Tutoring Team

I am pleased to introduce the following tutors to our ASTC Tutoring…With A Twist team. Each of them bring a wealth of knowledge and an amazing amount of energy. You will see by the following biographies and tutors’ own words about The Twist that each individual brings their own uniqueness and set of talents! Feel free to connect with any of them through emailing info@amberscotchburn.com! Thank you!

Erin Holmes: At-Risk Youth, Multi-Curriculum, & ESL!

Erin Holmes: Bachelor of Education specializing in Program & Course development, as well as English as a Second Lanugage (ESL)

Erin has used her education in Economics, Math, and English to tutor and teach students in elementary and high school in Ontario and Alberta.  Now that she has moved to the island, she is devoting her time to tutoring, as she finds working directly with students one-to-one or in small groups offers the best learning environment.  Her qualifications include a B.A. from the University of Western Ontario and a B. Ed. from the University of Toronto.  She also has extensive experience developing courses and teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).

English as a Second Language (ESL) learning involves vocabulary acquisition, reading techniques, listening strategies, writing conventions, pronunciation, and conversational standards.  The grammar issues for ESL learners are quite different from those of native speakers.  Also, instilling learner confidence is a major part of ESL tutoring, as the ability to express oneself is core to life.  ESL students at the elementary and secondary levels improve in English Language Arts and all other subjects when supported with individual tutoring.

In Erin’s own words:

“To me, Tutoring…With A Twist fosters an atmosphere in which students have opportunities for ‘learning moments’ not just about the subject they are studying, but just as importantly about themselves.  The Twist is helping them think about how to approach their own learning, about what they need to do in order to concentrate on any task, and about how to organize themselves in order to make the most of their time.  These skills lead to success in school and beyond school.“

Doreen Sayer: A Wealth of Experience & Energy!

Doreen Sayer: Bachelor of Education,  Masters of Arts in Curriculum Development

• Master Teacher in Mathematics with experience in teaching high school mathematics at all levels, provincial marking and provincial course contributions.
• Certification as Financial Planner and Pension Consultant.
• Teacher Librarian qualifications with experience at both elementary and secondary levels.
• Technology instruction for both adults and school students including accounting.
• Web page design.

In Doreen’s own words:

“Having taught more than twenty years in classrooms in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, I know how difficult it is to make a difference in the lives of students.  No matter how you do the math, the time allotted to individualize the programme and curriculum in a meaningful way is minimal at best in a classroom where there are numerous agendas.  This is my opportunity to give back by Tutoring…With A Twist to meet the needs of students, to actively engage them, and build a feeling of success and mastery that goes beyond the classroom.  Learning is life long…for me as well.  I strongly believe that the little steps along the way in education are the foundation of the person(s) we become for the rest of our lives.  If students are part of the process in developing projects, completing goals, and assessing outcomes; then they take ownership of their education, build a bank of successes, and become positive in knowing that they can be the change.”

Mandy Thirlwell: Stepping It Up A Notch!

Mandy Thirlwell: Bachelor of Education, Specializing in English, French, Physical Education & Special Education

Mandy has taught at the Primary, Intermediate and Middle School levels, specializing in Language Arts, French and Physical Education.  Since moving to Vancouver Island she has continued her own professional development, currently working towards a Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education.  Her studies have included an investigation into developments in neuroplasticity and how teachers can utilize our amazing capacity to change our brains to be more successful.  She believes strongly in supporting all students to find their own pathway to success, encouraging change over compensation. We are extremely fortunate to have Mandy join our team. Thank you Mandy and Welcome to Tutoring…With A Twist!

Mandy’s ‘jist’ of the ‘twist’:

“Learning is more than just absorbing a curriculum.  As members of a rapidly changing society, we need to be prepared and able to think beyond ourselves – locally and globally. Tutoring….With a Twist incorporates life skills that our students will take with them beyond their own education.  Our children are our future leaders and decision makers after all!”

Lauren Nikirk: Skilled at Empowering All to Experience Success!

