Gerry Cockburn

Education has always been more than a profession for me — it’s been a lifelong vocation. Over the past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a teacher, vice-principal, principal, Head of School, and Coordinator of Special Education for a large family of schools within one of Canada’s largest school boards. Each of these roles has deepened my belief that proper education is about nurturing potential, building confidence, and creating the conditions where every learner can thrive.

I was brought up in Don Mills, Ontario, where I developed a deep appreciation for the role education plays in shaping community and opportunity. Those early experiences instilled in me a lasting belief that learning should inspire both curiosity and compassion. Today, I make my home in Richmond Hill — a vibrant and diverse community that reflects so many of the values I’ve carried throughout my career. Though much of my professional journey has taken me across Ontario and China, I feel a strong connection to Richmond Hill, Markham, and the families I now serve here.

I am also a proud parent of three adult children, one of whom has a learning disability and has grown into a confident, successful adult. That personal journey profoundly shaped my perspective as an educator and leader, reminding me daily that perseverance, understanding, and the proper supports can change a child’s trajectory.

As Head of School and Director of StudySpot Richmond Hill & Markham, I focus on helping students strengthen their study skills, executive functioning, and resilience. These tools turn potential into independence and confidence.

My new book, A Parent-Educator’s Journey Through Learning Differences and Resilience, reflects on empathy, patience, and perseverance — qualities that guide every aspect of my work and life.

 

Jiang (Laura) Luo

I am an experienced business and education professional with a strong background in customer service, academic coordination, and bilingual communication. Having worked in both Canada and China, I support students and families with warmth, patience, and cultural understanding.

My daughter studied in Canadian schools in Chengdu and Shenzhen, later graduating from the University of Ottawa. She is now studying at the University of Toronto, OISE. Through her journey, I have developed a deep understanding of how students acquire new languages and adapt to new learning environments.

At StudySpot Richmond Hill & Markham, I oversee program coordination and parent communication, ensuring that every family—especially those who speak Mandarin and Cantonese—feels supported and confident within Ontario’s education system. My trilingual fluency in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English allows me to bridge communication between families and educators, creating a positive and inclusive learning experience for all students.

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    What people are saying about us

    • I would like to thank our coach and your organization for giving my son a great opportunity to improve. He is much more responsible now and understands the importance of working hard as well as how to work and organize himself.

      Chieko(mother of grade 10 student)

    • Thanks for your good work with our son – I believe we are starting to see some positive changes and improvements. He seems to have a positive attitude overall and he is getting at his work on his own initiative which is good to see.

      David(father of grade 12 student)

    • Our daughter feels much more confident and on top of her work and comments often about how strong her marks have become. She feels that her sessions with you have been a big reason for the turn around.

      Sharon(mother of grade 8 student)

    • Thank you very much for providing such a very helpful facility for my daughter. She has benefited so much from the program, not only for her present situation but I think for life. Your coaches were excellent and they gave her the motivation, guidance, self-confidence and self-esteem that she lacked.

      Sandora(mother of grade 12 student)

    • Our coach works hard with our son in helping him approach his academic studies with more maturity, effectiveness and independence. Our son has responded well to his mentors coaching and guidance.

      Barbara(mother of grade 11 student)