LAXSHAA N.
Dr. Laxshaa Nadpurajah is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in education, data analysis, digital content management, fitness, and nutrition. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration; a Master of Education, specializing in Assessment & Evaluation; and a Master of Management Analytics, both from Queen’s University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology and Criminal Justice & Public Policy from the University of Guelph.
ANNABELLE K.
Annabelle is an Ontario Certified Teacher and has recently entered the classroom as a Secondary School Teacher with the TDSB. Before entering the classroom, Annabelle conducted research exploring accessibility through gamification and how to best ensure students are engaged and ready to learn in the classroom. Through her work in the classroom, Annabelle has had amazing opportunities to work closely with students to meet their various learning needs, including providing students with one on one support. Annabelle has always been passionate about education both inside and out of the classroom as seen through her work in museums. Before entering the classroom, Annabelle received her Master of Museum Studies from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Information. Annabelle’s museum work centred around making history accessible and engaging to students through creating interactive and informative exhibits, and school programming for students from Grades 3 through 12. It’s her passion for history and the humanities that have led her to teaching and she is excited to share this passion with her students. Annabelle has been working with kids for as long as she remembers, growing up as a camp counselor and teaching karate, always looking for ways to make learning fun. In her spare time, Annabelle practices her karate as much as she can and is always looking for a new video game to play!
JUSTIN R.
Justin Riley is an OCT-certified teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching and tutoring elementary and high school students. Currently he is working in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). He holds an undergraduate degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Science in Education from Medaille College. Justin is highly qualified in Social Sciences, Accounting, Economics, Business, and English courses. He believes in integrating humor and culturally relevant pedagogy to connect with students, making content relatable and enjoyable for all learners. His teaching approach focuses on fostering a cooperative learning environment that engages students and motivates them to achieve their very best.
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!
STEPHEN C.
Stephen Carter has a BA, MA and PhD (ABD) in English literature. He was a University Teaching Assistant for five years at two Canadian universities, and he has taught and tutored elementary, high school, and college/university students for over ten years. As a teacher, Stephen helps students cultivate a love for learning, achieve academic success, and develop advanced skills in reading, writing, analysis, critical thinking and speaking.
Christina G.
While completing her undergraduate studies at McGill, Christina tutored on behalf of the Sociology department, preparing students for upcoming exams and assignments. As well, Christina volunteered at the essay writing center, where she edited and assisted students with papers.
Christina is passionate about literacy and believes that skills in reading and writing are fundamental to success in any subject. She has worked extensively with students with developmental and processing problems, working to help the students overcome difficulties and obstacles. She is trained and very experienced in SAT and SSAT preparation as well as assisting students with writing personal statements of excellence. She teaches students studying skills, test-taking strategies, and how to overcome test-related anxiety. As well, Christina specializes in preparing students to transition from public to private schools. Her preparation is exhaustive, including test-taking prep, interview prep for the student, and interview prep for the parents.
Christina believes in developing and fostering relationships with each student to create a comfortable environment that allows the students to flourish and learn. She is a firm advocate for different learning styles and tries to incorporate a variety of techniques that deviate from standardized education, as she considers each student’s learning style to be unique and accommodable.
Sandi M.
Sandi Mustard is a Certified Teacher. She grew up in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, moving to Vancouver to complete an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology. As well, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Arts Education. Most recently, she completed a Masters of Education (Innovations in Maths Education). Sandi has a lifelong passion for working with children, beginning at a young age. She loved volunteer babysitting for mothers’ meetings in her teens and led arts-based summer day camps during her undergraduate degree. She joined the world of education as a Certified Education Assistant, working extensively with students with autism and other developmental disabilities. She has also taught English in Thailand, where she hit the beach every day after work. In 2009, Sandi returned to UBC to complete a Bachelor of Education, and has been joyously teaching ever since. She is passionate about supporting the improvement of reading, writing, vocabulary and math skills. Sandi knows that by building a strong relationship with her students she is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning. She engages students using their curiosity and interests to help them gain the confidence they require to succeed. In her leisure time, Sandi enjoys hiking and backpacking and anything on or in the water. You can often find her at or near Okanagan Lake, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. And if she’s not there, she’s up in the hills! Sandi looks forward to supporting your child, teaching in a way that guides them towards their fullest potential.
MARZIA H.
Marzia is currently completing her undergraduate Honours degree in Cellular Molecular Microbial Biology with a minor in Psychology at the University of Calgary. Marzia has been tutoring young students for over 8 years, developing her own unique strategies and best practices along the way. Marzia’s passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education extends beyond tutoring. She has been working with Minds in Motion to deliver hands-on STEM concepts to groups of students from grades 1- 9 through summer camps, kid’s clubs, and classroom workshops. Marzia focuses on fostering excitement about the intricate world of STEM, creating an inclusive environment, and sparking curiosity in young minds.
Having worked extensively with students across different age groups and academic levels, Marzia is adept at tailoring lessons to meet the individual needs and learning styles of each student. She believes in creating a supportive and engaging environment where students feel empowered to reach their full potential. Marzia is known for her patient and encouraging approach and is skilled at building strong, positive relationships with students and parents alike.
In addition to Marzia’s passion for knowledge through reading and watching various genres of documentaries, she enjoys painting as a way to express creativity and relax. Marzia often incorporates random bits of obscure knowledge into her teaching, relating to her students, making learning more engaging and enjoyable!
Michelle C.
Michelle is a seasoned educator with a passion for fostering intellectual curiosity, is delighted to be your child’s guide on his/her educational journey. With a rich tapestry of experience, Michelle has cultivated a global perspective through living in Budapest, Hungary for over ten years and working as a former UN staff member. As an accomplished educator, Michelle has taught courses for high school and undergraduate students in music and math. With a background in the social sciences, she is passionate about shaping young minds and inspiring a love for learning.
ASHLEY D. S.
Ashley is currently enrolled in her second year at OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) at the University of Toronto for her Master of Teaching in the Primary/Junior grade level. She has completed two teaching placements in a Grade 3 classroom at Hillcrest Community School, and a Grade 5 classroom at Norseman Junior Middle School. It is through teaching that Ashley has been able to foster her love of Science and Math.
During her undergrad, she spent her time volunteering with child-focused non-profit organisations where she mentored two elementary-aged children with Autism and ADHD through weekly cooking classes and collaborated in teaching a weekly conflict resolution and community-building program to a Grade 5 classroom at Swansea Junior and Senior Public School.
Through these experiences, Ashley has developed a deep passion for working with children and guiding them to reach their full potential. Ashley believes that by building a strong relationship with her students she is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning. She finds these experiences enjoyable and extremely rewarding. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, watching anime, and spending time with her friends and family.