Meet Our Team
Passionate Educators, Proven Mentors.
Meet the passionate educators behind Exelaa Education, helping every student build confidence and achieve academic success.
Leadership
Dr. Sonia Rahmani, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO
20+ Years Teaching Experience
Ph.D. in Chemical engineering
UBC Instructure
Learning and confidence specialist
Dr. Rahmani founded Exelaa Education with a clear mission: to empower students through personalized learning, academic excellence, and confidence-building strategies. Her approach combines deep subject knowledge with a genuine passion for student success.
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Dr. Sonia Rahmani is an educator, entrepreneur, and chemical engineer, and the founder of Exelaa Education, a Metro Vancouver–based educational organization focused on personalized, student-centered learning.
She holds a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC), along with dual bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Engineering. Her teaching and mentorship experience spans over 15 years, beginning in 2005 when she started tutoring mathematics while completing her undergraduate studies. During her PhD at UBC, she also served as a teaching assistant for courses in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics and earned an Instructional Skills Certificate.
Throughout her academic and teaching career, Dr. Rahmani developed a deep understanding of the importance of strong foundational skills in mathematics and science. She observed that many students struggle not because they lack ability, but because they lack confidence and conceptual grounding. This insight led her to establish Exelaa Education in 2017, with a mission to strengthen core skills while building academic confidence and long-term learning success.
Dr. Rahmani has extensive experience supporting diverse learners, including students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, and mental health-related learning needs. Through individualized, evidence-informed teaching strategies, she has helped students reduce academic stress, improve performance, and develop greater independence in their learning.
She is also the creator of the Rahmani Method, a structured, student-centered teaching framework used to train Exelaa tutors. The method emphasizes interactive, hands-on, and guided learning approaches that make math, science, and chemistry more accessible and engaging for students.
Today, Dr. Rahmani leads a growing educational community serving students and families across Metro Vancouver through one-on-one tutoring, small-group instruction, and online learning programs. She also personally trains all Exelaa tutors through a structured onboarding program to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction across the organization.
Academic Advisor
Moein Manbachi, Ph.D
Academic Advisor
Researcher and Instructor at BCIT
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
Curriculum Designer
Student Success Strategist
Dr. Moein Manbachi works closely with students to develop personalized academic plans, strengthen study techniques, and build long-term strategies for success in high school, university, and beyond. His research and teaching experience help students develop confidence while mastering complex scientific concepts.
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Dr. Manbachi is a Senior Advisor at Exelaa Education. He is also a Project Leader with the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation at BC Institute of Technology in Vancouver. He was formerly a Post-doctoral Fellow at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia (UBC). Dr. Manbachi holds a Ph.D. degree in Mechatronic Systems Engineering from Simon Fraser University (SFU) and has over 15 years of experience in industry and R&D in the areas of Electrical Engineering and Energy Systems.
He has over 18 years of teaching, tutoring, and supervising experience, which spans from grade 7 to PhD level students. He has developed five courses and instructed more than ten different graduate courses at well-known educational institutes. He is the author/co-author of more than 50 technical papers published in high-ranked journals and conference proceedings as well. Dr. Manbachi is an IEEE senior member and an active member of CIGRE and Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC).
Why Students Choose Exelaa
Experienced Educators
Proven Results
Personalized Learning
Supportive Mentorship
Tutors
Jayden Miller
Tutor
Math
Science
Rahmah began her academic journey with Dr. Sonia Rahmani during high school, where she received tutoring in mathematics and chemistry for two years. Through this mentorship, she developed a strong passion for learning and a commitment to helping others succeed. Inspired by this experience, she continued to support and tutor her peers throughout high school.
Rahmah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her academic journey, combined with her experience in peer tutoring, has strengthened her understanding of effective learning strategies and reinforced her study skills.
In 2024, Rahmah joined Exelaa Education as a tutor. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring high school students, and is committed to helping them build confidence, strengthen their understanding of science, and develop effective study habits. She aims to create a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged and motivated to succeed.
Nick Petersen
Tutor
Math
Nick began his academic journey with Dr. Sonia Rahmani during high school, where he received tutoring in mathematics and science for two years. Through this mentorship, he developed a strong interest in mathematics, challenged himself by participating in math competitions across Canada, and ultimately chose to pursue mathematics at the university level.
Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Queen’s University. He has a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving, supported by both his academic training and his long-standing interest in mathematics. He has also been actively involved in peer tutoring since high school, demonstrating both strong subject knowledge and a natural ability to support other learners.
