MEET THE TEAM
PRESIDENT
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC
& LEGAL ADVISOR
_edited.jpg)
DR. JAY HERATH, PHD
APRIL LIU BA, Economics & International Relations
J.D. Candidate at UC Berkeley Law
AMILA PARANAGAMA-BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR
Dr. Herath: Inspiring Academic Excellence
Jay is a dedicated mentor who has guided countless high school and university students, including professional athletes, Ivy League scholars, and health professionals such as physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, through their academic journeys. With a doctoral degree in philosophy and sciences, he teaches biology, chemistry, and physics, emphasizing the importance of passion and hard work. Dr. Herath is committed to helping students overcome mental, financial, and household challenges, ensuring their growth and success in both academia and service.
Amila is a Solicitor and Barrister practicing in the areas of immigration law, family law and civil litigation. She has 12 years experience in practicing in Sri Lanka as an Attorney at Law. She was called to the Bar of the Law Society of British Columbia in 2021 after successfully completing the NCA program and the Law Society admission program. Amila has extensive experience over 10 years in teaching contract, criminal, commercial, tort, and trust law. She has lectured for the University of London LLM and LLB program, University of Staffordshire LLB program and at Sri Lanka Law College.
April enjoys mentoring students and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. She has 5 years of experience with college application consulting, and offers US law school application prep. She graduated magna cum laude at Mount Holyoke College, double majoring in Econ and IR. She is currently a J.D. Candidate at Berkeley Law. April is well-rounded and accomplished in academic, career, volunteering, and writing areas.
MATH & SCIENCES
DR. JAY HERATH, PHD
Chemistry, Biology, Medicine
DR. SAM AZIZI, PHD
Calculus, Statistics, Precalculus
AKI EDIRIWEERA, MKin
Nazam Khokhar
Precalculus, Physics
Chemistry, Biology, Medicine
Metro Van Tutoring's President, Jay Herath, is university professor at the University of British Columbia School of Medicine. Dr. Herath has a wealth of experience in teaching chemistry, biology/microbiology, and medicine to students. Dr. Herath emphasizes teaching students the academic curriculum alongside other holistic skills, which allow students to succeed in later education and beyond. He specializes in MCAT, IB, AP, and SAT II.
With over 17 years of experience teaching mathematics, Dr. Azizi holds a PhD in Commutative Algebra & Module Theory. He is a reviewer of the Mathematical Reviews Journal of the AMS, and an author of a high school Calculus book. Dr. Azizi specializes in teaching higher level math courses, including upper year SFU and UBC courses. He also has extensive experience preparing students for the SAT I, SAT II Math I & II subject tests, AP Calculus AB & BC, and AP Statistics exams.
Aki is a medical student at the University of British Columbia. He has extensive experience teaching in the elementary, secondary, and undergraduate levels. He focuses on teaching learners through an inquiry-based approach. He specializes in general sciences and MCAT exams.
Nazam is very qualified in teaching in a number of educational environments ranging from academically gifted to behaviorally challenging. He has dealt effectively with educational objectives and IRP’s in classroom environments. An experienced and qualified proctor for online Math/Physics course examinations with excellent communication skills, and fluent mastery in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu, he is also the course director for various summer science courses.
MARCO GARATE, PHD
Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology
MR. KO, MSC
Statistics, Physics, Calculus
Evan Naugler, BSc
Precalculus, Calculus, Physics
Holding a Bachelor’s & Master’s in Biochemistry and PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology, Dr. Garate has been a tutor for 9 years. He has experience working with small groups at the UBC Medicine Undergraduate Program, and is always delighted to guide and support students in an encouraging and approachable way.
Mr. Ko teaches university statistics, physics and 1st year calculus.
Evan Naugler holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from The University of British Columbia (UBC) and draws on his 7 years of tutoring experience to provide expert guidance. As a former Teaching Assistant in the UBC physics department, Evan has honed his ability to explain complex concepts in an accessible manner. Evan’s personalized teaching approach focuses on adapting to each student’s unique learning style and knowledge base, utilizing Socratic questioning to guide students toward their own insights and deeper comprehension.
ENGLISH & HUMANITIES
JUSTIN KO, JD
DEREK JAMES, BA
ANGELIA AIZWA
APRIL LIU
English, LSAT Prep
English, Test Prep
Psychology
English, Math, History, Psychology
Angelia had a bachelors of psychology from UBC and currently enrolled as a Master's of Counselling student. She has a long experience tutoring students and especially international students. She continues to find her passion through counselling and enjoys teaching students!
Justin Ko, a licensed New York state attorney and graduate from Harvard Law School as well as UBC, is Metro Van Tutoring's advisor for the LSAT. Mr. Ko also attended University of California, Berkeley, and St. George’s boys school. He is committed to providing high-quality consulting for high school students looking to pursue post secondary education at reputable institutions. Mr. Ko prepares students for the SAT, SAT II Literature subject test, LSAT, and all levels of English in high school.
April is currently attending Mount Holyoke College in pursuit of an Economics & International Relations double major. She has experience teaching kids of all ages, including those who are mentally impaired. April is able to teach Math 8-11, English 8-12, History, and Social Studies 8-11. In high school, she took AP Psychology, Statistics, Micro & Macroeconomics, European History, and Calculus. She will be completing a research project over the summer and writing her thesis in Fall 2021. April enjoys helping students and guiding them in whatever way possible.
Derek James has recently joined the Metro Van Team and will be teaching classes in English and Standardized Test Prep.
Accounting & Business
PRIYANTHA WIJAYASINGHA
THILINA UKWATTE
CHAMIKA BASNAYAKE
Business and Accounting
Economics, Business and Accounting
Economics, Business and Accounting
Thilina has over a decade of mixed experience in auditing, equity research, corporate finance,
investment banking, valuations, strategic planning, business analysis, business development, lecturing and corporate training. He is a confident and goal-oriented CFA charter holder and a dynamic educator on disciplines of digital literacy, individual & institutional financial advisory & planning, financial research, and wealth management. Thilina has an outgoing personality and is a target-driven, student focused teacher.
Chamika is a professional accountant who is experienced in tutoring Accounting & Finance, Economics, and Financial Management subjects for university and high school students. He has given comprehensive support and assistance for course works and assignments in Business Management and Finance modules for countless students. He is a graduate from Northumbria University, UK and an associate member of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and Certified Practising Accountants (Australia).
Priyantha has almost fifteen years of experience in Accounting, Finance and Auditing. He is currently serving as an Accountant in Vancouver, British Columbia.Priyantha holds an MBA from the University of Canada West and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Business Finance special degree from the Faculty of Business Studies and Finance of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. He also holds an IFRS diploma from ACCA – UK.