ABOUT SCRAGGS TUTORING
Since 2000, our mission has been to help you reach your highest potential by pairing you with an experienced and qualified educator who desires one thing: to offer you a quality learning experience.
With SolvedbyScraggs Tutoring, you’ll get affordable tutoring that actually gets results. Our tutors are experts in their respective subjects, and vary their teaching techniques depending on the needs of the student. But don’t take our word for it—try us out today and see how we can help you excel!
MEET THE SCRAGG TEAM
Cathy Scragg - H.BSc. B.Ed. OCT
Elementary Math & Science
GR 9/10 Math & Science
GR 11/12 Chemistry & Biology
Cathy has taught for over 25 years in both elementary and secondary classrooms. Her career started in the outdoors and this theme has been woven throughout her teaching career. She has taught, facilitated and consulted with many environmental educational centres in Ontario. This passion for science, and the environment, was always prominent in her classrooms, where she spent much of her career teaching grades ⅞ science and math. Because she taught all levels of students, including special needs and gifted classes, she became keenly aware of the unique ways that students learn, and has discovered how to dispel misunderstandings. Furthermore, she has mentored many newer teachers to fall in love with teaching, by sharing her ideas at numerous conferences and universities. Finally, she has inspired many students to pursue fields in science, and to become the scientific leaders of tomorrow.
Rick Scragg - B.Sc., B.Ed., OCT
Elementary Math
GR 9/10 Math
GR 9-12 English & History
GR 11/12 Functions
GR 11 Mixed Math
Rick has taught for over 25 years in both elementary and secondary classrooms. His career started in Timmins / Kashechewan where he was a teacher to Indigenous high school students. Rick went on to have a very successful and varied career, teaching many subjects and many levels. He was a mainstay in the grade 7/8 gifted classes at RH Cornish PS, and as a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) spent years helping students with learning difficulties find their way. Rick combined his love for learning with the basketball court. High school in Timmins forged his way as the point guard to two OFSAA medals, which led him to find himself as a varsity point guard at York University. This is no small accomplishment when you are 5’7”, and he was awarded the Tony Moscato award for Dedication. But Rick has always seen obstacles as challenges, not barriers. Rick was named coach of the year for his successes, and taught this passion to many students on and off the court.
Maya Scragg
GR 1-8 French
Maya is an honours French Immersion graduate from Port Perry High School. She is currently studying environmental science at the University of Guelph, with an interest in environmental economics and policy.
Nathan Scragg- Associate Degree of Science, Associate Degree of Arts
GR 11/12 Physics & Chemistry
GR 12 Calculus
Nathan is an honours graduate from Port Perry High School, and has been studying math and science on baseball scholarships in New York State and Montana. Here he received an Associate Degree of Science, and an Associate Degree of Arts DCC, MT. Currently he is studying electrical / mechanical engineering at Central College in Iowa. He is available for physics and calculus tutoring when he is back in Canada from Dec. 16 - Jan 14.
Ruth Chilco - BSc. B.Ed.
Elementary English & Math
Ruth has been an educator since she was 15 years old, when she started teaching swimming lessons and horseback riding at a summer camp. During her Environmental Science programme at the University of Waterloo , she realized her passion to teach and was accepted into the Education programme at Queen's University. Here she earned her Bachelor of Education and specialized in Outdoor and Experiential Education plus Special Education. After 2 years of teaching at an outdoor education centre, she moved to Port Perry where she spent 24 years teaching grades 1-8 at both SA Cawker and RH Cornish Public Schools. As a passionate English teacher, she earned her Reading Specialist Certificate so she could better serve her students. Now retired, she will use her fun, creative and personable style to bring out the best in your child; improving their literacy skills, confidence, and desire to succeed in school.
Sabrine Gehani - H.MSc.
Elementary Math
GR 9/10 Math
GR 1-12 French
GR 9/10 Science
GR 11/12 Biology & Chemistry
Sabrine is a recent graduate from Western University in London, with a Bachelors of Medical Science and Honours Specialization in Physiology and Pharmacology. She is currently studying Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. Before university, she obtained a bilingual diploma from the French high school École Secondaire Sainte-Famille in Mississauga. Her interest in teaching started when she was 16 and began coaching figure skating. She expanded her love of teaching into the academic world and tutored younger students at her high school in math and science. Throughout university, she has volunteered with programs to promote literacy, numeracy, and healthy living skills to youth in the community of London, in addition to tutoring students from grades 1-12 virtually.
