1064 Kings Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S1C7. (902) 371-5188. michelleaucoin@learnabilitycb.com
LearnAbility Nova Scotia Staff
Michelle AuCoin: Executive Director and President (in person)
Michelle has over 26 years experience working with children and adults. 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 N.S. 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 completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication at Cape Breton University and then pursued graduate study - Masters of Arts in Education with a specialization in special needs. She is ESL certified and has : Nova Scotia Tutor Training; Destination Literacy Certification; NS Workplace Education; Laubach Literacy; 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 and accelerated learning. This year, Michelle and LearnAbility NS received the Vital Award for Employer Excellence (2021). Michelle received the Business Woman of the Year award by Breton Business Centre at the Women In Business Conference in 2012 and the 2013 Professional Services Award for Excellence in Business, from the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce. Michelle is the President of the Cape Breton University Alumni Association.
Michelle has over 26 years experience working with children and adults. 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 N.S. 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 completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication at Cape Breton University and then pursued graduate study - Masters of Arts in Education with a specialization in special needs. She is ESL certified and has : Nova Scotia Tutor Training; Destination Literacy Certification; NS Workplace Education; Laubach Literacy; 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 and accelerated learning. This year, Michelle and LearnAbility NS received the Vital Award for Employer Excellence (2021). Michelle received the Business Woman of the Year award by Breton Business Centre at the Women In Business Conference in 2012 and the 2013 Professional Services Award for Excellence in Business, from the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce. Michelle is the President of the Cape Breton University Alumni Association.
Nicole Hill, Literacy, Math, Transitioning, Life Skills and Study Skills Instructor (in person)
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. Nicole teaches in person at LearnAbility.
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. Nicole teaches in person at LearnAbility.
Kathryn MacLean, Middle & High School Math & Science Instructor (in person and online)
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. Kathryn teaches both online and in person at our Sydney headquarters.
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. Kathryn teaches both online and in person at our Sydney headquarters.
Evan Pynn, Math and Science Instructor (in person)
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 teaches our students in person and online at LearnAbility.
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 teaches our students in person and online at LearnAbility.
Victoria Clarke, French and Math Instructor (online)
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 does both in person and online sessions at LearnAbility.
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 does both in person and online sessions at LearnAbility.
Tiffany Hynes, Reading, Writing, and Math Instructor (online)
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. Tiffany is currently teaching LearnAbility students online.
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. Tiffany is currently teaching LearnAbility students online.
Catherine Farrrow, Social Media Contributor
Catherine has been part of the LearnAbility family for several years. Catherine is a teacher at Centre Scolaire Etoile de L'Acadie. She has been an English and French language tutor at LearnAbility. Catherine now creates educational video content for our Youtube and social media. She provides viewers with Parent Tips, Demos, Teaching strategies, Book reviews, and more. Subscribe to our Youtube channel so you can get the latest from Catherine:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_YHpzZO0Ot52GTTiOThuQ
Catherine has been part of the LearnAbility family for several years. Catherine is a teacher at Centre Scolaire Etoile de L'Acadie. She has been an English and French language tutor at LearnAbility. Catherine now creates educational video content for our Youtube and social media. She provides viewers with Parent Tips, Demos, Teaching strategies, Book reviews, and more. Subscribe to our Youtube channel so you can get the latest from Catherine:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_YHpzZO0Ot52GTTiOThuQ
Evan MacNeil, Reading, Writing and Math Instructor (online)
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's sessions are exclusively online.
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's sessions are exclusively online.
Rachel MacNeil, Literacy Instructor (in person)
Rachel MacNeil has a 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 really enjoys being able to work with children everyday and help them learn and succeed. She is currently teaching both online and in person at LearnAbility.
Rachel MacNeil has a 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 really enjoys being able to work with children everyday and help them learn and succeed. She is currently teaching both online and in person at LearnAbility.
Jadon AuCoin, 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, installed and created PPE for the building. Jadon utilizes Zoom technology to help staff with meetings online with their students. Jadon also works in the Cape Breton University Students Union as an Administrative Assistant.
Caitlyn Briar Thomas, Literacy and Math Instructor (in person)
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 is teaching both in person and online.
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 is teaching both in person and online.
