Angela Baird (Founder-Owner)

Hi. I'm so happy you decided to find out more about us. 

As the mom of a beautiful autistic daughter who found it so difficult to get the support we both needed, I understand the frustrations of both the parent and the struggling child. When we were told "don't expect too much from her," I was devastated, to say the least. It was as if everyone had "written her off." The professionals had labeled her and filed her away. This is when my learning journey began, and that was over 28 years ago.

​During those years, I not only became the tutor for my own children but also for their friends. I then expanded my business by going to students' homes to tutor. From there, I established an in-person classroom in Bolton, Ontario. Due to COVID, we were forced to go online, and, as a result of the fabulous online learning platform we use, our students asked to stay online, which is where we remain today (we have students who started with us in Grade 2 and are now in high school).  

In addition, during those years, I worked in and out of the classroom for the Peel District School Board. I also worked as a teacher at Humber College (Etobicoke campus).  

Over the past 28 years, I have become a phonics-based reading expert, and my individualized programs have helped so many struggling readers learn to read. I actually began teaching the phonics-based approach before the Ontario Ministry of Education even recognized it as the best way to teach all students (struggling or not) how to read. The schools did not adopt this practice until 2023.

In addition, in an effort to understand the curriculum requirements my daughter was expected to meet (as well as any other students I tutored), I became a curriculum expert. I continue to remain on top of the Ministry's curriculum requirements for every grade. 

What the science has shown me over the years is that if we purposely align tutoring to the curriculum content, a student's retention of the skills and content improve. In turn, not only do we see an improvement in grades, but, more importantly, we see them develop more self-confidence, and self-confidence is where their true power lies. Tutoring this way helps ensure that we are not creating any more learning gaps because we are simultaneously working on grade-required concepts. 

Example:  If we know a student struggles with multiplication, but they are currently working on solving algebraic equations in school, we would focus on ensuring they understand algebraic equations and then go back and help them with multiplication. If we spend our tutoring time focusing solely on multiplication, then we are at risk of creating a learning gap with algebraic equations. 

The same is true for struggling readers, writers, and spellers who need a phonics-based approach to help them decode words. I found that if we work on the  phonics-based approach and incorporate curriculum requirements, the student not only learns how to decode words, but they are also not missing out on the curriculum expectations. I have found a way to focus on phonics and incorporate curriculum expectations, so that the student is not left behind. 

Most importantly, what I have learned over the years is that any struggle is simply a hurdle. Our struggles do not define who we are as people, and no one has a crystal ball to be able to predict how our struggles will define our future. No one deserves to get "filed away." This is why at Tutor Tots, it is important that we provide a safe and nurturing environment that gives struggling children permission to struggle without shame. Out of sight from their judgmental peers and/or teachers, whose expectations might not be realistic, children can now get the individualized attention they need to support their learning and unlock their self-confidence. 

By the way, my autistic daughter, Anissa, has a double degree (computer science and linguistics) and is currently in her third year of her PhD.  So much for "don't expect too much from her!" My oldest beautiful and talented daughter, Kassandra, is also thriving as the owner of a very successful competitive dance costume design business. 


​"Remember, popcorn is prepared in the same pot, in the same heat, in the same oil, but the kernels do not pop at the same time.
​Don't compare your child to other children, his/her turn to pop is coming."

Our Amazing Tutors 
Their passion and dedication are truly inspiring.

Anissa B (Senior Tutor)


Anissa is our Grade 6 to Grade 12 math tutor. Anissa has completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, majoring in linguistics and computer science. In 2021, she completed her Master's Degree in Linguistics, and is currently in her second year of her PhD. She is the recipient of many scholastic achievement awards, and is also a published author,   

Anissa knows firsthand the positive influence a tutor can make in a child's life. Frustrated with math herself, she developed an amazing relationship with her own tutor, Dean, and, with Dean's help, she boosted her confidence and went on to receive many awards in math. Anissa is compassionate and positive, and she understands that, with the right tutor, anything is possible.

Christina D (Senior Tutor)

Christina is a graduate from the University of Toronto, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics with a double minor in English and Visual Studies. She was acknowledged as one of the Top 50 high school students joining the undergraduate program and continued to receive multiple awards throughout her studies for her distinguished performance. At the graduate level, she completed her Master’s Degree in Linguistics, where she conducted research on the structure of Cantonese nominalization and worked as a Teaching Assistant for an undergraduate linguistics course.

​In addition to leading tutorial sessions as a Teaching Assistant, Christina has experience with teaching beyond the university class setting. She tutored Grade 8 and 9 math in one-on-one sessions during the summers of her undergraduate years, as well as undergraduate syntactic theory in the summer of her graduate career.

​Christina’s message to parents is, “I want to help students not only improve, but also be comfortable with and enjoy the learning process.”

Victoria P (Senior Tutor)

Victoria is currently in her fourth year of her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, majoring in Fine Arts and minoring in History. She is currently working towards her Bachelors of Education. 

Throughout her time at the University of Guelph, Victoria has obtained a spot on the Dean's List  (2018-Present). Victoria has had the opportunity to work with a variety of children's programs including youth leadership programs with the YLCC, camp counseling, as well as tutoring.

Victoria's message to parents is, "I want to make students feel confident and proud of their hard work!"

Simonetta A... (Senior Tutor)

Simonetta is currently in her undergraduate year at the University Of Waterloo. She is studying a variety of subjects such as sociology, psychology, writing and French. She plans on receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in French Studies to help her move forward receiving her Bachelor of Education in her future years. 

Simonetta plans on becoming an intermediate level teacher. She has always had a passion for helping students learn, as she has tutored for Tutor Tots in past years. She wants students to be able to learn comfortably and confidently. She hopes to inspire children to do their best and to reach for their goals, even if something seems hard.

Simonetta understands how struggling in a certain subject can be very frustrating and wants to help students have a more positive outlook on their learning experience!

Ben O... (Senior Tutor)

Ben is currently in his fourth year of undergrad studies at Queen's University. He is in the Concurrent Education program, majoring in History and minoring in English. During his time at Queen's, Ben has earned a place on the Dean's List (2020-Present). He plans on being an elementary or high school teacher after graduating.

Over the last many years, Ben has worked with children in a variety of educational and volunteer settings. He has been a youth soccer coach, summer camp counsellor, and tutor. Ben has also worked three summers at a childcare centre in his hometown, which were very enjoyable and rewarding experiences.

​Ben's goal is to have fun with his students while also learning skills and gaining confidence. 

Doris S... (Senior Tutor)

Doris is currently in her third year of undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. She has a focus on Psychology, which she plans to pursue through further graduate studies. After this, she plans on working in school boards as a child psychologist. 

​Since she was in grade 10, Doris has put aside her time to help younger students in their studies in elementary school and high school. She also is an emergency supply teacher during her reading weeks. 
​
Her message to parents is, "I want students to feel happy to go to school and learn!"

​All children need is a little help, a little hope,
​and people who believe in them.