1064 Kings Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S1C7. (902)371-5188). michelleaucoin@learnabilitycb.com
LearnAbility Nova Scotia Staff
Michelle AuCoin: Executive Director and President
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.
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.
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 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.
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 teaches in person at LearnAbility.
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 teaches in person at LearnAbility.
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. 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
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 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 at LearnAbility.
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 teaches our students in person at LearnAbility.
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 teaches our students in person at LearnAbility.
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 and French. 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 and French. 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 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
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 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'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.
Liam Gillis, Instructor
Liam is a graduate of the Bachelor of Education Program at Cape Breton University and is currently a substitute with the CBVRCE. Liam is a Secondary school teacher endorsed in Social Studies and English. Liam also has an Advanced Evaluation for French. This is Liam's third upcoming year at LearnAbility and he is wonderful with our students. Liam provides in online tutoring.
Rachel MacNeil, English and French Instructor
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.
Kaisey Fraser, Instructor
Kaisey has a B.Ed with an endorsement in Elementary. She did her undergraduate work at Cape Breton University, 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 within schools, providing support at Greenfield Elementary. Kaisey believes that by working with children one on one, she can be an ever better teacher. Kaisey teaches in person in our office in Sydney and online.
Kaisey has a B.Ed with an endorsement in Elementary. She did her undergraduate work at Cape Breton University, 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 within schools, providing support at Greenfield Elementary. Kaisey believes that by working with children one on one, she can be an ever better teacher. Kaisey teaches in person in our office in Sydney and online.
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 is also a Jr. Web Editor at Cape Breton University.
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 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.
Nicole Day, Instructor
Nicole is another CBU Alumni and recent graduate of the Bachelor of Education program at CBU with an endorsement in Elementary. She is a substitute teacher with the CBVRCE. Her first degree was a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Psychology in 2019. Nicole is one of our newest employees and is providing both online and in person tutoring for our students. Nicole has received certifications from Safe Talk Suicide Alertness Training, Teach Mental Health Course and Leader’s Edge Student Leadership Conference. When teaching, my favourite part is creating a great relationship with my students. Once there is a foundation of trust, it allows for an easier teaching process to take place. Nicole teaches online and in person.
Nicole is another CBU Alumni and recent graduate of the Bachelor of Education program at CBU with an endorsement in Elementary. She is a substitute teacher with the CBVRCE. Her first degree was a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Psychology in 2019. Nicole is one of our newest employees and is providing both online and in person tutoring for our students. Nicole has received certifications from Safe Talk Suicide Alertness Training, Teach Mental Health Course and Leader’s Edge Student Leadership Conference. When teaching, my favourite part is creating a great relationship with my students. Once there is a foundation of trust, it allows for an easier teaching process to take place. Nicole teaches online and in person.
Hannah Conrad, Instructor
Hannah has a BACS with a major in psychology and a B. Ed with an endorsement in both Elementary and French from Cape Breton University. She is currently a substitute teacher with the CBVRCE. Hannah has also received certifications in Suicide Alertness Training, Teach Mental Health, CBU's Leaders Edge Conference, and has received literacy training via the Montessori School. She has a passion for learning, and she hopes to create a welcoming environment for students where they can start to develop a love for learning as well. Hannah teaches in person.
Hannah has a BACS with a major in psychology and a B. Ed with an endorsement in both Elementary and French from Cape Breton University. She is currently a substitute teacher with the CBVRCE. Hannah has also received certifications in Suicide Alertness Training, Teach Mental Health, CBU's Leaders Edge Conference, and has received literacy training via the Montessori School. She has a passion for learning, and she hopes to create a welcoming environment for students where they can start to develop a love for learning as well. Hannah teaches in person.
Noémie Godin, Instructor
Noémie has a B.Ed in physical education and a certificate in music. She also has an MBA in project management, and is currently completing a Masters in Education. Noémie has a background in teaching social sciences, music, and physical education at a High School level, and integrated subject in elementary in Baie-Comeau, Quebec. Currently, she is the principal of the Centre Scolaire Étoile de l'Acadie in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Noemie teaches students online.
Noémie has a B.Ed in physical education and a certificate in music. She also has an MBA in project management, and is currently completing a Masters in Education. Noémie has a background in teaching social sciences, music, and physical education at a High School level, and integrated subject in elementary in Baie-Comeau, Quebec. Currently, she is the principal of the Centre Scolaire Étoile de l'Acadie in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Noemie teaches students 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.
Conor Arsenault, Instructor
Conor Arsenault is from PEI, living in Halifax, and has Cape Breton roots. He has a BA and BEd from Memorial University of Newfoundland. During his BEd, he completed teaching practicums in schools in Newfoundland in Labrador, as well as a school in England. He has just returned to Canada from China, where he worked as a social studies and English teacher at an international high school for two years. While there, he also ran a soccer club and a music club after school. He has experience teaching both in-person and online, as his school had moved online for an entire term during the pandemic last year. Conor is now happy to be working as an online tutor and is very excited to be part of the LearnAbility team!
Conor Arsenault is from PEI, living in Halifax, and has Cape Breton roots. He has a BA and BEd from Memorial University of Newfoundland. During his BEd, he completed teaching practicums in schools in Newfoundland in Labrador, as well as a school in England. He has just returned to Canada from China, where he worked as a social studies and English teacher at an international high school for two years. While there, he also ran a soccer club and a music club after school. He has experience teaching both in-person and online, as his school had moved online for an entire term during the pandemic last year. Conor is now happy to be working as an online tutor and is very excited to be part of the LearnAbility team!
Katie Johnson, Instructor
- 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.
Taylor Billard, Instructor
Is a graduate of Acadia University in Wolfville, but originates from and lives in Cape Breton. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program. Taylor is focusing on literacy at LearnAbility. In addition to her teaching experience, Taylor has had years of one on one lessons and clinics in partnership with public schools across the province. She is also a musician and studied music at Acadia. Taylor teaches in person.
Is a graduate of Acadia University in Wolfville, but originates from and lives in Cape Breton. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program. Taylor is focusing on literacy at LearnAbility. In addition to her teaching experience, Taylor has had years of one on one lessons and clinics in partnership with public schools across the province. She is also a musician and studied music at Acadia. Taylor teaches in person.
Katie Winters, Instructor
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 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.
Jennifer Hallam, Instructor
Jennifer graduated from the University of Cape Town, South Africa with a degree in History and English followed by a diploma in higher education. Since moving to Canada in 1999, she has added Canadian History to her degree and did extensive courses in education, including First Nations education, Literacy, Mathematics and Learning Disabilities. Jennifer just completed her TEFL certification. Jennifer has been on the Learner Diversity and Equity Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association(ATA). She has been a school representative on the ATA and president of the Chestermere Library Foundation. Jennifer has taught in senior secondary education in South Africa; grades 3-9 in Canada; and even college level ELL.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Cape Town, South Africa with a degree in History and English followed by a diploma in higher education. Since moving to Canada in 1999, she has added Canadian History to her degree and did extensive courses in education, including First Nations education, Literacy, Mathematics and Learning Disabilities. Jennifer just completed her TEFL certification. Jennifer has been on the Learner Diversity and Equity Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association(ATA). She has been a school representative on the ATA and president of the Chestermere Library Foundation. Jennifer has taught in senior secondary education in South Africa; grades 3-9 in Canada; and even college level ELL.
Christine Wood, Instructor
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.
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.
Chigozie Louis Okolie
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 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.
