St. John's Educators

Thomas O'Brien (He/Him)

My name is Thomas O’Brien and I’m currently completing my Masters in Chemistry at Memorial University! When I’m not tutoring you can find me working in the lab, studying for school, playing recreational hockey or playing guitar at home. I’m excited to help students reach their academic goals and create an environment where everyone feels they can succeed!

Lauren Pitre (She/Her)

Hi everyone, it's wonderful to meet you! My goal as a tutor is to provide students with supplementary education that is supportive, accessible and personalized. My educational background focuses on freshwater ecology; however, I currently work as a marine biologist with a small local seaweed farm on the Island. I hold a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biology from Queen's University and a Master of Environmental Science from the University of Toronto. I tutor most subjects from K to 12 and university- level biology courses. My philosophy for tutoring begins with building confidence and ensuring that students recognize that there are different ways to learn and that one size does not fit all. I aim to help students discover their own unique learning styles and work to ensure that students not only understand the material for their classes but also learn skills that they can take into further education and the workforce.

Bethany Smith (She/Her)

Hi, my name is Bethany and I am currently a fourth year Bachelor of Education (primary/elementary) student at Memorial University. This is my second year working at EDUCO and I look forward to the opportunity to help students reach their full academic potential again this year. In the past, I have also worked at an afterschool program along with a reading camp and I’m excited to continue helping students build confidence in their learning. My focus is all subjects at the primary and elementary level along with math and science courses at the junior high level. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking and spending time with my friends and family. I am looking forward to meeting all of the great students at EDUCO!

Troy Patterson (He/Him)

Hello! My name is Troy, I’m currently a third year student at Memorial University studying Marine Biology. I’ve always had a passion for science, especially when it comes to the ocean. When I’m not tutoring or studying, I enjoy creative writing, going to the gym, or spending time with friends. My goal is to make things a bit easier for students, and to help them overcome whatever struggles they may have. I hope to see you succeed!

Anmol Lorenz (He/Him)

Hi! I'm Anmol, a second-year PhD student in mathematics at Memorial University of Newfoundland. With over three years of tutoring experience, I've had the pleasure of helping students of all ages, from kids to adults, each with unique needs and learning styles. As a Teaching Assistant at MUN, I’ve worked with a variety of math courses, including those from engineering, science, business, and more.My approach focuses on making math both engaging and understandable through visualization and creative tricks. You won't ever hear me assume you "must already know" something—every lesson starts with your understanding, and we build from there. Whether you need skill-building from scratch or want to strengthen existing knowledge, I am committed to training you in a way that makes math both approachable and enjoyable, helping you unlock the exciting possibilities that math offers! Let’s solve your math problems together—because with the right approach, everything adds up!

Mackenzie Douglas (He/Him)

Good day, everyone! My name is Mackenzie, and I hold a joint major in Applied Mathematics and Physics. I am currently awaiting acceptance into the Faculty of Education to pursue my passion for teaching. This is my first year as a tutor, and I am excited to meet new students and help foster a strong appreciation for mathematics and physics. My goal as a tutor is to guide students toward discovering solutions to a wide variety of math and physics problems. Whether we start from the foundations or pick up somewhere in the middle, I will work with you to ensure you reach the same milestones as any other learner. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy solving sudokus and 1000-piece puzzles, as well as practicing bass guitar.

Harshani Rathnayake (She/Her)

Hi everyone, I am Harshani Rathnayake. I completed my undergraduate degree in Pure and Applied Mathematics at Memorial University and recently earned my Master’s degree in Data Science. I love helping students discover the fun side of math! I have worked at the Math Help Centre at Memorial University, where I supported first-year university students in building confidence and strong problem-solving skills. My goal is to make math easy to understand and enjoyable to learn. When I am not tutoring, I enjoy drawing and watching movies. I am excited to share my love for math and help students reach their full potential. I am really looking forward to meeting all the wonderful students at EDUCO!

Kara Dobbin (She/Her)

Hey! I'm Kara, a 4th-year Bachelor of Science student at Memorial University studying a Major in Biology and a Minor in Physics. My favorite subjects to tutor are Biology and Math. When I am not tutoring, you can find me at school, working on a few hobbies, or hanging out with my friends. I am so excited to be here at EDUCO and share my passion for learning!

Kayla Crichton (She/Her)

Hi, my name is Kayla Crichton and I am a second-year medical student at Memorial University! I have a strong background in science and experience as a university teaching assistant and previously as a high school tutor. When I am not at school, I love getting outside, spending time with friends and family, or cooking up a storm! I enjoy helping students understand challenging concepts by breaking them down in a clear, supportive, and approachable way. I believe that every student learns differently and I want to work towards meeting each learner’s needs!

Taylor Planke (She/Her)

Hi, my name is Taylor! I’m a third year undergraduate student at Memorial University working toward Speech-Language Pathology for my masters with a strong academic background in psychology, linguistics, and social sciences. I have also tutored K-12 before in all subjects and am super comfortable with them. I’ve always loved working with children and youth, and I have experience helping students build confidence, stay organized, and understand course material in a way that makes sense to them. I tailor my approach to each learner’s strengths, goals, and pace, and I believe learning should feel encouraging rather than stressful. Outside of academics, I love playing sports, music, and spending time with friends & family. I’m super excited to support students through EDUCO this year!

Paige Norman (She/Her)

Hi! My name is Paige, and I’m a third-year student at Memorial University studying Electrical Engineering. I like helping students build confidence and feel less intimidated by challenging subjects, especially in math and science. Outside of academics, I enjoy staying active, unwinding with a movie, and checking out new places around the city. I’m looking forward to working with students and being part of the EDUCO team!