Darryl AuCoin, HR and Office Management
Darryl has a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary's University, focusing on finance and management. 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 has a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary's University, focusing on finance and management. 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.
Katie Johnson, Literacy and Math Instructor (in person)
- Katie is a graduate from Cape Breton University. Katie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Psychology and a Bachelor of Education with an elementary endorsement. Currently Katie is a substitute teacher within the CBVRCE. In addition to receiving training in reading, writing, and math intervention methods at LearnAbility, Katie also have received literacy training through the Montessori School in Westmount. Katie's favourite thing about being a teacher is building relationships with the students and making sure they feel welcome and safe within the classroom and in sessions at LearnAbility. Katie teaches in person.
Katie Winters, Instructor (online)
Katie originates from Spryfield, just outside of Halifax. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Honours Sociology at Acadia University in 2019 and began the B.Ed. program at Acadia that same year, with an emphasis in Social Studies. She has training in SafeTalk Suicide Prevention, Restorative Justice, and SafeSport. She loves getting to know students and helping them arrive at those rewarding "aha!" moments. Katie is currently a substitute teacher in the Halifax Regional School system.
Katie originates from Spryfield, just outside of Halifax. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Honours Sociology at Acadia University in 2019 and began the B.Ed. program at Acadia that same year, with an emphasis in Social Studies. She has training in SafeTalk Suicide Prevention, Restorative Justice, and SafeSport. She loves getting to know students and helping them arrive at those rewarding "aha!" moments. Katie is currently a substitute teacher in the Halifax Regional School system.
Christine Wood, Instructor (online)
Christine is finishing up her B.Ed at MSVU and will be a junior high and high school endorsed English and Social Studies teacher officially in May. She has been with LearnAbility since the Spring of 2021. Her experience is diverse and she mainly focuses on literacy skills with her students. Christine teaches our students online at LearnAbility. This year, Christine is teaching Middle School English and Social Studies in the Halifax Regional School system.
Christine is finishing up her B.Ed at MSVU and will be a junior high and high school endorsed English and Social Studies teacher officially in May. She has been with LearnAbility since the Spring of 2021. Her experience is diverse and she mainly focuses on literacy skills with her students. Christine teaches our students online at LearnAbility. This year, Christine is teaching Middle School English and Social Studies in the Halifax Regional School system.
Chigozie Louis Okolie, Math and Sciences Instructor (online)
Chigozie holds a Master of Science degree from Dalhousie University and a B.Sc. in Biochemistry degree with Honours from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Chigozie has over 3 years of experience conducting research in the department of chemistry at Cape Breton University. Chigozie also worked closely with his Principal Investigator to supervise high school students and undergraduate co-op students conducting research with the solid-state chemistry research group at Cape Breton University. Prior to joining the University, Chigozie worked as the After-school Science program coordinator for junior high school students at Imhotep’s Legacy Academy and a Teaching Assistant at Dalhousie University, as well as private tutoring services in Biochemistry for Dalhousie undergraduate students. Chigozie is now obtaining his Doctorate degree at Dalhousie University and has moved into online teaching, maintaining his commitment to our students.
Chigozie holds a Master of Science degree from Dalhousie University and a B.Sc. in Biochemistry degree with Honours from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Chigozie has over 3 years of experience conducting research in the department of chemistry at Cape Breton University. Chigozie also worked closely with his Principal Investigator to supervise high school students and undergraduate co-op students conducting research with the solid-state chemistry research group at Cape Breton University. Prior to joining the University, Chigozie worked as the After-school Science program coordinator for junior high school students at Imhotep’s Legacy Academy and a Teaching Assistant at Dalhousie University, as well as private tutoring services in Biochemistry for Dalhousie undergraduate students. Chigozie is now obtaining his Doctorate degree at Dalhousie University and has moved into online teaching, maintaining his commitment to our students.
Cindy Rowe, Instructor (in person)
Cindy Rowe is from Glace Bay, Cape Breton. She completed her education degree in 2008. Cindy's educational experience is diverse. She has taught in Halifax, Manitoba, and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. Cindy moved back to Cape Breton in 2014 to raise her daughter who is almost 7 years old now. Cindy is a new hire and is not only happy to be joining the team, but excited to get started and work with our staff and students!
