RICHARD C.

Richard has a PhD in protein chemistry and an MSc in clinical bioinformatics, and is now a BEd student at York University, undertaking a career change to be a high school biology and chemistry teacher. He is keen to share his vast knowledge of and passion for both science and math, and believes in the value of education, and learning for the sake of learning. He has been tutoring for a couple of years already in math grades 7 through 11 and science through to grade 12, as well as working as a teaching assistant at an alternative school, working with students to help meet their unique needs.

Richard is originally from England, where he had a successful career as a professional scientist in universities, hospitals, and analytical laboratories, giving him a broad knowledge of the range of scientific careers and the key scientific skills that unite them. He also volunteered in Armenia at a research institute and an orphanage for disabled children, relishing the unique challenges of this experience.

KARINA G.

Karina is a lifelong student of the sciences, driven by an insatiable curiosity and awe of the world around us. Karina holds a BA degree in Physics and a BA degree in Science Education from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. She taught Mathematics, Science, and Physics in several middle and high schools such as Leo Baeck Educational Center in Haifa and Igal Alon High School in Eilat.

Karina worked as a Program Coordinator at the Family Resource Center and as a Parenting Skills Coach at JF&CS Toronto and York Region. Karina also volunteered in Public and High Schools, and got a volunteers award for her work at school.
Karina acquired in depth knowledge of the Ontario curriculum through Additional Qualification Courses and through private and small group tutoring over the past 16 years. She considers it a privilege to have many opportunities to guide learners of all ages and backgrounds, from those struggling with fear and frustration, to budding scientists brimming with curiosity. It has been her life’s work to help each and every student overcome obstacles, build unshakable confidence, and become independent, successful learners.

Karina is endlessly fascinated by the world we live in, and nothing brings her greater joy than igniting that same sense of wonder and excitement in others through mathematics, physics, and science.

KAROLINA S.

Karolina Solovka is a recent graduate of York University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance Creation and Research and a Bachelor of Education in Teacher College for grades 4-10. She currently teaches dance and drama at Ms. Marianne’s Power of Performing Arts studio, where she leads both recreational and competitive classes. Karolina also plays a key role in the studio’s productions, with the upcoming show being, Into The Woods Jr!

Karolina’s teaching philosophy is rooted in flexibility and adaptability, tailored to meet the diverse needs of her students. She is committed to continuous growth and development as an educator, aiming to provide her students with a rich foundation of knowledge and unforgettable learning experiences. Her ultimate goal is for her students to leave her classroom feeling confident in their abilities, eager to learn, and ready to seize every opportunity, regardless of the outcome. She is super happy to join the team here at Prep Academy and is so excited to meet her future students!

CINDI S.

Cindi has a Bachelors of Education from McGill University. After graduating, she worked at a private school in Mississauga. While working at the school, she started tutoring students who were having difficulty in the advanced classes and those trying to get into the school. Quickly, Cindi discovered that tutoring was her calling. For over twenty-five years, she has been tutoring and has never looked back. Cindy enjoys watching the success and growth of each of her students and all children have the ability to reach their full potential with the proper teaching. She has worked with children of all ages and learning abilities. Her learning instructions and methods are targeted to the unique needs and learning styles of each student. She really enjoys watching the success and growth of her students. In her spare time, She enjoys doing diamond painting puzzles, reading, hiking, and spending time with her son. She is excited to be part of our team

Leah M.

Leah is a bilingual graduate of Mechanical Engineering at UofT. After working as an engineer in 3D printing for 2 years, she is going back to school to pursue a Masters of Teaching at OISE. She specializes in math, science and french. As a tutor and teacher, Leah hopes to use her passion for STEM to inspire and help students reach their full potential.

Leah has worked for several years at a french summer camp, leading groups aged 3 to 14. She has also volunteered at a french high school as an “Engineer in Residence” leading workshops on engineering and 3D printing. During her undergraduate studies, she was a Teaching Assistant for 2 years for a first year engineering course that touched on topics such as organization, time management, ethics and mental health. In her spare time, Leah loves to make art, bike, dance and birdwatch.

Jiyeon I.

