1064 Kings Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S1C7. (902)371-5188). michelleaucoin@learnabilitycb.com
LearnAbility Cape Breton Inc. Staff
Michelle AuCoin: Executive Director and Program Developer
Michelle has over 25 years experience working with children and adults in Nova Scotia. She began working with special needs students at Nova Read in Halifax in 1995. Her ongoing training in the Lindamood programs including: Verbalizing & Visualizing and the LIPS program. In 2000, Michelle began working with the Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia and the Destination Employment program. She had the honour of being chosen to be consultant/contributor by the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada in the development of a national publication: Roadmap on LD's for Employers.
Michelle's education and training have included Undergraduate work in Communication and Language and graduate study - MA in Education with a specialization in special needs. She is also ESL certified and has received : Nova Scotia Tutor Training certification; Destination Literacy Certification; NS Workplace Education Instructor Training; Laubach Literacy Trainer; Learning Disabilities Association of Canada's Screening for Success; and Orton Gillingham. She has provided workshops on Learning Disabilities to parents, teachers, and professionals throughout and outside of the province. Michelle created the company in 2005. LearnAbility grew from the need for a full service facility providing intervention, tutoring (in English and French), math tutoring and accelerated learning. LearnAbility also provides workshops and consulting for organizations, schools, parents and companies, focusing on: staff enhancement, building curriculum and programs for post-secondary, dealing with students or staff with disabilities and helping support children and adults with LD.
Michelle was awarded the Business Woman of the Year award by Breton Business Centre at the Women In Business Conference in Baddeck on May 3rd, 2012 and the 2013 Professional Services Award for Excellence in Business, from the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce; and nominated for an Excellence in Business Award by the newly renamed Cape Breton Chamber of Commerce in October 2019. On June 28th 2019, Michelle was elected to the Board of Directors of Cape Breton University's Alumni Association for a three year term.
Michelle has over 25 years experience working with children and adults in Nova Scotia. She began working with special needs students at Nova Read in Halifax in 1995. Her ongoing training in the Lindamood programs including: Verbalizing & Visualizing and the LIPS program. In 2000, Michelle began working with the Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia and the Destination Employment program. She had the honour of being chosen to be consultant/contributor by the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada in the development of a national publication: Roadmap on LD's for Employers.
Michelle's education and training have included Undergraduate work in Communication and Language and graduate study - MA in Education with a specialization in special needs. She is also ESL certified and has received : Nova Scotia Tutor Training certification; Destination Literacy Certification; NS Workplace Education Instructor Training; Laubach Literacy Trainer; Learning Disabilities Association of Canada's Screening for Success; and Orton Gillingham. She has provided workshops on Learning Disabilities to parents, teachers, and professionals throughout and outside of the province. Michelle created the company in 2005. LearnAbility grew from the need for a full service facility providing intervention, tutoring (in English and French), math tutoring and accelerated learning. LearnAbility also provides workshops and consulting for organizations, schools, parents and companies, focusing on: staff enhancement, building curriculum and programs for post-secondary, dealing with students or staff with disabilities and helping support children and adults with LD.
Michelle was awarded the Business Woman of the Year award by Breton Business Centre at the Women In Business Conference in Baddeck on May 3rd, 2012 and the 2013 Professional Services Award for Excellence in Business, from the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce; and nominated for an Excellence in Business Award by the newly renamed Cape Breton Chamber of Commerce in October 2019. On June 28th 2019, Michelle was elected to the Board of Directors of Cape Breton University's Alumni Association for a three year term.
Darryl AuCoin, Manager
Darryl AuCoin is the Manager of LearnAbility. Darryl has a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary's University, focusing on finance and management. He is also a full time Instructor with the Employment Development Centre in Sydney for adults with barriers to employment. His role consists of the delivery of employment-based training and life skills to adults of various ages and needs. Darryl also brings over 20 years of management experience to the LearnAbility organization, working previously in call centre management. Darryl has been instrumental in the expansion of LearnAbility and has guided the direction of the company as it embarks on developing and offering new programs and services.
Darryl AuCoin is the Manager of LearnAbility. Darryl has a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary's University, focusing on finance and management. He is also a full time Instructor with the Employment Development Centre in Sydney for adults with barriers to employment. His role consists of the delivery of employment-based training and life skills to adults of various ages and needs. Darryl also brings over 20 years of management experience to the LearnAbility organization, working previously in call centre management. Darryl has been instrumental in the expansion of LearnAbility and has guided the direction of the company as it embarks on developing and offering new programs and services.
