The Tutor Group™

#1829 - 3230 Yonge Street.
Toronto, ON M4N 3P6 Canada
(mailing address)

Phone: (416) 221-0018
Fax: (416) 221-0057
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The Tutor Group Toronto




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Testimonials

Read what Tutor Group families and students
have to say about Janyce Lastman.


2006




I nominate Janyce Lastman as a Community Builder of the highest order: one who recognizes strengths in others, fosters them and helps them grow, so that they, in turn, can contribute most effectively. As Director of the Tutor Group, advocate for children, author, case manager and consultant, Janyce Lastman has helped countless special-needs children realize their potential.

Families like mine with special-needs children often struggle to access appropriate services, care, education and/or treatment. Yet these children, whether they have learning disabilities, ADHD or autism, have so much to offer their respective communities.

Janyce’s vast knowledge of law, special education, public and private education systems, child and adolescent mental health, and community services is best described as “dizzying.”

Armed with such expertise, Janyce works every day, and many nights, to keep these children from falling through the cracks. She coaches. She counsels. She networks. She advocates. She educates. She cares. The community of learning-disabled and special-needs children and their families could do with a thousand more like her.

For decades, Janyce has helped Toronto children and their families. It would mean so much to me, and to all of us whom she has helped, to see her honoured for the vital work she does.
- Written by single parent of intellectually gifted at-risk teen
with additional special needs. Nomination for the 2006 “Community
Building” Awards sponsored by the Toronto Star.


2007




We have seen a couple [of education consultants] but the best by far is Janyce Lastman (416-221-0018). She really tried to get a full picture of the child: personality, academically, socially, etc. She knows the juicy tidbits about the schools and she'll give you the straight goods. She's not afraid to steer you away from schools you thought were great and point you to other schools you never would have considered. She is a delightful person to speak to and definitely knows her stuff. She spent some time with our daughter, who just loved her. She'll also come to your home in the evening for the consultation which was great for us. She is very good at what she does and therefore is in a position to be on the higher end of the cost spectrum. My dear husband (who was reluctant to see her) was very impressed and now really considers what she had said. We were looking at private schools at the time but she did know about the public schools as well. You won't be disappointed!
- Mother of gifted and precocious daughter, considering elementary school placements
As posted on a forum for parents of gifted and talented learners
I know Janyce Lastman quite well; it has got to be going on 10 years now. She is a wealth of information and I feel the money (to have her consult to our marketing cooperative of north-eastern US schools) would be well spent...
Canada holds its own unique marketing opportunity and we should utilize her knowledge in this regard.
- Deanna Valente, Programs and Admissions Director: Ironwood School, Maine (2007)


2008




Thank you Janyce! And for the record, before (my husband) arrived at the meeting, I had already told Dr I [sic] that I wanted to be more like 'you' because you were so smart, so together and you never back down! Thanks for your continued help!
- Mother to young adult with dual diagnosis
(mental health and substance abuse issues)


2009




Hi Janyce, I got my SAT scores today! I improved like you said I would, here are my scores:
  • Reading - 680
  • Math - 790
  • Writing - 770
  • Total - 2210
My last ones were:
  • Reading - 650
  • Math - 760
  • Writing - 690
  • Total - 2240
I'm so happy! Thanks so much for all of your help!!
- SAT Prep student in Reading and Writing only (no Math)
applying to competitive American universities


Thank you Janyce - we are thrilled with the results.
- Mother of SAT Prep student above


2011




Janyce Lastman and The Tutor Group have been an invaluable resource to us over the years helping us navigate the education system with our three daughters, identifying ways to support their individual learning styles, assisting with course selections, and providing insights about alternatives. Most recently, we turned to Janyce for advice on university course selections, and again her knowledge of post secondary institutions was brilliant! Trying to make sure our children make the right choices and have all the best opportunities can be complicated and time-consuming. We count ourselves fortunate to be able to turn to Janyce and The Tutor Group for real expertise.
- Parents of three teenage daughters, all of whom
attend public high school for the Arts
Delighted that this family followed my recommendation to see you. You’re the best – and therefore give the best advice on everything from ACT vs. SAT to how to score higher on standardized exams of all kinds. Don’t know where I or my students would be without you. I am a great fan of your practice and of you personally!
Thanks again.
- Janet McLeod, Post-Secondary Consultant, McLeod Consulting Services. 2011.
I think you stand alone in the land of Educational Consultants. I have always been impressed with your professionalism, inspired by your REAL understanding of children and their issues, and respectful of your commitment of the lives of these kids, even long after they leave your orbit.
- Paola Breda, Director: GAP Academy, Toronto, 2011
Janyce Lastman is one of the most ethical and compassionate people I know. Her dedication to education, in the most comprehensive sense of the word, and to the very diverse field of "alternative" forms of public education (not all teachers are in classrooms!) is also proof positive that she is committed to creating a healthier society through her grassroots approach. I have known her in both of our various incarnations; I was her Grade 13 French teacher at the Alternative and Independent Study Program where it first came to my attention that she is the kind of enlightened and compassionate individual who is committed to the ideal of helping people achieve their full potential.
- Bob Fisher, The Philosophical Traveller
Good news! K is finally fully recovered… now she can start re-ramping her fitness back to “athlete” level. Even better news, she has been accepted at one of the top US Prep Boarding schools where she can continue her training… we are delighted and so is she! She will be there for two years, then on to university.
K’s teacher says her Economics make-up course is going extremely well… she is loving it… so I think she will not require our tutor’s help in the final term.
Before you close her file, I just wanted to say that The Tutor Group (you, Ziny and all her tutors) have been an exceptional service for us over the years… all our friends using your company agree… keep up the great work… and of course we will continue to recommend you.
Mother of teen elite athlete placed on reduced course load and eventually home study while recovering from a significant and recurrent sports injury. Services Used: Case Management and Tutoring.


