LUCIANO P.

Luciano is an Ontario Certified Teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience in a publicly funded school board. Luciano graduated from D’youville University with a Masters of Science in Education. He has qualifications in Primary, Junior and Intermediate Divisions. Additional Qualification include: Special Education Part 1 and 2, ESL Part 1, and Reading Part 1. In his spare time he enjoys time with his family, coaching, and playing ball.

Luciano’s experience teaching and tutoring both online and in person has reaffirmed his commitment to students and their learning. His experiences using STEM and Global Competences to engage students in problem-solving through inquiry, has provided students with many opportunities to succeed. Luciano differentiates instruction while recognizing the diverse backgrounds and learning styles of children. With his many years of experience, Luciano has access to Ministry of Ontario approved teaching resources and consistently implements high yield strategies that promotes student success.

Luciano’s positive attitude has been instrumental with his success in the classroom. He has learned that teaching is not a job, but one’s mission. He is thoroughly committed to student achievement through learning and creating a character orientated, positive learning environment. In closing, Luciano welcomes the opportunity to inspire, support and address the needs of students.

LESLEY C.

Lesley has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and a Secondary School Education Diploma from McGill University. In addition to 10 years of private tutoring experience in Toronto, she has been teaching with the TDSB for 25 years. While Lesley currently instructs English (9-12), math (9-10), civics & careers, she is also qualified in French (intermediate 9/10).

In conjunction with helping students excel in rigorous curriculum expectations, such as advanced essay skills, Lesley has 20 years of expertise in teaching school success strategies related to mental health diagnoses (such as anxiety or depression), ADHD and executive functioning (organizing, prioritizing, time-management) learning disabilities. She finds that her experience in DBT & therapeutic techniques related to test anxiety and academic procrastination / perfectionism allow her to bring a deeper learning experience to students who feel they are sometimes misunderstood by the education system.

Lesley’s goal as a tutor is to work together with students and parents to achieve success in the teen’s courses by finding creative solutions for engagement, motivation and increased confidence. Her caring, patient, authentic and youthful personality would make her an excellent choice for your teen!

In addition to her love of teaching, Lesley is a passionate traveler and writer. She has backpacked over 25 countries and has published two literary fiction novels with Penguin Books.

GENEVIEVE M.

Genevieve in an Ontario Certified teacher. She is qualified to teach Math, ESL, Economics, Business, Law, Accounting, Social Science, Philosophy and Special Education. She has over 10 years’ experience tutoring students both online and offline. Genevieve enjoys helping students of all ages achieve their full potential, from elementary to post-secondary.

STEPHANIE I.

Stephanie graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Arts in Child Study & Education in the primary/junior grade levels. During her time at OISE, she completed three practicum placements, which were in SK at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute Child Study, grade 3/4 in the TDSB, and her teaching internship / extended practicum was grade 1 in the TDSB. Prior to entering her master’s at University of Toronto, Stephanie was an educational assistant that supported students in KG- grade 8 with academics, social skills, vocational skills, and social emotional learning. Through the combination of her employment opportunities and the unique position of the master’s degree, Stephanie has developed an in-depth understanding on teaching children Ontario curriculum using a child-centred approach that is best suited to each child’s needs. Stephanie truly believes that all children learn best when they feel safe, welcome, and secure, and it is her teaching mission to ensure all students she interacts with feel welcomed and include by developing strong relationships and creating a fun environment. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys camping, kayaking, yoga, and other exercise activities that promote a healthy lifestyle for her well-being.

SHELLEY F.

Shelley has a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Special Education. She taught full- time in both the public and private school systems until June of 2020.
Shelley’s teaching and previous tutoring assignments have spanned Grades 1-8 and include many years of teaching combined grades with supported integration of students with mild to severe needs.

The highlight of her teaching career spanned a period of several years where she was trained in the International Baccalaureate methodology whose focus was to teach children to develop critical thinking skills within the current subject matter.

The area of study was formulated by the teaching team as a question and then explored in depth largely through the 6 strands of language arts and fine arts in order that all children were able to demonstrate their learning in their preferred modality. Final projects would be carefully and thoughtfully written, designed and built.

Subsequently, other classrooms of children would be invited to come and celebrate the learning that had occurred thereby enhancing and reinforcing not only the quality of learning but the very important idea that learning is meant to be shared. The learners would self-evaluate as part of the overall measure of learning.

Shelley also gained training and experience in an RBC sponsored young entrepreneurs program that encouraged children to develop an understanding of the workings of the business world. From choosing a charity to which funds would be donated to determining products and services to be designed, built and sold, the children came to know that each child had a role/ strength that could be utilized to promote success in business.

Kayla H.