Nicole Hill, Literacy, Math, Transitioning, Life Skills and Study Skills Instructor Nicole currently has a clientele of students in elementary, junior and senior high school whom she teaches in our one-to-one programs. She is a highly skilled teacher with over 15 years experience in the field of education. Nicole has worked in the public school system and with adult literacy. As a public school teacher, she focused on elementary education. In adult education, Nicole works as an academic upgrading instructor for an Employment Development Centre. In addition to her undergraduate study and B.Ed, she has a Nova Scotia Tutor training certification, Laubach Literacy Tutor Training, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. Nicole has been trained in the Lindamood Phoneme Segmentation program and other reading and language intervention programs developed by LearnAbility. She is well respected, innovative, and strategic. The students love her and we are so happy to have her on staff!
Melissa Batten, Literacy & Math Instructor, Elementary/Middle School
Melissa has been with LearnAbility since the spring of 2014. Melissa instructs mainly elementary students in reading, writing and math intervention. She is also experienced in working with study skills at the Middle School and Senior High Level and works with a few students in this area. Melissa is a licensed teacher with the CBVCE and has been teaching for several years. She has subbed throughout Cape Breton and has spent much of her time in the Glace Bay and Donkin area. Melissa's positive energy and genuine concern for the children has been a great fit for our organization.
Melissa has been with LearnAbility since the spring of 2014. Melissa instructs mainly elementary students in reading, writing and math intervention. She is also experienced in working with study skills at the Middle School and Senior High Level and works with a few students in this area. Melissa is a licensed teacher with the CBVCE and has been teaching for several years. She has subbed throughout Cape Breton and has spent much of her time in the Glace Bay and Donkin area. Melissa's positive energy and genuine concern for the children has been a great fit for our organization.
Catherine Farrow BA B.Ed. M.Ed., French Instructor
Catherine is returning from maternity leave to continue as a French & English instructor. Catherine works for the CSAP and has been teaching for 8 years primarily in Resources and Learning Centre positions. She has earned her B.Ed from CBU as well as a M.Ed for Supporting Learners with Diverse Needs & Exceptionalities from Mount Saint Vincent University. She is excited to return and foster a love of the french language in her students!
Catherine is returning from maternity leave to continue as a French & English instructor. Catherine works for the CSAP and has been teaching for 8 years primarily in Resources and Learning Centre positions. She has earned her B.Ed from CBU as well as a M.Ed for Supporting Learners with Diverse Needs & Exceptionalities from Mount Saint Vincent University. She is excited to return and foster a love of the french language in her students!
Kathryn MacLean, Middle & High School Math & Science Instructor
Kathryn joined us in the fall of 2017. Kathryn has worked in the school system in Dartmouth and in Alberta. While there, she co-owned an Oxford Learning Centre and therefore has significant experience working one on one with kids experiencing academic difficulties. Kathryn focuses on late Middle School and Grade 10 and 11 Math and Physics. Kathryn is also an instructor with St. John Ambulance.
Evan Pynn, Math and Science Instructor
Evan graduated from CBU in 2016 with a BEd and a BSc (Math, Geology) endorsed in Middle school and High School Math (6-Calculus), Middle School Science, Science 9, High School Geology, and Middle School Social Studies. Students really enjoy working with Evan.
Evan graduated from CBU in 2016 with a BEd and a BSc (Math, Geology) endorsed in Middle school and High School Math (6-Calculus), Middle School Science, Science 9, High School Geology, and Middle School Social Studies. Students really enjoy working with Evan.
Jamie Bates, Middle and High School Math Instructor
Jamie is a High School endorsed math teacher. He has been with LearnAbility since the Spring of 2019. Jamie has a BEd from CBU. His teachables are Math and Science. This past year, Jamie was a teacher at Munro Academy. Jamie has taught in both public and private school. His experience is diverse and he has a strategic approach to math that the children appreciate.
Jamie is a High School endorsed math teacher. He has been with LearnAbility since the Spring of 2019. Jamie has a BEd from CBU. His teachables are Math and Science. This past year, Jamie was a teacher at Munro Academy. Jamie has taught in both public and private school. His experience is diverse and he has a strategic approach to math that the children appreciate.
Spencer Roach, Math and French Instructor
Spencer is heading into his third year with LearnAbility. Spencer is a CBU graduate, who obtained both his undergrad and BeD degrees. Spencer is math endorsed at the Middle and High school level. He has worked with students both in person and online. This September, Spencer will see students exclusively online, as he has relocated to Halifax. We are so glad that he has stayed on board.
