Michelle AuCoin, Executive Director and Program Coordinator
Michelle has spent more than three decades working at the forefront of learning disabilities, literacy intervention, and specialized education in Canada. Through clinical work, national collaborations, and more than 20 years leading LearnAbility, she has dedicated her career to understanding how students learn and to effectively support those who struggle within traditional educational systems.
Her career began in Halifax as a clinician with NovaRead, one of Atlantic Canada’s earliest literacy intervention clinics. At that time, NovaRead was pioneering grassroots approaches to literacy remediation and specialized learning support under the direction of its late founder, who was working directly with the Lindamood family in California, training in all of the internationally used Lindamood programs.
After relocating to Cape Breton in 2000, Michelle began extensive work with the Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia, where she piloted programs designed to support diagnosed and undiagnosed children and adults experiencing learning challenges. Her work focused on building practical tools and approaches that empowered learners, families, and educators to better understand how individuals process and acquire knowledge.
This work expanded to the national level through her involvement with the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC), where Michelle contributed to research initiatives and educational resources aimed at improving awareness and support for individuals with learning disabilities across the country. Her work included contributing to a federally funded manual "A Guide to Learning Disabilities for Employers" in 2002 which was developed to help Canadian employers better understand and support employees with learning disabilities in the workplace. Most recently in 2022-2025, Michelle worked with both the LDAC National Research committee and on the LDAC Canadian Faces of Learning Disabilities National project for the Federal Government.
Michelle has worked alongside leading experts in learning disabilities, literacy, and educational intervention, contributing to research, program development, and the translation of academic knowledge into practical strategies that can be used in classrooms, homes, and learning environments.
In 2005, Michelle founded LearnAbility. Since its founding, LearnAbility has supported thousands of students and families, providing individualized instruction, assessment-informed programming, and specialized teaching strategies designed to meet the needs of students who learn differently. Today, LearnAbility is recognized as one of the longest-standing educational intervention centres in the region, built on a reputation for expertise, trust, and measurable learning progress.
Michelle’s work has also been influenced by internationally recognized leaders in the field, including best selling author and who also had multiple PBS specials - Rick LaVoie, whose work on understanding the emotional experience of students with learning differences has helped shape modern approaches to intervention and advocacy. Michelle not only consulted directly with and learned from Mr. LaVoie, but in 2019, brought him to Cape Breton to speak to educators, families, and professionals.
Michelle’s methodology reflects decades of research, collaboration, and direct experience with diverse learners. Her approach integrates evidence-based literacy and numeracy instruction, cognitive learning strategies, and individualized educational planning to support students who require more targeted instruction than traditional learning environments often provide.
Today, Michelle continues to lead LearnAbility with a focus on thoughtful educational intervention, professional expertise, and long-term learning success for students and families.
Michelle has spent more than three decades working at the forefront of learning disabilities, literacy intervention, and specialized education in Canada. Through clinical work, national collaborations, and more than 20 years leading LearnAbility, she has dedicated her career to understanding how students learn and to effectively support those who struggle within traditional educational systems.
Her career began in Halifax as a clinician with NovaRead, one of Atlantic Canada’s earliest literacy intervention clinics. At that time, NovaRead was pioneering grassroots approaches to literacy remediation and specialized learning support under the direction of its late founder, who was working directly with the Lindamood family in California, training in all of the internationally used Lindamood programs.
After relocating to Cape Breton in 2000, Michelle began extensive work with the Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia, where she piloted programs designed to support diagnosed and undiagnosed children and adults experiencing learning challenges. Her work focused on building practical tools and approaches that empowered learners, families, and educators to better understand how individuals process and acquire knowledge.
This work expanded to the national level through her involvement with the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC), where Michelle contributed to research initiatives and educational resources aimed at improving awareness and support for individuals with learning disabilities across the country. Her work included contributing to a federally funded manual "A Guide to Learning Disabilities for Employers" in 2002 which was developed to help Canadian employers better understand and support employees with learning disabilities in the workplace. Most recently in 2022-2025, Michelle worked with both the LDAC National Research committee and on the LDAC Canadian Faces of Learning Disabilities National project for the Federal Government.
Michelle has worked alongside leading experts in learning disabilities, literacy, and educational intervention, contributing to research, program development, and the translation of academic knowledge into practical strategies that can be used in classrooms, homes, and learning environments.
In 2005, Michelle founded LearnAbility. Since its founding, LearnAbility has supported thousands of students and families, providing individualized instruction, assessment-informed programming, and specialized teaching strategies designed to meet the needs of students who learn differently. Today, LearnAbility is recognized as one of the longest-standing educational intervention centres in the region, built on a reputation for expertise, trust, and measurable learning progress.
Michelle’s work has also been influenced by internationally recognized leaders in the field, including best selling author and who also had multiple PBS specials - Rick LaVoie, whose work on understanding the emotional experience of students with learning differences has helped shape modern approaches to intervention and advocacy. Michelle not only consulted directly with and learned from Mr. LaVoie, but in 2019, brought him to Cape Breton to speak to educators, families, and professionals.
Michelle’s methodology reflects decades of research, collaboration, and direct experience with diverse learners. Her approach integrates evidence-based literacy and numeracy instruction, cognitive learning strategies, and individualized educational planning to support students who require more targeted instruction than traditional learning environments often provide.
Today, Michelle continues to lead LearnAbility with a focus on thoughtful educational intervention, professional expertise, and long-term learning success for students and families.
