Katy S.

Katy S. has been sharing her love of science and nature for 30 years with students of all ages. She recently moved to Calvert County from Vancouver, Washington where she taught at Ridgefield High School. Mrs. S has expertise in teaching and tutoring students in all areas of science and math all across the country. She has held highly qualified teaching licenses in Iowa, Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, Washington and now, Maryland! Mrs. S is committed to accompanying her husband on his many job moves working for the United States Department of Agriculture. Although most of her teaching positions have been at the secondary level, she has experience teaching environmental education to preschool and elementary students early in her career as a naturalist. Mrs. S wants to provide researched-based instructional techniques that help students succeed in all content areas. Mrs. S has a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University and a Masters of Arts Teaching degree in Science Education from the University of Iowa. Her education and training to become a science teacher preceded the addition of children to her family. She and her husband have raised two successful and educated young women. Both Madelyn (23) and Isabelle (18) are pursuing science careers. Madelyn is a graduate of Western Washington University and a pathology assistant at a lab in Bellingham, Washington. Isabelle is in her first year at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis planning to major in Physics. Upon reflection of the most effective parenting skills to help her daughters be high achievers; Mrs. S identified top recommendations: reading books together EVERYDAY from infancy through middle school years, and always asking what her daughters learned from mistakes.

Shanaka R.

Dr. Shanaka R. has 19 plus years of research and supervision experience and over 10 years of teaching experience of students and other professionals with diverse backgrounds and ages. He has a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, a Master’s degree in human pathology, Ph.D. in human pathology and post-doctoral training in molecular virology and cell biology/microbiology. He believes in students and their future, and to encourage less enthusiastic students more enthusiastic and make them hard-working, to prepare them for nothing but to “ace” in examinations. He does not believe in cramming but learning by heart. He has a broad understanding of scientific principles and techniques that is required to prepare the students in facing their examinations and for them to be eligible for various career paths. His main objective would be to instill their “enthusiasm and passion” through his life-long passion, love, discoveries and commitment toward science and medicine. During the teaching process, he would also enlighten interest of his students with the cutting-edge discoveries of science mainly to elevate their interest and increase the retention power of their subject matter. He will incorporate these concepts in a fun, more interesting and in a concise manner and teach them the proper strategies of studying hard to understand concepts, visualize better, be more practical and aid in study-note preparation. He will also teach new studying methods. He can educate students in the following subject areas and/or any related: biology, zoology, plant science, earth science, cell biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biological chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, immunology, laboratory science methods, thesis writing, scientific seminar preparation, basics of pharmacology and drug science, pathology and human disease, physiology. Also, specialized sub-areas such as, basic forensics, computer software (MS office, Photoshop, basic bioinformatics relating to science) recombinant DNA/RNA/protein technology, biotechnology, plant/animal/microbial taxonomy. He can also teach arts, painting and craft work. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, other art and crafts, cooking, US and world travel, going on cruises, music, concerts, pets, gardening, hiking, nature, family time and engage in outreach activities.

Dominic E.

Dominic E. received his BA degree from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) in Jazz Studies. He is an accomplished musician who has won multiple awards for his playing and musicianship and has performed many different genres of music in several states. Dominic is a multitalented and skilled person whose love for music is only matched by his passion for math. Dominic’s love for math began when he was very young. He has been in advanced math classes, won multiple awards for his math abilities and academic performance, and uses his free time to discover new ways to understand and approach math. He believes that math is vital to many things which we do and he loves seeing students understand and come to appreciate it, as well as see its application to everyday life. In addition, Dominic recognizes that people learn differently and he has developed many ways to help students understand math, science, and music. Dominic firmly believes that math and music are intertwined and he, therefore, combines them in his teaching and tutoring when it is appropriate. Dominic is a unique individual who does not always learn in the traditional way that some schools teach. He has a strong desire to understand things on a deeper level so that they make sense to him and he seeks to help his students understand information and not just give back what was provided. He prides himself in meeting students where they are and helping them find ways to understand that work for them. One of the things that makes Dominic enjoy his work so much is when he is able to help students understand and go from struggling to success. Dominic has tutored many students in levels of math from elementary through advanced college, worked as a substitute teacher, taught small groups of students, worked as a high school teacher in math, technology and science, and tutored students in music from beginning to very advanced levels in theory, composition, performance skills, transcription, and song writing in most genres of music. Dominic combines his keen sense of humor and deep knowledge base to challenge students to understand material while building their confidence to try things which they previously thought were difficult or impossible – often times by tapping into their creativity.

KRISTINE P.

Kristine, a passionate advocate for science and education,is currently completing a masters degree of teaching (grades 4-10) and is currently completing AQ qualification in intermediate and senior level (grade 11-12) biology. Born and raised in Guelph, Kristine developed an enduring love for the outdoors. Surrounded by the lush landscapes and natural beauty of Guelph, her childhood was filled with exploration and an innate appreciation for the environment.It is her love of nature which inspired her to completed her undergraduate degree in biological science. Driven by her insatiable curiosity, Kristine pursued a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science, further deepening her understanding of the human body and medical sciences. Her research and academic achievements were a testament to her dedication and passion for scientific inquiry.Kristine represents the blend of a deep-rooted passion for science and an unwavering commitment to education. She was determined to not only share her profound knowledge of science but also to instil a love for learning in her students.