2012




Janyce, you are always doing your job in the best way possible. You are always on top of things, and that is what we pay you to do.
Thank YOU for doing such a good job always for our son and our family!
I will be sure to keep you posted once he begins university.
- Mother of Grade 12 student with ADD and mild LD’s.
Thank you for your insights into this new student and her experiences before coming to us. I absolutely appreciate and value your insight and expertise. In my opinion, you are the most prepared, informed and professional of any of our referring professionals.
- Tracy Bailey, Admissions Director, Summit Achievement, Stow, Maine
Hi Janyce, I just received my AP Calculus Score Reports and I PASSED!!! I even got a 4! Which is just so amazing (given my math background)! I am so happy and proud. Thanks again for all the help and advice. …So now you have a client like me that done the AP Calc (sic) on her own, and PASSED! …Honestly, I am just so happy and surprised in myself.
- Bright, highly motivated young adult previously diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia who required AP Calculus for a new university major. Services used: long-term Education Consultation (early high school to graduate school) with Janyce Lastman, and Tutoring to address gaps in math fundamentals. Following math upgrading, she felt ready to independently prepare for the AP Calculus exam – and was successful.
Janyce and Ziny - Our child just made the Dean’s List at the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy. Thought you’d like to know. Needless to say, we were are thrilled!
- Parents whose child struggled with many issues in younger years especially self-regulation. Services used: School Placement, Case Management and periodic Education Consultation as needed, following.

2013




Hi Janyce! A lot has happened (all good!) since we last spoke! I trimmed my list to 15 schools in the US plus 4 in Canada (at your recommendation). Good news so far: I’m already accepted to McGill BioMed and PoliSci and got early acceptance to SUNY and Tulane in the US. In fact, I’ve been awarded a US$ 88,000 [sic] scholarship for my undergrad career! Still waiting on the other schools, so my fingers will stay crossed till early April. Once I have all my offers, I would appreciate any final advice about which direction may be best.
This summer, I’ve been invited to do a special program in Spain with my Spanish teacher and some other students. Really looking forward to it as I’ve always wanting to visit there and it’s a great chance to improve my Spanish. As soon as more news arrives, I will definitely be in touch.
- Grade 12 student who ultimately chose to double-major at a prestigious US university
in International Relations and Spanish, with a minor in International Development.
Services used: Education Consultation including Applications Assistance, Test Prep (SAT/ACT) and Tutoring.


2014




Hi Ziny and Janyce, I know that you didn’t ask for this since it’s been a couple of years since you helped us make the decision to switch our son over to his current school. But we were so pleased with his last term that I thought I’d pass it on anyway. What a difference from past report cards from his former school and all his negative school experiences! Hope all is well with both of you. We remain eternally grateful for the work you do there.
- Mother of gifted and talented child formerly in public French Immersion,
who had been excluded and bullied by peers and misunderstood by teachers for
several years. Family used School Placement with periodic
Education Consultation as needed, and Mentor Tutoring.
I’m very happy to provide this testimonial as we really appreciated Janyce’s assistance with the process of school selection, applications and testing. We may not have had many choices without your guidance and likely would not have chosen this school.
… He’s had an excellent transition so far… really enjoying himself, and doing very well academically and in extra-curriculars. His first report card was all 4’s (highest possible grade) and one 3+ in Math. When he approached the teacher to ask how to improve, he was reassured that no-one else had 4’s in math yet so just keep working, and he was ok with that. His French teacher says will soon be at the top of her class and is considering him for Enriched French next year.
He was elected Community Service Leader by his Form peers. Though disappointed he missed the final cut on the school hockey team, he’s now got time to continue playing locally, and his old team was thrilled he was back. He did make the school swim team and is also an Eco-Ambassador. Plus he’s made new friends from school who he sees outside of school time as well.
So all and all, we feel he’s adjusted very well and is thriving so far. Thanks again for all your assistance with the admissions process and the final decision. We are very glad the process went so well for him in the end.
Parents of a highly motivated, intellectually gifted elementary school student passionate about sports, part way through first year at an elite, competitive private school.
Services Used: Consultation for School Placement and Test Tips Support
Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support of our program, our approach and our faculty. Few educators have your expertise, instinct and investment! … and yes, you may absolutely quote me on your Testimonials page.
- Dr. Edward A. Cooper, Head of School, Wolfeboro: The Summer Boarding School, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire



The following comes from the parents of a very bright but troubled son with complex emotional, behavioural and learning challenges, and developing mental health concerns. His level of conflict with the family members was extreme at the time of his placement. He attended therapeutic wilderness, followed by a specialized American residential treatment program. He graduated from high school from within his RTC after several challenging years of individual and family work, then returned to his home community for post-secondary studies. These updates cover a 6+ year period after completion of the specialized residential program.



(Fall 2005) Our son has made a good adjustment (after high school graduation from an American RTC). He is living with relatives near the University during the week, and visits us on weekends and some weekdays. He's doing very well in all his courses - his favourite is psychology, and heʼs thinking of possibly majoring in it. Heʼs been seeing a local psychologist himself (to continue personal counselling). He has reconnected with old local friends who were always a good influence, and kept in touch with former classmates and staff from his RTC. Heʼs active at the gym, started back playing his favourite team sport, and accompanies us to social events and visits. Friends and family tell us that he has changed into a mature young man.
We are grateful for everything good that has happened, especially as we acknowledge that it hasn't been a smooth ride. Thanks for all you have done for us, Janyce. Our son may not be completely out of the woods yet but he is certainly headed in the right direction, and we are eternally grateful for your help.


Best Regards, Dr. and Mrs. P, Alberta


(Update from Fall 2006) Our son continues doing well. Last year, he earned two scholarships for his efforts. This year is more challenging but he appears to be working hard and motivating himself without anyone around to push him.
He continues to live with relatives and we see him at least once a week. He earned his driver's license and uses the car when he visits, but takes the bus otherwise. Last summer, he spent time with me, his brother and his grandfather visiting Eastern Europe - we had a grand time and it was definitely an unforgettable experience for all, especially the boys. Two weeks afterward, he left for a 10 day trip to Alaska to visit one of his former RTC school mates. We are planning another big family trip shortly.
We'll keep you posted on further developments... Dr. P, Alberta


(Update from Fall 2010) Our son is currently completing his nursing degree in our home community. After a medical mission to South America in 2008 he was inspired and encouraged by many individuals to pursue a nursing career. He is very happy with the choice, doing well in school and getting marks in the B+ range. He studied Spanish by immersion, and later travelled around Central America for more Spanish instruction. He will soon embark on his third medical mission with CAMTA as a Spanish translator. Last year, he moved into a downtown condominium blocks away from school and lives with his brother now who is also in university. It is wonderful and incredible to us parents that these two can live together successfully. He is currently self-supporting, along with student loans for school. Someone he worked with in South America has offered him a summer job in a hospital here in town. He spends his spare time weight training, yoga and cooking and has a wide circle of good friends. He may return to visit his old RTC shortly when he visits his sister who is completing her medical specialist degree out East. Thank you once again Janyce. We will be forever grateful for all you have done for us!

Dr. and Mrs. P, Alberta


Hi Janyce,
I don't think words can ever express how grateful we are to have met you. Someone sent us an angel, that angel is you. M is doing exceptionally well at.
Three weeks ago, had an open house, we met all of M's grade 9 teachers. Every teacher had only positive things to say about M, for example, M is very focused and attentive in class, M participates in class, M always completes his home work sometimes before an assignment is due, M is a pleasure to have in my class, and his English teacher said, "I am very fortunate to have M in my class."
After hearing all of these positive remarks, I was very emotional. As you may recall, ever since M was in grade 1, every teacher complained about him. (He wasn't focussed and a day dreamer, disruptive, not able to do the work or understand the work etc....)
I just got a phone call today, from M's homeroom teacher. She said that M's current average right now is 79%. He is determined to make the honour roll, and is sooooo happy and confident.
We truly feel that if we hadn't met you, M would have continued to struggle through school, and the end result would be total failure and his confidence totally destroyed.
Once again, on behalf of my husband and I (and M) we thank you for your knowledge, help and perseverance we are so happy you came into our lives. Yours truly, M’s mother (Fall 2007)