Heather brings extensive experience and specialized training in education and learning disabilities to her work, where she loves empowering parents, educators, and her team with her knowledge and expertise. She is passionate about ensuring that students can succeed by discovering their unique strengths, needs, and learning styles through tailored approaches developed by her dedicated team.

After serving as the head of special education at a local private school, Heather felt called to address the gaps in the education system by starting a business dedicated to supporting families and students who were falling through the cracks. Through The Open Door, she has helped countless families locally and internationally. Heather has also served multiple terms as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton.

An accomplished entrepreneur, Heather is a Forty Under 40 recipient, winner of Businesswoman of the Year – Established Entrepreneur, and Founder of the Year at The Bootstrap Awards. She takes a hands-on approach to managing The Open Door, constantly seeking ways to improve operations, support her team, and enhance the services provided to families, students, and tutors.

Heather is passionate about connecting with families and educators, always happy to answer questions and provide guidance to help students thrive.

“My favourite thing is to see a student, who has struggled so much with reading, with their nose in a book – reading for pleasure!”

Andrew completed his PhD in the Philosophy of Cognitive Science at the University of Ottawa, following a Master’s degree in Inter-Disciplinary Humanities at Trinity Western University in Langley, BC. Since 2013, he has taught lower-level undergraduate courses, focusing on Ethics and Critical Thinking. While at Trinity Western University, Andrew also taught in the Extension Program, which serves students with special needs. This role required developing innovative curriculum and evaluation methods tailored to individual student needs.

Andrew is passionate about The Open Door for its proven methods of teaching and the meaningful one-on-one interactions between students and tutors.

As Tutor Development Manager, Andrew supervises and supports the training and professional growth of our tutors. His role includes overseeing tutor onboarding, facilitating training, conducting session observations, and providing ongoing coaching and feedback. He ensures quality control by analyzing data from observations, administrative reports, and feedback from both tutors and families, ensuring that every student receives exceptional support.

Marla started working at The Open Door as a Barton Reading and Spelling System Instructor. She studied English at the University of Ottawa and is very passionate about literature, language, and learning. She is a positive and supportive guide on her students’ journey to independence in literacy.

In her role as Finance and Admin Coordinator, she uses her organizational and creative skills for tasks such as invoicing and payroll, as well as overseeing administrative tasks to ensure they are assigned and completed. She consistently seeks innovative solutions to help behind-the-scenes processes run smoothly.

“I love all of the little ‘aha’ moments. When you see the child’s face light up because they just made a connection, and that is going to make everything just a little bit easier for them moving forward. Once you have enough little moments, they can look back and see how much they have accomplished.”

Emily is a Certified Barton Instructor who originally comes from a nursing background and has a passion for helping others. She completed the University of London course “Supporting Children with Difficulties in Reading and Writing’, and enjoyed working as a tutor at the college level. Emily joined The Open Door because she enjoys working one-on-one with students, helping them overcome challenges, and believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed in reading, regardless of learning style.

As our Service Intake Coordinator, Emily oversees the intake process for new families, answering questions, identifying their needs, and matching them with the right tutor. She arranges the initial meeting between the family, the tutor, and our Education and Family Support Specialist. Emily also updates and maintains tutor onboarding and progress records while assisting with various administrative duties to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Pam is a special education teacher with extensive experience in language and learning disabilities. She is passionate about helping each student succeed and rediscover the joy of learning. Pam understands the frustration and loss of self-esteem that often accompanies learning struggles, and she treasures the moments when a child begins to regain confidence and realize they can succeed.

Pam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. She has earned Specialist qualifications in Special Education with a focus on Learning Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Behaviour.

In her role as Assessment Specialist, Pam brings years of expertise from her work in special education for the OCDSB. She has administered phonological awareness testing, developmental assessments, and reading and language assessments, and she has also served as an EQAO Reading Assessor. Her deep understanding of assessment ensures each student’s unique needs are identified and supported.

Beyond her professional work, Pam is an enthusiastic world traveler, exploring wildlife, archaeology, and culture in far-off places. A nature lover and citizen scientist, she has a particular passion for observing wildlife, especially amphibians.

Pam is thrilled to be part of The Open Door team, where she values the Orton-Gillingham-based approach to reading instruction. Most of all, she is grateful for the opportunity to help students regain their belief in themselves and their ability to succeed.

Hannah is a certified teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers and has been working in education since 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa and has completed additional qualifications in Special Education. Over the course of her career, she has worked with students from the primary years through high school and brings both classroom experience and one-on-one instructional insight to her work.

