Florina C.

Florina is a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago completing her undergraduate studies in biological sciences. She grew up with natural curiosity making sense of the world around her. Florina has always been eager to learn and explore new information around her. It was during her sophomore year of high school she discovered her passion for chemistry. Her chemistry teacher facilitated the learning of a difficult subject that inspired Florina to teach teenagers and young adults in the same manner.

Florina was a college tutor and TA in her local community college that helped her work closely with students to improve their grades. She knows how it is important for students to feel confident in their work and approach problems from different angles such as using technology to address issues. Florina enjoys figuring out what motivates her students and getting things done which helps her build relationships and achieve results. In addition to her years of experience, she has strong interpersonal and communication skills that allows her to adapt to any challenge and relish the opportunity to improve academic performance, problem-solving solving and love of learning for students of different ability levels. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, boxing, dancing, and going out with friend and family to summer festivals or 5k races.

Kenya G.

ROBERT P.

Robert P. is a current university student studying Biochemistry. He enjoys the academically challenging nature of his STEM major and is confident that he will be able to instill the knowledge and skills any student may need in their current and further academic journey. Robert had found his passion for tutoring while in his final year of high school, realizing that his deep understanding of concepts and explanations provided a great aid to his fellow Grade 12 classmates. He went on to form the “Peer Tutor” Club in which guidance counselors and students alike would regularly ask for his strengths in Data Management, Mathematics and Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, receiving awards and scholarships of appreciation during his graduation. He has also volunteered at a local not-for-profit community summer camp, helping Public Health with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, and is currently volunteering at his local general hospital. Robert believes that his recent experiences with the Ontario curriculum will provide any student with exceptionally relevant lessons, aspiring to be the “smart, cool, awesome, and charismatic upperclassmen” instead of the “scary teacher”. He believes in connecting concepts holistically, having students understand the correlation between theory and application/calculation, allowing them to use their knowledge as one whole working idea instead of struggling to memorize several fractured concepts.

Dr. Brandy P.

Dr. Brandy S. Pickens is a distinguished biochemist and dedicated educator with extensive experience in scientific research and environmental advocacy. Having earned a BA in Biochemistry from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. from Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Pickens is proficient in making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.

Dr. Pickens has dedicated over 15 years to biomedical research, specializing in biomedical research studies at institutions including the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This background equips her with a robust understanding of the STEM disciplines, which she brings to the classroom to inspire and educate future scientists and STEM professionals.

Currently, Dr. Pickens serves as a Toxicologist at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where she conducts technical analyses and reviews concerning the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Her role at the EPA underscores her commitment to public health and safety, themes she emphasizes in her educational outreach.

Passionate about fostering a love for science and environmental stewardship among young people, Dr. Pickens actively engages with community groups and schools. She organizes and leads educational programs and STEM initiatives, aiming to instill a sense of enthusiasm for STEM disciplines, particularly environmental science, and stewardship in the younger generation.

Dr. Pickens is not only a scientist and advocate but also a mentor who strives to encourage students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in STEM and public service. Her commitment to education, combined with her expertise in biomedical sciences and environmental sustainability, makes her a great match for organizations dedicated to cultivating knowledgeable, responsible, and motivated students.

LOGAN C.

Logan is a BC Certified Teacher. He grew up in Ontario before pursuing his dreams of becoming a teacher in New Zealand in 2020. After successfully graduating from teacher’s college Logan returned home to Canada and started working as an elementary school teacher. This past summer in 2023 is when Logan arrived in the beautiful province of British Columbia.
Logan has been a certified teacher for the past 4 years, and has experience working as a tutor for the past two years during the summer months. He has experience teaching all subjects at the elementary level, including French Immersion. He has supported the academic improvement of his students specifically with their reading, writing, vocabulary, language and math skills. Logan is a creative, personal and capable educator that understands his role as a guide and facilitator of learning. He puts an emphasis on creating positive relationships which allows him to relate to his students in a naturally caring and calm manner, building respect and trust. He also prioritizes the importance of creating innovative and engaging learning situations where students can reach their full potential. In his spare time, Logan enjoys being outdoors and staying active. He has a big passion for sports with hockey being his favourite, and enjoys listening to and playing music whenever he can.

Sean C.

Sean is a recent graduate from Western Univeristy’s teacher college program. He holds an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from McMaster University and has experience in Environmental, and Geotechnical engineering.
With his background in engineering, Sean brings a wide range of experience that helps communicate the different layers found in math and science problems. Students can expect to learn strategies that will have them in understanding (not memorizing) the material, and maximizing the depth of their learning.

Jessica B.

Jessica is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education for Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential with an emphasis on Inspired Teaching and Learning. Her goal is to teach Biology/Science to secondary level students (grades 7-12) once she receives her teaching credential.

Jessica’s teaching/tutoring experiences began while she was in school herself. She always helped her classmates when they were having difficulty understanding new concepts and worked as a student aid and student tutor in high school. While she served in the US Navy, she was an instructor for about three years and learned that each student is and learns differently and successfully tailored her lessons and instruction methods to meet the needs of every student.

Jessica loves learning about science and earned a BS in biology which made her even more curious and in awe of the world around her. She likes traveling, going for walks, observing the everyday phenomena she encounters, watching movies and shows, listening to a variety of music, teaching, and learning. As a future biology or science teacher she hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists to stay curious and do great things.

MEGAN L.

Megan grew up in Calgary and moved to Toronto to complete an Undergraduate Degree in Economics at the University of Toronto. Throughout her academic journey, Megan has consistently earned recognition as a Dean’s List Scholar and has been the recipient of multiple scholarships in acknowledgment of her outstanding achievements. With a passion for education and working with children, Megan aspires to pursue a career in teaching. Drawing upon over 3 years of diverse teaching experiences, ranging from one-on-one tutoring sessions with young learners to conducting group lessons with university students, Megan has supported the improvement of their reading, writing, vocabulary, and math skills. Megan takes the time to understand her students’ unique learning styles and needs to create a personalized teaching approach. She prioritizes building a solid foundation and equipping her students with effective learning strategies to empower them in their academic pursuits. Beyond the classroom, Megan can be found exploring the city with her camera in hand, reading at a cafe, and hosting dinner gatherings with her friends.

GRIFFIN H.

Griffin graduated from Humber College in 2022, receiving a Bachelor’s of Music with honours. Griffin is currently enrolled at the University of Toronto completing his Master’s of Teaching, where he is set to graduate in April 2025. Griffin is 24 years old and has been teaching music and mentoring students for over 5 years and has experience working with students of all ages.

Griffin graduated from Kelowna Secondary School in 2018 receiving a diploma with honours, as well as the Holland-Rusk Award, the BC Achievement Scholarship, and the BC District Scholarship for Fine Arts. During his time at Humber College, Griffin was awarded the Bernie Piltch Memorial Scholarship and the Yamaha Canada Music Award.

Griffin has recently completed two placements in TDSB schools and has extensive knowledge of the Ontario curriculum, with a focus on the Junior/Intermediate division.

Mila M.

Mila graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science. She is currently completing her Master of Arts in Child Study and Education. Mila has a range of previous teaching experiences, including math, French, science, swimming and chess. She can best support students through helping them work on their critical thinking skills, communication, and application in their work. During her free time, Mila enjoys reading, boxing and spending quality time with her family.