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Meet the MECC Team

At Merkle Educational Counselling and Consulting (MECC), our mission is to support not only students, but also the parents, guardians, and educators who guide them. Together, we help learners overcome challenges, build confidence, and discover future pathways, while also equipping families and schools with the tools to foster success. Our diverse team of specialists brings expertise in academics, personal growth, and professional development—working collaboratively to ensure every learner thrives. 

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About Us

MECC is a proudly Canadian, locally owned education centre. Our owner is a member of the Ontario Principals’ Council and the Ontario School Counsellors Association. She is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) in good standing since 2006. 

What Makes Us Stand Out

EXPERT TUTORING

A woman and a child reading a book together in a library

MECC offers a level of expertise and personalization that large tutoring franchises simply cannot match. All of our tutors are actively working OCTs who are qualified in their subject areas and have extensive experience supporting diverse learner profiles. They understand the curriculum, the expectations of each course, and the realities of today’s classrooms because they are teaching these programs right now.

REAL CLASSROOM PRACTICE

African american female teacher

This means our test prep, exam prep, and assignment support are grounded in real, current classroom practice—not generic worksheets or outdated materials. Unlike centres that rely on small‑group instruction, MECC provides true 1‑1 personalized tutoring, ensuring every minute is focused on the student’s specific needs rather than the needs of a group. There is no wasted time, no preset program, and no one‑size‑fits‑all approach.

TAILORED GOALS

students in classroom with teacher presenting

We follow your lead. Whatever the student’s goals—skill building, confidence boosting, catching up, getting ahead, or excelling in a particular course—we tailor our support to help them achieve it.

Safety, Professionalism, and Trust

All MECC tutors are OCTs, and with that designation comes a high level of professional accountability. Every OCT has completed an official police record check, including a vulnerable sector screening, and has been fully cleared of any offences. This ensures that the educators working with your child meet the highest standards of safety, ethics, and professional conduct.

Families can feel confident knowing that the teachers supporting their learners have been vetted, verified, and approved through Ontario’s formal safeguarding processes.

Jennifer Merkle

Jennifer Merkle

Founder, Educational Counsellor, and K-12 English Tutor

MEd. | BEd. | BA.

Jennifer Merkle, Vice Principal of the York Region District School Board, is a seasoned Ontario educator with over 18 years of experience supporting diverse learners in the K–12 public school system. She holds a Master of Education from the University of Toronto and is certified to teach English and Family Studies at the intermediate and senior levels.

With a specialization in Guidance and Career Education and additional qualifications in Special Education and the Junior Division, Jennifer brings a well-rounded and inclusive approach to tutoring. Her expertise spans academic support, educational counseling, consulting, and student advocacy, making her a trusted resource for families seeking personalized educational guidance.

Cuong Ly

Cuong Ly

K-12 Secondary Math Tutor

As a certified Ontario high school teacher with over a decade of experience, Cuong Ly has a proven track record of transforming students’ relationships with mathematics. He specializes in working with students who feel anxious or intimidated by the subject, helping them not only understand complex concepts but also master them.

Cuong’s approach is deliberate and highly effective. He combines extensive curriculum knowledge with a unique ability to adapt his teaching pace and methods to each student, ensuring that every concept is not only taught but truly understood. His commitment goes beyond simply tutoring—he empowers students to build the confidence and skills they need to excel and reach their full academic potential.

Caroline Hamilton

Caroline Hamilton

K-12 Math and Science Tutor

Caroline Fussek is a dedicated Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with a strong background in science education and over a decade of classroom experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Teaching from Griffith University in Australia.

Caroline is qualified to teach Biology and Chemistry at the intermediate and senior levels, with additional qualifications in Special Education, Mathematics, and Honours Specialist Science. She completed the New Teacher Induction Program in 2013, as well as the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and student well-being.

Laura Seckington

Laura Seckington

Special Educational Consultant and Advocate

Laura Seckington, OCT, holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education, with teaching qualifications in the Primary and Junior divisions. Her career began in alternative care and treatment settings, where she developed a strong foundation in inclusive education.

With a focus on supporting students with autism spectrum disorder, Laura spent more than 10 years teaching in a partially contained classroom, integrating Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) into her practice. She later joined the York Region District School Board’s Interdisciplinary Team, where she led initiatives in behavior support, transition planning, and modified programming.

Currently, Laura specializes in assistive technology, helping students and educators leverage digital tools to enhance accessibility, independence, and learning.

Angela Currie

Angela Currie

K-12 Math Tutor

Angela Currie, OCT, is a highly experienced Ontario educator with over two decades of service in both the elementary and secondary panels. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brock University and a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Western Sydney. Angela is certified to teach in the Primary and Junior divisions and has earned extensive additional qualifications in Special Education, ESL, Mathematics, Science, and Guidance.

Angela’s diverse teaching background allows her to expertly support students as they transition from elementary to secondary school, particularly by strengthening foundational math skills and building academic confidence. Her work is grounded in inclusive practices and a deep understanding of individual learning needs, making her a trusted advocate for student success across all grade levels.

