DUSTIN O.

Dustin is a BC Certified Teacher for Twice Gifted Students and currently teaches grade 5/6. He has taught and tutored children from grade 1-9 and has worked as an interventionist for children with ASD and their families. Dustin formerly worked in an engineering career, but he did not find this career rewarding. After taking a leave, he discovered his passion for education in a daycare and pursued his teaching degree at the University of Saskatchewan. He is also currently completing his Master of Special Education online at Vancouver Island University, which qualifies him to administer Level B testing in K-12 schools in BC. He moved to Vancouver with his partner in 2020 and enjoys flying back home to visit twice a year. Dustin’s extensive experience with children of varying abilities has emphasized the importance of personalized support and tailored lessons to each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Dustin prioritizes empathy, patience, and flexibility in addressing diverse learning needs effectively. When Dustin’s not guiding students through the intricacies of learning, you might find him devouring comfort food, swapping tales with friends, or on the beach playing volleyball. Otherwise, he’s likely curled up at home with a stack of tear-jerker novels, tissues at the ready. He insists it’s just allergies, but we suspect it’s the heartwarming endings that get to him.

BRYCE R.

Bryce Rodrigues specializes in tailoring curriculum and remedial teaching across diverse age groups. Holding a BA in Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of South Africa, Bryce brings deep understanding and compassion into his teaching methods. His role at Choice School for Gifted Children showcases his ability to design and implement innovative educational programs that cater to the unique needs of each learner. With extensive experience from teaching in South Korea to remedial coordination in South Africa, Bryce has demonstrated a consistent commitment to enhancing student performance and fostering an inclusive learning environment. His expertise extends to creating engaging content, managing classroom dynamics, and mentoring educators, establishing him as a dedicated advocate for student success and educational excellence.

Tangelica Crates

Tangelica is an experienced and passionate educator.

Tangelica has a B.A. in English from California State University, Sacramento, a M.Ed in Multicultural Education from National University, a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English with an ELD endorsement and Reading Specialist endorsement.

She has taught at the junior high school level for over 15 years and for three years as a Certificated Student Learning Coach (working with more than 1,000 students). Today, Tangelica is a full-time online English teacher and tutor.

Tangelica strives to help students achieve the self-confidence they need to succeed in school — and beyond. She supports students with their academics (reading, writing, and grammar), but also with their motivation, organization, study skills, self-reliance, and perseverance.

She thrives on helpings students learn how to fill in their learning gaps, because the skills learned in overcoming those “gaps” are often the ones that will help them succeed in all their future endeavors.

Lillie C.

Lillie is a rising Junior student at the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana! She is majoring in English to be a high school English teacher as well as a drama teacher. Lillie has a wide range of experience working with students of all ages in and out of the classroom. While at school, she tutors at local elementary schools and high schools through America Reads, America Counts, through which she also received tutoring training. She specifically helps students who need additional assistance in elementary mathematics and reading. During her high school years at Downers Grove North, Lillie was able to student teach in a social studies classroom at Herrick Middle School. In the classroom, she taught lessons three times a week, some of which she created. Here, she got experience in collaborating with students in an entire class, in small groups, and one-on-one. Between her Freshman and Sophomore years of college, Lillie worked as a teacher’s assistant at Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development’s Academic Summer Camps. Here, she helped gifted high schoolers find their writing style and excel at creative writing and college writing. Lillie loves to see “ah-ha” moments when she helps students understand tricky concepts and when students find their unique voices as writers and learners. When she is home from school, she loves playing with her two dogs, bird, and pig! Yes, a pig!

Ashley R.

Growing up in the vibrant city of Nashville, TN, Ashley always harbored a profound thirst for knowledge and a genuine desire to help others. From her earliest days, she displayed a natural curiosity about the world, eagerly immersing herself in books and engaging in stimulating conversations with friends and family.

