Who We Are.

A group of dedicated individuals hell-bent on personalizing education.

An evolving organism, situated at the nexus of education, psychology and technology.

We are BrainBoost.

BrainBoost is a small educational services company operating out of Vancouver, BC. Started in 2002, BrainBoost’s mandate is simple: to help humans grow and develop in ways that matter to them. We do that by designing experiences that
We are constantly evolving (and so are you)

challenge and inspire. Our one-to-one tutoring, with flexible tutors, allows people to be taught in ways that match their learning style and personality. Small-group experiences bring people of all ages together to explore, share, and develop passions. Our Hub Pass program allows kids to make the education they dream of a reality.

If you’re interested in interacting with us, give us a call or email! We love to hear from the community, and we’re passionate about connecting with people of all stripes and walks of life. Maybe you have an idea for us, maybe you’re interested in our services, maybe you have a class you want to teach, or maybe you just want to chat about education. Whatever the reason, get in touch!

Our History

(click on a timeline title to read more)
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Aug, 2011 New Annex
Finishing touches are put on a new annex to our space, adding 6 new tutoring rooms!
Jan 2011 New Business Model
Matt and Jessy begin to plan a new business model, designed to help the company flourish over the next 10 years.
Aug, 2010 Thesis Done!
Matt finally finishes his thesis. Holy Crap, it’s really done!?!?
Dec, 2009 BrainBoostBoost
For two weeks, Matt and Jessy quit their regular jobs at the HUB to lead the whole BrainBoost Team in a BrainBoostBoost. Every idea is on the table, and over the course of two weeks, a vision of BrainBoost’s future begins to emerge. Stay tuned to see what’s next.
Jun, 2009 Planning 10 Rocks
As a first foray into software design, a team of BrainBoosters creates a Planning 10 online course to be sold to distance schools. A pilot school bought the software; already over 100 kids have used our unique, game-like course that teaches kids real life skills.
Sep, 2008 Things Get Big
After an expansion and renovation, BrainBoost goes to the next level, expanding to 3,000 sq ft, with new spaces ripe for collaboration and cooperation.
Sep, 2007 The Workspace is Born
One year of operations is enough to convince Matt and Jessy that an alternative to school is needed for kids who are functioning below their potential in school. In less than two months this goes from concept to reality, and our first Workspace class—with six kids—begins to explore the worlds of philosophy, psychology, media studies and geography, with the kids still getting their regular school credits.
Mar, 2007 3355 West Broadway!
As the basement gets more crowded, Matt and Jessy desperately search for a good home. One is finally found in a downtrodden building on the second floor. After a serious cleaning and a few coats of paint, the HUB (Version 2) is born!
Sep, 2006 The HUB Begins
In the basement of the Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace, the first HUB takes shape. BrainBoost kids come to us, rather than us driving to their houses. Much great training occurs—TED talks and psychology papers are the core—and the dream is realized. (What wasn’t part of the dream was dragging those cubicle walls in and out every single day...but, oh the memories!!)
Jan, 2006 Matt and Jessy Take A Leap
Matt and Jessy decide to make their long-held dream—of a centre where kids can explore their passions, develop their interests, and teachers can collaborate and experiment—a reality.
Sep, 2005 The Next Level
Training and collaboration become essential pieces of the BrainBoost magic sauce, as tutors are paid for monthly training explorations, where ideas from psychology, sociology and biology become core parts of the BrainBoost training. Fun levels are rising.
Jun, 2005 Context Becomes Key
Matt gives his first-ever academic talk at the CSSE conference in Toronto. It examines the ways in which students are affected by their environments. He realizes in home tutoring is not enough to meet kids’ needs.
Sep, 2004 Jessy Arrives
Jessy Giammarino, sister and long-time collaborative partner to Matt, joins BrainBoost as a tutor. Matt and Jessy spend many a late evening discussing student cases and education in general. The dream of the HUB begins.
Sep, 2002 BrainBoost Begins
Matt starts BrainBoost as an extension of his own tutoring practice, sending tutors into students’ homes. A friend suggests the slogan "A Health Shake for Your Brain" and the first BrainBoost logo is born. Tutors are hired, and the first session reports (still filled out today by BrainBoost tutors) are filed.
Jul, 2002 Goodbye Grad School
Matt, who has been planning on following up his honours economics undergrad with a Masters, decides psychology is his one true love. He informs the grad school, and registers as an undergrad in psychology. Today he is almost finished his Master’s degree in special education!
Jun, 2002 MathBoost 1
Matt Giammarino, who has been tutoring for years, decides to host MathBoost—an end-of-year exam prep seminar. After renting the planetarium, and flyering schools like crazy, over 100 kids show up. The projector breaks. Hilarity ensues.