Meet Kayla Hicks, a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student. Kayla grew up in Oklahoma City where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Oklahoma State University. There she taught high school students from Phnom Penh, Cambodia formal grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation of spoken and written English. She also tutored college students in English, Essay writing, and Psychology. Kayla then moved to Illinois to work toward her Graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Midwestern University where she is expected to graduate in May of 2023. Kayla has gained professional experience as a Speech Pathology graduate student who has facilitated evaluation and intervention in neurodegenerative disorders of communication (TBI/ABI, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Cognition, Aphasia, etc.) and children with unique communication needs (Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder, AAC, Autism, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Articulation, Language, Social learning, etc.) Through speech and language intervention, she has been able to foster her love of teaching and support students and adults with unique needs across multiple subjects to meet their educational goals. She has been able to make her students feel more confident in the classroom and their personal life by supporting improvement in writing, reading, vocabulary, language, speech, and math.

Kayla’s experience has allowed her to be flexible and adaptable with all students. She offers a calm, yet welcoming demeanor, infectious joy, candor, and positivity. In her spare time, Kayla loves going on walks, playing games, laser tag, and dancing. Kayla also spends her time helping out at a local dance studio, where she gets to share her love of dance. You can catch Kayla with a big smile on her face, helping someone become their best self.

Samantha M.

Samantha is a current Special Education Teacher for the Toronto District School with over 17 years experience. She holds a Masters of Education from York University, Orton Gillingham Associate trained and Elementary Montessori Certified. Samantha is an engaging, creative educator that creates positive learning experiences and inspires confidence and growth in her learners.

Kate J.

Kate is a certified teacher in British Columbia, Ontario and Australia. She grew up in Toronto, Ontario and completed the Concurrent Education program at Nipissing University. Graduating with a Bachelor of Honors Psychology and a Bachelor of Education. As well, she completed a Postgraduate course in Special Education and is currently finishing her Masters of Education and Technology. It was during her volunteer teaching experience in Costa Rica that she grew a passion for Special Education and encouraging diverse learners.

Kate moved to British Columbia just over a year ago due to her love of nature, travel, and passion for continuing her learning. During the summer months, Kate does online and in-person tutoring and has previously worked running a horseback riding camp for children.

Kate believes that by building a strong relationship with her students and understanding their abilities, she is better able to meet their needs and grow their knowledge. She also places importance on developing the whole learner, incorporating social and life skills and student interests into her teaching. Kate’s favorite subjects to teach are math, art, and social studies. Kate finds education very rewarding, she greatly enjoys working with children and teens and hopes to continue growing her personal experiences and knowledge.

Eileen H.

Eileen is a Speech Language Pathologist with experience working in the education, healthcare, and private systems across Canada and the United States.

She enjoys working with children and adults with various backgrounds in-person and virtually. Eileen uses creativity when collaborating with families in order to achieve overall speech, language, and communication goals. She holds a special interest in providing services to remote communities and bringing a positive experience to families.

In addition to her MSc. in Speech-Language Pathology, Eileen’s advanced training includes Canadian Hemispheres Level 1-8 (Stroke Competency Series), MBS IMP Certification, SCERTS training, Hanen’s Learning Language and Loving It, and she is currently studying towards her Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy certification. She has taken additional coursework in the areas of trauma practices, neurological approaches for self-regulation, and articulation and language treatments.

In her spare time, Eileen enjoys a variety of hobbies, except needlepoint. She has tremendous respect for those who engage in needlepoint. She is a published author and holds a deep compassion for others and their journeys.

Eileen is a member of College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHBC), British Columbia Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (BCASLPA), Speech-Language Audiology Canada (SAC), and is a Past member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA).

Nicole C.

Nicole Camilleri is an Ontario Certified Teacher. She grew up in Mississauga, moving to Hamilton to complete an Undergraduate Degree in Early Childhood Leadership. She also has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and Educational Assistance. Nicole received her Bachelor of Education from Brock University. Nicole grew up with a deep love of soccer, travel and all things nature and outdoors. Before completing her Bachelor of Education Nicole worked for Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board as an Early Childhood Educator, where she was intrigued by the child’s mind and furthered her studies becoming an Educational Assistant and working with high needs students on the autism spectrum. It was during her time working with special needs students that she discovered her patience, passion for teaching and her desire to work with children on a higher level. When she decided to pursue teaching as a career Nicole moved to London and is now teaching with the London District Catholic School Board. It is through teaching that Nicole has been able to foster her love of the mind with a focus on mental health/well being and language/ literacy. During the summer months, Nicole runs a Soccer Camp that encourages children to learn about themselves through interactive and hands-on experiences, promoting social growth and physical activity. In her spare time Nicole works one-on-one with children ranging from 6 years through middle school. She has supported the improvement of their reading, writing, vocabulary and math skills in these initiatives. Nicole believes that by building a strong relationship with her students she is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning. As a mentor Nicole continues to develop strategies for working with children. She finds these experiences enjoyable and extremely rewarding.