Meet Our Academic Specialists and Tutors
Unlock your full potential with our elite educators, specializing in personalized support for core subjects.
Dr. Manjeet Kumari
BIOLOGY expert
Founder and director of Sure Grade Tutors, Manjeet is an experienced biology educator with over 12 years of teaching, research, and student mentorship experience. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Alberta, completed postdoctoral research in genetics, genomics, microbiome, and metabolomics, and holds a BC Independent School Teaching Certificate in STEM. She has taught a wide range of university biology courses at Columbia College and the University of Alberta and has also taught MCAT Biology with The Princeton Review. Manjeet has authored and adapted a no-cost biochemistry textbook/open educational resource and has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences. Known for her supportive and student-centered approach, she helps students understand challenging scientific concepts, build confidence, and develop the critical-thinking skills needed for academic success.
Dr. Lindsay Parker
English literature expert
Lindsay is an experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching and student mentorship experience in English, literature, history, sociology, and the humanities. She holds a PhD in Comparative Literature, an MA in History, a BA in Classics, and a BC Teaching Certificate for Independent Schools. She has taught at the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, Athabasca University, the University of Lethbridge, Simon Fraser University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Columbia College, where she is a tenured faculty member. Lindsay has also taught high school English and English First Peoples and has extensive experience working with international students. Known for her supportive and student-centered approach, she helps students strengthen their academic skills, build confidence, and become more independent and successful learners.
Rika Dong (MSc)
Mathematics expert
Rika Dong is an experienced mathematics educator with over 16 years of post-secondary teaching experience. She holds an MSc in Mathematics from the University of Regina, an Honours BSc in Mathematics from Simon Fraser University, and a BSc in Computer Science Education from Capital Normal University in Beijing. She also completed doctoral coursework in Mathematics at the University of Regina Since 2010, Rika has been a full-time Mathematics Instructor at Columbia College, where she has taught courses ranging from Pre-Calculus and Statistics to Calculus I–III, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Real Analysis, and Differential Equations. Known for making complex mathematical concepts easier to understand, she helps students strengthen their problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and confidence in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.Â
Dr. Lee Blanding
History expert
Lee Blanding is an experienced instructor with over 20 years of teaching, research, and mentorship experience in the fields of history, Canadian Studies, and social studies. He holds a PhD in History from the University of Victoria and has taught history and Canadian Studies at several institutions, including the University of Prince Edward Island, the University of Greifswald, the University of Victoria, Langara College, and Columbia College. Additionally, Dr. Blanding facilitated online courses for high-school English Language Learners from 2013 to 2017 and has a strong understanding of the BC Social Studies curriculum. He has also worked as a historical researcher for Aboriginal Rights and Title cases. Dr. Blanding is known for his ability to simplify difficult concepts and his ability to help students build strong foundations as historians and as scholars. Â
Joanna DeWitt
Chemistry expert
Joanna brings 16 years experience in teaching chemistry to students at both the high school and university level. She earned her BSc (H) chemistry from McGill and MSc in chemistry from UBC. Her academic achievements were recognized through numerous prestigious scholarships. Beyond the classroom, Joanna is deeply involved in the scientific community, having organized Cafe Scientifique Vancouver for over seven years. She is highly skilled at adapting to diverse learning needs, using a warm and supportive approach that makes challenging concepts accessible. By creating an engaging and meaningful tutor environment, Joanna helps students build the problem-solving skills and curiosity essential for mastering the chemistry.
Kathryn McKay
History expert
With over ten years of university-level instruction, Kathryn has taught at UBC, SFU, and Columbia College. She holds an M.A. in History and has completed advanced doctoral research and pedagogical training at Simon Fraser University. Kathryn’s approach recognizes that academic success requires more than rote memorization; she focuses on helping students structure complex arguments and refine their identities as critical thinkers. Specializing in Canadian, European, and Indigenous histories, she offers tailored, patient mentorship. Her primary goal is to provide the organizational clarity and thoughtful feedback students need to improve their writing and navigate the nuances of historical research with poise.
Eisha Bhardwaj
PeeR consultant
Eisha is our Grade 12 IB English Paper 1 and Paper 2 peer consultant, having achieved a 7/7 on her final IB English exam. She is currently a Bachelor of Arts and Business co-op student at the University of Waterloo and consistently earned honours with distinction throughout her high school years at West Vancouver Secondary School. After receiving offers of admission from major Canadian universities for her program of choice, Eisha also supports students with university application guidance, helping them approach the process with confidence and clarity. Beyond academics, she is a competitive swimmer, a certified National Lifeguard, and a karate award winner, and she received the District of West Vancouver’s Youth Appreciation Award for two consecutive years. Eisha is available for online consultations only.