Annie Nastah

Annie Nastah

K-12 Math and French Tutor

Annie Nastah, OCT, is a certified Ontario educator with a strong academic background and a passion for language and mathematics instruction. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).

Annie is qualified to teach French as a Second Language and Mathematics at the intermediate and senior levels and brings valuable experience teaching secondary French immersion courses. Her bilingual expertise and subject versatility make her a trusted resource for students seeking academic success in both core and immersion programs.

Jessie Saker

Jessie Saker

Secondary Math Tutor

Jessie Saker, OCT, is a certified Ontario educator with a strong academic foundation and a passion for student success. She holds both a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University and is qualified to teach Mathematics and Health and Physical Education at the intermediate and senior levels.

With additional certification in the Junior division and an Honours Specialist in Mathematics, Jessie brings a versatile and student-centered approach to tutoring. Her expertise supports learners across grade levels in building confidence, mastering key concepts, and achieving their academic goals.

Yusuf Odebiyi

Yusuf Odebiyi

Secondary Math, Science, and Technology Tutor

Yusuf Odebiyi, OCT, is a highly qualified educator with a strong foundation in both engineering and education. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Ryerson University and a Bachelor of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), bringing both real-world experience and academic expertise to his teaching practice. With certification in Technological Education across multiple disciplines—including Technological Design, Communications, Construction, and Computer Technology—he is uniquely equipped to support students in STEM-focused learning.

In addition to his technological qualifications, Yusuf is certified to teach Mathematics and Physics at the senior level and has earned Honours Specialist designations in both Mathematics and Technological Education. His broad teaching qualifications span Grades 9 to 12 and include the Junior and Intermediate divisions, making him a versatile and effective tutor for learners at various stages of their academic journey.

Rita Kot

Rita Kot

K-8 Tutor, Specializing in Language and Literacy

Rita Kot, OCT, is qualified to teach in the Primary and Junior divisions. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Niagara University and recently completed her Master of Information degree at the University of Toronto. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.

Rita is passionate about teaching and enjoys working with students of all ages. As a dedicated lifelong learner, she brings curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm to everything she does. Outside the classroom, Rita enjoys spending time in nature, exploring creative projects, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Michael Kot

Michael Kot

K-12 Math and Science Tutor

Michael Kot is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto, where he earned a degree in Life Sciences. He is currently pursuing his teaching certification at Niagara University. With a strong passion for science and education, Michael is dedicated to creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity and build student confidence.

His goal is to support academic success by making science accessible, enjoyable, and inspiring for learners of all backgrounds.

Rob Vucic

Rob Vucic

Secondary Science Tutor

With over 30 years of experience teaching in the Peel District School Board, Rob Vucic brings a wealth of expertise in Junior Science, Senior Chemistry, and Senior Physics. His dedication to science education extends beyond the classroom. He has contributed to Ministry of Education curriculum development, co-authored textbooks with Nelson Publishing, and led professional workshops at the Science Teachers Association of Ontario Conference.

Rob also served as a Curriculum Head for more than two decades, overseeing key areas including Assessment and Literacy, Mathematics, Physical Education, and Science. Known for creating inclusive and engaging learning environments, Rob is passionate about making science accessible, relevant, and enjoyable for every student.

Matthew Luu

Matthew Luu

K-12 Math and Social Science Tutor

Matthew Luu, OCT, is a certified Ontario educator with a strong foundation in mathematics and the social sciences. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) and a Bachelor of Education (BEd.) from Brock University. Qualified to teach Mathematics and Geography in the intermediate and senior divisions, Matthew brings strong subject knowledge and an approach that fosters clarity, confidence, and meaningful student dialogue.

With a balanced academic background in mathematics and geography, Matthew is well-positioned to support students in developing conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for academic success at both the secondary and post-secondary levels.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman

K-6 Math, Language, and French Tutor

Paul Newman, OCT, is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience supporting young learners across the elementary spectrum. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University, an MBA from McMaster University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Qualified to teach in the Primary and Junior divisions, with additional qualifications in Special Education, Paul brings extensive expertise in literacy, mathematics, and science.

Paul has experience navigating special education pathways within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). He takes a broad, student-centered approach to instruction, helping demystify complex subjects, reduce academic anxiety, and meet students where they are in their educational journey.

Melissa Di Censo

Melissa Di Censo

K-8 Tutor and Guidance Counsellor

Melissa is an experienced educator and guidance counsellor based in Toronto’s Junction community, with over 18 years of teaching experience in both local and international settings. Her work across diverse classrooms and school cultures has shaped a deeply student-centered and globally informed approach to education.

Currently serving as a Grade 7, 8, and 9 Guidance Counsellor at an independent school, Melissa specializes in supporting students during pivotal developmental years. She is passionate about helping young people build self-awareness, confidence, and direction as they navigate academic choices and personal growth.

At the heart of Melissa’s work is a commitment to helping students discover their unique passions and use them to make a meaningful, positive impact in their communities. She believes that when students feel confident in who they are, they are better equipped to lead, contribute, and thrive.

Through her Passion and Confidence Coaching framework, designed specifically for students in Grades 5–10, Melissa provides structured and supportive guidance to help students explore their interests, strengthen their voices, and develop a strong sense of purpose.

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