Our people
Our people and why they're here to help
Meet our our highly specialised team of tutors
Chermaine Wong Jing Min: Business Studies
Chermaine graduated from Monash University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance). She began her career at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in the Assurance and Corporate Value Advisory service line for 2 and 5 years respectively. During her time there, she qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and in 2012, was awarded the 2012 Candidate of the Year. Chermaine has broad industry experience in business valuations, derivatives valuations, financial modelling, investment/value analytics, accounting and tax.
Chermaine is dedicated to coaching and mentoring young students with an interest in accounting, finance, tax and consulting. She believes that the best way to learn in this specialisation is by understanding the linkage between the syllabuses and its application in the real world.
In her free time, Chermaine enjoys cooking and playing the piano. Neither of which she does well.
Kesang Gilmore: Advanced English, Chemistry, Extension History, Modern History
Kesang completed a Bachelor of Medical Science with a double major in nutrition and microbiology at University of Sydney in 2019 and is now pursuing a Master of Public Health at Monash University, specialising in health policy. Kesang balances her studies with a casual retail job and her role on the Monash Health Science Society committee.
As an all-rounder student in high school, Kesang believes that understanding and applying the relevance that education has to our everyday lives is essential to learning new information and committing it to memory. There is always a way to make it fun and engaging, no matter how boring or tedious it seems at the start!
In her spare time, Kesang enjoys taking care of her vegetable garden and indoor plants, reading books on anything and everything other than what she’s studying at uni, and watching the latest Netflix show.
Chloe Thornton: Biology, English
Chloe has spent the last 10 years studying and working in multiple fields such as architecture and design as well as the automotive industry. It was in completing a Bachelor of Paramedic Practice at the University of Tasmania (Sydney Campus) that she discovered her passion for biology!
Chloe currently lives in the United Kingdom and works as a paramedic for the South-East Coast Ambulance Service. Despite the distance, she is always willing to assist students with their learning and development via email consultations – there are no geographical borders in a digital world!
Sophie Dyson: Biology, Extension Maths, Science
After graduating from Oxford University in Mathematics, Sophie worked as an actuary in the UK and Australia for 20 years, focusing on health care financing and funding since 2001. She completed a Bachelor of Paramedic Practice at the University of Tasmania (Rozelle campus) in 2017 and currently works as a paramedic. Sophie’s interests include walking, canyoning, cooking, reading and spending time with friends and family.
In spite of her actuarial training, statistics is not Sophie’s favourite subject. Sophie loves the world of maths and science. Her approach focuses on underlying concepts, developing things from first principles, understanding how things fit together and asking why? With a solid understanding of the fundamentals, she helps students apply knowledge and techniques confidently to solve problem.
Sebastian van Gerwen: Advanced English, Economics, Extension English, Mathematics:
Sebastian is a graduate of Fort Street High School (2016), where he studied Extension I and II English, Advanced Mathematics, Economics, Chemistry and Drama. Having enjoyed English and Economics at school, he decided to study arts and economics at the University of Sydney, majoring in political economy and econometrics. He is passionate about the way in which data and new technologies transform our political and economic landscape, which he believes is at the core of our data-saturated world. At university, he also enjoys subjects in philosophy and mathematics.
Sebastian is a firm believer that a collaborative process between a tutor and student is necessary to empower students toward their own educational development, and regularly leaves sessions having learnt as much as he has taught.
Outside of working and studying, Sebastian loves training at Muay Thai, learning computer programming, and playing the cello, guitar and piano.
Gretchen Riordan: English, Literacy Skills, Retail Services (VET), Visual Art
In the last fifteen years, Gretchen has taught CCS, Philosophy and Theories of Art Practice at various Australian universities, co-owned and managed a small fashion business, studied Paramedic Practice at the University of Tasmania and trained and taught Aikido in Australia and Japan. She is currently completing her Cert IV in Training and Assessment so that she can share her life-long love of learning with adults in the VET Sector. When she is not studying or training in martial arts, Gretchen enjoys ‘down time’ with her frenetic poodle, Lulu.
Natalie Lui: Biology, Design & Technology, Drama, Engineering, English:
Natalie Lui hails from Vancouver, Canada. Nat is currently a 2nd year student at the University of Sydney studying design computing. Prior to attending university, Natalie was a professional ballet dancer in Canada. In her spare time, Natalie trains in ballet and Muay Thai. Natalie has a strong passion for design and all things technology related. Combined with her passion of technology and education, Natalie is also a student mentor in the faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney. Nat is passionate in directly assisting individuals achieve their short and long term goals through support and encouragement.
James Kwok: Engineering Studies, Extension Mathematics, Mathematics, Modern History
“Sapere Aude!” (Dare to Know!), a simple yet powerful Latin mantra remembered by James, which reflects his belief that learning is not just about grades, it is about making sense of the world. Learning should be fun and rewarding as we open our eyes to an ever-expanding field of knowledge, and we apply it to make our lives better. Remembering his days in high school, it took him some time to discover the fun in learning, as he slowly figured out his favourite subjects.