EN: Ms. Jiyeon is pursuing her Bachelor of Education in French Immersion Kindergarten and Elementary Education at McGill University.
Ms. Jiyeon will be entering her 4th year into the program and embark on her third student teacher placement this fall 2024.

Ms. Jiyeon has taught French as a second language for students aged 5 through 12 with diverse cultural and linguistical backgrounds, along with various elementary subject matters at the French Immersion schools in Montréal during the past two years. Ms. Jiyeon believes in connection before curriculum, meaning that a relation must be built between the student and the teacher, in order for learning to occur.

When Ms. Jiyeon is not teaching, she likes to write, meditate, hike, and venture through the many bookstores and the beautiful landscapes of Montréal!

FR: Mme Jiyeon poursuit son baccalauréat en éducation en immersion française pour la maternelle et l’enseignement élémentaire à l’Université McGill. Mme Jiyeon entamera sa quatrième année dans le programme et débutera son troisième stage d’enseignement à l’automne 2024.

Mme Jiyeon a enseigné le français langue seconde à des élèves âgés de 5 à 12 ans, issus de divers horizons culturels et linguistiques, ainsi que diverses matières au niveau élémentaire dans les écoles d’immersion française de Montréal au cours des deux dernières années. Mme Jiyeon croit en l’importance de la connexion avant le programme, c’est-à-dire qu’une relation doit être établie entre l’élève et l’enseignant pour que l’apprentissage ait lieu.

Lorsque Mme Jiyeon n’enseigne pas, elle aime écrire, méditer, faire de la randonnée et explorer les nombreuses librairies et les magnifiques paysages de Montréal !

CHRISTINE M.

Christine has a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and works as a Research Scientist at the University of Calgary. She has interdisciplinary work experience in science, engineering, pharmaceutical and IT industries. She is a problem solver and helps graduate students solve various experimental, theoretical, technical and academic problems in their research.

Currently she works on research projects that turn seafood waste into biocompatible precursors for heavy metal adsorption and CO2 capture, devoting efforts to solving ultimate real-world problems of environment pollution and global warming.

She likes to read lots of books in her free time and enjoys self-learning the newest AI technologies. She is passionate about the rapid development of modern technologies.

Vincent De J.

Vincent De Jesus is a teacher, musician, and creative technologist from San Antonio, Texas. His interests are at the intersection of arts, design and creative technology. He is a graduate of Southwestern University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies with a minor in philosophy (2009). Today he splits his time between performing music (in musical theater productions, recording studios and stages around the world) and teaching and tutoring. With over 15 years of teaching experience, he has taught multiple subjects including math, science, video game design, design thinking, 3D design and printing, music, drumming and creative technology. He loves cooking Mexican and Puerto Rican foods, playing music with friends, creating music in his home studio, and going on nature walks. He enjoys reading, discussing ideas and learning about how the human brain works.

KEVIN D.

Kevin is a classroom teacher who has two bachelor’s degrees in Education and Biological Sciences from the University of Calgary. During the school year Kevin teaches a Grade 3/4 class with the Calgary Board of Education. In the classroom Kevin has experience working with diverse school communities, unique student learning needs and uses a student-centric approach to instruction. Kevin has 10 years of tutoring experience and has tutored math and sciences for a wide range of grade levels. Through these experiences Kevin has continued to grow and adapt his teaching practice to better fit the needs of his students. In his spare time Kevin enjoys the outdoors, sports and trying new restaurants.

BRANDON A.

Brandon is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Calgary, with an expected graduation in 2026. He holds a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Pharmacology from the University of Alberta, completed in April 2023. Brandon has extensive experience in youth development and education, having served as a Youth Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club and a Child & Youth Coordinator at the Northern Alberta YMCA. In these roles, he developed and facilitated educational programs tailored to meet children’s learning needs and foster academic growth.

Brandon also has a rich background in behavior management and educational support, highlighted by being a Classroom Behavior Manager and Teaching Assistant. He has consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment to creating supportive and enriching learning environments for students, promoting both academic and personal development.

Additionally, Brandon has been actively involved in mentorship and volunteer work, including roles as a Youth Mentor with the Youth Restorative Action Project and a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Additionally, He is bilingual in English and French, enhancing his ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of students.