Recognizing his passion and commitment to helping students succeed, Dr. Rahmani invited Nick to join Exelaa Education as part of the tutoring team. Since 2023, Nick has been working with students as a math tutor, helping them build confidence, strengthen their understanding of mathematical concepts, and develop effective study habits in a supportive learning environment.
Rahmah Al-Jaf
Tutor
Biology
Science
Rahmah began her academic journey with Dr. Sonia Rahmani during high school, where she received tutoring in mathematics and chemistry for two years. Through this mentorship, she developed a strong passion for learning and a commitment to helping others succeed. Inspired by this experience, she continued to support and tutor her peers throughout high school.
Rahmah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her academic journey, combined with her experience in peer tutoring, has strengthened her understanding of effective learning strategies and reinforced her study skills.
In 2024, Rahmah joined Exelaa Education as a tutor. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring high school students, and is committed to helping them build confidence, strengthen their understanding of science, and develop effective study habits. She aims to create a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged and motivated to succeed.
Shilan Fayaz
Tutor
English (ESL)
Academic English
English Language
Shilan holds a Master’s degree in Education and brings over 18 years of experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). She began her career as an English instructor before co-founding and managing a language academy in Iran, where she taught students of all ages and proficiency levels while overseeing the academy’s operations.
After moving to Canada, she continued her professional development by completing the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies. She later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University Canada West, further strengthening her leadership, communication, and organizational skills, which complement her work as an educator.
Although her career has also included administrative and leadership roles, teaching has always remained her greatest passion. Shilan is dedicated to helping students build confidence, strengthen their English language skills, and achieve their academic goals through personalized, engaging instruction. She believes every student learns differently and strives to create a supportive, encouraging, and positive learning environment where every learner can thrive
Farideh Taghavi
Tutor
Math
Physics
Science
Farideh is an experienced educator with over 12 years of teaching experience in mathematics and physics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tehran and has further expanded her professional qualifications with diplomas in Business Management and Accounting from Career City College (CCC), along with an ECEA certificate.
Since moving to Canada, Farideh has spent the past four years working with children ages 3 to 14 in educational settings. She has supported students through educational administration, taught science in summer and winter camps, led art and painting activities, and created engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity and confidence.
As a math tutor for students in Grades 2–8 and one of Exelaa Education’s camp instructors, Farideh is passionate about making learning enjoyable and accessible. She has a natural ability to connect with students of all ages, breaking down mathematical and scientific concepts into simple, engaging lessons that help children build understanding, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.
Sam Hemmatpour
Tutor
Chemistry
Physics
Sam is currently pursuing his studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he continues to deepen his knowledge of chemistry and physics while strengthening his analytical and problem-solving skills.
Sam’s journey with Exelaa Education began in Grade 8, when he started working with Dr. Sonia Rahmani as a math and science student. Through years of mentorship, he built a strong academic foundation, developed confidence in his abilities, and discovered a genuine passion for chemistry and physics.
Inspired by the impact that personalized mentorship had on his own academic journey, Sam is excited to give back by supporting the next generation of learners. As a chemistry and physics tutor, he is committed to helping students understand challenging concepts, build confidence, and develop effective study habits in a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Having experienced firsthand how meaningful guidance can shape a student’s success, he strives to provide the same level of encouragement and dedication to every learner he works with.
Elmira Jamialahmadi
Tutor
Chemistry
Science
Elmira is holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Trinity Western University in Vancouver, Canada. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, where her research focused on the synthesis of pharmaceutical derivatives.
With nearly 10 years of experience teaching Chemistry and Science, Elmira has taught and mentored students at a variety of academic levels, with extensive experience supporting university students. She is passionate about helping learners develop a strong understanding of scientific concepts by connecting theory with practical applications and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In addition to her teaching experience, Elmira has worked as a Pharmacy Assistant, bringing valuable real-world insight into chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. Her academic background, combined with her professional experience, enables her to make complex scientific concepts clear, engaging, and relevant to students. She is committed to creating a supportive learning environment where students gain confidence, strengthen their understanding, and achieve their academic goals.
Farideh Taghavi
Tutor
Math
Science
Farideh is an experienced educator with over 12 years of teaching experience in mathematics and physics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tehran and has further expanded her professional qualifications with diplomas in Business Management and Accounting from Career City College (CCC), along with an ECEA certificate.
Since moving to Canada, Farideh has spent the past four years working with children ages 3 to 14 in educational settings. She has supported students through educational administration, taught science in summer and winter camps, led art and painting activities, and created engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity and confidence.
