Exceptional Tutoring Programs In . . . North York Willowdale

Stephanie 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 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.”

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.

Anna is an Ontario Certified Teacher who graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Education, specializing in Intermediate/Senior English and History. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in English. Her teaching experience spans several Toronto secondary schools, where she has worked with students across diverse academic backgrounds and learning needs.

At Oxford Learning, Anna brings a creative, student-centred approach to teaching, emphasizing critical thinking, active engagement, and personalized learning. Drawing on her experience in English language instruction, literature, and writing, she incorporates relatable examples and students’ interests into her lessons to make complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable. Her inclusive and supportive teaching style helps students build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for learning.

Beyond the classroom, Anna has a strong interest in digital media and visual arts. She has contributed as an illustrator and events leader for a university literary magazine and has been actively involved in cultural and community initiatives. 

Ciara is an enthusiastic educator with a background in History and Sociology at York University and a strong passion for working with children and youth. She enjoys helping students build confidence and develop strong academic skills.

Ciara has several years of experience working with students in educational and after-school programs. She previously served as a Lead Teacher with Engineering for Kids, where she taught STEM classes and supported students in developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. She has also worked in after-school programs providing homework support and mentoring younger learners.

Ciara brings energy and encouragement to the classroom and enjoys helping students stay motivated and engaged in their learning. Outside the classroom, she holds a Second Degree Black Belt in Karate, reflecting her dedication to discipline, perseverance, and leadership.

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.

Lyka graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology and earned recognition on the Biology Honour Roll. Her strong scientific background includes studies in Statistics, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Genetics, providing her with a solid foundation in mathematics and science education.

At Oxford Learning, Lyka brings a patient, encouraging, and personalized approach to teaching. With experience as both a math tutor and an elementary school teaching assistant, she has supported students of different ages, abilities, and learning needs. She excels at breaking down challenging concepts into manageable steps and adapting her instruction to each student’s individual strengths and learning styles.

Beyond academics, Lyka is passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in her community. Through her volunteer work with students and seniors, she has developed strong communication skills, empathy, and a genuine appreciation for building meaningful connections.

Nika holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics (TESL) from Brock University and a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Her academic background focuses on second-language acquisition and effective language-teaching methodologies. 

Nika has several years of experience teaching English to students of different ages and proficiency levels. She has worked as a language instructor and private tutor, designing personalized lessons that support the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

Nika is passionate about helping students become confident communicators. Her lessons emphasize practical language use, active participation, and building strong foundations in English that support both academic success and everyday communication.

Omar holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Toronto. His outstanding academic achievements have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Scholarship and three consecutive Ontario Graduate Scholarships.

At Oxford Learning, Omar brings extensive teaching experience and a strong passion for developing students’ critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. Having taught at several Canadian universities, he excels at breaking down complex concepts, strengthening students’ analytical reasoning, and guiding them to communicate their ideas clearly and confidently. His teaching approach emphasizes thoughtful discussion, constructive feedback, and personalized support to help students become more independent and effective learners.

Beyond the classroom, Omar is an accomplished researcher and published academic with a strong interest in history, politics, and international affairs. His research and academic experiences have taken him to institutions across Canada and Europe, enriching his global perspective. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, he brings intellectual curiosity, cultural awareness, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning to his teaching.

Owen holds a Bachelor of Science with Joint Honours in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Ottawa. His academic background provides him with a strong foundation in mathematics, programming, and analytical problem-solving. 

Owen has experience teaching and mentoring students through STEM outreach programs at the University of Ottawa, where he helped design and deliver technology and computer science courses for students in Grades 4 and above. Through this work, he guided students in exploring coding, problem-solving, and computational thinking in engaging, hands-on learning environments. 

Beyond the classroom, Owen has a strong interest in technology, coding, and the practical applications of mathematics. Fluent in both English and French, Owen brings versatility, creativity, and enthusiasm to his teaching.

Richard graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in literary analysis, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and written communication, along with a passion for language and literature.

At Oxford Learning, Richard brings experience tutoring elementary and middle school students in both English and Mathematics. Through his volunteer work at Oakwood Community Centre, he supported students from Grades 1 to 8, adapting his teaching methods to individual learning styles and providing constructive feedback to strengthen their academic skills. His teaching approach emphasizes patience, encouragement, and personalized support, helping students build confidence and develop greater independence in their learning.

Beyond academics, Richard brings over a decade of experience working with people of diverse ages and backgrounds. His professional experience has strengthened his communication, adaptability, and interpersonal skills, allowing him to connect with students and create a welcoming, supportive learning environment. He is passionate about helping young learners grow both academically and personally, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a positive attitude toward learning.

Vallen is a dedicated educator with a strong background in health sciences and a passion for helping students succeed in math and science.

He studied Health Sciences at McMaster University and worked as a Teaching Assistant in courses such as Genetic Engineering and Statistical Methods in Biomedical Engineering, where he supported students through tutorials, discussions, and review sessions. He has also worked as a tutor in McMaster’s official tutoring program, helping students strengthen their understanding of complex academic concepts.

Vallen enjoys helping students break down challenging concepts into manageable steps and guiding them toward deeper understanding. His teaching approach emphasizes logical thinking, curiosity, and building strong foundations in math and science so students can approach problems with confidence. In addition to academics, he has experience teaching swimming and snowboarding, reflecting his commitment to mentoring and supporting students in a variety of learning environments.