Skip to content
The People Behind the Progress

Meet the Oakville Ontario team

Certified teachers, local school know-how, and a director who reviews every student’s plan personally. These are the people your child will high-five on the way in.

Tara Koster
Center director

Tara Koster

Centre Director (she/her)

Tara has over 15 years experience at Sylvan, first as a tutor and for many years as a Director of Education. As the Centre Director she oversees the operation of Sylvan in Oakville and ensures the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors. A former classroom teacher, Tara has a wealth of knowledge combined with passion to see every student achieve their academic potential. Tara graduated from McMaster University and The University of Calgary and has worked for Sylvan in both Alberta and in a number of locations in Ontario.  When Tara isn’t at work, you will find her spending time with her two daughters, reading and enjoying the outdoors.

Say hi to

Our Teachers

Neha Ruhela
Neha RuhelaExecutive Director (she/her)

Neha is deeply passionate about helping children learn, grow, and thrive. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Technology and a postgraduate degree in Management, and is also a certified wellness and mindfulness educator. Over the years, she has had the privilege of supporting children from underserved communities, helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning. She is devoted to creating a nurturing, welcoming, and organized environment where every child can flourish and every family feels truly valued. When Neha isn’t at work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family — including her tiny Chiweenie.

Bhagatinder Longia
Bhagatinder LongiaTeacher (he/him)

Bhagatinder is currently a student at the University of Toronto, Mississauga, pursuing a degree in Statistics, Geographical Systems, and Computer Science. He became a tutor because he loves helping others understand new concepts, especially tough math problems, and he also enjoys learning a lot in the process. Outside of tutoring, you can find Bhagatinder reading wherever he goes. He is currently a big fan of the Lee Child Jack Reacher novels.

Vivek Ramakrishnan
Vivek RamakrishnanTeacher (he/him)

Vivek completed his undergraduate degree in French at the University of Waterloo and then completed Teacher's College at Nipissing University. He then continued his studies, receiving his masters and PhD in French Renaissance Literature. He now teaches French at Walden International School in Oakville. Vivek likes tutoring because he finds it rewarding and enjoys helping students learn. When he is not tutoring, you can find Vivek travelling and spending time with his family.

Helena Nikitopoulos
Helena NikitopoulosTeacher

Helena has experience in book publishing and editing, as well as writing for platforms such as CTV and The Oakville Beaver. She combines her editorial expertise along with her innate people skills to build meaningful relationships with her students and foster their confidence in school. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Western University and a Master’s Certificate in Editing and Publishing from Toronto Metropolitan University, she is currently completing a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in English at Brock University. Helena discovered a profound passion for supporting students as they grow into confident leaders, writers, and thinkers. When she is not writing or teaching, Helena can be found at the gym or in a Pilates class, as health and wellness remains a central focus in her day to day.

Cali Smith
Cali SmithTeacher

Cali is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with a background in Health Sciences from Western University and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University. She currently works as a substitute teacher and is also an elementary school musical instructor. Cali is passionate about helping students build confidence and find joy in their learning as they work toward their academic goals. She brings warmth, creativity, and positive energy to every session. Outside the classroom, Cali enjoys practicing yoga, watching musicals, exploring new places, and spending time outdoors.

Taylor Grech
Taylor GrechTeacher

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University, where she majored in Film and English with minors in Sociology and Communications. She is currently completing her Master of Teaching at the University of Toronto and is on track to receive her Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) designation in April 2026. Taylor completed a thesis that is currently in the process of publication, highlighting her strong commitment to research, critical thinking, and meaningful educational inquiry. Taylor is deeply passionate about tutoring and feels privileged to support students as they build confidence, curiosity, and a stronger sense of themselves as learners. She believes that learning should be engaging, supportive, and empowering, and strives to create an environment where students feel seen, encouraged, and capable. Outside of teaching, Taylor enjoys getting immersed in a good book, watching films, spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and crocheting.

Come meet us in person

Stop by for a free Insight™ Assessment

You’ll meet the team, tour the center, and leave with a clear picture of your child’s strengths and gaps — whether or not you enroll.

or give us a call(289) 269-3587
Get an Insight™ Assessment
The free assessment covers a single subject.