SERVICES

Academic support

Subject-specific tutoring for courses in the social sciences and humanities, such as: English, History, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Philosophy, Film Studies, Media Studies, International Development, East Asian Studies, etc. Academic editing of publications, dissertations, and grant applications in all subjects.

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Application support

Application support for high school students applying to post-secondary school, post-secondary students applying for graduate and professional programs, and finally resume, cover letter, and interview support as students enter the workforce. Exam preparation for standardized exams required to enter post-secondary programs,

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Professional development

VIP Writing Instruction for clients who wish to improve their written communication at school or at work, as well as expand their literary and cultural understanding and knowledge. These services are geared towards both ESL clients and native speakers, depending on one’s needs and goals. Small Writing Classes in creative

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PFAU UPDATES & RESOURCES

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The Art of Networking: Interview with Robert Braathe
    We chatted with Robert Braathe about the art of networking. We thought this topic would be helpful to students who have recently graduated and are working on finding […]
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The Art of Networking: Podcast Episode Live!
  This week’s episode is about the art of networking. We thought this topic would be helpful to students who have recently graduated and are working on finding their first […]
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Pregnant Podcast Pause
  Due to several events in podcast world around censorship vs hate speech, as well as, recent COVID-related protests, we have decide to sit back and consider our intentions around […]

LEARN FROM THE BEST

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Jemimah Amos (Sociology)
    Academic Editor & Coach   Jemimah Amos is a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Windsor. She completed her MA in Sociology in 2019 from the University of Windsor and began her PhD journey in September of the same year. Her academic and research interests include migration, race and ethnicity, feminism, and qualitative methodologies. Her PhD dissertation focuses on the encounters of African immigrant women with the labour market in Canada. She adopts an approach that reiterates the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. Jemimah is working with a research team to develop an online course that will teach students how to effectively intervene when they witness an act of anti-racism. She is an academic tutor and graduate assistant in the department of Sociology at the University of Windsor working closely with students to improve their understanding of course materials, assignments delivery, and essay writing. Her ideology of teaching involves providing students with the tools and resources for self-development. She encourages critical thinking. Moving to Canada in 2017 from Lagos Nigeria, Jemimah enjoys reading, travelling, brainstorming, and watching movies. 
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Natalia Hunter (English)
    Academic Editor & Coach   Natalia Hunter recently graduated with an MA in English from Wilfrid Laurier University, where she also completed her BA in English with a minor in Medieval Studies. While pursuing graduate studies, Natalia was a teaching assistant for the Laurier English department, leading weekly tutorial groups and working closely with students to assist with their understanding of the course material and help with their essay writing and critical thinking skills. Born in Surrey, England, Natalia has travelled across several countries in Europe, including France, Spain, and Italy, and enjoyed trips to British Columbia and Alberta before moving to Ontario in 2014. Natalia has a deep appreciation for storytelling and the art of writing, and specializes in helping students with English Literature, Film Studies, and History, with a focus on improving essay structure, clarity, and language choice. Outside of work, Natalia enjoys tackling her ever-growing reading list, listening to podcasts on long walks, and discovering new books, shows, and films to analyze and discuss with friends.
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Amanda Christie (Gender Studies)
    Academic Editor & Coach   Amanda Christie comes from a family of teachers and professors, and graduated with a BAH in Global Development Studies and Gender Studies from Queen's University in 2012. Since then she has worked on research projects with the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, Newcomer Women's Services, and Singing Out. She also coordinated a youth drop-in centre for several years, which allowed her to present at several conferences throughout Ontario. Amanda has worked with youth and adults, editing essays and assignments, polishing university applications, and assisting with English language skills. From a small town in Ontario, Amanda has enjoyed travelling from a young age, having been throughout Canada and the United States, spending time in the UK and France, visiting Turkey and Morocco, and participating in an exchange trip with the Mushuau Innu First Nation in Natuashish, Newfoundland and Labrador. The place she's enjoyed living in the most was Cape Breton Island. When she isn't working or volunteering, Amanda enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and playing board games. 
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Yiwei Jin (Political Science & Law)
    Writing & Grad School Admissions Coach Yiwei Jin recently graduated with an MA in Political Science from the University of Toronto, specializing in Asian studies and comparative politics. His graduate research involved original field research in Taiwan funded through a grant competition. Since then he has published research on the Taiwan Gazette and presented his findings at UofT’s Asian Institute and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. He is currently working for the Law and Design CoLab, a nonprofit focused on amplifying the efforts of legal advocacy through design methods, as well as interning at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. He will be starting Law School at the University of Toronto in Fall 2020. Born in Guangzhou, China, Yiwei is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Korean, in addition to English. Before attending graduate school, he wrote for a magazine in China and taught English in South Korea. He loves helping people get ahead and cares a great deal about his students. His teaching style revolves around identifying issue areas and building capacity, whether it is in writing skills, research know-how, analytical reasoning, or subject-specific understanding. Outside of academic work, Yiwei enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and wandering down interesting paths outside.
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Daina Sparling (Editor)
Academic Editor
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Lisa Pfau
    CEO, Founder, and Senior Coach Lisa grew up in rural Alberta, Canada debating politics with her father, writing articles for the school newspaper, and running the students’ council. Determined to make a difference in the world, she headed off to the University of Alberta to study Political Science and History. Over the course of her degree, she became progressively interested in China and eventually traveled abroad in 2004 to teach English and study Chinese. This time abroad opened her eyes to her passion and talent for teaching others. She returned to Canada to pursue her Master of Arts at the University of Toronto, where she assisted Professors in teaching Political Science courses and continued to tutor students on the side, not only in the Social Sciences and Humanities, but her true passions – writing and critical thinking. After graduating in 2007, she worked in public policy and research, including: as a political intern at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing and a Research Coordinator at the University of Toronto. These experiences provided Lisa with the knowledge and networks to help her clients transition from academic to professional life. She published her first short story in 2010 and currently enjoys teaching Creative Writing and Research Essay Writing courses and workshops at PFAU: Academic Writing and upon invitation to other educational institutions, such as the University of Toronto. Over the past 15 years, she has mentored over 100 clients in reading/writing fundamentals, critical thinking, research proficiency, organizational skills, and academic/career goal setting, as well as, research papers, scholarship proposals, and grad/professional school applications. Finally, she has edited numerous graduate theses, dissertations, and publications in all fields - from engineering to literature. Lisa enjoys the continuous learning and refinement involved in the writing process. Mostly though, she enjoys connecting with her students, and helping them to reach their full potential on the page, and in life.  
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Christie Wong (Creative Writing)
Creative Writing Instructor and Coach

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