She has been part of The Open Door team for over a decade, contributing to student programming, intake meetings, and support. Hannah is known for her thoughtful approach and steady presence, and for her ability to connect meaningfully with both students and families. She values the moment when learning finally clicks and believes that patient, individualized support builds lasting confidence.

In her role as Education & Family Support Advisor, Hannah conducts Student Intake Meetings and serves as the primary point of contact for families as they navigate programming and ongoing support. She works closely with our team to ensure students receive responsive, well-coordinated educational guidance.

Nathalie is a dedicated Behavioural Consultant at The Open Door, known for her commitment to enhancing the lives of children and youth through applied behaviour analysis (ABA).  

She obtained her Bachelors of Science from the University of Ottawa and looks to further her studies in pediatric occupational therapy. Currently she is taking courses in child behaviour and functioning to support the work she does with children.

In her spare time, Nathalie enjoys cooking, travelling, salsa dancing and spending time exploring the city with friends and family.

Nathalie started working at The Open Door to expand her ability to create positive change with the goal of promoting household harmony.

Lina is a dedicated teaching assistant at a special needs school, committed to creating engaging and enjoyable learning experiences for her students. After high school, she spent time in France before moving to Montréal to pursue a degree in Special Care Counseling, driven by her passion for education. Lina brings a strong commitment to her field and a continuous eagerness to learn, always seeking innovative ways to support her students. As a member of The Open Door team, Lina is excited to contribute to each student’s journey, helping them reach their personal goals and fostering their confidence along the way.

Taya is an Ontario Certified Teacher with five years of classroom experience. She currently teaches in an elementary school and is qualified to teach Kindergarten through Grade 10. Taya holds a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa and has always known that teaching was her calling.

She brings enthusiasm, kindness, and compassion into every lesson, creating a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to succeed. Taya is committed to continuous learning and regularly completes additional qualifications while exploring new instructional strategies to meet each student’s unique needs.

Taya joined The Open Door Educational Services because she believes every child deserves personalized support that meets them where they are, builds confidence, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Samanthe is a dedicated student at Carleton University, pursuing her degree in software engineering. With a passion for education and a knack for working with children, she has cultivated a diverse background in teaching and mentoring. Previously, Samanthe has contributed her skills to Kumon North America and the York Catholic District School Board in the Greater Toronto Area, where she gained valuable experience in tutoring and academic support. Samanthe finds fulfilment in working with children, her enthusiasm for education led her to volunteer at skating clubs, where she helped foster a positive learning environment for young skaters. Recognizing the importance of personalized support in education, Samanthe decided to join The Open Door. She empathized with the challenges of learning new skills and is dedicated to helping kids reach their full potential.

Megan is an experienced educator with over a decade of work in diverse educational settings. A certified Ontario College of Teachers instructor, she holds both a B.A. and a B.Ed. from Trent University. Megan’s favorite aspect of teaching is building meaningful connections with her students and witnessing their growth and development. Outside the classroom, Megan enjoys camping, being outdoors, downhill skiing, and spending time with friends, family, and her twins. Her passion for helping children succeed is what drew her to The Open Door, where she is committed to making a positive impact on every student’s journey.

Leigh Anne is a Certified Barton Instructor who has been teaching children with dyslexia and other learning differences using the Barton method for over eight years.  After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University, Leigh Anne enjoyed working as a pediatric physiotherapist with children of all abilities.  However, when her son was identified as having severe dyslexia, she became a Barton tutor and successfully homeschooled him to the point where he is now a confident honour roll student in high school.  

In addition to helping those with dyslexia, autism, and other learning differences, Leigh Anne is keen to promote the importance of physical well-being, with an emphasis on helping everyone, both old and young, achieve an optimal level of health through nutrition and physical activity.  A former competitive road, track, and mountain bike racer, Leigh Anne can often be found riding the local trails with her husband and their two children.

Leigh Anne joined The Open Door because she finds that there is nothing more rewarding, nor more important, than helping a child go from loathing reading to loving it.  From personal experience, she knows that every single student, with the right instruction and progression, has the ability to learn to read and write with ease.  Moreover, every single student deserves the chance to do so.

Barb is a Registered Early Childhood Educator working for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. She works in the kindergarten program as well as the Extended Day Program. She has been working with children of all ages for 25 years. Barb is a graduate of Algonquin college and has trained and taken many workshops on behavior management, including a recent workshop on the Nurtured Heart Approach. This approach consists of strategies that help children develop positive self-regulation skills. Barb believes that all children are extraordinary and deserve the right to develop at their pace to meet their full potential. Literacy is an extremely important part of this process. Barb enjoys hanging out with her husband and children, hiking, kayaking and going to her cottage. Barb started working at The Open Door because she loves working one on one with children, making connections with them while watching them grow and learn.