Lauren Nikirk: Bachelor of Education, Specializing in Special Education

Development

• HBA with a double major in English and History (First Class Standing)
• BEd (specialization in English and History for grades 7-12)
• Currently enrolled in the Special Education Post Degree Diploma at Vancouver Island University

Lauren has worked with children and teens for a number of years, instructing swimming lessons, working as a sea cadet officer, as well as teaching in the classroom. After graduating with her Bachelor of Education and Honours Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in English and History, she taught English Language Arts and Social Studies from grades 7-9. Part of her teaching assignment has included providing ESL support, and she also has experience working at the elementary level with students requiring learning support or enrichment. She is currently enrolled in the Special Education Post Degree Diploma through Vancouver Island University and her professional development has focused on counseling and crisis intervention. Lauren enjoys helping young people develop their skills and abilities, whether that means learning to swim, sail, or spell!

In Lauren’s own words:

“Tutoring… With A Twist involves helping students to achieve curriculum goals, while also focusing on the development of life skills such as organization, problem solving, and self-assessment.  I find that, with my areas of specialization of English Language Arts and Social Studies/History, this combination of teaching subject matter and life skills is very appropriate.  For example, by focusing on a piece of literature, history, or current affairs that the student is interested in, I am able to develop an assignment or project around that topic that also focuses on developing transferable skills, such as writing a business letter or developing a persuasive speech.  Through this approach, the student is engaged and invested in learning the content, and the skills that they develop, such as time management and producing an organized piece of writing, apply not only to the educational curriculum, but to the real world as well.  With Tutoring… With A Twist the learning materials and the assignments are individualized to develop the learner as a whole.  The focus is twofold- academics and life skills- and the goal is to provide the student with strategies that they can utilize in and out of school.“

Robin Taylor: Teaching and Learning Outside the Box and Off the Page!

Robin Taylor: Robin Taylor, B.of Ed., B. of Sc. In Biology/Botany

Robin graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of British Columbia. While raising her family and volunteering in the classroom, she was inspired to return to Vancouver Island University to obtain her Bachelor of Education in elementary education. She has taught grades K-9 with the District of 79 (Cowichan) and Queen of Angels School, and taught Grade 4 at Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan, and also tutored students privately. She has focused on strategies in math and science to encourage all learners and genders with the aim to reduce math anxiety. She believes that it is important to fully involve students in the learning process and that the best learning moments occur through a project based curriculum, where students are encouraged to use critical thinking and can become self directed learners.

Robin is an avid swimmer and has also been involved in teaching swim lessons and coaching. She is a keen role model on living a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle.

In Robin’s own words:

““Learning is a lifelong process, as each of us navigates our unique pathway in life.  We all need ‘life tools’ that go beyond learning a prescribed curriculum, to help us reach our goals and to become the better person that we are meant to be.  I believe “Tutoring…With A Twist” helps to provide the necessary life skills that are the key to expanding education beyond the classroom and to becoming a successful and productive member of our global community”  

Claire Lachance: To French And Beyond!

STILL AWAITING A PICTURE (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink Claire )

Claire Lachance Claire holds a College Diploma in Business and cumulates 20 years of experience as a business owner and manager. She is a passionate, artistic person, who strives to make a difference in people’s lives by facilitating personal growth and helping others discover their unique gifts. Since moving to the island, Claire became a substitute teacher as well as a substitute educational assistant, working in French with children from kindergarten to Grade 12. Her compassion helps her relate to the students’ (and the parents’!) worries while her creativity enables her to find sensible solutions to learning struggles and challenges. She strives to present the material in a fun, accessible way to help remove the initial roadblocks. Claire likes to walk, hike, dance, and play sports, anything that will keep her moving!

In Claire’s own words:

“I love the concept of Tutoring…With A Twist because it fosters a deeper connection between teacher and student. It encourages us to use a variety of tools to help the student go beyond the school material. It completely changes the preconceived idea of what tutoring should be, by extending our support to other aspects of the child’s life. Each person is unique, an amalgamation of their beliefs, tastes, aptitudes and experiences. It is up to the tutor to help the students discover those distinctive qualities so that they can reach their full potential. The greatest reward comes when you can see that the student finally ‘gets it’. The look of relief in their eyes, and the smile that usually comes with it, are the best reminders of why we should care enough to try to help.”