1064 Kings Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S1C7. (902) 371-5188. michelleaucoin@learnabilitycb.com
LearnAbility Atlantic Staff
Michelle AuCoin: Executive Director and President
Michelle has over 27 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 and several national initiatives related to employment for adults with undiagnosed Learning Disabilities.
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. 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. This year, Michelle and LearnAbility received the Vital Award for Employer Excellence (2021). Michelle most recently completed her role as President of the Cape Breton University Alumni Association. Michelle is accepted membership to two National committees for the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada: the National LD Research Committee and the PACFOLD (Putting a Canadian Face on Learning Disabilities). Michelle is also a finalist in the Businessperson of the Year category for the 2022 (October) Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards.
Michelle has over 27 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 and several national initiatives related to employment for adults with undiagnosed Learning Disabilities.
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. 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. This year, Michelle and LearnAbility received the Vital Award for Employer Excellence (2021). Michelle most recently completed her role as President of the Cape Breton University Alumni Association. Michelle is accepted membership to two National committees for the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada: the National LD Research Committee and the PACFOLD (Putting a Canadian Face on Learning Disabilities). Michelle is also a finalist in the Businessperson of the Year category for the 2022 (October) Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards.
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, High School Math & 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 and adults experiencing academic difficulties. Kathryn focuses on High SchoolMath and Physics. Kathryn teaches in person at our Sydney headquarters. Most recently, Kathryn began working with the trades sector, providing academic preparation for trades math.
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 and adults experiencing academic difficulties. Kathryn focuses on High SchoolMath and Physics. Kathryn teaches in person at our Sydney headquarters. Most recently, Kathryn began working with the trades sector, providing academic preparation for trades math.
Rachel MacNeil, Literacy 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.
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.
Jadon AuCoin, Marketing and Communications
Jadon completed his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Cape Breton University in 2022. Jadon provides social media, marketing, and communications. Jadon provided strategic planning during Covid-19. Through research and application, Jadon helped to develop public health protocols for the LearnAbility office, installed and created PPE for the building.
Caitlyn Briar Thomas, Literacy and Math Instructor (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.
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
- 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.
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.
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.
Allena MacLeod (Online Instructor)
Allena was with LearnAbility previously up until 2020. She recently returned to an online teaching position in late 2021, seeing kids in Elementary and Middle School. Allena was originally one of the first instructors who taught online for LearnAbility in 2020 (prior to Covid-19). Allena graduated from the Bachelor of Education program at St.FX University in 2018 and is a secondary school teacher with English and Social Studies endorsements. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian History, also obtained from St.FX. She is currently a substitute teacher with the CBVRCE.
Allena was with LearnAbility previously up until 2020. She recently returned to an online teaching position in late 2021, seeing kids in Elementary and Middle School. Allena was originally one of the first instructors who taught online for LearnAbility in 2020 (prior to Covid-19). Allena graduated from the Bachelor of Education program at St.FX University in 2018 and is a secondary school teacher with English and Social Studies endorsements. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian History, also obtained from St.FX. She is currently a substitute teacher with the CBVRCE.
Jamie Bates, In person Math/Science Instructor
Jamie Bates has been with LearnAbility for a few years now. He was on a short hiatus in 2021, returning recently to continue to tutor Math and Sciences with his students. Jamie is a CBU graduate with his Bachelor of Education and an undergraduate degree from Dalhousie University. Most recently, Jamie has been a teacher in the Eskasoni School Board.
Jamie Bates has been with LearnAbility for a few years now. He was on a short hiatus in 2021, returning recently to continue to tutor Math and Sciences with his students. Jamie is a CBU graduate with his Bachelor of Education and an undergraduate degree from Dalhousie University. Most recently, Jamie has been a teacher in the Eskasoni School Board.
Sining Yang, Math and Physics Instructor (Online)
Sining recently completed her B.Ed. at MSVU and has been subbing at several junior high and high schools in Halifax as an endorsed Math and Physics teacher. She originates from China but has been in Canada over 10 years now. She completed her B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics at University of Victoria in BC. She has three years of tutoring experiences in various subjects and age groups. She has high responsibility towards her students and always rejoice with their progress. Her goal is to install confidence in student’s own abilities and be a role model to them.