Ashley Hazel, Senior Online Instructor and Staff Lead
Ashley holds a Bachelor of Sociology and a Bachelor of Education, bringing both a strong understanding of human development and instructional practice to her work. She specializes in literacy support, working with students on reading, writing, and comprehension across grade levels.
In addition to her degrees, Ashley has completed the Basics of Decoding and Spelling Instruction course through the International Dyslexia Association of Ontario. This training strengthens her ability to provide structured, evidence-based literacy instruction, particularly for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. She is a fully trained Lindamood Instructor in the LIPS and Seeing Stars Programs in addition to proprietary LearnAbility programs.
Ashley is a full time employee of LearnAbility. In her role, she is fully online. Ashley has transformed the online learning of LearnAbility, building on the methodology of in person intervention to virtual learning. Ashley trains all new online instructors and even orients and trains in person instructors.
Ashley has extensive experience supporting diverse learners and is passionate about creating a safe, encouraging environment where students feel capable and confident while making meaningful progress.
Ashley holds a Bachelor of Sociology and a Bachelor of Education, bringing both a strong understanding of human development and instructional practice to her work. She specializes in literacy support, working with students on reading, writing, and comprehension across grade levels.
In addition to her degrees, Ashley has completed the Basics of Decoding and Spelling Instruction course through the International Dyslexia Association of Ontario. This training strengthens her ability to provide structured, evidence-based literacy instruction, particularly for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. She is a fully trained Lindamood Instructor in the LIPS and Seeing Stars Programs in addition to proprietary LearnAbility programs.
Ashley is a full time employee of LearnAbility. In her role, she is fully online. Ashley has transformed the online learning of LearnAbility, building on the methodology of in person intervention to virtual learning. Ashley trains all new online instructors and even orients and trains in person instructors.
Ashley has extensive experience supporting diverse learners and is passionate about creating a safe, encouraging environment where students feel capable and confident while making meaningful progress.
Dylan Ross, Math, Science & Technology Department Head
"Everyone should know something about everything, and everything about something."
— Thomas Henry Huxley
Dylan is an educator who personifies this quote. He believes deeply in the power of knowledge, and his desire to learn and understand has been a constant motivator throughout his life.
After earning a Bachelor of Applied Science from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Education from Acadia University, Dylan set his sights on sharing his passion with the next generation. He specializes in Mathematics, Technology, and Science, and is particularly focused on how these disciplines connect to the world around us. Dylan enjoys teaching the history of his subject fields and loves to explore how they influence humanity, culture, and the ever-changing landscape of our society.
As a full-time, fully online member of the Learnability team for many years, Dylan has supported a wide variety of students in achieving success in the STEM fields. Whether working with junior high, high school, or college prep students, he has the skillset to meet any learner where they are. His approach is to engage with content in a way that feels familiar and accessible to the student, ensuring a personalized and effective educational experience.
"Everyone should know something about everything, and everything about something."
— Thomas Henry Huxley
Dylan is an educator who personifies this quote. He believes deeply in the power of knowledge, and his desire to learn and understand has been a constant motivator throughout his life.
After earning a Bachelor of Applied Science from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Education from Acadia University, Dylan set his sights on sharing his passion with the next generation. He specializes in Mathematics, Technology, and Science, and is particularly focused on how these disciplines connect to the world around us. Dylan enjoys teaching the history of his subject fields and loves to explore how they influence humanity, culture, and the ever-changing landscape of our society.
As a full-time, fully online member of the Learnability team for many years, Dylan has supported a wide variety of students in achieving success in the STEM fields. Whether working with junior high, high school, or college prep students, he has the skillset to meet any learner where they are. His approach is to engage with content in a way that feels familiar and accessible to the student, ensuring a personalized and effective educational experience.
Darryl AuCoin, Vocational Coordinator and Operations Manager
Darryl AuCoin brings extensive experience in adult education, vocational training, and workforce readiness. He began working in adult education in 2014, supporting adults re-entering the workforce and helping individuals overcome barriers to employment through practical skill development and personalized learning approaches.
Darryl is skilled in curriculum development, lesson planning, and creating alternative learning programs that focus on real-world application and community engagement. He has worked with both adult learners and at-risk youth, providing individualized support, strong classroom management, and programming that builds confidence, independence, and essential workplace skills.
Known for his strong interpersonal communication skills, Darryl builds positive relationships with students, families, and community organizations to support meaningful learning and long-term success. He is particularly skilled in vocational and pre-industrial math and teaches math refresher courses in the private and public sectors.
Darryl holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University and a Business Information and Technology Diploma from the Nova Scotia Community College, in addition to extensive training courses in adult education.
Darryl AuCoin brings extensive experience in adult education, vocational training, and workforce readiness. He began working in adult education in 2014, supporting adults re-entering the workforce and helping individuals overcome barriers to employment through practical skill development and personalized learning approaches.
Darryl is skilled in curriculum development, lesson planning, and creating alternative learning programs that focus on real-world application and community engagement. He has worked with both adult learners and at-risk youth, providing individualized support, strong classroom management, and programming that builds confidence, independence, and essential workplace skills.
Known for his strong interpersonal communication skills, Darryl builds positive relationships with students, families, and community organizations to support meaningful learning and long-term success. He is particularly skilled in vocational and pre-industrial math and teaches math refresher courses in the private and public sectors.
Darryl holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University and a Business Information and Technology Diploma from the Nova Scotia Community College, in addition to extensive training courses in adult education.
Nicole Hill, Senior In-person Instructor Literacy
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