NICK H.

Nick is a Grade 5/6 teacher at a private school downtown Toronto and has 4 years of teaching experience. Nick has a Bachelor’s in Education from Queen’s University, specializing in Primary Junior. Nick has an undergrad degree from the University of Ottawa with a Major in Geography and a Minor in Sociology.

AMBER C.

Amber is an Ontario certified Primary, Junior, and Intermediate Teacher. She grew up in Vancouver and Toronto and earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto. As well, she obtained a Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa with great distinction, and she is currently pursuing a Master’s of Education in Studies in Teaching and Learning. Amber grew up with a deep love of teaching, language, and culture, and took the opportunity to continue teaching as her career. She has taught students from K-12 for the past 7 years and has diverse experience in teaching ESL students, students with multiple exceptionalities, and as well as various subjects such as Language Arts, Math, Science, Geography, and Visual Arts. She has also tutored standardized exams such as SSAT, IELTS, and College Admission Assessments and taught English in South Korea. As a professional mentor, she continues to develop instructional strategies for working with children and accommodating their needs. Amber also enjoys learning about each of her students’ interests and strengths to help students learn effectively.

NICK P.

Nick Patel is a math and science teacher. Nick began on his teaching path in the winter of 2002 when he began working with the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education at New York University.  He earned his BA and MS degrees from New York University with a concentration in biology, chemistry, economics, and general science, and obtained his teaching credentials in science education from Fordham University and City College of New York.  In Nick’s words, “To me, teaching fulfills a higher purpose.  Knowing that the future leaders of this world will face many coming challenges, teenagers and young adults must immediately be guided in such a way that will prepare them for the coming challenges that humanity faces.”  Nick has been actively involved in the education sector for almost fifteen years, teaching in private and public schools, and providing services to educational institutions in the greater New York City area.

HEATHER D.

Heather graduated from McMaster University with a bachelor of honours commerce. Heather has had a life-long passion for education, and has many years of experience teaching students of all ages and personalities! While at McMaster, Heather was the Head Administrator of the First Year Orientation Program where she discovered her skill as an academic coach. She mentored many first year students, teaching skills such as note-taking and efficient studying. Her enthusiasm and energy are contagious, making her not only an effective teacher, but also a fun one. Her philosophy on teaching is that one does not create greatness in students, one uncovers it. Heather is also a trained SSAT coach, and she enjoys guiding students in preparing for this examination. Heather is trained in the Reading Mastery Program, and she enjoys working with young readers. In her spare time Heather is a ski instructor, with her background in ski racing. When not teaching, you can find Heather out on a cross country run or enjoying a book at home with her cat.

RYAN C.

Ryan is a passionate educator who believes in harnessing the unique interests and potential of each student. He graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree specializing in music, has conducted graduate research in music theory and education, and is currently a Junior/Intermediate teacher candidate in the Master of Teaching program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Ryan has been working with children as an educator and mentor since he was 14 and started as a hockey referee, which he still loves doing to this day. He has also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor, where he learned that play and imagination are just as important as learning the skills. Ryan is also a trained SSAT coach, and he enjoys guiding students to achieve success in the test-taking process. For the last five years Ryan has worked as a private music instructor, working with children of all ages to foster a love and passion for music and the arts. It is his goal to always ensure that students leave each lesson with new ways of engaging with their music. These experiences have helped develop Ryan’s philosophies around education; that each student is unique and should be given the chance to engage and produce knowledge in their own way. When students feel a connection to knowledge that is made meaningful from their own experiences, the passion for learning will follow.

Monique G.

Monique Gargiulo is an Ontario Certified Teacher. She grew up in Toronto Ontario where she completed an Undergraduate Degree. Monique graduated from York University with an International Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts and Professional Studies in English and Italian Studies with Honours. Ever since she was a little girl Monique knew she wanted to be a teacher, she decided to pursue teaching as a career and completed a Bachelor of Education at Niagara University in the Intermediate/Senior grade levels. She then continued her studies and went on to complete additional qualifications for Primary/Junior grade levels and a specialization in Special Education. Soon after graduation, Monique was hired by the York Catholic District School Board where she continues to work today. Monique believes that engaging students using their curiosity and interests is crucial in helping them gain the confidence they require to succeed. Monique believes that by building a strong relationship with her students she is better able to meet their needs and ensure they are successful. As a teacher Monique continues to develop strategies for working with children and young adults. She has a passion for helping others and enjoys all of her teaching experiences because they are unique and rewarding in their own way.
Monique grew up with a deep love of travel and adventure and took the opportunity to work abroad at the Canadian School of Milan for a year. This was an incredible experience as it allowed Monique to immerse into a different culture and teach a wide multitude of students. It is through teaching that Monique has been able to foster her love of Health and Fitness. During the summer months, Monique taught Zumba and nutrition at a fitness camp at UCSD in San Diego, California. She got to work with children from 8-16 and helped them to reach their full potential and fitness goals. Together they hiked, learned how to surf, and enjoyed bonfires on the beach. In her spare time Monique is the captain of a volleyball league and is very passionate about the sport. Monique also enjoys cooking and baking, as well as spending time with her friends and family.