Anne was originally drawn to education as a teenager out of a desire to help her hearing-impaired younger brother. Later she specialized in Special Education in order to better understand how to help her young son, who was unable to read. After assisting these two loved ones to become successful scholars, she turned her talents to helping other students overcome their personal learning obstacles in order to achieve success.

She is a keen naturalist who enjoys spending time outdoors, camping and canoeing with her family. She also is an avid amateur horticulturalist and a pet lover, so she really enjoys both home gardening and relaxing in the backyard with the family dog. When the weather drives everyone inside, she enjoys reading and watching movies.

Anne is excited to be working with The Open Door because she loves working one-to-one with students and developing a supportive relationship with those who are struggling to succeed.

“What I enjoy the most about tutoring with The Open Door is the super warm welcome I receive at the students’ homes. The excitement displayed over my arrival tells me that my students really love their Barton lessons!”

She has a bachelor degree in Cognitive Science from Carleton University, and is currently working on her Learning Disability Specialist in Assistive Technologies and Learning Strategies from Cambrian College.

In her free time, Jordyn loves spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys reading and working on her latest quilting project.

Jordyn started working at The Open Door because a program very similar to the Barton Reading & Spelling System was used to teach her how to read. She looks forward to helping students achieve their personal goals and build their confidence.

Leslie is a third year History and English student at Carleton University. She has experience tutoring French and Spanish, as well as working with students with developmental delays. In her spare time, Leslie plays the piano and writes poetry. She started working with The Open Door because she wants to make a positive impact on student success and work together with students to reach their goals.

Jennifer Clark is a dedicated educator with a passion for innovative teaching methods that cater to diverse learning needs. With extensive experience as both an elementary and secondary school teacher, Jennifer spent the last 11 years as a Literacy/Numeracy Tutor with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, where she further refined her student-centered approach to education. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa and has earned additional qualifications from both the University of Ottawa and Queen’s University. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing and has been a committed volunteer with a children’s community gardening group for several years. Jennifer joined The Open Door to help students thrive using the Barton Reading and Spelling System, a scientifically proven and highly effective teaching method. She is excited to make a meaningful impact on students’ literacy journeys through this innovative approach.

Heather is a retired elementary teacher who taught for over 30 years in the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. She taught almost exclusively with special education students, showing a passion and infinite patience for helping children with learning challenges. Heather developed a positive rapport and supportive learning environment for children with many different exceptionalities including learning disabled, language disabilities, brain injuries, hearing impairments, autism and attention deficits. Her interactions with all students demonstrated support, care and respect.

Heather has her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Education from Ottawa University. She also has her Specialist qualifications in Special Education with the emphasis on Developmental Disabilities, Language Disabilities and Behaviour.

She enjoys spending time with family and friends and travelling whenever possible. She spends her spare time reading, taking walks with her dog, horse back riding and playing simulation games on the computer.

Heather is excited to be working at The Open Door, as she believes in the Orton-Gillingham-based approach to reading that they use. Best of all, working with The Open Door with give her the chance to work one-on-one with students and help them regain their confidence, self esteem and a love for learning.

Emma is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa, building on her academic foundation with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Second Language Teaching and a Master’s in Bilingualism Studies. With years of experience working with young learners, Emma has taken on roles as a tutor, teaching assistant, and various positions within the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Her journey with The Open Door reflects her dedication to empowering students and providing them with the support and guidance needed for success.

Laura Carrothers, an Ontario Certified elementary teacher, brings nearly two decades of experience working with children. She obtained a B.A. from Carleton University and a B.Ed. from Ottawa University, with additional credentials in Special Education. Upon relocating to Ontario, she joined the Upper Canada District School Board, where she taught every primary and junior grade, spanning from kindergarten to Grade 6. Outside of her profession, Laura finds fulfillment in traveling, reading, and cherishing moments with her two young children. Her interest in teaching with The Open Door Education Services stemmed from her eagerness to assist students in reaching their fullest potential, fostering their self-confidence and academic success.

Matthew Gallina is an elementary school teacher who loves connecting with students while helping them to overcome challenges.  He obtained his B.A. at the University of Windsor, and his Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University.  He has 7 years experience teaching students in Northern Saskatchewan, and has worked with children who speak English as a Second Language.

Matthew became a father in July 2017, and relocated with his wife from La Loche, Saskatchewan to Ottawa, in order to be closer to family.  He is passionate about education, and wants to influence and inspire every student that he teaches.

He decided to work for The Open Door because he knows that the most important and rewarding part of his role as educator is to help and mentor students who are struggling, and then to celebrate with them as they make progress.

