“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
Co-Founder/Co-Owner, Academic Director.
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-Founder/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!
Patricia Molendowski
Academic Assistant, Literacy and Special Education 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.
Eva Friedman
Literacy, Math and Special Education 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.
Mariia Zibareva
Literacy, Math and Special Education Specialist
Mariia Zibareva
What’s your role at RWT?
I am a special education specialist assisting kids in literacy and numeracy. I help students reach success by recognizing their strengths and unique needs. I watch their confidence bloom as they work towards their goals.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I received my B.A. in English Language and Literature and taught extensively in China and Ukraine, where I helped children master their English skills. Later on, I pursued my education and obtained a Behavioural Sciences Diploma at Seneca College. I have worked with individuals with autism and brain injury, where I contributed my teaching skills by implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Errorless Learning and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I am passionate about teaching and helping students of all abilities reach their full potential!
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that every child is special and gifted in their own way, and has their strengths and unique talents. My job is to motivate, challenge, and to facilitate my students’ academic and personal growth by finding the right approach to everyone.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love reading, cross-stitching and baking. I also enjoy travelling, doing yoga and Kangoo Jumps.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I have a lovely Bengal cat who acts like a dog 😊
Danielle Cautillo
Literacy, Math and Science Specialist
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!
Mariya Abramovych
Literacy, Math and Special Education Specialist
Mariya Abramovych
What’s your role at RWT?
My role includes educating and supporting my students in reading, writing, oral language, comprehension and mathematics. I take great pride in their achievements and their progress brings me a lot of joy.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have graduated from York University with an Honour’s B.A in Linguistics and Psychology and completed Communication Disorders Assistant program in Georgian College. I have worked and volunteered with speech pathologists focusing on goals related to speech, language and social skills.
I implement my knowledge and experience to facilitate an engaging and productive learning environment for my students.
What are your educational beliefs?
My educational beliefs are based on perseverance. I believe that every student can improve in any area if they are consistently working towards their goals. Children’s minds are still growing and being shaped everyday. With the correct guidance and approach they can achieve tremendous results.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I’m fond of the outdoors, going on a hike or biking. In my free time I play on my Kalimba instrument or paint.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
When I was only 15, I competed in Scotland for a world championship in Orienteering, along hundreds of countries. It was one of my greatest experiences. Besides English, I speak Hebrew and Russian fluently.
Stephanie Kotsopoulos
Literacy, Math and Special Education Specialist
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.
Julia Di Pardo
Literacy, Math and Special Education Specialist
Julia Di Pardo
What’s your role at RWT?
My role at RWT is to assist students in reading, comprehension, spelling, oral communication, writing and math.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I am a York University graduate with a B.A in Linguistics and Psychology. My background in linguistics has given me the foundations in phonetics, syntax and semantics; which are essential for reading and writing, while psychology has allowed me to understand human behaviour and cognitive processing, while also making me a compassionate and empathetic human being. During my time at York University, I led a mental health awareness organization and I currently continue to volunteer with them by promoting mental health awareness through education and events.
My goal is to create an inclusive environment where students can feel encouraged and empowered, not only academically, but in all aspects of life.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe every child is unique and has the ability to reach their fullest potential. Through positive reinforcement, consistency and optimism, anything is possible! Having taken creative psychology as one of my courses in undergrad, I learned there are multiple ways people can learn. Not all students thrive in a typical classroom setting.
At RWT, I like to get to know my students so I can create an environment suitable for their learning needs. There are a variety of methods that can be used to grasp a concept, so I try to find the ones that bring out the most success! I also believe education goes beyond the classroom. Learning and education doesn’t stop when we are done with school. I encourage kids to read, play and explore because life is about continuous learning and growing.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love reading, baking, crocheting and zumba!!
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I’ve been up Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Italy which is an active volcano!
Otty Tavara-Gordillo
Literacy, Math and Special Education Specialist
Otty Tavara-Gordillo
What’s your role at RWT?
I am a learning specialist in the areas of literacy, numeracy and special education. I help students meet their academic goals and reach their full potential.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I hold a Bachelor in Psychology from York University and have experience working with children of all ages, from infants to grade 12. I have been worked with “at risk” children, and I am experienced working with children with autism, ADHD and behavioural difficulties. I implement my academic knowledge and experience in how I engage and teach my students.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that the early years of a child’s life are the most important because it is during this time that a child develops the building blocks for a successful life. I am always amazed at how quickly and efficiently a child learns and retains new information and associates it during development. It does not matter how young a child is, they are capable of learning at any age. I once taught an infant to say “more” through sign language!