Upon completing high school, Ashley set her sights on higher education at the prestigious University of Miami. Pursuing a degree in Psychology, she embarked on a journey of exploration, diving into a diverse array of subjects including Spanish and literature. As Ashley delved deeper into her studies, she felt a calling to use her knowledge to empower others. Recognizing the transformative potential of education, she decided to focus on tutoring and teaching fellow students. Starting with volunteering opportunities on campus, Ashley quickly became known for her exceptional ability to connect with students and simplify complex concepts.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Miami, Ashley continued her educational journey at the University of West Florida, where she obtained a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis. This further solidified her dedication to making a positive impact through education.

Chris Z.

Meet Chris, an experienced educator committed to your academic journey! Holding a BA in English from UCF and fluent in Spanish, Chris offers comprehensive support tailored to your needs. With a focus on ESOL education and personalized tutoring for native Spanish speakers, Chris ensures effective learning experiences. Bringing expertise in Earth/Space Science and Social Sciences 9-12, Chris has a proven track record of guiding students towards success since 2016. Specializing in SAT & ACT ELA preparation, Chris equips students with the skills they need to excel.

DINA P.

Dina is a highly experienced elementary educator with over 30 years of experience in grades 1-7 in both public and private school settings. Dina received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and a Master’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education from The Bank Street College of Education. Mindfulness practices and confidence building strategies are part of Dina’s work with children. In her work with children from many different backgrounds and learning styles, Dina strives to identify students’ strengths and interests and works with those assets to develop further success and love for learning. She currently lives in Stamford, Ct. with her two beloved, old cats, Leela and Robby, and enjoys crossword puzzles and walks at the beach.

GREG W.

Greg is a highly motivated and qualified individual with a strong academic background and teaching credentials. Holding a Bachelor of Education from UBC, Vancouver (Secondary) and an Honours BA in Education (Teacher Stream) from Trent University with a major in History, Greg achieved recognition on the Dean’s List. Furthermore, he graduated with honors from the American School of Paris, receiving the prestigious ‘Excellence Award’ and Scholarship (Lyle Nicholl Award) upon graduation.

In the realm of teaching, Greg has undertaken various significant roles. As a student teacher at Vancouver Tech Secondary School and Charles Tupper Secondary School in 2023.
Beyond academic achievements, Greg has a wealth of experience in practical teaching environments. Serving as a Day Camp Instructor and Coordinator at the Sports & Wellness Center from May 2019 to August 2022, focussing on programming thematic units and sports activities for diverse age groups. His proficiency in supervising children with varied learning and healthcare needs, coupled with effective communication with both facility management and parents, underscores his ability to navigate multifaceted responsibilities.
At Peterborough Youth Space (September 2021 – July 2022), Greg assumed the role of a Tutor and Mentor for marginalized youth in the ‘Downtown Youth Space,’ providing valuable support for those facing social and educational challenges. His engagement as a Tutor for The Peterborough Petes OHL team in June 2020 – September 2020 further exemplifies his dedication to connecting with students and delivering engaging curriculum content.
With a global perspective acquired from living abroad for seven years and fluency in French, Greg brings a unique and diverse skill set to any educational setting. Currently pursuing a Recreational Pilot’s License, he continues to broaden his horizons and remains committed to excellence in both academic and practical aspects of education.

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

Sandra L.

Sandra is a seasoned teacher with over 10 years of experience in education across multiple countries, including South Korea, Australia, Kuwait, and most recently, Qatar where she taught grade two homeroom. With a Masters in Multidisciplinary Studies specialized in Special Needs, a Graduate Diploma of Education, and OCT qualification, Sandra is adept at supporting students ranging from JK to grade 6. Her expertise extends to literacy (reading, writing, phonics), general mathematics, and sciences. Passionate about social-emotional learning, Sandra prioritizes creating a nurturing environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential. With a diverse background working with students of varying academic and social needs, Sandra’s adaptable teaching approach addresses gaps in both academic and social-emotional development, ensuring a holistic learning experience.