About Us

BookSmart Tutoring is a service made by students for students. The founders’ experiences through their academic careers compelled them to create a program that would help others through their schooling. The approach they created keeps the student experience in mind. Years of tutoring have lead to the design of the programs, which accommodates a student needs so that every student can reach their full academic potential.  

BookSmart Tutoring focuses on the best ways to expand student knowledge. We believe that students should not just memorize what they are taught, but build a comprehensive understanding that can be applied throughout and beyond their academic years. Our goal is to help our students do just that!


 

 Meet the Founders

 
 

Vanessa Passalacqua

Hi, I’m Vanessa! I am one of the co-founders of BookSmart Tutoring, which Raf and I founded in 2016. Tutoring has always been my passion, and I have dedicated my education and professional career to learning how to best support students. I hold an HBSc in Life Sciences from the University of Toronto, an MEd in Developmental Psychology and Education from OISE, and an MA in Child Study and Education from OISE, where I also earned my Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) qualifications. Currently, I am proud to work as an elementary school teacher while continuing to bring my expertise to our tutoring services. My goal is to ensure every student I work with feels supported and empowered in their learning journey.

 

Raf Chowdhury

Hey, I’m Raf! I started BookSmart Tutoring with Vanessa in 2016, and it’s been an incredible journey! I studied Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo, and I’ve been tutoring math and physics for over 12 years now. Drawing on my experiences as both a student and a tutor, we’ve worked together to develop an approach tailored to meet each learner’s individual needs and empower them to succeed.

 
 
 

Follow us

🎉 New Series Alert! 🎉 We’re diving into the bookshelves of our tutors to see what they’re reading! From cherished picture books to upcoming releases, we’re sharing it all. 📚 First in the spotlight: Vanessa! Swipe to see the boo
From solving equations to solving game strategies! 🧮➡️🎲 Throwback to a team night of laughter, learning, and a bit of luck! 🥳 #boardgames #catan #BookSmartTutoring
🎉🐾 Challenge Winner Alert! 🐾🎉 The votes are in! Congratulations to one of our amazing students for winning our Study Buddy Challenge! 🏆📚 Luna’s surprise visit during study time absolutely stole our hearts—and clearly, she’s t
🎃 October is here, and so is our latest newsletter! 📚✨ We're thrilled to announce our Spooky Story Challenge – a fun way for students to get creative with eerie tales just in time for Halloween! 🖋️🕸️ Submit your story by November 1 for a ch
Happy #WorldTeachersDay to all the incredible educators who inspire, guide, and uplift students every day! 🌟 At BookSmart Tutoring, we’re proud to have some amazing OCTs on our team, but one thing all of our tutors share is a deep passion for
🎒📚 Back to school means new adventures in learning! Whether you’re excited or feeling a bit overwhelmed, we’re here to help every step of the way. From brushing up on math skills to conquering that tricky reading list, BookSmart Tutorin
Exciting moments in our tutoring sessions! 📚✨ Our talented students are turning the tables and teaching their tutors, sharing their expertise in their favorite areas of math. Stay tuned for their completed projects—coming soon! #StudentLeaders
Unlocking true understanding, one example at a time! 📚✨ Tutoring isn’t just about memorizing facts; it’s about exploring different strategies and finding what works best for you. Let’s make learning meaningful and fun together! #Tu