Hamed M.

Dr. Hamed Mirzaei is a passionate educator with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in materials science, applied electromagnetics, and gas monitoring. His love for solving problems sparked a deep passion for teaching and facilitating learning for others, a drive that has flourished over the past 14 years. Hamed has had the privilege of teaching and serving as a teaching assistant at the University of British Columbia, working across various courses such as Physics, Thermodynamics, and Mathematics for Engineers. He strives to create a supportive and engaging learning environment, using an interactive and communicative approach to make complex concepts accessible to students.
In 2018, Hamed moved to Canada to pursue his Ph.D., eager to embrace a new culture, experience fresh activities, and make international contributions through his research. This journey has enriched his academic and personal life, broadened his perspectives, and strengthened his education commitment. Fluent in Persian and English, with conversational skills in French, Hamed brings a global outlook to his teaching, ensuring students are equipped with diverse knowledge and skills to thrive in a changing world.
Alongside his university teaching, Hamed has been dedicated to providing one-on-one personalized instruction, delivering high-level education tailored to meet the individual needs of his students. This Personalized approach allows him to help learners build confidence, deepen their understanding, and achieve their academic goals.
Outside of the academic sphere, Hamed is passionate about sports and nature. He enjoys playing soccer, skiing during the winter months, and hiking as often as possible in the warmer seasons. These activities balance his intellectual pursuits and allow him to stay active and energized. Through his teaching and personal endeavors, Dr. Mirzaei remains committed to fostering positive learning environments and contributing meaningfully on a global scale. As the quote from the Kingdom of Heaven says, “What man is a man who does not make the world better?”

Ella H.

Ella Handley is currently a Teaching Candidate in the Okanagan School of Education at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. She has completed her undergraduate studies specializing in chemistry at UBC Okanagan. Ella has always loved working with children and helping them succeed in what they are working towards. She has spent the last 4 years as a supervisor at a summer camp and tutoring children in elementary math. She grew up in Castlegar, British Columbia where she fell in love with camping and being on the lake. In her spare time she participates in competitive 5 pin bowling. Ella believes that every child can excel if they are given the chance and meeting the child where they are at is critical in helping them move forward in their academic endeavours.

Brennan G.

After finishing high school in the Central Okanagan, Brennan pursued his passion for learning by earning degrees in Kinesiology and Education from the University of Calgary. From there, he set off on an exciting adventure, spending four years teaching abroad in Canadian Offshore schools in China and the Middle East. These experiences not only expanded his worldview but also strengthened his love for teaching. Outside of the classroom, Brennan is passionate about hockey, basketball, hiking, strength training and yoga, staying closely tied to sports throughout his life. His travels have taken him to 25 countries over North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, where he’s embraced new cultures and landscapes, often blending his love for learning new languages while catering to his adventurous spirit. Staying healthy and active is central to who Brennan is, driving both his personal and professional life.

Sandi M.

Sandi Mustard is a Certified Teacher. She grew up in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, moving to Vancouver to complete an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology. As well, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Arts Education. Most recently, she completed a Masters of Education (Innovations in Maths Education). Sandi has a lifelong passion for working with children, beginning at a young age. She loved volunteer babysitting for mothers’ meetings in her teens and led arts-based summer day camps during her undergraduate degree. She joined the world of education as a Certified Education Assistant, working extensively with students with autism and other developmental disabilities. She has also taught English in Thailand, where she hit the beach every day after work. In 2009, Sandi returned to UBC to complete a Bachelor of Education, and has been joyously teaching ever since. She is passionate about supporting the improvement of reading, writing, vocabulary and math skills. Sandi knows that by building a strong relationship with her students she is better able to meet their needs and grow their learning. She engages students using their curiosity and interests to help them gain the confidence they require to succeed. In her leisure time, Sandi enjoys hiking and backpacking and anything on or in the water. You can often find her at or near Okanagan Lake, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. And if she’s not there, she’s up in the hills! Sandi looks forward to supporting your child, teaching in a way that guides them towards their fullest potential.

Olivia L.

Olivia, a certified teacher based in British Columbia. Her educational journey includes completing public education in the Okanagan and earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. Before pursuing Education, Olivia majored in History and minored in French. Passionate about lifelong learning, Olivia recently achieved her beginner yoga teacher certification and has future plans for a Master’s in Counselling.

Early on, she discovered her love for working with children, gaining experience in tutoring and nannying. Olivia’s expertise extends from elementary to high school, encompassing students with diverse needs.

Known for creating a supportive learning environment, Olivia excels at fostering meaningful connections with her students. In her leisure time, she cherishes moments with loved ones, particularly her certified assist therapy dog, Reggie, a cavapoo known for spreading love among kids and adults alike. Additionally, Olivia indulges in her passion for downhill skiing whenever possible.

Andrew K.

Andrew completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia, before acquiring a Master’s of Teaching at the University of Otago in New Zealand. Andrew has taught in most subject areas while specializing in English, History, Social Studies and Technologies.

With a further background as an electrician, he also has a strong understanding of calculus, algebra, trigonometry and foundations mathematics. Throughout his trades and teacher education, Andrew has participated in tutoring a wide variety of students, including first and second-year undergrads. During his time as a teacher, he has found that curating the subject to meet the unique and individual needs and interests of the student is key to their learning success.

Sue R.

Sue R. is a dedicated ICF certified ACC-level executive coach who empowers teens to enhance their executive functioning skills as they prepare for the challenges of graduation and the transition to college or university.

With Sue’s background in coaching and mentoring, they bring a unique blend of expertise in cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and goal-setting. With a passion for encouraging young minds to reach their full potential, Sue guides teens through critical periods of transition from high school to college.

Sue tailors strategies to meet each individual’s needs and goals using a holistic approach. Under Sue’s guidance, teens develop crucial executive functioning skills, including time management, organization, and communication.

Sue understands teens’ unique challenges, having navigated the complexities of adolescence and academic transitions.Coaching fosters resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence in teens.

When it comes to academic responsibilities, social connections, or college preparation, Sue is dedicated to helping teens succeed. In addition to academic success, Sue aims to equip young people with the skills and mindset necessary for success in their personal and professional lives.

Parker T.

Hi, my name is Parker T, I have been tutoring STEM courses for the last 10 years. I have my Bachelor of Science majoring in; Biochemistry Medical and Molecular Biology option with a dual major in Psychology. I am starting my first year at UBC’s Medical Doctor program. I took the MCAT last year for the first time and gained admission after only applying to 1 school. I have had great success tutoring having all of my students noticeably improve within weeks. I hope to help you in your academic journey with tutoring and coaching to help achieve your goals.

Nava A.

Nava is a certified teacher who graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She also holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood and is currently working on her Montessori certification. Nava has taught internationally as well as in Canada and the United States. She has had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students from different backgrounds and enjoys instilling a love of learning in her students. Nava enjoys baking, making jewelry and would like to travel more in the future. Nava enjoys discovering techniques to help her students better understand the content.

Christian H.

Hello! My name is Christian. I am a Science and Mathematics teacher at Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School here in Kelowna BC.  I moved to Kelowna in 2009 to attend UBC-Okanagan where I completed my BSc in Microbiology and BEd in Secondary Math and Science Education. Through my time at UBC-Okanagan I was also fortunate to work for Interior Health doing research in the Microbiology department eventually leading to me presenting at international microbiology conferences in Germany, USA and Canada and even having a paper published.  When I am not in the classroom, I love to be outdoors or involved in anything sport related! I look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals!