“If a child hasn’t learned, a teacher hasn’t taught.”
Since our inception in 2012, we are proud to have built a team of professional educators. After an initial academic and learning skills assessment, we offer placement with a specific tutor best suited to a student’s needs.
✔ We help our students meet and exceed curriculum expectations.
✔ We teach reading, writing, math, French, special education, science, biology, and learning skills.
Each tutor has his or her different area of specialty, but they all share deep knowledge of children and love of education. Most importantly, all members of our team stand by our motto – we are responsible for our students’ progress.
Julia Paykin
Founder/Owner, Director of Education
Julia Paykin
What’s your role at RWT?
I meet with students and conduct academic assessments. Together with parents and frequently with students, we devise a learning plan that comes into implementation with one of our tutors.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have been a teacher for over two decades now. I have taught traditional learners, struggling and enriched students in many educational settings, both in groups and 1-on-1. I received my Master’s in Education in Language and Literacy from the University of Toronto and got my training in Direct Instruction methods from Angus Lloyd Associates Inc. I am often a part of training and workshops at the National Institute of Direct Instruction in Eugene, Oregon. I am passionate and committed to finding the best programs and solutions for our students.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe the best way to unleash a student’s potential is to get to know their individual learning style. We are all unique and possess different strengths and needs. We learn best if those differences are taken into consideration. I am also a strong believer that we our children’s education is amongst our first responsibilities.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Both professionally and personally, I am fascinated by children. I love spending time with them both at home and at the centre. The ways they are capable to make us grow never stop to amaze me.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I speak five languages. My idea of a relaxing afternoon would be perfecting my French with one of the teachers on our team!
Yulia Gorinsky
Co-owner, Director of Finances, Head of Operations
Yulia Gorinsky
What’s your role at RWT?
I am head of operations and finances. I make sure day-to-day things run smoothly. I help parents work out a payment plan that works for their families at this specific moment of their lives.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I am a financial professional with more than 15 years experience in financial analysis, accounting and team management. I happen to have a lot of understanding in how to approach families with children who have special needs since I have years of personal experience teaching a child with learning difficulties.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe the sky is the limit, and it is up to us to reach for it. Every child has a talent and the role of an educational specialist is to help them discover and make it flourish.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Some things that make me feel grounded are yoga, music, and books.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I love singing!
Maria Koroleva
Literacy and special needs specialist
Maria Koroleva
What’s your role at RWT?
I help students with a wide range of learning abilities develop and refine their literacy skills. This includes both early reading and writing acquisition for junior students as well as writing enrichment for intermediate and senior students. I am particularly passionate about helping students with additional needs overcome their learning challenges.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I hold a Bachelor of Honours in Psychology from York University, and have many years of experience working with children in a research capacity at major research hospitals across Toronto. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching abroad at an international school where I developed a passion for creatively designing and implementing programs for children who have difficulty responding to traditional methods of teaching.
What are your educational beliefs?
I’m a big fan of recent research in neuroplasticity & education that tells us that that “the brain is a muscle that grows with exercise”. This means that strategic, incremental and consistent changes have the power to impact even the most challenging learning blocks in reading and writing remediation.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love film photography and art – creating it, experiencing and sharing it. Creativity and art are a big source of inspiration and guidance in my own teaching practice.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I spent three summers in Brazil studying and practicing mindfulness & meditation.
Maddie Di Paolo
English and French tutor, special needs specialist
Maddie Di Paolo
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach literacy, French, math, learning habits and executive functioning skills. I am mostly fascinated by seeing how children can overcome their learning challenges with proper instruction and approaches.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I was in a Montessori classroom for over twenty years. I taught exceptional, enriched and conflicted learners. My post secondary education was from the University of Toronto, majoring in languages and Child Psychology. I am a parent of an almost 28-year-old, savant autistic young man. I have garnered an enormous amount of knowledge along the way which has helped me navigate from an early stage the different levels of advocacy required to ensure only the most positive experience for my son, Marco.
What are your educational beliefs?
I always feel it is not the destination but the journey that one experiences along the educational path, be it the student, parents, tutor or school faculty. I always reinforce to my students it isn’t solely about a mark, but, about what the lesson, homework, or assignment has taught them. always look for the message or experience it has brought you. I like to look at the world through my students’ eyes. As Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
What are your hobbies and interests?
I have a love of anything nature. From a simple fern to an exotic orchid, I appreciate the individuality of each as it contributes to the life cycle. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, which in turn brings me to my love of fine food, cooking, baking or simply making something from scratch.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I love to mediate, and anything to do with spirituality and gemstones.
Eva Friedman
Literacy and special needs specialist
Eva Friedman
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach the foundations of literacy to younger learners. I enjoy seeing them break through the reading code and watching them to become independent readers. I also help struggling students meet their academic goals in math, reading and writing.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis therapy and Assessment of basic language and learning skills (ABLLS-R) with children under the autistic spectrum and other vulnerable populations. I utilize each session by creating a positive, creative
and fun environment that helps students reach their full potential both academically and socially.
My undergraduate took place at York University in B.A. Honour’s in Psychology. I feel passionate about my education and plan to continue my studies and pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that the early years of a child are very significant as their brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience is very high, due to the brain plasticity. Every child has the ability to improve in reading, writing and reasoning. My job is to help children reach their potential by learning and understanding their style of learning.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy meeting new people, learning about different cultures, hiking and swimming with dolphins.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I am fluent in English, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish and French. I have visited over twenty
different countries which had made me culturally knowledgeable and able to engage with diverse cultures through empathy and compassion.
Veronika Ressina
Literacy and math tutor
Veronika Ressina
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach a wide range of subjects to a wide range of students. I teach literacy and numeracy to our younger learners, as well as science and math to high school students. I profoundly enjoy helping children with learning disabilities and find it very stimulating to challenge gifted minds.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I received my Honours Bachelor of Arts at UofT and since then, I have worked tirelessly in two worlds: Education and Theatre. My path is inspired by my personal and professional experience. In theatre, we believe that every person is a creator. We must only recognize their unique strengths and see a way to apply them to our goal. In education, we believe that children are most inspired when they are given a specific issue to solve. At this moment, when they are looking for solutions, there is the perfect chance for a teacher to provide them with the necessary tools to find one. My worlds have since collided and merged. I see every student of mine as a unique creator, who is able to achieve all their goals, especially when provided with the right tools.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that children learn best when they see direct patterns in the presented information. I work hard to make sure that my students feel proud of their achievements. Most importantly, learning should be fun and engaging.
What are your hobbies and interests?
One of my hobbies is music. I play guitar, ukulele and flute. I can truly see the contribution of music to my health and happiness.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
When I was 12, I came first place in a sailing regatta, after saying, “Ladies first!” and catching the wind past my competitor.
Patricia Molendowski
Literacy and math tutor, social skills specialist
Patricia Molendowski
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach reading to our younger students. I am amazed to see how the knowledge of sounds and blending can transform them into readers. Also, I help struggling students meet their academic goals in math, reading, writing, science and social skills.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have received my Bachelor of Honours in Child and Youth Care at Ryerson University. In my experience as a Child and Youth Worker with the Toronto Catholic School Board, I have worked alongside children with multiple exceptionalities and behavioural problems. I have found ways to adapt programs, games and activities for students having difficulty completing the task on their own. I am experienced working with students both in small groups and one on one. I help my students develop their writing, reading, math and social skills. I bring experience building and implementing programs in a recreational setting for youth with special needs with the City of Toronto. I have developed such a passion for working with children and youth and am glad to apply my experience and education to the students I tutor.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that each and every child can be successful in their learning. I have developed many positive relationships with my students and have been able to build great rapport with them. With consistency and encouragement, I have been able to see my students grow in their learning.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love being outdoors and spending time hiking, exploring different parks, and just being around nature. I like to be active and get involved in different activities. For this reason, I love spending a lot of time in recreational settings whether it is running camps for children and youth or leading various games, activities, and fitness classes in community centres.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I am constantly teaching myself new things and love to learn new languages. Throughout the years I have taken several classes in American Sign Language and currently I am learning Spanish.
Vaishnavi Ilango
Special needs specialist
Vaishnavi Ilango
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach children with learning disabilities, behavioural challenges, autism and other exceptionalities. I focus solidly on the individual needs of special education students by designing and implementing hands on lessons, employing a wide range of multisensory manipulatives and individualized approach to enhance student achievement.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have a Master’s in Counseling and Guidance Psychology and a specialization degree in Learning Disability from a Medical University. I have conducted a wide range of assessments at educational institutions and have helped children overcome various learning difficulties, as well as social and emotional problems that hamper academic and social development. I have worked in India and the U.S.A prior to joining the team. I’m empathetic, friendly and willing to go above and beyond for children I work with.
What are your educational beliefs?
I love teaching and I feel a good teacher can change the lives of students by nurturing their potential. I believe constant reinforcement and positive environment will help students thrive and develop in an educational atmosphere.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love doing various things. I generally love being around people and I participate in social activities. I volunteer for different organizations during weekends and always think of best ways to help our community.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I love arts and crafts.
Elena Stepanenko
IELTS, CELPIP and CanTest preparation
Elena Stepanenko
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach language development skills to ESL students. I prepare students for language proficiency tests. My core target is to create the customized programs tailored to each of my students’ learning style, goals, habits and interests. I am also encouraged to implement and spread the use of different digital platforms to facilitate the most unforgettable learning experiences throughout the study.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I hold Master’s in English Language and Literature, as well as a TESOL teaching certificate. I possess extensive experience teaching English. I utilize a thoughtful approach to students’ learning which allows them to develop language mastery in a shorter period time. My approach to tests mastery includes tackling the tests right away. Through practising tests listening, reading, writing and speaking, I teach main grammar aspects and enrich students’ vocabulary.
What are your educational beliefs?
Studying a new language in general is in my viewpoint the most sophisticated way to train one’s mind by extending the world outlook, arrange ideas in a proper logical way in line with the certain linguistic patterns and explore mentalities of other people. It is doomed to be thrilling. The only variable here is a student’s progress pace which can be adjusted by identifying a proper way of teaching.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Languages have always been and will probably remain the true passion for the rest of my life. I can speak German and Polish, participate in everyday conversations in Italian.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
Although it’s strictly confidential, I can tell you after our first class together!
Stephanie Kotsopoulos
Literacy and SAT tutor
Stephanie Kotsopoulos
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach reading, writing, French, special education, and prepare students for SAT tests.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I received my Honours Degree in History at the University of Guelph with an area of concentration in Nutrition. I have also earned a certificate in French from Durham College. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a passion for creative writing, research and essay writing. I utilized my strengths in research and writing and became a tutor at the University of Guelph where I helped students develop their writing skills and assisted editing academic research papers. At RWT, I help students develop their academic skills to achieve necessary results in language art areas. I work with high school students on SAT language and essay part preparation, helping them obtain the necessary score for colleges and universities admittance.
My previous experience of working at a clinic that provides a wide range of therapy services to children of all ages gave me with deep understanding of how to interact and engage with children who require special education. My understanding of various types of learning styles allows me to connect with students at a different level.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that all children are unique, and the “one size fits all” teaching approach is not equally effective for all students. It is important to learn the strengths of each student and apply appropriate methods of teaching to ensure all students can reach their academic goals.
What are your hobbies and interests?
In my spare time I enjoy reading and I participate in two book clubs. I also enjoy hockey, hiking and cooking.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I love aquatic life! I have a pet lobster, two clownfish, three shrimps and a starfish in a saltwater fish tank.
Anjali Gaur
Science and math specialist
Anjali Gaur
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach a wide range of subjects to students at RWT with a focus on high school science and math subjects.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I majored in Biochemistry and have a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Pavia in Italy. I spent five years working as a research scientist in Europe, and in the process discovered my love of teaching. Apart from research, I assisted many undergraduate students with laboratory work and proofreading assignments. I have a passion for helping people understand how life works on a fundamental level. I was a freelance science and math tutor for more than three years before joining RWT team.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe children need a motivating and engaging environment to learn.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love dancing, painting, reading and traveling.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I love dancing! I wish to open my own Bollywood Dance School for little kids.
Danielle Cautillo
Literacy, math and science
Danielle Cautillo
What’s your role at RWT?
My role at RWT is to support and teach literacy, math and science to a wide range of students. My goal is to improve my students’ academic capabilities and lead them to success.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have completed my studies at York University where I received my B.Sc. Honor’s in Psychology. I am an extremely passionate professional and constantly apply my knowledge in professional settings. When I am not working with students at RWT, I do Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA). I help students on the autism spectrum balance everyday life. My specialty is to help struggling students achieve independence, academic success and find the joy of learning. All this brings me great satisfaction and joy.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that every student has the capability to achieve their academic goals with hard work and patience. Children need a safe and fun environment to work and grow in. Giving them the space to ask questions and express their concerns will eventually result in academic growth.
