Exceptional Tutoring Programs In . . . North York Willowdale

Stephanie Dai is the Centre Director of Oxford Learning Willowdale. She graduated from the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s top universities, with a strong academic background and a particular passion for mathematics and logical reasoning.

Known for her exceptional analytical skills and structured thinking, Stephanie is dedicated to helping students build solid foundations in math, problem-solving, and critical thinking. She believes that logical thinking is not only essential for academic success, but also for making confident, independent decisions in life.

As Centre Director, Stephanie plays a key role in supporting not just students, but also families and teachers. She works closely with parents to understand each child’s unique needs and learning goals, and collaborates with educators to ensure high-quality instruction and consistent progress tracking. Her commitment to building strong, trusting relationships within the learning community helps every student thrive in a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

“Helping students develop logical thinking is like giving them a lifelong toolkit. It builds not just better learners, but stronger minds.”

Sarah Dai is the Centre Manager of Oxford Learning Willowdale. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Birmingham (UK) and a Graduate Certificate in Child Mental Health (Canada). With both international academic credentials and local expertise, Sarah brings a holistic, child-centered approach to education.

With over ten years of experience in teaching and educational program management, Sarah has worked with learners of all ages across various educational settings in both Canada and overseas. As both an educator and a parent, she understands the unique challenges students face academically, emotionally, and developmentally. Her background in child mental health enhances her ability to support children’s growth not just as learners, but as individuals.

At Oxford Learning Willowdale, Sarah leads the day-to-day operations of the centre and collaborates closely with the teaching team to ensure that every student receives personalized, engaging, and effective instruction. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop strong study habits, and reach their full potential.

“Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported—not only in their academic journey, but in becoming confident and capable lifelong learners.”

Hi, I’m Aly — a passionate and bilingual (English/French) educator with over three years of tutoring and teaching experience. I hold a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Global Development from Queen’s University and am currently completing my Bachelor of Education at Vancouver Island University, specializing in French Immersion instruction. 

With a strong background in education and a flexible, student-first approach, I’m excited to help every learner grow and thrive.

Alia holds a Master’s degree in Design for Performance and an additional certification in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). She is also fluent in French, allowing her to teach both languages with confidence and enthusiasm.

Her diverse background in university teaching, performing arts, and mentorship brings creativity and depth to her lessons. Before joining Oxford Learning, Alia taught as a Lecturer and Mentor at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she designed full courses, developed lesson plans, and supported students in their professional growth.

Alia’s teaching style is highly engaging. Through guided questioning and discussion, she encourages students to express themselves clearly, think critically, and discover their unique voice. She also helps students build skills and confidence in reading and writing in English and French.

Athena graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Waterloo, one of Canada’s leading engineering programs. She received several academic distinctions, including the Professor T. Prasad Award and the University of Waterloo Merit Scholarship, recognizing her outstanding academic achievement and analytical ability.

At Oxford Learning, Athena is known for her inquiry-based teaching style, which encourages students to think deeply and explore multiple ways to solve problems. Her classes are engaging, interactive, and thoughtfully designed—students consistently enjoy her lessons and feel motivated to learn.

In addition to her academic excellence, Athena brings creativity and discipline to her teaching, drawing from her background as a provincial-level figure skater and a Grade 8 classical pianist.

Hi, I’m Emma — a passionate teacher with extensive experience working with children. I hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Teaching from OISE (University of Toronto).

I have taught in TDSB kindergarten and elementary classrooms, designing engaging lessons in literacy, math, science, and social studies. My experience as a program leader and camp counsellor has strengthened my skills in creating fun, inclusive, and structured learning environments.

I’m excited to inspire a love of learning in every student and help them grow with confidence.

Fatemeh holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics and brings over 15 years of teaching experience at the secondary and post-secondary levels. She has a strong background in Calculus, Algebra, Probability, and Statistics, and is passionate about helping students achieve excellence in mathematics.

Before joining Oxford Learning, Fatemeh taught at several universities and mathematics institutions, where she also mentored students for international math contests, including the Waterloo Math Competitions (Gauss, Pascal, and Euclid) and Math Olympiads.

Her teaching style is student-centered, encouraging learners to think critically and explore mathematical ideas with confidence. Fatemeh’s lessons are structured, engaging, and inspiring. Students appreciate her clarity, patience, and ability to make complex topics understandable and enjoyable.

Félix is a native French speaker and a passionate educator who teaches French, Math, and Science at Oxford Learning. His major is Mechanical Engineering at York University, where he has also worked as a research assistant and co-author on a scientific publication.

Félix combines his strong analytical background with a creative and engaging teaching approach. His inquiry-based lessons encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and gain confidence in both language and problem-solving.

Fully bilingual in French and English, Félix creates a warm and supportive learning environment that helps students strengthen academic skills while developing genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Hi, I’m Olivia — an enthusiastic teacher currently pursuing a Master of Teaching at OISE (University of Toronto). I hold a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences from Dalhousie University, with a major in Sociology and a minor in English.

I have experience teaching high school English through my practicum placements in Toronto schools. I’ve also worked extensively with younger children as an Early Childhood Assistant and after-school program leader.

I’m passionate about creating supportive and engaging learning environments that inspire students to grow in confidence and achieve their academic goals.

Rivka is a certified Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Division qualifications and a Science specialization in Biology. She also holds additional qualifications in Primary Education and Special Education, reflecting her commitment to supporting diverse learners across all age groups.

Before joining Oxford Learning, Rivka taught Grade 10–12 Science and Biology at a secondary school, where she designed and implemented Ontario Curriculum-based units, labs, and assessments that emphasized critical thinking, inquiry, and hands-on learning.

Rivka has also taught Math and Literacy in the York Region District School Board and served as an ELL Tutor, working with English language learners. Her classes are known for being structured, interactive, and inquiry-driven, helping students build confidence while developing problem-solving and analytical skills.

Taylor holds a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of the West of Scotland, and is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). She is also certified by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Taylor has taught across a range of grade levels in UK and Canada, designing and delivering engaging lessons in Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. She has also worked at Crescent School, where she supported students in literacy, numeracy, and early academic development. Her diverse experience allows her to adapt lessons to meet the needs of learners with different strengths and learning styles.

Known for her creative, inquiry-based, and nurturing teaching style, Taylor helps students develop curiosity and confidence in the classroom. She believes in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and motivated to learn.