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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Owen enjoys helping students understand how mathematics and technology connect to real-world problem solving. His lessons encourage curiosity, analytical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for STEM subjects.

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.

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.