Jennifer is an educator who enjoys teaching students of all ages. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English (Degree with Honors) from the University of Ottawa and obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. She has qualifications in Primary, Junior, and Intermediate divisions, as well as in Special Education. Currently an Occasional teacher, Jennifer has also taught second grade in California, tutored international students learning English in Ontario, and supported students with multiple exceptionalities in a MEP classroom. She is passionate about motivating students of varying abilities to reach their full potential in a safe and caring environment.

When she is not teaching, she can be found baking goodies in the kitchen, spending quality time with family, and going on long walks with her dog Sydney.

Jennifer started working with The Open Door because she wants to help students on their learning journey. She feels that her education and previous teaching experience will be an asset to helping each student gain confidence in their ability to learn and succeed. She also thinks it is important to have fun while learning, which makes acquiring new skills that much more enjoyable for her students.

Asha is a student at the University of Ottawa who is majoring in physics and minoring in math all while studying in French. She is a very passionate and patient individual who loves teaching and working with children. Asha has an upbeat personality and loves to inspire children to be the best that they can be.

Previously, she was a science instructor for children and teens at the University of Ottawa, as well as a counsellor at a culinary school for children. She has years of experience as a French tutor, as well as volunteering and working at summer camps and daycares.

When she is not working or studying, she enjoys cooking, doing yoga and going on hikes.

Asha started working with The Open Door because she strongly believes in their philosophy and wanted to be a part of the positive change. She is grateful to have the opportunity to help people who don’t always get the support they need in a typical classroom.

After earning a BA in English and an MA in Modern Literature from the University of Leicester in the UK, Sam moved to Ontario in 2007. He spent four years as a dog sledding and canoeing guide in the Almaguin Highlands and Algonquin Park region before transitioning into wilderness and cognitive-behavioural therapy with Wendigo Lake Expeditions/Project D.A.R.E. There, he led therapeutic expeditions for youth at risk and in custody, an experience he found both challenging and deeply rewarding.

In addition to his fieldwork, Sam facilitated seminars on wilderness therapy, winter camping and survival, and wilderness first aid. Since 2017, he has also worked with Ontario Parks. Sam brings a deep love of language and a thoughtful, encouraging presence to his role at The Open Door, where he’s excited to support students in developing strong reading and literacy skills.

Outside of tutoring, Sam enjoys cross-country skiing, running, camping, canoeing, cooking, caring for his dogs and chickens, and experimenting with growing vegetables.

In her spare time Rosanne likes to read and do crafts. She loves to travel with her family visiting new places each time.

Rosanne is thrilled to be working at The Open Door as she loves working with the students to help them gain confidence and reach their full potential.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor’s degree with honours, specializing in Psychology, from the University of Ottawa. She went on to earn her Masters of Science in Teaching from the State University of New York at Potsdam. Throughout her 10 years of teaching experience, Jennifer has taken many courses including Additional Qualifications of Special Education Specialist through Nippissing University.

Jennifer has been teaching with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board for ten years, and also began tutoring two years ago. She has found she enjoys working with students both, as a class as well as one-on-one.  She gains great satisfaction helping children build self-confidence and self-esteem and believe in themselves, as they overcome various obstacles.

In her spare time, Jennifer loves to take on new adventures with her family. She also enjoys quiet time reading and having long thoughtful conversations with most anyone. She has a love for music, and taught piano for many years. She also enjoys taking part and volunteering for community events that help others in the community.

After learning about The Barton Reading System and The Open Door Educational Services there was no turning back. Here she found a system that could reach children with various learning disabilities including dyslexia. A system that would help children strengthen many facets of their language skills. After hearing about the results of the Barton Reading System, she was thrilled to join The Open Door Educational Services to be part of this incredibly successful system which is actually giving children the necessary skills and tools needed for them to actually read and begin enjoying books! 

Gabriel Arrigo is a student in Linguistics at The University of Ottawa. He has experience tutoring and coaching, particularly in hockey as a goalie coach for the Richmond Royals Jr. B. Gabriel started working with The Open Door because he enjoys learning and sharing that love of learning with others.

Bio coming soon!

Abbie is a dedicated educator with more than seven years of experience working with children. She began her teaching journey in 2017 as a swimming instructor for the City of Ottawa, later working in a Kanata daycare, where her passion for education truly grew.

Over the years, Abbie has gained broad experience supporting young learners in both school and community settings, building a strong foundation in early literacy and effective teaching strategies.

Growing up in a fully French elementary school, Abbie faced her own challenges learning to read and write in English. This experience gives her deep empathy and a personal understanding of how transformative the right support can be.