Taïs V.

EN: Taïs was born in France and graduated from high school in Montreal with a French Baccalaureate, making French her first language. She also speaks English and Spanish fluently.
Taïs studied in McGill University from which she obtained a bachelors in Biology, and she graduated with Honours and an Animal Health Specialization.
Last year, Taïs had the opportunity to travel to Ecuador where she worked as a volunteer in a small town to organize after-school activities for kids and help them with school work. Furthermore, her first jobs in Montreal consisted in being a summer camp counsellor in which she taught the basics of tennis, badminton, soccer, and swimming to several groups of kids (ranging from 4 to 14 years old).
Taïs is an enthusiastic, patient and social person, and believes her skills will hold a positive impact, learning-wise, on the kids she will tutor.

FR: Taïs est née en France et a obtenu un baccalauréat français à Montréal, ce qui fait du français sa première langue. Elle parle également couramment l’anglais et l’espagnol.
Taïs a étudié à l’Université McGill, où elle a obtenu une licence en biologie, avec mention très bien et une spécialisation en santé animale.
L’année dernière, Taïs a eu l’occasion de voyager en Équateur où elle a travaillé comme bénévole dans une petite ville pour organiser des activités parascolaires pour les enfants et les aider dans leurs travaux scolaires. De plus, ses premiers emplois à Montréal ont consisté à être monitrice dans un camp d’été où elle a enseigné les rudiments du tennis, du badminton, du soccer et de la natation à plusieurs groupes d’enfants (âgés de 4 à 14 ans).
Taïs est une personne enthousiaste, patiente et sociable, et croit que ses compétences auront un impact positif sur l’apprentissage des enfants qu’elle encadrera.

MELANIE M.

Melanie has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Science in Mathematics Education. Along with her formal training in engineering, education, and mathematics education Melanie brings creativity and enthusiasm for quality teaching and learning.
Melanie has taught in British Columbia, Alberta, and Egypt since 2001. Teaching learners from all backgrounds, at all levels, requires versatility. To ensure course information is kept current, clear, and relevant, Melanie’s strategy is to continually adapt models and lessons to suit learner needs.
Melanie likes to build on strengths and strengthen weaknesses. To achieve this, Melanie will get to know you, and seek out strategies that work for you. She will adapt existing strategies and research new strategies. As greater retention comes through understanding, Melanie will take you back to the basics and help you piece together all the bits to build true understanding. Further student success comes through learning strategies such as “study foldables”, manipulatives, technology use, games and competitions to reinforce learning.

Maya S.

Maya is a Mathematics graduate from the University of Toronto who has been working in the education field for over 3 years.

Since completing her degree she has worked as a tutor for students of all ages and subjects. After becoming coordinator of a tutoring centre where she oversaw the academics of 100+ students, Maya decided to get back into the classroom and took on a supply position teaching grade 11 and 12 Maths, Physics and Computer Sciences.

In her free time, Maya enjoys spending time with her cat while catching up on the latest in hockey when she is not travelling.

RALPH S.

In 2023 Ralph S. completed their Masters of Teaching from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at University of Toronto, qualifying them as an Ontario Certified Teacher with a specialization in Sciences and Advanced Qualifications in Mathematics, both at the Junior/Intermediate level. Coupled with a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering completed in 2020 at Toronto Metropolitan University, Ralph’s education has been built for success in STEAM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths). They have taught grades 4-8 students in the TDSB at Cosburn Middle School, Samuel Herne Public School, and Eastview Public School, and has been tutoring JK-12 students part-time for 4 years. Expressing complex ideas through poetry and fine arts are a hobby of Ralph’s, and learning with them will be the crossroads where STEAM, language, the arts, and social sciences intersect.

BILL G.

Bill graduated from University of Toronto where he majored in Math and Physics. He specializes in teaching all high school Math, Grade 9/10 Science, Grade 11/12 Physics, Grade 11/12 Chemistry & Biology. Bill has experience teaching at IB levels as well as AP levels of Math & Sciences as well. He has participated in various contests in high school and university and trained students in contests such as SIN, COMC, Hypatia and Euclid. Bill is great at helping students to develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills.

In addition, he has tutored University courses including Calculus, Linear Algebra, Linguistic (Logic) for many first & second year students at U of T, Waterloo and Ottawa U.

Katharine M.

Katharine is an accomplished educator with over a decade of teaching experience. Her educational journey has spanned from her early teaching days in England to her current role within the Toronto District School Board. Katharine possesses a solid academic background, including an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University. In addition to her foundational qualifications, she has earned specialized certifications in Special Education, English Language Learning (ELL), and Mathematics.

Katharine’s extensive knowledge and diverse teaching experiences reflect her unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and development of her students. With over 12 years of tutoring experience across a wide range of subjects, she excels in delivering tailored instruction.

Beyond her dedication to teaching, Katharine finds joy in various activities. She enjoys coding, walking her dog Konan, and reading.