Olivier B-L

ENG: Holding a PhD from Columbia University in addition to an MA and a BA from Université de Montréal, Olivier has spent the last 11 years studying the foundations of western civilization by specializing in Classics, the interdisciplinary study of Greek and Roman Antiquity.

Driven by a passion for teaching and explaining difficult concepts from a very young age, Olivier has been an instructor for 4 years at Columbia University and a private tutor for over 5 years. Olivier has instructed students from all ages and levels, ranging from elementary school to CEGEP and undergraduate students. Olivier feels especially at home teaching French and English, as well as philosophy, the humanities, history and literature. Olivier also has extensive experience writing essays and papers himself, and has experience mentoring students in developing the skills to become compelling and persuasive writers.

Throughout his academic years, Olivier has developed a studying ethic that has allowed him to develop the discipline and focus required to succeed in a PhD program at an Ivy League university. Olivier believes that the real key to academic success comes less from innate talent than from curating the proper mindset and developing the right studying habits. As such, Olivier believes that effective tutoring goes beyond the classroom and seeks to also coach and mentor the human being behind the student.

FR: Titulaire d’un doctorat de l’Université Columbia, ainsi que d’une maîtrise et d’un baccalauréat de l’Université de Montréal, Olivier a consacré les onze dernières années à l’étude des fondements de la civilisation occidentale en se spécialisant en études classiques, l’étude interdisciplinaire de l’Antiquité grecque et romaine.

Animé dès son plus jeune âge par une passion pour l’enseignement et la vulgarisation de concepts complexes, Olivier a été chargé de cours pendant quatre ans à l’Université Columbia et tuteur privé pendant plus de cinq ans. Il a enseigné à des élèves de tous âges et de tous niveaux, du primaire à l’université. Olivier se sent particulièrement à l’aise d’enseigner le français et l’anglais, ainsi que la philosophie, les humanités, l’histoire et la littérature. Il possède également une vaste expérience en rédaction d’essais et de travaux universitaires et a accompagné des étudiants dans le développement de leurs compétences rédactionnelles afin de les aider à devenir des auteurs convaincants et persuasifs.

Tout au long de son parcours universitaire, Olivier a développé une éthique d’étude qui lui a permis d’acquérir la discipline et la concentration nécessaires à la réussite d’un doctorat dans une université de l’Ivy League. Olivier est convaincu que la clé de la réussite scolaire réside moins dans le talent inné que dans le développement d’un état d’esprit adéquat et de bonnes habitudes d’étude. C’est pourquoi il estime qu’un tutorat efficace dépasse le cadre de la salle de classe et vise également à accompagner et à guider l’individu derrière l’élève.

Samuelle F.

EN: Samuelle Fortin is a bilingual educator and mentor specializing in secondary and post-secondary learning. She is completing her master’s in Sociology at McGill University, where she also earned a Joint Honours B.A. in Sociology and French Literature. As a Teaching Assistant in McGill’s sociology department, she helped students synthesize and process dense course material, designed visual learning aids for neurodivergent students and those with non-linear thinking patterns, and used relational teaching to connect abstract concepts to students’ lived experiences.
Samuelle currently tutors Ukrainian university students in English through the ENGin program and mentors youth aged 16 to 21 with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Montreal. She has expertise in essay writing and exam preparation. Her lesson plans follow a structured yet adaptable framework, beginning with goal-setting and a directive approach, and moving toward independent application. Her primary aim is to foster lasting academic independence so students can confidently apply their learning in the long term.

FR : Samuelle Fortin est une éducatrice et mentore bilingue spécialisée dans l’enseignement secondaire et postsecondaire. Elle termine actuellement sa maîtrise en sociologie à l’Université McGill, où elle a également obtenu un baccalauréat spécialisé conjoint en sociologie et littérature française. En tant qu’assistante d’enseignement au département de sociologie de McGill, elle a aidé les étudiants à synthétiser et assimiler un contenu de cours dense, conçu des supports visuels d’apprentissage pour les étudiants neurodivergents et ceux ayant des modes de pensée non linéaires, et mis en œuvre une approche pédagogique relationnelle pour relier des concepts abstraits aux expériences vécues des étudiants.
Samuelle est actuellement tutrice d’anglais auprès d’étudiants universitaires ukrainiens dans le cadre du programme ENGin et mentore des jeunes âgés de 16 à 21 ans avec Grands Frères Grandes Sœurs du Grand Montréal. Elle possède une expertise en rédaction de dissertations et en préparation aux examens. Ses plans de cours suivent un cadre structuré mais adaptable, commençant par la définition d’objectifs et une approche directive, puis évoluant vers une application autonome. Son objectif principal est de favoriser une autonomie académique durable afin que les étudiants puissent appliquer leurs apprentissages avec confiance à long terme.

