuing to support students’ growth in areas of need. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, practicing photography, and playing volleyball. She is excited to meet her future students!

Maria C.

Maria is in her final year of teacher’s college and will be graduating from Brock University with a Bachelor of Education, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies. She has experience teaching a wide range of subjects across Grades 1–6. Through her teaching placements, Maria has had the opportunity to design and implement lesson plans that foster inclusive, engaging, and student-centred learning environments. As well, Maria is fluent in Spanish and is able to support students who are learning Spanish or taking Spanish language courses.
In addition to her classroom experience, Maria has several years of experience tutoring literacy both one-on-one and in small-group settings through the Brock Learning Lab. In this role, she supported students in developing reading comprehension and confidence as learners while adapting instruction to meet individual strengths and areas for growth.
Maria believes in fostering positive relationships, building confidence, and creating a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to take risks and ask questions. She values patience, encouragement, and meaningful feedback as key components of effective tutoring.
In her free time, Maria enjoys reading, drawing, and going to the gym!

LINH V.

Linh V. is an Ontario Certified Teacher and Registered Early Childhood Educator with over 18 years of experience working full-time with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). She began her teaching career in Vietnam as an advanced mathematics teacher, where she taught gifted math classes and prepared students for national mathematics competitions. Since moving to Canada, Linh has taught in Kindergarten and SK–Grade 1 split classrooms, and completed her teacher education field placement in a Grade 1/2 split class. Her classroom has been recognized as a Learning@School model classroom, welcoming new educators to observe effective instructional practices and inclusive programming. Linh brings a strong math background and extensive experience teaching guided reading and guided writing, using evidence-based programs such as UFLI, Jolly Phonics, the Science of Reading, and Heggerty. She uses assessment for and of learning to design individualized and differentiated lessons that support students with diverse learning needs, including ADHD and Autism, while also challenging students to exceed curriculum expectations. Drawing on her experience in both Eastern and Western education systems, Linh blends deep conceptual understanding with meaningful, structured practice to help students build strong, lasting foundations. Outside the classroom, she recharges through trail running, nail art, and time in nature to “enjoy” supporting her Grade 8 daughter and Grade 11 son with their homework and studies. She is also highly confident in tutoring Intermediate Math (7-8) supported by her teaching experience and supporting upper-grade math learning at home. Linh is passionate about partnering with families to support each child’s unique learning journey.

Charlie D.

EN: Charlie is a third-year student majoring in Kindergarten and Elementary Education with a specialization in French Immersion at McGill University. She is fluent in both French and English. Through her experiences as a daycare volunteer, camp counsellor, and tutor, she has developed strong skills in supporting elementary-level students across all subjects, with particular strengths in French and mathematics.

She is equipped to work effectively with diverse learners, including students with learning disabilities. Motivated and dedicated, Charlie is committed to helping students gain confidence in their abilities and achieve academic success. She values a safe, supportive, and caring learning environment for every student. Enthusiastic and adaptable, Charlie embraces a variety of learning styles and enjoys finding creative ways to make learning fun and engaging.

FR: Charlie est une étudiante de troisième année à l’Université McGill en enseignement préscolaire et primaire, avec une spécialisation en immersion française. Grâce à son expérience comme bénévole en garderie, animatrice de camp et tutrice, elle a développé d’excellentes compétences pour aider les élèves du primaire, notamment en français et en mathématiques.

Charlie adapte son enseignement à des élèves de divers niveaux, incluant ceux qui éprouvent des difficultés d’apprentissage. Charlie se montre entièrement dévouée à ses élèves, cherchant constamment à renforcer leur confiance et à faciliter leur réussite académique. Elle crée un milieu d’apprentissage sûr et empreint de bienveillance, et aime s’essayer à des méthodes d’enseignement innovantes qui rendent l’apprentissage captivant et agréable.

Alanna A.

Alanna is currently completing her Bachelor of Education at Ontario Tech University in the Primary/Junior stream, qualifying her to teach Kindergarten to Grade 6. She also holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University, along with a post-graduate diploma in Health Promotion from Centennial College, giving her a strong foundation in both education and health sciences.

With over 15 years of professional experience in the community healthcare sector, Alanna brings a deep understanding of individualized support and holistic care to her teaching practice. She recognizes that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to learning and is committed to ensuring that each student receives the academic and emotional support they need to succeed. Her background allows her to approach learning with empathy, patience, and a strong awareness of student well-being.

Alanna’s teaching style is patient, encouraging, and highly student-centred. She strives to design lessons that are engaging, meaningful, and connected to students’ interests and real-world experiences, with a strong focus on building confidence and independence as learners. She is passionate about creating a positive, supportive learning environment where students feel safe to take risks and grow.

Outside of the classroom, Alanna enjoys volunteering her time by visiting retirement homes and schools with her therapy dog, Duke, sharing her love of community connection and compassionate service.

SAM R.

Sam is a recent graduate from the Master of Teaching program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. During his practicum placements, Sam has taught high school English for grades 9, 10, and 12, along with Philosophy, Law, and History. Essentially, Sam loves teaching everything related to reading and writing. With that being said, he also loves teaching sciences, arts and the humanities in general at different grade levels.

Sam also works at Action Potential Lab as a Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) instructor for students ranging from ages 3 to 12 years old. This role has strengthened his adaptability to the various needs and stages of learning for every unique student.

Overall, Sam leads his lessons with flexibility and compassion to meet students where they are at and find strategies to keep growing and learning.

In addition to his recent work experience, Sam also completed his Master of Arts degree at Queen’s University in the department of History. During this time, he volunteered as a Peer Writing Assistant at the library to help undergraduate students with essays, formal reports, and general tutoring needs. Sam also worked for 5 summers as a counselor at Camp Ponacka where he taught sailing and led nature expeditions for campers ranging from ages 8 to 15.

To add a little bit more about Sam, he is very passionate about music, as he achieved his Advanced Rudiments with High Honours in music theory along with grade 7 piano certification. He also loves poetry, songwriting, yoga and meditation, visual arts, and snowboarding!