Today, I want to share with you the story of why Marilou Lopes and I founded Connect Education. It's a story of resilience, community, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of students and families.
In March of 2020, when the world seemed to pause and uncertainty hung in the air, I found myself heading to my office in healthcare IT. The pandemic had caused upheaval in many industries, and my team needed support during these challenging times. At the same time, my two children, aged 5 and 8, had to adapt to virtual learning from home.With my family residing in California, I felt the weight of uncertainty. Who would be my support system during this trying period?
The kids faced the sudden transition to virtual learning, and it wasn't easy for them to sit still and focus.During the second week of lockdown, a neighbour who happened to be a behavioural analyst working with children with autism, ADHD, and special needs, extended a lifeline. She offered to help with my kids, knowing firsthand the challenges they were facing. It felt like she had fallen from the heavens!
With her expertise, my neighbour followed the TDSB curriculum and created an engaging learning environment. She even took the kids outdoors for recess, just as if they were in school. Their progress was remarkable, and I could finally breathe easy, knowing they were in capable hands.Around the same time, Marilou Lopes, a Certified Ontario Teacher who was teaching grade 2 students, and I began discussing the potential long-term impact of lockdowns on children's education. Classroom sizes were already a concern, and we knew this situation could exacerbate the challenges students faced in their learning journey. We are still seeing the impact today, especially with children who have learning difficulties.
🥇 This experience planted the seed for Connect Education. We envisioned a platform that could provide expert support to students, not just during challenging times, but as an ongoing resource to enhance their education. We want to support parents who want to find the right support and fast. We are bridging the gaps, inspiring students, and providing the support they need to thrive academically.
Today, we're proud to see Connect Education come to life, connecting dedicated educators with students to empower their learning journeys. Our mission is rooted in the belief that education should be accessible, engaging, and tailored to individual needs.Thank you for being a part of our journey. We're excited about the future and the positive impact we can make together! 💓
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Connect Education and why?
Connect Education was co-founded by Marilou Lopes, a Certified Ontario Teacher, along with her partner during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020. They saw firsthand how the pandemic widened learning gaps, how parents were stretched thin, and how families with children with learning differences struggled to find specialized help. Their goal was to build a platform that connects families with certified Canadian teachers quickly, so no child has to fall behind for lack of the right educator.
What kind of students does Connect Education support?
We support students from kindergarten through Grade 12 and adult learners across Canada in math, English, French, Spanish, science, chemistry, biology, ESL, programming, writing, history, and more. We specialize in supporting students with special education needs including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and IEPs. Sessions are available online, in person, or at a public library, with certified classroom teachers and Early Childhood Educators matched to your child's goals, schedule, and learning style.
How do I get started with Connect Education?
Start with a free 15-minute assessment. We learn about your child's grade, subject needs, schedule, and goals, then match you with a certified teacher who fits, along with a personalized one-on-one learning plan and a transparent quote. There is no long-term commitment to begin. Most families book their first session within a few days of the assessment and start seeing renewed confidence and progress within the first few weeks.