Hannah G.

As an educator of 7+ years, Hannah (she/her) is eager to help students with social sciences, technical writing skills, reading comprehension, essay outlining, executive skills, and ESL conversation. Outside of tutoring, Hannah is a Ph.D. student in the Social and Cultural Analysis program at Concordia University. Her research, generously funded by the Faculty of Arts and Science Fellowship, explores online communities — specifically LGBTQIA+ and other minority-led spaces — and alternative media creation. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Media Studies from Concordia, which allowed her to develop a web series pilot about positive representation for sapphic women and non-binary folks in online fandoms. She likewise holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in English from the University of Regina with a concentration in creative writing. Professionally, she has experience as a researcher, instructor, journalist, and actress in film, theatre, and television. Hannah is passionate about intersectional feminist filmmaking, creative writing, and archival research.
In her spare time, she also enjoys volunteering for Archives gaies du Québec.

Amy H.

Amy grew up with an ardent love for reading and the English language. Thirsty for knowledge, Amy pursued a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Hodges University, graduating magna cum laude. She fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming an educator when she received her teaching certification in English/Language Arts. Amy’s expertise includes not only raising test scores but also cultivating enthusiasm for learning in her beloved students. She has supported students on every level from kindergarten to college, from whole-class to specialized one-on-one instruction. Her passions? Though she has many, Amy will tell you about her three Ps – poetry, photography, and pollinator gardening. Amy believes that kindness beats unkindness every day of the week and that kindness coupled with love can accomplish much.

Madison B

Madison is currently a student at McGill University pursuing a Bachelor’s of Education in High School History and Geography. She attended John Rennie High School in the Academic Plus Program and graduated from John Abbott College on the Dean’s List. Madison has had experience teaching in a classroom, as well as one on one tutoring with students of all ages, including students with special needs. She places importance on creating a safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment, where students can reach their full potential by not only growing mentally, but also emotionally and socially. Madison wants her students to understand that it is necessary to ask question and make mistakes in order to succeed. Madison has a passion for the social sciences, including anthropology, psychology and sociology.

Sabrina Q.

EN: Sabrina is an accomplished tutor with expertise in History, French, and English for all levels. She is a Political Science graduate at the University of Montreal and will be completing her Bachelor of Law at the University of Ottawa. With outstanding commitment and passion for academic growth, she caters to different learning styles to enhance student performance and comprehension. Sabrina highly values the importance of organization and intellectual development.

FR: Sabrina est une tutrice accomplie avec une expertise en histoire, en français et en anglais pour tous les niveaux. Diplômée en sciences politiques de l’Université de Montréal, elle terminera son baccalauréat en droit à l’Université d’Ottawa. Avec un engagement et une passion remarquables pour la croissance académique, elle s’adapte aux différents styles d’apprentissage pour améliorer les performances et la compréhension des élèves. Sabrina accorde une grande importance à l’organisation et au développement intellectuel.

Isabel C.

EN: Isabel is a literary translator and graduate student in Littérature comparée (Comparative Literature) at l’Université de Montréal. She has an undergraduate degree in Contemporary Philosophy and German Studies, with a minor in French Literature from the University of King’s College and Dalhousie University.

She has worked as a teacher in both high school and elementary schools in English and French classes. As a tutor, Isabel prioritizes helping her students to nurture their creativity, curiosity, sense of determination and organizational skills.

Isabel is passionate about literature, film, history and art. In her spare time, she is learning metal-working.

FR: Isabel est traductrice littéraire et étudiante diplômée en Littérature comparée à l’Université de Montréal. Elle est titulaire d’un diplôme de premier cycle en philosophie contemporaine et en études allemandes, avec une mineure en littérature française de l’Université de King’s College et de l’Université Dalhousie.

Elle a travaillé comme enseignante dans des écoles secondaires et élémentaires, dans des classes d’anglais et de français. En tant que tutrice, Isabel a pour priorité d’aider ses élèves à développer leur créativité, leur curiosité, leur détermination et leur sens de l’organisation.

Isabel est passionnée par la littérature, le cinéma, l’histoire et l’art. Pendant son temps libre, elle apprend à travailler le métal.

TESTIMONIALS:

“I just wanted to say a great big thank you for matching us with Isabel. She is absolutely wonderful!

Parmida E.

Parmida is a JD/BCL student at the McGill Faculty of Law. Previously, she received her M.A. and B.A. Honours at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. She has over seven years of teaching experience, including in course design, seminar facilitation, essay writing, and research methods.

She has also worked as a professional copywriter and marketing expert, and enjoys advising students on business fundamentals, marketing, and adjacent topics.

Mia D.