As a math tutor for students in Grades 2–8 and one of Exelaa Education’s camp instructors, Farideh is passionate about making learning enjoyable and accessible. She has a natural ability to connect with students of all ages, breaking down mathematical and scientific concepts into simple, engaging lessons that help children build understanding, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.
Meet the passionate educators behind Exelaa Education, helping every student build confidence and achieve academic success.
Sonia Rahmani, Ph.D.
Founder and CEO
Dr. Sonia Rahmani is an educator, entrepreneur, and chemical engineer, and the founder of Exelaa Education, a Metro Vancouver–based educational organization focused on personalized, student-centered learning.
She holds a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC), along with dual bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Engineering. Her teaching and mentorship experience spans over 15 years, beginning in 2005 when she started tutoring mathematics while completing her undergraduate studies. During her PhD at UBC, she also served as a teaching assistant for courses in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics and earned an Instructional Skills Certificate.
Throughout her academic and teaching career, Dr. Rahmani developed a deep understanding of the importance of strong foundational skills in mathematics and science. She observed that many students struggle not because they lack ability, but because they lack confidence and conceptual grounding. This insight led her to establish Exelaa Education in 2017, with a mission to strengthen core skills while building academic confidence and long-term learning success.
Dr. Rahmani has extensive experience supporting diverse learners, including students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, and mental health-related learning needs. Through individualized, evidence-informed teaching strategies, she has helped students reduce academic stress, improve performance, and develop greater independence in their learning.
She is also the creator of the Rahmani Method, a structured, student-centered teaching framework used to train Exelaa tutors. The method emphasizes interactive, hands-on, and guided learning approaches that make math, science, and chemistry more accessible and engaging for students.
Today, Dr. Rahmani leads a growing educational community serving students and families across Metro Vancouver through one-on-one tutoring, small-group instruction, and online learning programs. She also personally trains all Exelaa tutors through a structured onboarding program to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction across the organization.
Moein Manbachi, Ph.D
Academic Advisor
Dr. Manbachi is a Senior Advisor at Exelaa Education. He is also a Project Leader with the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation at BC Institute of Technology in Vancouver. He was formerly a Post-doctoral Fellow at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia (UBC). Dr. Manbachi holds a Ph.D. degree in Mechatronic Systems Engineering from Simon Fraser University (SFU) and has over 15 years of experience in industry and R&D in the areas of Electrical Engineering and Energy Systems.
He has over 18 years of teaching, tutoring, and supervising experience, which spans from grade 7 to PhD level students. He has developed five courses and instructed more than ten different graduate courses at well-known educational institutes. He is the author/co-author of more than 50 technical papers published in high-ranked journals and conference proceedings as well. Dr. Manbachi is an IEEE senior member and an active member of CIGRE and Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC).
Jayden Miller
Tutor
Jayden started her journey with Dr. Rahmani when she was in high school. Dr. Rahmani has tutored Jayden in math and science for 4 years. Dr. Rahmani has sparked Jayden’s potential talent for learning. Thereafter, Jayden was very passionate about learning and helping her friends at school.
Jayden joined science program at McMaster university journey in 2021. She has been very successful in her courses; she is always grateful to Dr. Rahmani for helping her to change her perspective towards math and improve her study skills.
As of 2024, Jayden has joined Exelaa Education as a tutor to transfer her knowledge to other students. Jayden is very passionate about teaching and mentoring high school students.
Nicholas Peters
Tutor
Nick started his journey with Dr. Rahmani when he was in high school. Dr. Rahmani has tutored Nick in math and science for 2 years. After working with Dr. Rahmani, Nick has found himself very interested in math and challenged himself by attending several math competitions in Canada. Thereafter, he decided to continue his studies in mathematics at university.
Nick joined the Math program at Queen’s University in 2022. Nick has been peer tutoring since he was in high school. His passion and enthusiasm for math persuade Dr. Rahmani to continue working with him, but this time as a team member at Exelaa Education. Nick has been working as a math tutor for Exelaa Education since 2023.
Rahmah Al-Jaf
Tutor
Rahmah’s journey with Dr. Rahmani began in high school. Dr. Rahmani tutored Rahmah for 2 years in math and chemistry. Inspired by her experiences in high school, Rahmah developed a passion for learning and a dedication to helping others. Dr. Rahmani’s mentorship inspired Rahmah to continue to support and teach her peers throughout high school.
Rahmah started her journey at UBC in 2020, pursing a Biology degree. She continues to reflect on the impact of her mentorship journey, aiding her peers in their education which strengthened her own studying methods along the way.
As of 2024, Rahmah has joined Exelaa Education as a tutor, where she is enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring high school students, aiming to inspire them just as she was inspired by Dr. Rahmani.