Cindy Rowe is from Glace Bay, Cape Breton. She completed her education degree in 2008. Cindy's educational experience is diverse. She has taught in Halifax, Manitoba, and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. Cindy moved back to Cape Breton in 2014 to raise her daughter who is almost 7 years old now. Cindy is a new hire and is not only happy to be joining the team, but excited to get started and work with our staff and students!
|
Heather Rushton, Math and Science Instructor (in person)
Heather graduated from Memorial University with a BSc in Applied Mathematics and Physics in 2016, and a year later from a fast track program with a BEd specializing in intermediate and secondary school. She has experience teaching math and sciences in Alberta and Newfoundland, but is happy to be home in Nova Scotia after her time away. Heather is looking forward to sharing her passion for learning, math, and science with those she is lucky enough to work with! |
Shannon Brown, Instructor
Shannon graduated from Cape Breton University in 2020 with a BA in Political Science. In 2021, she completed her BEd in Elementary Education with a concentration in Indigenous Education. Shannon is currently beginning her teaching career as a substitute in the CBVRCE. She enjoys being a part of the team here at Learnability where she can she her passion for reading, writing and all things learning.
Shannon graduated from Cape Breton University in 2020 with a BA in Political Science. In 2021, she completed her BEd in Elementary Education with a concentration in Indigenous Education. Shannon is currently beginning her teaching career as a substitute in the CBVRCE. She enjoys being a part of the team here at Learnability where she can she her passion for reading, writing and all things learning.
Sydney Meagher, Instructor
Sydney recently graduated from Cape Breton University with her Bachelor of Education. She completed her Bachelor of Science from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2020 with a major in Psychology and a double minor in Applied Nutrition and Biology. Sydney is beginning to teach as a substitute with the CBVRCE. Sydney has worked with children through her roles as a soccer coach, after school and summer program facilitator, and currently works as a social inclusion program facilitator for Autism Nova Scotia and volunteers as a Peer Mentor for Eating Disorders Nova Scotia. Sydney is thrilled to be working as a reading, writing, and math tutor at LearnAbility and as a substitute teacher for CBVRCE.
Sydney recently graduated from Cape Breton University with her Bachelor of Education. She completed her Bachelor of Science from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2020 with a major in Psychology and a double minor in Applied Nutrition and Biology. Sydney is beginning to teach as a substitute with the CBVRCE. Sydney has worked with children through her roles as a soccer coach, after school and summer program facilitator, and currently works as a social inclusion program facilitator for Autism Nova Scotia and volunteers as a Peer Mentor for Eating Disorders Nova Scotia. Sydney is thrilled to be working as a reading, writing, and math tutor at LearnAbility and as a substitute teacher for CBVRCE.
Jennifer Hutchison, Online Instructor
Jennifer graduated from St. Thomas University with BA in English. In 2015, she completed her BEd in Elementary Education. Jennifer taught in Alberta for six years and has recently made it back to the east coast to continue her career. Her favourite part about teaching is helping students realize their full potential. Jennifer is excited about the opportunity to build relationships with students online at LearnAbility.
Jennifer graduated from St. Thomas University with BA in English. In 2015, she completed her BEd in Elementary Education. Jennifer taught in Alberta for six years and has recently made it back to the east coast to continue her career. Her favourite part about teaching is helping students realize their full potential. Jennifer is excited about the opportunity to build relationships with students online at LearnAbility.
Emma Drohan
Emma graduated from Cape Breton University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in French. She also participated in the Explore Program in July 2019 at Université de Montréal. Recently, Emma graduated from Cape Breton University with her Bachelor of Education with a focus on Secondary Education in French and Science. She is thrilled to join the LearnAbility team to connect with students online while she begins her career in education. One of Emma's goals as a teacher is to help students spark their interests in what they are learning.
Emma graduated from Cape Breton University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in French. She also participated in the Explore Program in July 2019 at Université de Montréal. Recently, Emma graduated from Cape Breton University with her Bachelor of Education with a focus on Secondary Education in French and Science. She is thrilled to join the LearnAbility team to connect with students online while she begins her career in education. One of Emma's goals as a teacher is to help students spark their interests in what they are learning.