Spencer is heading into his third year with LearnAbility. Spencer is a CBU graduate, who obtained both his undergrad and BeD degrees. Spencer is math endorsed at the Middle and High school level. He has worked with students both in person and online. This September, Spencer will see students exclusively online, as he has relocated to Halifax. We are so glad that he has stayed on board.
Victoria Clarke, French and English Instructor
Victoria became a LearnAbility instructor in the winter of 2018. She works with our younger children and some middle-school students in the English and French departments. Victoria is a bilingual instructor and is endorsed in Elementary/Middle School Education and French. She earned her B.Ed from CBU. Victoria loves to develop and find French resources to incorporate into her French curriculum. Our students love working with Victoria.
Victoria became a LearnAbility instructor in the winter of 2018. She works with our younger children and some middle-school students in the English and French departments. Victoria is a bilingual instructor and is endorsed in Elementary/Middle School Education and French. She earned her B.Ed from CBU. Victoria loves to develop and find French resources to incorporate into her French curriculum. Our students love working with Victoria.
Allena MacLeod, Online Math and Literacy Instructor
Allena MacLeod joined us early in 2019. Allena is a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier University, with a B.Ed - focusing on the Middle/Secondary stream. She is also a teacher for the CBVCE. Allena works with students who are in need of literacy and numeracy support at the Middle School level. Allena transitioned into our online team in January, teaching Math and English.
Allena MacLeod joined us early in 2019. Allena is a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier University, with a B.Ed - focusing on the Middle/Secondary stream. She is also a teacher for the CBVCE. Allena works with students who are in need of literacy and numeracy support at the Middle School level. Allena transitioned into our online team in January, teaching Math and English.
Tiffany Hynes, Reading, Writing, and Math Instructor
Tiffany graduated with a BA in Psychology from CBU in 2006. She then graduated from her Bachelor of University Studies major in Elementary Education in 2007 at Fort Kent, University of Maine. Tiffany has been a substitute teacher with the CBVCE since that time and has had a number of professional development training opportunities along the way. She was a even a tutor with the Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia's one year LINKS reading program. We are pleased to have her on board.
Tiffany graduated with a BA in Psychology from CBU in 2006. She then graduated from her Bachelor of University Studies major in Elementary Education in 2007 at Fort Kent, University of Maine. Tiffany has been a substitute teacher with the CBVCE since that time and has had a number of professional development training opportunities along the way. She was a even a tutor with the Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia's one year LINKS reading program. We are pleased to have her on board.
Jennifer Morrison, Reading and Writing Instructor Elementary
Jennifer has been working as a teacher and guidance counsellor for over 15 years for the CBVCE. She currently teaches at Robin Foote Elementary. She was a graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University for her B.Ed and from UNB for her Masters of Education - Counselling. She also has a Diploma in Education (Curriculum Studies) from CBU. Jennifer loves teaching and is really looking forward to working with the children at LearnAbility this year.
Jennifer has been working as a teacher and guidance counsellor for over 15 years for the CBVCE. She currently teaches at Robin Foote Elementary. She was a graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University for her B.Ed and from UNB for her Masters of Education - Counselling. She also has a Diploma in Education (Curriculum Studies) from CBU. Jennifer loves teaching and is really looking forward to working with the children at LearnAbility this year.
Kavita Siewrattan, Online Math and Science Instructor
Kavita was with LearnAbility from 2018-2019 in our office in Sydney teaching both math and science at the Middle School and High School levels. She has a B.Ed from CBU. After relocating in fall 2019 to teach in Halifax, Kavita became a substitute teacher there. Since then, Kavita has joined back up with LearnAbility to head up our Math & Physics online tutoring department. She is a great teacher and is exceptional with our kids.
Kavita was with LearnAbility from 2018-2019 in our office in Sydney teaching both math and science at the Middle School and High School levels. She has a B.Ed from CBU. After relocating in fall 2019 to teach in Halifax, Kavita became a substitute teacher there. Since then, Kavita has joined back up with LearnAbility to head up our Math & Physics online tutoring department. She is a great teacher and is exceptional with our kids.
