ANDREA FINKELSTEIN
Montreal,Canada
Summary
Owner of Education A-Z and experienced education professional with over 10 years of expertise in academic support, behavioral interventions, business management, and curriculum development. Currently seeking an administrative role in an educational setting to contribute leadership and expand my skills. Passionate about helping children succeed academically and personally, with a focus on providing tailored support for learners with diverse needs. Eager to pursue a PhD in Education to deepen my expertise and further contribute to the field.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner/Operator
Education A-Z
01.2022 - Current
- Manage all aspects of business operations, including staff hiring, bookkeeping, and the development of customized academic programs for diverse learners
- Provide tutoring, academic advising, and coaching services to college and university students, specializing in degree planning, organization, time management, note-taking, and essay writing
- Develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and provide behavioural support for students with learning disabilities and other special needs
- Oversee family intake and placement processes, ensuring the right fit for each student and delivering tailored learning solutions
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Oversaw the hiring process, selecting highly skilled candidates who contributed significantly to company success.
Private Academic Tutor/Advisor
Private Tutoring
11.2009 - Current
- Provide one-on-one tutoring in all subjects for students aged 12-18, including those enrolled in the IB program
- Specialize in organization, time management, study strategies, and academic support tailored to individual learning needs
- Developed strong rapport with students, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
- Reinforced classroom lessons by working closely with teachers to ensure consistency in education methods across different settings.
- Delivered one-on-one instruction tailored to each student''s unique strengths and weaknesses for maximum effectiveness.
- Improved student comprehension by tailoring tutoring sessions to individual learning styles and needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, progress, and areas needing further development for future reference.
- Introduced new study techniques and resources to students, empowering them to become self-sufficient learners.
- Enhanced academic performance of students by creating customized lesson plans focused on their specific weaknesses.
- Maintained a flexible schedule, adjusting tutoring availability as needed to accommodate student needs and busy academic calendars.
- Evaluated student comprehension levels before beginning tutoring sessions using diagnostic assessments, allowing for more accurate goalsetting.
- Utilized various teaching methods to accommodate diverse learner abilities, ensuring all students had access to the curriculum content.
- Provided ongoing feedback to students regarding their performance, setting achievable goals and celebrating milestones achieved.
- Strengthened foundational knowledge of subjects through targeted review activities during tutoring sessions.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to monitor student progress, identify areas for improvement, and implement appropriate interventions.
- Assisted students in developing effective study habits, time management skills, and organizational techniques for better academic success.
- Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
- Increased student confidence in subject matter by providing clear explanations and real-world examples.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Assisted students in developing study skills and strategies.
- Worked closely with students on specific class struggles, closely reviewing materials and assignments to offer targeted help.
- Assessed student learning needs and provided relevant instruction to close knowledge gaps.
- Used variety of teaching methods to successfully help wide range of students.
Owner of ABC Solutions
ABC Solutions
06.2014 - 04.2022
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Manage all aspects of business operations, including staff hiring, bookkeeping, and the development of customized academic programs for diverse learners
- Provide tutoring, academic advising, and coaching services to college and university students, specializing in degree planning, organization, time management, note-taking, and essay writing
- Develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and provide behavioural support for students with learning disabilities and other special needs
- Oversee family intake and placement processes, ensuring the right fit for each student and delivering tailored learning solutions
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Oversaw the hiring process, selecting highly skilled candidates who contributed significantly to company success.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
Child Care Worker & Behavioural Technician
English Montreal School Board
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Support students with behavioural and developmental challenges, ensuring their academic, social, and emotional needs are met in the classroom
- Collaborate with teachers and educational staff to implement individualized support plans and strategies
- Administer social skills training and assist with academic interventions in both individual and group settings
Substitute Child Care Worker & Behavioural Technician
English Montreal School Board
11.2012 - 04.2014
- Provide coverage for childcare staff in various schools, assisting students with behavioural or developmental needs
- Work closely with teachers and staff to support students' emotional, academic, and social development
Private ABA Therapist
12.2012 - 08.2013
- Delivered one-on-one Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with developmental and behavioural disorders, focusing on behaviour modification and skill acquisition
- Collaborated with clinical supervisors to assess needs and develop personalized therapy programs
- Maintained communication with families to report progress, address concerns, and adjust therapeutic strategies as necessary
Coordinator of Animation/Student Mentor Program
Solomon Schechter Academy
09.2011 - 06.2012
- Led lunchtime activities and provided academic and behavioural mentorship for students
- Worked with Student Services to develop and implement coping strategies for students facing social or behavioural challenges
Teacher's Assistant & Shadow
Solomon Schechter Academy
09.2010 - 06.2012
- Assisted teachers in grades 1-6, providing academic support and supervision
- Worked one-on-one with a student with developmental delays, supporting his social and academic development
Education
Master of Education - Developmental Psychology and Education
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario01.2014
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Training -
Gold Center
Montreal, Quebec01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario01.2009
High School Diploma - Academic High Achievement
Lower Canada College
Montreal, Quebec01.2004
Skills
- Behavioural Support
- ABA therapy
- IEP development
- Academic Support
- Tutoring
- Academic advising
- Time management
- Customized learning solutions
- Business Operations
- Business management
- Financial oversight
- Staff management
- Program development
- Leadership & Administration
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Curriculum development
- Bilingual
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Technology Proficiency
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Educational tools
- Mac operating system
- Windows operating system
- Multitasking and organization
- Youth mentoring
- Individualized instruction
- Documentation and reporting
- Computer skills
- Student engagement
- Homework assistance
- Hiring
- Collaboration with professionals
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Behavior management
- Workload management
- Business planning
- Performance tracking
- Activity planning
- Active learning
- MS office
- Parent-teacher communication
- File and record keeping
- Staff training and development
- Activity-based learning
- Positive role model and mentor
- Administrative duties
Certification
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Training, Gold Center, Montreal, QC, 01/01/12
Professional Development
- PhD in Education, anticipated, Florida
- Continuously improving knowledge and skills in educational methodologies, behavioural interventions, and academic advising practices.
Awards Honours
- Law Award, Lower Canada College, 06/01/04
- High Achievement Award, Lower Canada College, 06/01/04
- Dean's List, University of Western Ontario, 01/01/05
- Staff of the Week, Lower Canada College, 06/01/04
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Education A-Z
01.2022 - Current
Owner of ABC Solutions
ABC Solutions
06.2014 - 04.2022
Child Care Worker & Behavioural Technician
English Montreal School Board
08.2013 - 06.2015
Private ABA Therapist
12.2012 - 08.2013
Substitute Child Care Worker & Behavioural Technician
English Montreal School Board
11.2012 - 04.2014
Coordinator of Animation/Student Mentor Program
Solomon Schechter Academy
09.2011 - 06.2012
Teacher's Assistant & Shadow
Solomon Schechter Academy
09.2010 - 06.2012
Private Academic Tutor/Advisor
Private Tutoring
11.2009 - Current
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Training -
Gold Center
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Western Ontario
High School Diploma - Academic High Achievement
Lower Canada College
Master of Education - Developmental Psychology and Education
University of Toronto
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