KAROLINA S.
Karolina Solovka is a recent graduate of York University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance Creation and Research and a Bachelor of Education in Teacher College for grades 4-10. She currently teaches dance and drama at Ms. Marianne’s Power of Performing Arts studio, where she leads both recreational and competitive classes. Karolina also plays a key role in the studio’s productions, with the upcoming show being, Into The Woods Jr!
Karolina’s teaching philosophy is rooted in flexibility and adaptability, tailored to meet the diverse needs of her students. She is committed to continuous growth and development as an educator, aiming to provide her students with a rich foundation of knowledge and unforgettable learning experiences. Her ultimate goal is for her students to leave her classroom feeling confident in their abilities, eager to learn, and ready to seize every opportunity, regardless of the outcome. She is super happy to join the team here at Prep Academy and is so excited to meet her future students!
Leah M.
Leah is a bilingual graduate of Mechanical Engineering at UofT. After working as an engineer in 3D printing for 2 years, she is going back to school to pursue a Masters of Teaching at OISE. She specializes in math, science and french. As a tutor and teacher, Leah hopes to use her passion for STEM to inspire and help students reach their full potential.
Leah has worked for several years at a french summer camp, leading groups aged 3 to 14. She has also volunteered at a french high school as an “Engineer in Residence” leading workshops on engineering and 3D printing. During her undergraduate studies, she was a Teaching Assistant for 2 years for a first year engineering course that touched on topics such as organization, time management, ethics and mental health. In her spare time, Leah loves to make art, bike, dance and birdwatch.
Matthew N.
Matthew’s journey as an educator began at George Brown College where he studied Early Childhood Education, and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. Matthew aspires to become a teacher, and is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Education at York University. He has experience teaching children in a variety of different settings, which includes working at a childcare centre with children between the grades of 1 and 7. There, he developed lesson plans for his students, which included activities surrounding their interests, and focused on improving skills such as language, math, gross/fine motor skills, and social development. He also has experience being a swim instructor, and assistant coach for a soccer team, where he enjoys the opportunity to learn and connect with the students he works with.
Julie T.
Julie is a graduate student currently attending York University to pursue her Bachelor of Education. Prior to this, she attended Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) for the Early Childhood Studies program. Throughout her academic career, Julie has consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. She carries extensive knowledge on ways to foster children’s social, emotional, and cognitive abilities, and has developed numerous lesson plans and activities during her undergraduate years.
Beyond her academic achievements, Julie has completed several placements and volunteer opportunities working with young children from different backgrounds and needs. Many of the lesson plans she implemented were significant as they promoted children’s literacy and numeracy skills. Moreover, Julie has a keen understanding of the importance of developing both fine-motor and gross-motor skills in children. Whether it is through arts and crafts or outdoor games, she is dedicated to fostering holistic growth for her students.
Julie’s approach to teaching is flexible and does not entail a one-size-fits-all approach. She believes in adaptability and altering plans to accommodate each child and their interests. She often incorporates visual arts and interactive activities to sustain engagement among her students. In her spare time, Julie enjoys cooking various cuisines and going on walks!
Laura N.
Laura is a dedicated educator currently completing her Master of Teaching at the University of Toronto as a second-year candidate. With a background in an Honours Double Major in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University, graduating cum laude, Laura has a passion for the English language and storytelling. Through education and experience, she brings studied knowledge, creativity, and passion to her teaching practice.
In the prestigious JET Programme, Laura spent four years teaching English in Japan, refining her instructional skills and gaining a wealth of experience with students in grades one to six. Laura has taught at Lambton Kingsway Junior Middle School and Wedgewood Junior School in her practicums, teaching grades four and one respectively. Both students and teachers can attest that Laura left an indelibly positive mark on her classrooms in these practicums. Beyond teaching, Laura has served countless summers as a counselor and office administrator at summer camps in the GTA and Montreal, working with and creating unforgettable bonds with children and their families.
Laura brings her expertise and passion to students through Prep Academy, offering support in all subjects for grades one to six, particularly in literacy using the Direct Instruction program. She looks forward to embarking on this learning journey with you!
AMANDA H.
Amanda is a fourth-year student at York University’s Glendon campus, pursuing a Bachelor of Education in French Studies with a specialization in Mathematics, aiming to become a high school teacher. Fully bilingual, Amanda has extensive experience working with students at all levels of French, including core, immersion, extended, and full French.
As a dedicated teacher, Amanda finds fulfillment in witnessing her students’ progress and success. She has a rich background in tutoring and teaching French and Math across all grade levels, from primary to high school. Amanda’s teaching approach is immersive and tailored to each student’s needs. She begins by assessing their French or Math proficiency through diagnostic tests, enabling her to design customized lesson plans and homework assignments to ensure their success.
Amanda offers both online and in-person lessons, incorporating interactive activities such as quizzes and games to reinforce concepts learned during the session. She adapts her teaching methods and materials to accommodate each student’s learning style and interests. Moreover, Amanda maintains open communication with parents, providing regular feedback on their child’s progress.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading, spending time with friends, playing soccer, and staying active through workouts.
Amanda H
Christopher O.
Chris is a fun, hardworking, tutor with many years of experience working both as freelance tutor and in a center. He comes from a Math background taking all the academic levels in high school as well as Studying at York University. He specializes in all grades of Math from 1-12, as well as working with all learning difficulties.
With years of experience, he has learned a simple and easy way for kids to understand difficult concepts and makes it enjoyable. Understanding Math can be challenging, Chris likes to help make it seem easy and simple for all to understand.
Many of Chris’ passions are Music, Basketball, Football, Cooking, and Anime! One of the key strengths he possesses is patience. Math can be overwhelming and being patient with students learning concepts, makes an excellent tutor. Chris believes in building confidence with students helps them succeed and want to learn more. He is very passionate about teaching and loves helping others feel accomplished and ready for all problems!
Rayan B.
Rayan is currently in teachers college and in the process of completing his Grades 7 – 12 teaching certification at York University with English and Dramatic Arts as his declared teachable subjects.
In the past, Rayan has excelled in his time working at Kumon as a Math and Reading Tutor where he taught learners in pre-school and Grades 1 – 6 and successfully helped them improve their foundational literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy skills (basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
Outside of school and work, Rayan has also volunteered at the Christian Centre Church’s after school homework club, and Inner City Outreach. Here he helped at-risk Grades 6 – 8 children from the Jane and Finch area gain both the skills and confidence that they needed to perform at their very best, across a variety of different academic subjects.
When he is not busy tutoring his super cool Prep Academy students, Rayan loves to watch movies and shows (he’s a big into cinema), read comic books (he’s also an unapologetic geek) and play chess and poker (not very well though).
Iqbal F.
Iqbal graduated in Physics in 2001 and obtained his Master’s degree in Aerospace Science from the University of Toronto in 2015. He taught Physics at High School level for 5 years before migrating to Canada where he worked in the corporate world while doing Physics tutoring.
His main aim is not only to help students reach their academic goals but to enable them in understanding the fascinating world of Physics.
His professionalism, courteous demeanor and motivating skills ensure students find great value working with him over the years. He believes Physics is not hard as long as it is taught in the proper way and with the appropriate support which is exactly what he brings to the table.
In his spare time, Iqbal enjoys playing badminton, practicing guitar and listening to rock music.
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.