Melissa has been a teacher with the DCDSB since 2016. She specializes in Kindergarten and the primary grades. Melissa previously worked in the education department at the Toronto Zoo for several years. She also has experience working with vulnerable youth at the Toronto East Detention Center. Her teaching focuses on the whole well-being of her students, incorporating Social-Emotional Learning and exploratory play. Melissa loves animals, baking, and playing a variety of sports. She has coached and participated in school groups such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, track & field, technology club, and ECO club.

Stephanie has been a teacher with the Durham Catholic District School Board since 2021. She specializes in Kindergarten through intermediate grades, as well as senior-level math and life sciences. Beyond teaching, Stephanie has had experiences organizing fundraisers for childhood cancer and volunteering as a youth group catechist. Her teaching approach prioritizes student well-being and integrating students’ passions with learning. With a coaching background in volleyball and basketball, as well as orchestrating school-wide art projects, she fosters collaboration and creativity. In her free time, Stephanie finds inspiration in reading, art, and tennis.

Sibesthan has been a teacher since 2019 for the Durham Catholic District School Board. He has taught and supplied in all grades, but his passion is to work with junior, intermediate, or young adults. His background experience is working with adolescents that have exceptionalities or challenging behaviour in the classroom. The students vary from group homes, or even students that live in open custody. His teaching pedagogy includes a mix of technology and movement-because not all students can sit down and focus for 40 minutes. Sibesthan has coached and participated in a high level of basketball, boxing, chess club, Lego club and track & field club.

Audrey Thompson is an expert in designing personalized training materials and workshops. Her approach encourages learner participation and curiosity. The workshops/trainings incorporate several engagement methodologies such as discussions, games, and exercises focused on specific themes.

Audrey Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and Governance, an Honors Bachelor of Social Work degree, a Master of Social Work degree, and is a Registered Social Worker. She is passionate about empowering individuals facing adversity and believes that anyone can bring about positive change in their lives. Audrey has over 20 years of experience working with various community and non-profit organizations and in government.

She has held several positions, including individual and systemic advocate, program and clinical manager, mental health therapist, facilitator, project manager, and program coordinator. Audrey has conducted workshops in Canada, Japan, Argentina, and Denmark on several topics including healthy relationships, code-switching, leadership, dispute resolution, sexual health, human rights, engagement, life skills, facilitation, self-advocacy, financial literacy, knowledge exchange, and employment.

Suhel is a Masters student in Physiology at the University of Toronto. He conducts research at the Hospital for Sick Children. In high school, Suhel took part in, and placed, in the top 15% of students in the Waterloo math competitions. Suhel has previous experience tutoring in high school mathematics and his teaching approach lies in the intersection of a strong grasp of the fundamentals combined with application of these fundamentals. Suhel has coached and participated in his local community ball hockey association and tournaments.

Hassan is a recent graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University, where he completed his Bachelor of Engineering degree with a major in Biomedical Engineering. He has research experience from being part of a lab dedicated to developing rehabilitative devices. Due to his academic background, he has a solid foundation in subjects like mathematics and physics. Hassan has personally experienced many difficulties in the pursuit of his academic goals and understands how overwhelming and intimidating certain subjects in STEM can be. His goal is to provide positive learning experiences by breaking down complex concepts into simpler systems that are easier to digest. He believes in creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment tailored to each student's individual needs.

My name is Mohi, and I am currently a grade 12 student. I plan to study Math and Economics at university. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a passion for teaching, particularly in math. I’ve always found that I understand concepts better when peers my age explain them, and I aspire to do the same for younger students.

I’ve had the opportunity to be a teacher assistant for grade 7 and 8 students at Spirit of Math Schools in Markham. In addition, I serve as an army cadet youth instructor, where I teach cadets and officers lessons in communication, outdoor survival, and leadership.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy dancing, swimming, and cleaning. I’m excited to continue my teaching journey and make a positive impact at Academic Allies.