Abbie joined The Open Door because she knows how difficult it can be for classroom teachers to meet every student’s individual needs. Her goal is to help each child strengthen their reading and writing skills while developing confidence, fluency, and a genuine enjoyment of learning.

Alexandra graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Childhood and Youth Studies and a minor in Anthropology. She is now continuing her studies at the University of Ottawa in the Bachelor of Education program as she works toward becoming a teacher.

She has four years of experience working at a daycare and has earned her Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate, which gave her the opportunity to teach English abroad to both children and adults from diverse learning backgrounds. While teaching abroad, she also enjoyed travelling and exploring new cultures, an experience that deepened her appreciation for each learner’s uniqueness and strengths and the importance of creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment.

Alexandra is a patient and caring educator who loves working with children. She is excited to help students at The Open Door build their confidence and discover joy in their learning.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in English from the University of Ottawa, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science from Algonquin College. She brings a wealth of experience to her role as a tutor, having worked as an Educational Assistant with the Ottawa Catholic School Board and as an IBI/ABA therapist supporting children with autism.

With a passion for literacy and a deep understanding of diverse learning needs, Lisa tailors her instruction to each child, using research-based strategies to build strong reading skills. Her patient and nurturing approach helps create a positive and engaging environment where children feel confident and motivated to learn.

Outside of tutoring, Lisa enjoys cooking creative meals for her family, baking cakes with her daughter, organizing live music events, and spending time outdoors paddle boarding, biking, and going for long walks. She joined The Open Door because she is committed to making reading accessible and enjoyable, and to supporting children in reaching their academic potential.

Mark comes to The Open Door with a rich and varied history as an elementary and high school teacher. He has taught children from junior grades right up to high school and in a variety of subjects; however, teaching English Language Arts became his chief area of focus. As a teacher he realized early on that student success in all areas of academics is dependent on strong reading and writing skills. He took great satisfaction from individualizing strategies and programs to help students be more successful. After thirty years of teaching, Mark retired, but he found that he missed the rapport with the children, and the creative and intellectual challenge of helping children that were struggling academically. He was impressed when he heard about The Open Door and the specialized programs that its tutors use to teach reading and writing. Working as a tutor would allow him to continue to make a difference in students’ lives. Mark has many interests. He travels extensively, exploring far-off exotic places. Mark is an avid rock-climber and enjoys sabre fencing. He has a keen interest in music, especially jazz and classical music, and he plays a number of different instruments, principally piano. In his spare time, he writes and illustrates children’s books for his grandchildren.

Sarah Davis is a recent graduate of Carleton University with an Honours bachelor’s degree in psychology. She brings experience as a teaching assistant for grades 1 and 2, where her passion for reading and art has enriched her work with young learners. Sarah loves sharing this enthusiasm with students and inspiring them to explore reading in their spare time. Her own journey in education was shaped by the support and motivation she received from one-on-one mentoring, which sparked her commitment to education and helped her discover a genuine enjoyment of learning. Sarah joined The Open Door to bring this same inspiration to her students, helping them feel confident and supported as they grow.

As a part of a 4th year community engagement project, she worked with Discovery University, a non-credit education program operated by The Ottawa Mission that offers university level courses to previously homeless and at-risk youth, where she promoted the program to various shelters and community services throughout Ottawa. She has also held volunteer positions as an assistant figure skating coach and a day camp counselor.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, watching live music, playing sports, reading and cooking.

Meaghan began working with The Open Door because she loves helping students overcome obstacles and watching them achieve their personal academic goals. She is also eager to gain more experience working with students with learning disabilities.

Rachel brings a wealth of experience to The Open Door, having worked extensively with students of varying abilities as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Originally from Cincinnati, she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Cincinnati and The Ohio State University. Before relocating to Ottawa in 2021, Rachel served as an SLP in one of Ohio’s largest school districts, where she built a strong foundation in supporting students’ speech and literacy development. Though not currently practicing Speech-Language Pathology in Ontario, Rachel is skilled in integrating phonemic awareness and phonics into her work with young learners. She is passionate about empowering students to feel confident and successful across all areas of the classroom and enjoys collaborating with families to help children reach their full potential. In her free time, Rachel enjoys relaxing with her husband and one-year-old son, trying new fitness classes, baking seasonal treats, and exploring floral design.

