Meet the MECC Team
At Merkle Educational Counselling & 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.
Skilled in:
- Student Counselling: Pathway planning, restorative practices, conflict resolution, crisis intervention
- Guidance and Advocacy Services for: English Language Learners, students with special needs, students who have been historically underserved by the education system (BIPOC)
- Academic Counselling/Coaching/Tutoring
- Research, Report Writing and Editing
- Classroom Management
- Proofreading, Editing, and Preparing Professional Presentations
- Innovative Use of Educational Technology
- Curriculum Development
- Assessment and Instruction
- Building Positive Relationships and School Climates
- Career Planning and Building Capacity in Others
- School Success Planning
- Group Facilitation and Professional Development
Jennifer Merkle
Founder, Educational Counsellor & K-12 English Tutor
MEd., BEd., BA.
Jennifer Merkle, Vice Principal in York Region District School Board is a seasoned Ontario educator with over 18 years of experience supporting diverse learners in the public school system from K-12. 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 specialist 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 counselling, consulting and student advocacy, making her a trusted resource for families seeking personalized educational guidance.
Cuong Ly
K-12 Secondary Math Tutor
As a certified Ontario high school teacher with over a decade of experience, Cuong has a proven track record of transforming students’ relationships with math. He specializes in working with students who feel anxious or intimidated by the subject, guiding them to not only understand complex concepts but to master them. Cuong’s approach is deliberate and highly effective. He combines deep curriculum knowledge with a unique ability to adapt his teaching pace and methods, ensuring that every concept is not just taught, but truly understood. His commitment is to do more than simply tutor—he empowers students to build the confidence and skills necessary to excel and achieve their full academic potential.
Caroline Hamilton
K-12 Math & Science Tutor
Caroline, Fussek, OCT, is a dedicated Ontario Certified Teacher 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 credentials in Special Education, Mathematics, and Honour Specialist Science. She completed the New Teacher Induction Program in 2013 and the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and student well-being.
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 ten years teaching in a partially contained classroom, integrating Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) into her practice. She later joined the York Region District School Board’s Interdisciplinary Team, leading initiatives in behaviour support, transitional planning, and modified programming. Currently, Laura specializes in assistive technology, helping students and educators leverage digital tools to enhance accessibility and independence.
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. Her diverse teaching background allows her to expertly support students as they transition from elementary to secondary school, particularly in strengthening foundational math skills and building academic confidence. Angela’s work is grounded in inclusive practices and a deep understanding of learning needs, making her a trusted advocate for student success across all grade levels.
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 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 preparing for academic success in both core and immersion programs.
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 & Physical Education at the Intermediate and Senior levels. With additional certification in the Junior Division and an Honour 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 academic goals.
Yusuf Odebiyi
Secondary Math, Science, and Technology Tutor
Yusuf Odebiyi is a highly qualified Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with a strong foundation in both engineering and education. Holding a Bachelor of Engineering from Ryerson University and a Bachelor of Education from OISE, he brings 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, he is certified to teach Mathematics and Physics at the Senior level, and has earned Honour Specialist designations in both Mathematics and Technological Education. Yusuf’s broad teaching qualifications span Grades 9–12 and include Junior and Intermediate divisions, making him a versatile and effective tutor for learners at all stages.
Rita Kot
K-8 Tutor, Specializing in Language and Literacy
Rita Kot is an Ontario Certified Teacher with qualifications in the Primary/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 earned her 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 loves spending time in nature, exploring creative projects and enjoying quality time with her family and friends.
Michael Kot
K-12 Math and Science Tutor
Michael 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 deep passion for science and education, Michael is dedicated to creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity and build student confidence. His mission is to support academic success by making science accessible, enjoyable, and inspiring for learners of all backgrounds.
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’s 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 Curriculum Head for more than two decades, overseeing key areas including Assessment and Literacy, Math, Physical Education, and Science. Known for creating inclusive, engaging learning environments, Rob is passionate about making science accessible, relevant, and fun for every student.
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 BSc. and BEd. from Brock University. Qualified to teach Mathematics and Geography in the intermediate and senior divisions, Matthew brings subject depth and incorporates an approach that fosters clarity, confidence, and meaningful student dialogue. With a balanced academic background in both Mathematics and Geographic studies, he is well-positioned to support students in developing conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and problem solving skills that are essential for academic success at the secondary and post-secondary level.
“Helping others find purpose and fulfillment in life is what we find most rewarding about being educators and is why we pursued careers in teaching.”