He wants to share this journey with more young people so that they can find their own passion in knowledge, to learn not for grades, but for their own curiosity.
Currently studying undergraduate psychology and philosophy at the University of Sydney, James aspires to make it his life mission to devise modern solutions for modern problems, using modern understanding of human behaviour and thinking patterns.
Eliza Basheer: Ancient History, Biology, English, PDHPE
Eliza has always had an interest in the human body, health and health promotion. In high school, she focused on science subjects and PDHPE studies and continued her love of sport both on and off the field. After high school, Eliza decided to journey into academic studies and enrol in a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the Australia Catholic University. After deciding that Physiotherapy wasn’t quite right for her, Eliza enrolled in a Bachelor of Human Science at Macquarie University which saw her enjoy a diverse range of academic subjects including Human Anatomy, Physiology, Public Health, Biology and Aboriginal Language and Culture Studies.
Since graduating, Eliza has worked in the Public Health industry, focusing on improving the reproductive and sexual health outcomes of young people in NSW and Australia. Eliza is also currently studying her Masters of Public Health and is looking forward to completing this degree.
Having worked in the Public Health and Policy industry for just over three years, Eliza is passionate about empowering individuals with the information and knowledge they need to pursue and achieve their goals.
Alice Bong: Advanced English, Biology, Industrial Technology Multimedia, Mathematics, Visual Art
Majoring in Nutrition, Alicea plans to continue her studies pursuing a Dietetics master’s degree at the University of Sydney and apply that knowledge to positively promote a healthy lifestyle for those around her. Along with human physiology, biochemistry, and food science, she has taken on a range of electives during her time at university including biomechanics, neuroscience, human-computer interaction, and science interdisciplinary projects.
She strongly believes that in this generation, both a healthy mind and body are necessary for developmental growth and that educational resources should be accessible for all regardless of background or circumstance. Alicea considers creativity and innovative-thinking to be one of the most fundamental skills to learn and aims to form a collaborative effort to encourage and support students to obtain their academic and personal goals.
In her free time Alicea watches a lot of anime (essentially sparked her love for martial arts; Taekwondo and Muay Thai), plays with her dog, and highly enjoys digital game design.
Gladys Yap: Mathematics, Pharmacy, Science
Gladys Yap: Mathematics, Pharmacy, ScienceGladys is currently pursuing her pharmacy career in Canberra. Working in the community setting is not all about dealing with “drugs”, but also with the people. Before started working as a pharmacist, Gladys also worked as a tutor in Sydney.
Gladys is more than excited to pass on her knowledge to those who are interested to learn. Along with tutoring, students will also get to hear heaps of funny, interesting or frustrating stories and anecdotes of her professional life in community pharmacy.
Gladys is a ‘travelholic’ and absolutely indulged before committing to her full-time work. Despite losing all the freedom due to her current job commitments, Gladys is still very outgoing – the gym, beaches, restaurants are some of the places you will be able to find her. Gladys often half-jokes with her family and friends, telling them not to try ringing her doorbell as the only time she is probably home is her bedtime!
Lochlan Cheung: Advanced English, Business Studies, Civil Engineering, Economics, Extension Mathematics, Mathematics
I am personable and energetic character, I love meeting new people and creating special and lasting memories with all those whom I meet. I graduated from SHORE school with 95.85 ATAR and have continued my studies into civil engineering at The University of Sydney.
I have a drive to achieve high standards whilst pursuing to create meaning in all that I do. I am a problem solver and have always enjoyed aiding others in solving problems in the domain of education and in day to day life. I truly believe and want to spread my message that challenging yourself and striving to become the best version you can be places you on a path of meaning, happiness and wellbeing. Learning is a crucial part of this process, as it provides the gateway to understanding not only the world around us, but also ourselves.
James Vu: Extension mathematics, General mathematics, mathematics
James completed his HSC at Tempe High School (2017) with an ATAR of 97.65. Throughout his senior high school years, he developed a keen interest in extension maths and science that has led him to pursue a double major in maths and physics at university.
After entering university, James realised that what had started as a part-time tutoring job, has transformed into a passion of his with a rewarding experience. Believing in student engagement, James aims to project his enthusiasm of maths onto his students, applying creative ways to get students to feel excited with what can seemingly be “boring and hard” topics. Having volunteered as a tutor at USYD’s Widening Participation & Outreach program, James values communication and self-initiative, and is always eager to help a student out.
In his spare time, James enjoys training Muay Thai, learning the piano and watching Netflix. He is a big fan of the mathematics Youtuber, Eddie Woo.
Anh Duong: Mathematics
My name is Anh Duong. I graduated from Tempe High School with a 93.95 ATAR. I am currently studying my second year of Bachelor of Pharmacy and Management at the University of Sydney. I also plan to study Post-graduate Medicine and specialise in cardiology and/or oncology.
Ever since I was young, I have always been intrigued by new concepts and would enthusiastically try to teach someone else that precious knowledge. I still remember when I physically forced my parents to sit down and listen to me ranting about how 0! equals 1 and not 0?! (How on earth does that even work right?)
