Emma L.

Emma obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with a combined major in English and French from the University of British Columbia. She is now completing her internship through the University of British Columbia. Emma found her passion for teaching in high school when a teacher helped her through a difficult subject through patience, kindness, and most importantly, his belief in her potential. She wants to do the same for others because she strongly believes that all children are gifted and that each child deserves their chance to succeed.

Emma had the very fortunate opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom in the spring of 2024 to study and observe England’s curriculum and their classrooms. During her time overseas, she was not only able to gain unique experience in various classrooms, but also foster her love for travel. In the future, Emma will be taking full advantage of the many breaks the teaching career has to offer to travel the world.

Outside of teaching, Emma loves to dance. She danced competitively in the Okanagan for 15 years, and now dances occasionally when she has the time. She also loves going to the gym, golfing, watching live music, and enjoying all of what the Okanagan has to offer.

Zeke T.

Zeke is a credentialed social science and special education teacher with over eight years of classroom experience. He holds a BA from UCLA and an MA from UCSD. Zeke is a patient, personable, and adaptable teacher who loves creating the spark that fosters lifelong curiosity and exploration.

In his free time, Zeke enjoys traveling, playing guitar, hiking, cycling, reading, and watching sports. His favorite teams include the San Diego Padres, UCLA Bruins, and anything Team USA.

Vincent T.

Vincent is a certified teacher based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Vincent was born in The Netherlands and immigrated to The Okanagan in 1997 with his parents and three siblings. At four years old, Vincent began his Canadian education as an ELL student in Penticton, where he closely studied the rudiments of the English language. This was the first step in what would become a deep love for English literature and language studies. Vincent began creative writing at an early age, creating stories, writing poems or songs, and journaling on a regular basis. This love of the arts also inspired a longstanding love of music. Vincent was a drummer for nearly 12 years and continues to play guitar recreationally. Vincent likes rock music, in particular. Vincent completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at UBCO in 2018. He completed a B.A. in International Relations: a cross-curricular degree program which allows students to study a combination of Philosophy, History, and Economics. He started his teaching career in Victoria later that year, working with international students from all over the world. It was here that his love of teaching was ignited. Working alongside students to solve problems, ask and answer questions, and explore/discover new things became a favorite pastime. At the heart of Vincent’s pedagogy is building relationships with his students. In fact, his belief is that trust and connection are at the heart of all successful learning outcomes. Vincent completed his Bachelor of Education degree at UBCO in Kelowna in 2022 where he now continues to reside and work. While Vincent’s educational experience has largely been with middle and high school students, Vincent also has a keen interest in working in primary education. His main educational focuses include literacy development, language proficiency, creative thinking, and self-expression. In his free time, Vincent enjoys sports such as soccer, basketball, and golf. He is also an avid hiker and regularly goes camping to discover new places and enjoy quiet time away from the city.

Stephen V.

Stephen is a professional historian with over five years of experience as a college instructor. Outside the classroom, Stephen’s historical research took him to libraries and archives in Scotland, England, and India. He has a PhD in History from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Stephen’s zeal for all things history has shaped his approach to teaching, which brings past events and characters to life through impassioned storytelling, rather than giving tedious lists of names and dates. Stephen believes that if he can convince his students that history and the humanities are as cool as he thinks they are, a spark will arise that drives them to excellence in reading comprehension, essay writing and beyond.

Apart from the subject matter, Stephen is a personable instructor who strives to get to know his students as best he can. In doing so, Stephen aims to create a safe space which allows for open dialogue and, consequently, top-level schoolwork.

Mary R.

Mary has been teaching for the past 15 years, including working 9 years as a special education teacher for grades TK-12, 4 years as a general education high school English teacher, and 2 years as a Creative Writing adjunct professor at the University of California Riverside Extension. She has also worked as a writing tutor for the University of California, Santa Cruz for two years, and as an in-home tutor for students grade K-8 for 3 years (tutoring reading, writing, and math), and as a college admissions essay tutor. She currently works as a special education teacher for a local charter school, teaching reading, writing, and math, as well as supporting students in Social Studies and Science, for students grades TK-8 both virtually and in person at a local learning center.

Mary has a BA in Literature from UC Santa Cruz, where she received College Honors and Honors in the Major. She has also received an MA in English and MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University, and California credentials in Single Subject English and Mild/Moderate Special Education from Brandman University, and is certified to teach Wilson Reading. She has experience teaching and tutoring both online and in person, and worked as a freelance writer, and an editor of books and magazines before she became a teacher and tutor.

Mary has a great love of learning, which she brings to her students when teaching reading and writing. As an avid reader, and experienced writer of fiction, poetry, plays, and articles, she imparts her enthusiasm of reading and writing on her students. She especially loves to help her students improve their writing, and uses tools such as the Wilson Reading program to help struggling readers and spellers learn how to read and spell. As a teacher of students with a variety of ability levels, including students with disabilities, gifted and Honors students, and twice exceptional students, she knows how to tailor instruction to meet each student’s individual needs.

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.

Mia G.

Hello, my name is Mia G. and I have been tutoring since 2021. I graduated from St. Mary’s University in December 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in psychology. I have experience tutoring all grades from preschool to seniors in college. I specialize in tutoring biology, psychology and English, but I have tutored all subjects. I can also tutor people who are interested in cooking and baking, dance, and college admissions. I have experience working with students who have anxiety, ADHD, Autism and Down Syndrome. I will be starting my master’s degree in personalized molecular medicine in August 2025 from UT Health San Antonio. After that my goal is to go to medical school to become a neonatal geneticist.

NADIA S.

Nadia was a Montessori teacher (AMI trained) for over 35 years. She taught at the Casa level as well as Grade 1-2. She spent the last 8 years teaching Core French from the Casa level to Grade 3 at a local private school. Nadia is trained in the Orton-Gillingham Methodology and is currently tutoring students with this approach. She is passionate about Literacy and enjoys seeing the reading success of her students. Nadia also tutors adult Japanese ESL students online in Business English.

Her love of travel had her teaching ESL in Argentina and her students ranged from 10 to 70 years young! She spends time in Cuba with friends when time and resources permit. Nadia speaks French, Italian and some Spanish. When not tutoring, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog. Gardening, hiking and reading are her favourite pastimes.

KERRY-ANN B.

Kerry-Ann is a certified teacher with over 18 years teaching experience. She has a BA Hons. in Language Arts, with a specialist in both Special Education & Sociology and additional qualifications in Teaching English Language Learners.
Kerry-Ann has experience working with exceptional students and developing individual education plans base on student’s learning style and need.
A favourite quote of Kerry-Ann is:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela

Lauren S.

Lauren Santana is a Certified Teacher in the state of Florida and Illinois. She grew up in Tampa, Florida. Lauren completed her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education at Nova Southeastern University. She has an endorsement in reading and ESOL. She is also experienced in Wilson Fundations and the Wilson Reading System. Lauren has been teaching for five years and enjoys building relationships with her students and growing her scholars love for learning. Lauren loves to involve scholars by creating hands on, engaging activities that challenge conceptual understanding and enforce critical thinking skills. When Lauren is not teaching or tutoring during the school year, she travels with her family and get lost in a good book