I completed my undergraduate degree in Teaching English as a Second Language at Concordia University (2006) and quickly became passionate about supporting students who struggle with reading, writing, and mathematics. Over the past ten years, my work has focused exclusively on students who are considered at-risk or have special learning needs.
To deepen my understanding, I pursued a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology at McGill University (2021), driven by a growing interest in the neurological foundations of reading. I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Gigi Luk, a former Harvard professor whose expertise in psychology, education, and neuroscience profoundly shaped my approach. Under her supervision, I learned to design assessments and interventions aligned with the latest research in cognitive neuroscience.
In addition, I attended a graduate seminar on mathematical cognition led by Dr. Adam Dube and subsequently joined his lab. My research focused on evaluating math apps from the Apple Store against benchmarks for effective student support and feedback.
As my interest grew in teaching mathematics meaningfully, I decided to explore the importance of highlighting the algebraic structures embedded in arithmetic in my thesis project. In short, I found that when educators explicitly draw students' attention to these underlying patterns, students are better able to grasp complex concepts like place value — a foundational skill directly connected to exponential notation and algebra.
To deepen my understanding, I pursued a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology at McGill University (2021), driven by a growing interest in the neurological foundations of reading. I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Gigi Luk, a former Harvard professor whose expertise in psychology, education, and neuroscience profoundly shaped my approach. Under her supervision, I learned to design assessments and interventions aligned with the latest research in cognitive neuroscience.
In addition, I attended a graduate seminar on mathematical cognition led by Dr. Adam Dube and subsequently joined his lab. My research focused on evaluating math apps from the Apple Store against benchmarks for effective student support and feedback.
As my interest grew in teaching mathematics meaningfully, I decided to explore the importance of highlighting the algebraic structures embedded in arithmetic in my thesis project. In short, I found that when educators explicitly draw students' attention to these underlying patterns, students are better able to grasp complex concepts like place value — a foundational skill directly connected to exponential notation and algebra.
There is truly nothing else I would rather do than support struggling students. Their confidence and self-esteem, so easily shaken and so difficult to rebuild, are too important to leave to chance. Helping them succeed is a most rewarding experience.