I am the type of person to question a lot of things and to ask a lot questions. The more you know, you know. As cliche as it sounds, I do believe that knowledge is the key to all doors. Although education is not what I am aiming for as a full time career, who said you cannot have a side passion? I have always loved teaching, or in simpler words, giving others, children specifically, the knowledge and prompt that would enable them to develop personally and independently.
I truly am very grateful of all the teachers, mentors and tutors I have had throughout my school life. They were the stepping stones for me to be where I am today and I, too, want to impact someone’s life in such a positive way. After so many trials and errors with my learning techniques, I have found my very own unique way of learning that is effective and efficient. You can find yours too! Be it visual or verbal, I am more than honoured and happy to be your stepping stone, to be your support in this journey.
Aside from the academic aspect, I am a gym junkie! Gym 5 days a week? Check. Chicken breast? Check. Bad knees? Sadly check. I also revel myself in the beautiful sport of Muay Thai and rock climbing/bouldering.
Andre Nurrell: Advanced English, biology, extension English, General Mathematics, Modern History
Andre is a diligent and mindful individual, endeavouring to apply a critical lens to everything he does. He is passionate about the analysis of empirical fact and of conceptual fact. When most of academia can be separated into the empirical and theoretical, Andre believes that academic progress is all about passion. This can be sticking to what we like, or working to uncover why something we don’t initially enjoy has elements that can deeply interest us. It is far easier to excel at something we enjoy.
Andre has worked in private tuition and delivering study skills seminars to schools around NSW previously, learning that educational environments work best when everyone teaches and everyone learns. Andre spends his time not studying with friends, teaching martial arts or refreshing Nike Snkrs to see what Nike Dunks are releasing this month.
Kerrie Hammond: Advanced English, English (ESL), French (beginners), Japanese, Science
After spending time living in Japan and teaching Japanese and French in both public and private high schools, Kerrie decided to embark on a different challenge and enter the world of health care. She now works as a qualified paramedic in Sydney, but keeps her love of teaching alive by tutoring up and coming student paramedics at UTAS.
When not busy at work, you’ll find Kerrie in the bush on her mountain bike, running, hiking or lost in a canyon.
Kerrie Hammond: Advanced English, English (ESL), French (beginners), Japanese, Science
After spending time living in Japan and teaching Japanese and French in both public and private high schools, Kerrie decided to embark on a different challenge and enter the world of health care. She now works as a qualified paramedic in Sydney, but keeps her love of teaching alive by tutoring up and coming student paramedics at UTAS.
When not busy at work, you’ll find Kerrie in the bush on her mountain bike, running, hiking or lost in a canyon.
Jordan Piper: Biology, PDHPE, Science
Jordan is a young, enthusiastic, and passionate tertiary educator with a love for the medical sciences.
Jordan came from a disadvantaged academic background during Year 12 due to taking on a sole-caregivers role to his sick mum back in 2014. Graduating HSC with below average marks devasted him. But, with a little hard-work and some ambition, he went on to complete a diploma of science at college which enabled him access to his ideal degree in medical science at Macquarie University. Following his graduation, Jordan went on to pursue a Masters of Science for 6 months before being successfully upgraded to a PhD in neuroscience. Simultaneous to his PhD he also completed another diploma in hope of showcasing his true academic potential.
Following some success in his studies, Jordan extended on his love for teaching by being admitted as a sessional academic at UTS and UTAS where he taught anatomy and physiology to the student he once was. Jordan is now a medical student with the aim of rectifying that feeling of helplessness he once felt when taking care of his mum. He is a warm, gentle and a happy individual who has a passion for helping others foster their sense of belonging through guidance and tutoring. In his spare time, Jordan loves reading about space, he loves to scuba dive and also loves his commitment to karate in which he has competed in for over 15 years.
Ai Lin Beh: Food science, Biology
Ai Lin is trained as a food microbiologist and enjoys a life-long learning and exploration about food (glorious food!) from around the world, especially those made by the process of fermentation! Ai Lin has experience in child development (learning by applications of gaming theory) and enjoys facilitating positive learning experiences with her students.
Annika Berglund: Biology, English, PDHPE, Science
Annika is a junior doctor working in the field of Paediatrics. She chose Paediatrics because she enjoys the challenge that comes with working with children and their families across the life course, from birth to adolescence. This passion comes from 1) her love of science and fascination with biology, and 2) reflecting on her own childhood experiences which are often very different to that of her peers. She loves that making even the tiniest of differences early on can change the trajectory of a young person’s life; Annika had a fractured early childhood and found empowerment in learning and schooling, which ultimately changed the trajectory of her life to lead her to where she is today. When she’s not at the hospital, Annika enjoys hiking and playing in the dirt, cooking and baking for her loved ones, and hanging out with her guinea pigs.
William Li: Music, Standard English
Hi I’m Will and I’m trained in classical piano through the AMEB and achieved a high distinction in my CMus. I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing at Western Sydney University and am currently studying a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Sydney. In my spare time I try to stay active by going to sports training, trying not to burn anything while cooking and trying to fix my sleep schedule (as per my mother’s advice).