Niki Mohajer, B.Sc.
9/10 Science
11/12 Biology
11/12 Chemistry
Niki graduated from York University with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. During her four years at university, she excelled in Biology and Chemistry, earning A+ grades. Niki has a passion for volunteer work, and recently, began tutoring at Youth Assisting Youth, which provides tutoring for at-risk youth. In addition to her academic pursuits, Niki has a love for travelling and exploring diverse cultures. It fascinates her to learn about different ways of life, and to connect with people from various backgrounds. Niki is excited to be able to help students excel!
Rachel Steele- BSc.
GR 9/10 Math
GR 11/12 Biology
Rachel is a graduate of Port Perry High School and a recent 2023 honours graduate of the University of Guelph where she pursued her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Neuroscience. Outside of work you can find Rachel at the curling club as she competes across Canada in hopes to pursue competitive curling as well as a career in Occupational Therapy. She is currently coaching the PPHS Varsity Curling Team where she works with athletes of varying skill levels and experiences. She understands the importance of adapting teaching methods to each student’s individual needs. Helping athletes achieve their goals by sharing her passion and knowledge of the game inspired her interest in tutoring. Rachel is eager to help students achieve their goals both on and off the ice.
Clayton Lowe
GR 9/10 Math and Science
GR 11 Mixed/Applied Math
GR 12 Calculus
GR 11/12 Physics
Clayton is an Honours graduate of Brooklin High School and is currently a third-year undergraduate astronomy and astrophysics student at the University of Toronto, St. George Campus. Clayton has previous experience as an intern at the University of Toronto studying and mapping cosmic magnetic fields under the supervision of Dr. Lerato Sebokolodi of the Dunlap Institute. Clayton has also had previous experience tutoring calculus and functions at a first-year university level. During his time at the University of Toronto, Clayton has had the opportunity to meet with the likes of Dr. Gary Blackwood of NASA JPL and has been a student of Dr. Keith Vanderlinde. In his free time Clayton enjoys playing guitar, photography, and exploring the city of Toronto, where he now resides.
Mackenzie Snelgrove - H.BSc.
GR 9/10 Math & Science
GR 11 Chemistry
GR 11/12 Biology & Physics
Mackenzie recently graduated from The University of Ottawa, with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics and a specialization in Applied Kinesiology. Growing up, Mackenzie played many sports, most prominently soccer and ringette, and that has inspired her love for active living and sharing that knowledge with others. Her interest in educating stems from her want to share the knowledge that she has accumulated over her studies, seen through her ability to coach people in skating during her high school and through personal training during university. During high school at Bill Crothers Secondary School, Mackenzie tutored her fellow students in math courses. In University she planned and executed lessons at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa and she was also a student mentor for her program, leading many study groups for lower level science classes. With her degree, Mackenzie is very comfortable with the following classes: math, physics, biology, chemistry and anatomy.
Alex Pasternak
GR 9-10 Math
Alex is an honours graduate from Port Perry High School. He excelled in math, science and business courses while playing AAA hockey throughout his high school career. He is an entrepreneur, dryland/on-ice hockey instructor and high level hockey player. When he is not at the rink, he enjoys being outdoors. He spends his downtime golfing, fishing and water skiing. This year he will pursue his sports goals and prepare for his future post secondary business school program. He is an effective communicator who connects with students of all ages and has a passion for helping others.
Noah Cornish - H.BA.
GR 9/10 Math & Science
GR 9-12 Geography
GR 11/12 Biology
Nipissing University courses:
GEOG-1016, GEOG-1017,GEOG-2107, GEOG-2017
Noah is currently a first-year Bachelor of Education student specializing in the intermediate/senior division at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario. Prior to pursuing his teaching degree, he earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Geography with a minor in Biology at Nipissing University as well. During his undergraduate program, Noah distinguished himself by obtaining certificates in Environmental Management and Geomatics (Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing). Beyond his academic pursuits, Noah is an active member of the Nipissing University’s Varsity Cross-Country running team. His dedication to athletics extends to representing Canada at the Age Group World Duathlon Championships in 2018 and 2019.