What are your hobbies and interests?
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also like spending time outdoors and especially enjoy hiking. I love learning and consistently do research on areas that interest me.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I love to bake!
Dharshan Manivannan
Math and science
Dharshan Manivannan
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach and support students with their math and science. I am able to remediate and fill in the gaps, as well as provide supplemental tutoring in all math and science subjects.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Ryerson University. I have learned and taught many math and science subjects our students may be struggling with. My ability is to spot quickly where they might need support since I was able to help many others who struggled with the same concept. I provide instruction in a calm, re-assuring way where children can learn fast.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that anyone can be taught anything. It is all just a matter of finding the best approach.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy volunteering and contributing to my community. I have volunteered on and off at hospitals for the past six years.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I enjoy going for long walks.
Shelly Pisarenko
Literacy
Shelly Pisarenko
What’s your role at RWT?
My role is to inspire young minds so they can succeed academically, socially and in life. I do this through creating a fun learning environment that utilizes a variety of cognitive skills during class sessions and allows students to succeed. Currently, I teach learning and literacy to students with a range of needs.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I received my Honours Bachelor of Psychology at York University and then continued my academic journey with a Master’s in Education at the University of Toronto specializing in Developmental Psychology and Education. I have worked with typical and exceptional children as early as two years old and adults that have a range of learning requirements. By getting to know their strengths and weaknesses, I can better cater learning sessions to their personal needs. I have developed a variety of curriculums to fit the demands of diverse clientele. With the skills I have obtained over the last decade, I am able to conduct unique lessons at Read Write Think.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that anyone can learn and one of the basic skills, underlying academia and life is “learning to learn”. This skill is developed through passive and active instruction. By focusing on this a little more, greater outcomes can be achieved. Motivation, inspiration and interest are the building blocks to any successful learning journey.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Outside of work and school, I played volleyball and soccer at every opportunity I had. I love cooking and my favourite meal to make is chicken soup.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I have been collecting coins since I was seven years old and my collection is labelled by continent. Currently, I have over 200 coins and one of my prized ones is from the 1800’s in modern day Philippines – while it was under Spanish rule.
Alina Rozenblat
French and English literacy tutor
Alina Rozenblat
What’s your role at RWT?
My role at RWT is to help students achieve their full potential. My main area of specialization is language arts in both English and French. My students range from preschool to middle school age. I believe that with the proper and appropriate guidance, any student can flourish and succeed.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have completed my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at Ryerson University. I am also a French Immersion program full graduate with an emphasis on advanced French courses in my undergraduate university degree. I am advancing my studies and work on Child and Youth Care post graduate certification. I have been teaching children, from ages four to sixteen, for around eight years. I have worked in group and one-on-one settings. I am extremely passionate about producing and putting forward new approaches and learning styles to best suit each student’s personal needs.
What are your educational beliefs?
“Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.” I believe that with proper guidance, any student can achieve their goals and meet their full potential. I make a conscientious effort to include empathetic and creative implementations of learning to create an engaging environment for children to play, learn, and develop into accomplished and successful individuals.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Some of my hobbies are music, art, and being in nature! I also love building relationships with students both in and away from the center. I cherish getting to know them, our conversations and interactions, as well as the bonds that we, as educators, form with these children.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I have a dog who is older than most of my students!
Tetyana Zyumchenko
Math specialist
Tetyana Zyumchenko
What’s your role at RWT?
I am a math tutor here. I help children develop logical thinking, memorize and practise math facts, overcome fear of math, and overall fall in love with the magic world of numbers, precision, and exact sciences.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I graduated from Moscow State University, faculty of mathematics. Ever since then, I have taught a wide range of students of different abilities, inclinations, and educational background. I have taught for 35 years, and my experience has shaped my educational beliefs.
What are your educational beliefs?
As Mikhail Lomonosov put it, “Mathematics should be studied if only for that it puts the mind in order.” Mathematics has such a wide range of practical applications even if students don’t end up using it immediately. It organizes ideas, develops logical thinking, clears foggy minds – those are just a few things that it does to those who put their minds to learning and respecting mathematics consistently. Studying math sharpens your mind, and wherever you are going to use that is up to you.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love swimming and just generally being around water.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
In our first class together!