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy arts and crafts the most. I like to paint and create art work during my free time and have a wide collection of wooden crafts I have completed. I also enjoy researching and learning new subjects especially on different cultures and history. I enjoy DIY projects and spending my time gardening in my backyard.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I am fluent in both English and Spanish, and once lived in Machu Picchu for a year before coming to Canada.
Dharshan Manivannan
Math and Science Specialist
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.
Tetyana Zyumchenko
Math and Science 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!
Shelly Pisarenko
Literacy, Math and Special Education Specialist
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.
Loїc-Aime Mulatris
French and English Literacy Specialist
Loїc-Aime Mulatris
What’s your role at RWT?
I teach and support literacy, English and French at RWT. I do my best to develop and implement lesson plans that facilitate learning and help students achieve their educational goals.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Alberta and a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of Oregon where I taught undergraduate writing workshops.
I believe my educational background has equipped me with various tools and skills that enable me to help students find creative solutions to the problems that they encounter in the learning process.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that the learning process ought to be engaging, and that there is always the potential to make it interactive and fun!
What are your hobbies and interests?
I greatly enjoy reading and writing, and I also love music, film, and basketball.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I play the guitar.
Maddie Di Paolo
French, English Literacy Specialist, Special Education 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.
Anna Sheikholeslami
Literacy, Math and Special Education Specialist
Anna Sheikholeslami
What’s your role at RWT?
Throughout my time at Read Writer, Think, I have had the opportunity to work with children of various ages teaching math, reading, writing, as well as implement programs for children with special learning needs. I have also taught English to newcomers. Although there is a lesson plan that we follow as tutors, I customize the lessons to make them interactive and fun for the students to optimize this learning opportunity. If that plan doesn’t work, then it’s back to the drawing board so that the child can learn while having fun. Each child is different and unique in their own way therefore, getting to know the child is a big part of this role. This way you can empathise and understand them better. After each lesson, I connect with the parent(s) to debrief on that day’s lesson and follow-up as needed.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have received both an Honours Degree in Psychology at York University and my TESOL certification. My background in Psychology has allowed me to be empathetic, understand different behaviour styles and how to systematically approach each child and their unique needs and success. I have taught in South Korea to children aged 12-17. This experience has allowed me further understand the different needs of each child, and exposed different teaching strategies to implement in the future. Experiences and the numerous environments in my full time positions have also taught me a lot and strengthened my skill set.
What are your educational beliefs?
Building rapport with students is what I believe will lead to an optimal learning environment. Understanding the different learning styles allows me to create customized techniques that the students can utilize. This will not only flourish the students’ strengths, but will allow them to build this even further. I have worked with children of various ages in the classroom and 1:1 settings.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Any activity or environment that involves the sun is always a favourite for me. This can mean biking, hiking, sitting on a patio, or BBQ’ing. Working out is a big part of my routine. I love travelling, so I try to do this at least once to twice a year. Unfortunately, COVID has put a halt in to this, but will hopefully be back on track soon! My goal is to visit as many new countries as I can.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I lived and taught in South Korea. Although I mentioned this in my background, I still think this is a fun fact that people are always surprised about. This experience was very humbling and I wouldn’t have changed anything about it. I hope to visit South Korea again someday!
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.
Elena Stepanenko
Literacy, Math and Special Education Specialist.
Elena Stepanenko
What’s your role at RWT?
I am a literacy, numeracy, ESL and special education instructor. I teach children basic and advanced academic skills by taking them patiently through the learning steps and making sure they get the learning skills, not just the academics.
How does your background contribute to what you do?
I have been an English teacher for many years, instructing children of different ages, ability, and background. I own a Masters of Arts in applied linguistics and literature. Ever since I graduated years ago, I never stopped learning and acquiring new information about how children learn and how the teaching process is best organized to facilitate the process.
What are your educational beliefs?
I believe that no matter where and when you start, patience, perseverance and love of learning can and should be taught. I have no doubt that life is a learning process and deliver this love of learning to my students.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love various outdoor activities preferably combining positive emotions and health benefits- running, playing badminton, swimming, hiking followed by BBQ. Other than that, I would call psychology another interest of mine. It widens your horizons, helps you maintain life balance and teaches you how to improve the interaction with your close ones as well as total strangers.
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I never make a shopping list in advance – I can decide on what to buy on the spot once I’ve identified a menu for the day – just remember the number of grocery items.