Aaron Nijjar
GR 9-10 Math
GR 11/12 Functions & Calculus
GR 9-10 Science
GR 11/12 Biology & Chemistry
Aaron is currently in his 3rd year of mining engineering at Queen’s university. Throughout high school, Aaron has tutored many students in math and science classes. Being in engineering, Aaron is very comfortable with calculus, advanced functions, and chemistry classes. Outside of school, Aaron is an avid bass fisherman and fishes many of the Kawartha lakes. He is currently working at Baffinland Iron Ore mines in Nunavut as a mining engineering summer student.
Erin Schaffer
Elementary Math & English, including ESL.
University Tutoring: organizing, analyzing and structuring essays-help with proper referencing
Erin was born and raised in South Africa with her two younger siblings and moved to Toronto in 2020 after completing her first year in a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase teaching. She decided to transfer to York University to continue exploring her passion for understanding children and young people. Erin is now completing her 4th year in a Bachelor of Arts in Children, Childhood, and Youth Studies, focusing her education and learning about young people and individuals from different backgrounds. Having worked alongside like-minded individuals in a volunteer position as a youth mentor, and then progressing into the role of curriculum director with a non-profit organization that aims to work on conflict resolution strategies for young people, Erin has found that her passion lies in learning about and understanding people in order to create an environment that suits their needs to be able to reach their potential at their own pace. Erin loves coffee and all things related to creating a good start to the day, and so she works as a part-time barista serving delicious coffee creations where the atmosphere includes some of her carefully curated Spotify playlists.
Sierra Leatherdale - H.BA.
Music Theory
History
Sierra recently graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Honours History with a minor in music. Throughout her time at school, Sierra was actively involved within the Laurier community by holding a VP position on the History Student’s Association. Sierra also participated in student organizations where she assisted elementary students throughout the Kitchener-Waterloo region with their reading skills. To pursue her goal of being a teacher, Sierra will be continuing her studies to Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales during the Fall of 2024 for a one-year master's program to obtain her teaching certifications. Aside from working towards her future goals, Sierra enjoys playing music and has many years of experience. Sierra has her grade 8 Royal Conservatory of Music Certifications for Piano, Vocal, and Theory.
Raka Kibria - B.A
GR 9-12 English & French
DELF Preparation
Specializing in Lettres Françaises Second Year Bachelor of Education Student (French and English) Raka has been working with students between the ages of 6-20 for almost 8 years. She is a certified DELF Corrector. She has previously worked as a Educational Assistant and a camp counselor with students that have learning disabilties. She has also worked with many ESL students while tutoring, doing placements, and voluntary reading programs. She has a great passion for learning and she continuously seeks new ways to make learning more fun. Her hobbies are drinking coffee, listening to Bollywood music, trying new foods, and connecting with people.
Evelyn Smith
GR 9-10 Science & Math
GR 11/12 Functions & Calculus
GR 11/12 Physics, Biology, & Chemistry
Evelyn is a Science and Math honours graduate from Port Perry High School. She is currently in her first year at Queen's University in Kingston, where she is taking a bachelor of Science with future interests in the medical field.
Kylie Bertrim
Queens University courses:
ENGL100, ANAT100, PSYC100, KNPE251
Kylie is in her 4th year at Queen’s University for Concurrent Education with a Major in Health Studies and a Minor in Psychology. She is pursuing teachers college concurrently with the goal of becoming a Kindergarten teacher. While at school, Kylie has been able to assist students in placements for the past four years with a focus on Elementary language skills and mathematics. She has also worked with school-aged children for seven years through her employment as Camp Counsellor and Supervisor. She additionally has two years of experience tutoring for University level English, Psychology, Anatomy, and Statistics courses. She is passionate about understanding the processes through which students understand information for its successful application. Kylie has also spent her time at University working nationally and internationally through Queen’s Health Education to promote peer to peer health education on a needs-based level.
Abbey Elliot, H. BA (French)
GR 1-12 French
Abbey is a honours graduate student from Port Perry High School. She was enrolled in the French Immersion program starting in grade 1 at R.H. Cornish and completed all the way through to grade 12 at PPHS. In her final year of high school, she obtained her French Immersion certificate through the Durham District School Board and went on to obtain her Diplôme d'étude en langue française (DELF, level B2) which is a bilingual certification accredited by the Ministry of Education in France. She graduated in 2023 at Trent University with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours degree in French Studies. She hopes to pursue a Bachelor of Education with the goal of becoming a French Immersion teacher in the near future. Through various placements in elementary French Immersion classrooms, Abbey understands the common challenges and difficulties that students may be faced with while trying to learn French as a second language. Her passion for teaching has served her with 6 years of tutoring experience.