Sining recently completed her B.Ed. at MSVU and has been subbing at several junior high and high schools in Halifax as an endorsed Math and Physics teacher. She originates from China but has been in Canada over 10 years now. She completed her B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics at University of Victoria in BC. She has three years of tutoring experiences in various subjects and age groups. She has high responsibility towards her students and always rejoice with their progress. Her goal is to install confidence in student’s own abilities and be a role model to them.
Hilary MacInnis, Online Instructor
Hilary originates from Trenton, Nova Scotia. She completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology from StFX in 2019. She continued her time at StFX in the Bachelor of Education program specializing in Elementary Education. Hilary’s favourite thing about being a teacher is the connection she can make with her students. Hilary is currently a Primary/1 teacher in the CCRCE school board. Hilary is teaching online at Learnability.
Hilary originates from Trenton, Nova Scotia. She completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology from StFX in 2019. She continued her time at StFX in the Bachelor of Education program specializing in Elementary Education. Hilary’s favourite thing about being a teacher is the connection she can make with her students. Hilary is currently a Primary/1 teacher in the CCRCE school board. Hilary is teaching online at Learnability.
Ashley Hazel, Online Instructor
Ashley resides in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. She completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology from Acadia in 2018. She continued with her education and completed a Bachelor of Education at Acadia in 2020. Ashley is currently substitute teaching for the AVRCE and is teaching online with LearnAbility. Ashley is passionate about providing support to students and loves seeing students succeed.
Ashley resides in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. She completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology from Acadia in 2018. She continued with her education and completed a Bachelor of Education at Acadia in 2020. Ashley is currently substitute teaching for the AVRCE and is teaching online with LearnAbility. Ashley is passionate about providing support to students and loves seeing students succeed.
Dylan Ross, Online Math Instructor
Dylan graduated from Dalhousie University with a B.Tech in Applied sciences in 2016. In 2018 he graduated from Acadia University with a B.Ed, specializing in secondary Math, Technology education, and Science. Dylan is currently a substitute teacher with the CCRCE, but is continuing his education in his spare time to be a software developer. Dylan loves science & technology and will always take the opportunity to share that passion with others!
Dylan graduated from Dalhousie University with a B.Tech in Applied sciences in 2016. In 2018 he graduated from Acadia University with a B.Ed, specializing in secondary Math, Technology education, and Science. Dylan is currently a substitute teacher with the CCRCE, but is continuing his education in his spare time to be a software developer. Dylan loves science & technology and will always take the opportunity to share that passion with others!
Leah MacPherson, In person Instructor
Leah's goal as an educator is to provide a holistic and positive learning experience for all students. Leah completed her undergrad at Cape Breton University and is now finalizing her Bachelor of Education Elementary program at Cape Breton University. She values developing healthy student/teacher relationships as the foundation for success. Leah is also strongly connected to the dance community in Cape Breton and began teaching dance for students at the age of 13. She proudly continues to teach today.
Leah's goal as an educator is to provide a holistic and positive learning experience for all students. Leah completed her undergrad at Cape Breton University and is now finalizing her Bachelor of Education Elementary program at Cape Breton University. She values developing healthy student/teacher relationships as the foundation for success. Leah is also strongly connected to the dance community in Cape Breton and began teaching dance for students at the age of 13. She proudly continues to teach today.
Jessica Caldwell, Online Instructor
Jessica is an online instructor located in the HRM and a recent addition to the LearnAbility team.
Jessica is an online instructor located in the HRM and a recent addition to the LearnAbility team.
Kayleigh Tutty, Online Instructor
Kayleigh hails from Cape Breton. She is an Elementary Endorsed teacher and graduate of Cape Breton University's Bachelor of Education program.
Kayleigh hails from Cape Breton. She is an Elementary Endorsed teacher and graduate of Cape Breton University's Bachelor of Education program.