Bobbie is the co-founder of the Excellence in Literacy Foundation (ELF), an organization dedicated to empowering children in vulnerable communities by enhancing their literacy skills. Over the past 30 years, ELF programs have positively impacted the lives of over 120,000 participants nationwide, including over 7,000 in Ottawa alone, thanks to a devoted network of supporters. Bobbie is also the founder and former Executive Director of Generation Live Green. She has served on the board of directors for Sisters Achieving Excellence and was the former Secretary-Treasurer of the National Children’s Botanical Garden of Canada. An Ottawa University graduate with a B.A. in English, Bobbie is deeply passionate about working with children. A devoted reader herself, she finds joy in seeing a child’s face light up as they begin to understand the words and imagine the story. In her free time, she can often be found on her hobby farm, either in the garden planting or in the kitchen canning her next batch of tomatoes. She is also a meditation instructor and a professional photographer, finding her greatest joy in watching her children grow and learn with happiness. Bobbie is grateful for the life she has and joined The Open Door to help children who may struggle with literacy, giving them the confidence to write their own stories.

Sandra is a certified teacher holding a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ottawa. She has also completed additional coursework in primary/junior education, special education, and reading.

She has extensive experience working with English as a Second Language students, as well as children with developmental delays, autism, speech and language delays, learning exceptionalities, sensory disorders, and anxiety disorders. This experience comes from both professional and volunteer roles, as well as her personal journey as a homeschooling parent.

Sandra’s interest in the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching reading and spelling grew from her desire to support her own son. After researching the method and completing formal training, she became a strong advocate for this systematic, cumulative, and multisensory approach, especially effective for struggling readers.

She is excited to work with The Open Door to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to become successful readers and spellers. Sandra is committed to providing each student with a positive and enjoyable learning experience.

Natalia is a passionate educator with a strong background in supporting children and youth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Childhood and Youth Studies from Carleton University, with additional focus areas in Environmental and Climate Humanities and History, and is continuing her education in the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Ottawa.

Natalia brings a wealth of experience from her work as a student teacher, educational assistant, supply teacher, and private tutor. Her strengths include lesson planning, individualized instruction, and supporting students with diverse learning needs. She has worked in both traditional and inclusive classrooms and is skilled at creating engaging, adaptable learning experiences.

Outside of academics, Natalia is also a dedicated coach and volunteer. She leads U15 and U19 girls’ basketball and soccer teams and enjoys mentoring young athletes to develop teamwork, discipline, and resilience—skills she believes are essential both on and off the field.

Natalia began tutoring because she believes that every student deserves personalized support. She finds joy in building confidence, nurturing a love of learning, and tailoring her approach to each child’s unique strengths. Her goal is always to create a positive, encouraging environment where students feel empowered to succeed.

Noelle is a dance teacher and personal tutor who is passionate about learning and loves working with children. She has a Bachelor of Science in English & Writing: Creative Writing and has worked with children of various ages for the past eight years. Noelle began working with children by running summer camps for at-risk children throughout Ontario. She began teaching dance four years ago with students ages 2-18, and tutoring children ages 5-13. Noelle enjoys working with The Open Door because it combines her love of learning with the joy of working with children.

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Sabrina recently worked as an Educational Assistant at Edelweiss Private Academy, supporting learners with exceptionalities as they transitioned back into mainstream school settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science with a focus on Criminology and has returned to the University of Ottawa to pursue her Juris Doctorate in Common Law.

With years of experience tutoring in various capacities, Sabrina is passionate about building confidence in children and creating inclusive, supportive learning environments. She joined The Open Door because she believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Known for her patience, adaptability, and student-centered approach, Sabrina ensures each student feels empowered and capable in their literacy journey.

Her background in advocacy and community support informs her tutoring practice, driving her dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her students.

Jolene is a primary and junior elementary teacher with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a bachelor’s degree in education, as well as a certificate in autism and behavioral science from Algonquin College. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with the chess club at her school as well as gardening and travelling. Jolene started working with The Open Door because she loves literacy and helping children improve their literacy skills.

Jordan is currently studying criminology and psychology at the University of Ottawa. She has worked with children for years, not only as a literacy tutor at an elementary school, but also as a camp counselor and daycare worker. Jordan loves to travel and has lived in four countries. She enjoys her free time hiking, kayaking, listening to music, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog. Jordan joined The Open Door because she aims to help each child grow in confidence and skill.

Alyss completed her Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning at the University of Ottawa with courses in trauma-sensitive, inclusive, differential, and antiracist education. She obtained her Honours Bachelor of Arts with Major in French as a Second Language and Minor in Geography in 2018. To complement her electives in second language teaching, she completed an additional year of courses in psychology, linguistics, and social work at the University of Ottawa, Saint Paul University and Athabasca University. She is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Education – P/J division (FLS cohort) at the University of Ottawa. Alyss has taught second language teaching and instruction with both adults and children. She has also held roles in universities as a library monitor, translator, academic assistant, and storywriter.