Evan MacNeil, Reading, Writing and Math Instructor Elementary Level
Evan MacNeil is an Elementary endorsed teacher who has a B.Ed from CBU. Evan was valedictorian of his graduation class when he completed his B.Ed. Evan has taught in Elementary classrooms and has coached basketball. Evan is very enthusiastic about education--his goal is to inspire his students. Evan provides a relaxing, friendly environment, tailored for helping his students.
Evan MacNeil is an Elementary endorsed teacher who has a B.Ed from CBU. Evan was valedictorian of his graduation class when he completed his B.Ed. Evan has taught in Elementary classrooms and has coached basketball. Evan is very enthusiastic about education--his goal is to inspire his students. Evan provides a relaxing, friendly environment, tailored for helping his students.
Rachel MacNeil, English and French Instructor
Rachel MacNeil is finalizing her B.Ed with an endorsement in Elementary. Rachel did her undergraduate degree at CBU: BA with a Concentration in Psychology. She loves working with kids of all ages and has been doing so since she was a 14 year old dance teacher. Rachel has experience with literacy training as well as SafeTalk and Teach Mental Health. Rachel enjoys volunteering with children and she is really looking forward to being able to work with children everyday and help them learn and succeed.
Rachel MacNeil is finalizing her B.Ed with an endorsement in Elementary. Rachel did her undergraduate degree at CBU: BA with a Concentration in Psychology. She loves working with kids of all ages and has been doing so since she was a 14 year old dance teacher. Rachel has experience with literacy training as well as SafeTalk and Teach Mental Health. Rachel enjoys volunteering with children and she is really looking forward to being able to work with children everyday and help them learn and succeed.
Kaisey Fraser, Instructor
Like Rachel, Kaisey is also finalizing her B.Ed with an endorsement in Elementary. She also did her undergraduate work at CBU, receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Community Studies degree with a concentration in Political Science. Kaisey was an active student at CBU, working with the CBU Athletic Department. She also volunteered with in school support at Greenfield Elementary. Kaisey believes that by working with children one on one, it helps her to become an even better teacher.
Jadon AuCoin, SEO/Marketing and Social Media Assistant
Jadon is a fourth year Bachelor of Business Administration student at CBU. Jadon is applying the knowledge and skills that he is currently learning at university to our social media, marketing, and communications. Recently, Jadon's position changed into strategic planning due to Covid-19. Through research and application, Jadon helped to develop public health protocols for the LearnAbility office and even installed and created PPE for the building. Jadon is also utilizing Zoom technology to help staff with meetings online with their students. In addition to bringing these skills, Jadon provides office administration.
Caitlyn Briar Thomas, Instructor
Caitlyn Briar Thomas is an Elementary Endorsed teacher and instructor with LearnAbility. Caitlyn is a Cape Breton University Alumni. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Community Studies with a major in political science, before enrolling in the Bachelor of Education program, also at CBU. Caitlyn has additional training in Trauma information and SafeTalk Suicide Awareness. Caitlyn says that her goal as an educator is to create a safe environment and install a love of learning.
Caitlyn Briar Thomas is an Elementary Endorsed teacher and instructor with LearnAbility. Caitlyn is a Cape Breton University Alumni. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Community Studies with a major in political science, before enrolling in the Bachelor of Education program, also at CBU. Caitlyn has additional training in Trauma information and SafeTalk Suicide Awareness. Caitlyn says that her goal as an educator is to create a safe environment and install a love of learning.
Jenny-Rachel Lind, Summer Staff and School Year Substitute Instructor
Jenny-Rachel Lind has been instructing students with visual impairments and various special needs ranging from learning disabilities to children with physical and behavioural issues, for the past 8 years. She is an itinerant teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired with the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority assigned to the CBVRCE. She also brings experience from across Canada having worked as a teacher with the Anglophone South School District in Sussex, NB, the Peel District School Board in Mississauga, ON, the NL English School District and Renfrew Educational Services in Calgary, AB. Jenny-Rachel is currently completing a M.Ed from the University of Calgary in school & counselling psychology and supporting/enhancing children's mental health.
Jenny-Rachel Lind has been instructing students with visual impairments and various special needs ranging from learning disabilities to children with physical and behavioural issues, for the past 8 years. She is an itinerant teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired with the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority assigned to the CBVRCE. She also brings experience from across Canada having worked as a teacher with the Anglophone South School District in Sussex, NB, the Peel District School Board in Mississauga, ON, the NL English School District and Renfrew Educational Services in Calgary, AB. Jenny-Rachel is currently completing a M.Ed from the University of Calgary in school & counselling psychology and supporting/enhancing children's mental health.