Alyss is excited to work with The Open Door because she believes that every child has unique strengths and talents that can be expressed with thoughtful and explicit instruction and feedback. She believes in a student-centered, strengths-based approach to teaching and learning and she is passionate about fostering an intrinsic desire to learn, improve, and succeed in every individual.

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Andrea is an educator with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. She earned a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Geography from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Andrea began her career as a Special Education Teacher in England, working with students with Autism and behavioural needs. She is taking additional courses in Special Education and English Language Learners to support this effort.

Andrea enjoys cooking, watercolour painting, hiking, and spending time at the cottage. Andrea works with The Open Door because of her passion for literacy and phonics, and the emphasis on one-to-one learning.

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Tim is a retired middle and secondary school teacher with over 30 years of experience, primarily focused on teaching English. Throughout his career, he has worked in a variety of educational settings and is known for his thoughtful, compassionate approach to supporting students with diverse learning needs.

In addition to his work in education, Tim volunteers with a civic organization that supports individuals facing mental health challenges. This work continues to enrich his perspective and deepen his commitment to helping others.

Tim joined The Open Door to continue making a difference in students’ lives. He is passionate about guiding learners on their educational journey, building their confidence, and helping them reach their full potential.

Isabella works with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board as both an educational assistant and an occasional teacher. She brings many years of experience with children through coaching multiple sports, nannying, and leading summer camps. Isabella holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Teaching at the University of Potsdam. She plans to become an OCT-certified educator.

Outside of school, Isabella enjoys figure skating, spending time with her six siblings, and cheering on the Ottawa Senators. Having personally struggled with reading and spelling as a child, she is passionate about helping students gain confidence, strengthen their skills, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Phuong is a dedicated tutor who loves helping students discover their unique learning strengths. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in Sociology and Indigenous Studies and has three years of tutoring experience, specializing in essay writing, English literature, and French as a Second Language. Phuong is passionate about supporting students in their learning journeys and believes that every individual deserves guidance tailored to their needs and differences. In her spare time, Phuong enjoys watching movies and TV shows, reading, exploring various music genres, and occasionally hosting dance parties. She joined The Open Door to make a positive impact on students’ educational experiences, ensuring they feel supported and encouraged every step of the way.

Tia has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nipissing University where she majored in post-modern history and minored in English. She has been tutoring in some capacity since 2008, both online and in person. Tia enjoys playing video games, dancing, and building large jigsaw puzzles, and volunteers with a community chess group at the Ottawa Public Library. Tia started working with The Open Door because she loves making learning and education accessible to children. Tia believes in making the ideas and curriculum work for the students rather than having the students work to understand the curriculum. The Open Door has a system to help students build their educational skills in a kind and meaningful way.

Patty is a retired Speech and Language Pathologist with an impressive 40-year career in special education within the Ottawa public schools. She worked extensively with children with language learning disabilities, autism, and developmental disabilities. Patty earned her Bachelor of Science in Integrated Sciences Studies from Carleton University and her Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from SUNY at Buffalo. Her expertise in assessment, intervention, and motivation, tailored to each student’s interests and learning style, enabled her to guide countless children toward success in mainstream and specialized educational settings. Patty’s return from retirement to work with The Open Door is fueled by her passion for helping students overcome challenges in reading and writing.

Sean Ormond is an experienced elementary and secondary educator who is passionate about helping students become confident, capable readers and spellers. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University. With eighteen years of experience teaching students from kindergarten through Grade 12, Sean brings both deep expertise and a calm, encouraging approach to his work.

Outside the classroom, Sean enjoys skating on the Rideau Canal, playing hockey at Ottawa’s outdoor rinks with his son, and volunteering with the Catholic Centre for Immigrants. He joined The Open Door because he is impressed by the proven effectiveness of its methods and believes it is the best place to support students in developing strong literacy skills and lasting confidence.

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Erin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University and is currently completing her Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University, specializing in the Primary/Junior division. She brings several years of experience working with children in both classroom and one-on-one settings, including as a student tutor and as a supply teacher with the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

Throughout her career, Erin has supported a wide range of learners, including students with diverse learning needs and exceptionalities. Her experience teaching in schools across Ottawa, from Kindergarten through Grade 6, has helped her develop a strong understanding of how to adapt instruction to meet the unique needs of each student.

Dedicated, organized, and compassionate, Erin is passionate about helping students build confidence and achieve academic success. She joined The Open Door because she believes that every child deserves individualized support and a positive learning experience that nurtures both skills and self-esteem.

Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. She is excited to start her Masters in Counselling this fall. She also facilitates a group for individuals living with anxiety and does research on social-emotional learning and child maltreatment. She has worked with children from diverse backgrounds for many years and looks forward to helping students during the learning process.

In her spare time, Amanda can be found enjoying time with family and friends, cross-country skiing along the Ottawa river, and paddling her canoe in one of Canada’s beautiful lakes. She also enjoys the occasional Netflix binge and getting cuddles from Maya, her Australian Shepherd.

Amanda started with The Open Door because she values the customized learning approach taken to best meet student needs. Her ultimate goal is to empower students to effectively navigate their cognitive, emotional, and behavioural experiences so they can fully engage with the material and move towards their aspirations.

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Janell is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Modern Languages at the University of Ottawa. This program has allowed her to learn about political science, history, religion, and Spanish. Janell has spent a great deal of time volunteering with varying associations helping children, including orphanages and soccer clubs, organizing activities, tournaments, and fundraisers. In her free time, Janell loves to spend time outdoors, baking, reading, and painting. Janell works with The Open Door because of her desire is to help children gain confidence in their reading and writing abilities.

Sebastian is a secondary and middle school substitute teacher with a passion for history and the English language. Originally from England, he moved to Canada in 2009 and has lived in both Ontario and Nova Scotia, currently residing in the Carlington area of Ottawa.

Sebastian holds an honours degree in history with a minor in English and classics from Acadia University in Nova Scotia. He also earned a master’s degree in history from Wilfrid Laurier University and later completed an education degree at Acadia, specializing in middle and secondary education in English and social studies. He recently obtained his Ontario Teaching Certificate.

Since 2016, Sebastian has gained extensive experience in tutoring and teaching in various roles, including as a teacher, peer writing tutor, accessibility services exam proctor, private tutor, and teaching assistant.

In his spare time, Sebastian enjoys learning new things, building and maintaining computers, hiking with his partner, listening to audiobooks, practicing Latin, and reading. He joined The Open Door because of his love for teaching and tutoring. For Sebastian, one of the most rewarding aspects of one-on-one tutoring is witnessing a student’s progress in a short period of time. He is dedicated to making learning a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Doug Sinclair has taught English and English as a Second Language for 20 years with a wide range of students in a variety of settings. His teaching has included 1-on-1 tutoring with students experiencing learning challenges, classroom teaching in private and community colleges, community center classes, federal government contracts and courses for homeschool groups. Doug’s education includes a B.A. in English (With Distinction) from the University of Victoria and a TESL Certificate (With Honours) from the University of Toronto. In addition, he has completed many Bachelor of Education courses, including Language Development in Children, and other university language and writing related courses, such as General Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, Creative Writing and Journalism. He has also studied Italian, Japanese, American Sign Language, Mandarin and French. In his off hours, Doug enjoys spending time with his four children, keeping track of his favourite basketball team, attempting to improve his chess game, and making regular visits to donate blood at Canadian Blood Services. Doug began working at The Open Door because he loves working with students who are ready to take on a challenge in a serious but fun way. He enjoys making a personal connection with each student to create a relaxed but focused learning environment. His goal is to foster self-sufficient and confident learners.

Suzanne brings over 25 years of experience providing compassionate, individualized support to individuals with exceptional needs and learning challenges. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology and has completed extensive training in person-centred care and individualized support plan development.

Throughout her career, Suzanne has developed and implemented one-on-one learning approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of students with learning difficulties. Her approach is grounded in empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of how to support each learner’s growth with encouragement and care.

Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her husband and two wonderful young adult sons, volunteering through her local church, and catching up with friends over coffee. She joined The Open Door because of her passion for helping struggling students thrive, building their confidence and cheering them on every step of the way.

Morgan holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and History and is currently studying at the University of Ottawa to become a teacher. She has five years of experience teaching English as a Second Language in South Korea, both in the classroom and one on one, and loves helping learners gain confidence as they grow.

In her free time, Morgan enjoys reading and exploring museums. She is excited to be part of The Open Door, where she looks forward to supporting students as they build skills and reach their goals.

Katherine is a teacher candidate at the University of Ottawa, specializing in working with children from kindergarten to grade six. She holds a B.A. in History with High Distinction from the University of Toronto.

Katherine has six years of experience teaching learn-to-swim courses and training future lifeguards with City of Toronto Aquatics. She has also run children’s programs for the Royal Ontario Museum and led school trips with a YMCA outdoor centre.

In her free time, Katherine enjoys bicycling, board games, exploring Ottawa’s natural spaces, and reading. She feels privileged to help children discover the joy that reading can bring and finds it deeply rewarding to see them grow in confidence as their literacy skills strengthen.