Our Team

I have been in the field of education for over 20 years, specializing in special education and working with both neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals. I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education, (Kinesiology) with a minor in English, and a Bachelor of Education in 1996, from the University of Lethbridge. My career has covered vast areas within many fields, and in many different educational capacities and settings from grade K-10 classrooms and gymnasiums to specialized educational consulting.

I was an educational consultant with the PREP program in Calgary, working with families who had children with Down Syndrome.

I have continued to grow and adapt Exceptional Abilities because of the gap in education services for the neurodivergent populations. I believe that everyone has an Exceptional Ability and that should be celebrated while growing one’s other abilities that may need more instruction and practice. I do not believe that one’s disability should define them.

I have also served on the Board of Directors with AAFS (Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society) as both a director at large and as the secretary.

Becoming a parent to neurodiverse children sparked my interest in ADHD, learning disabilities, and anxiety. I believe every child can succeed with the right support and am passionate about sharing this knowledge with students, parents, and educators. 

To recharge, I enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking, spending time with loved ones, and creating Halloween costumes!

Lisa received her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta in 2002. She began her career with Alberta Health Services and the Big Country Outreach Program in rural southern Alberta for several years, in schools, homes, and hospital
settings. Following this, Lisa spent ten years working within preschool and school settings,
including Renfrew Educational Services, Rockyview School Division, and Autism Partnership.
Lisa values working on a multidisciplinary team and has worked closely with occupational
therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, behaviour consultants, teachers and program support aides. Lisa is Hanen-certified (It Takes Two To Talk ®) and PROMPT Level I trained.
She has a special interest in working with autistic children and AAC, with a focus on Gestalt
language development.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Anatomy and a Diploma in Disability Studies, complemented by extensive frontline support experience. I bring heart and knowledge with a strength-based approach to my work. I believe children with disabilities deserve respect and should be treated with patience, compassion and empathy.

I strive to walk alongside families, to acknowledge their lived experiences and provide support, while creating inclusive and nurturing spaces where their children can truly feel valued and encouraged to grow and shine in their unique strengths.

I have developed my skills across diverse settings, including schools, day programs, after-school programs, and therapy environments. In these roles, I have worked collaboratively with interprofessional teams—including teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists—to provide comprehensive and individualized support.

These experiences have reinforced the importance of creating inclusive environments where children feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. I strongly align with the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive, and my approach centers on fostering confidence, independence, and meaningful skill development.

While I guide and support children in their learning, I also view each interaction as a reciprocal exchange—I continue to learn from the children I work with, building trust and deep, meaningful connections along the way. With patience, adaptability, and creativity, I strive to meet each child where they are, celebrate every success, and encourage growth through play, movement, and positive engagement.

After completing my Occupational/Physical Therapy Assistant Diploma at Medicine Hat College in 2021, I moved to Calgary and have spent over four years working alongside an interdisciplinary team closely with occupational and physical therapists.

Primarily, I continued supporting clients with complex mental health needs and multiple disabilities while contributing to therapeutic programming, managing behaviours, and supporting their overall quality of life. Along the way, I recently earned my Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from the University of Calgary in the summer of this year.

Passionate about creating a safe space that encourages trust and meaningful connection, I approach each child with patience, empathy, and respect and meet them where they are. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, reading, and painting, and I share my home with two playful cats who bring me immense joy.

I am blessed to have worked with students of all skill levels, allowing me to hone my ability to create custom curriculum and lesson plans for all my students. 

My focus on well-rounded learning has allowed my students to sharpen their critical thinking skills and be diverse in the knowledge they possess; as such, my students are able to confidently showcase their work and knowledge through written assessments and insightful conversations.

I have extensive experience working with children through summer camps, before- and after-school care, and babysitting, which has taught me how to adapt to each child’s unique learning needs. As a pre-service teacher, I am committed to helping students achieve their goals through a patient, encouraging, and adaptable teaching style.

I offer tutoring in French and English Language Arts from elementary through high school, with a special passion for supporting elementary learners.

Over the past three years, I’ve helped students strengthen their study habits, improve grades, and gain confidence, especially in French, where I create fun, engaging lessons that make language learning accessible and enjoyable. I look forward to working with you and your student.

I have extensive experience working with children through summer camps, before- and after-school care, and babysitting, which has taught me how to adapt to each child’s unique learning needs. As a pre-service teacher, I am committed to helping students achieve their goals through a patient, encouraging, and adaptable teaching style.

I offer tutoring in French and English Language Arts from elementary through high school, with a special passion for supporting elementary learners.

Over the past three years, I’ve helped students strengthen their study habits, improve grades, and gain confidence, especially in French, where I create fun, engaging lessons that make language learning accessible and enjoyable. I look forward to working with you and your student.

My approach to tutoring is grounded in building strong relationships, meeting students where they are, and helping them move confidently toward new skills and understandings. I believe that learning grows from curiosity, encouragement, and a proactive mindset, and I work to create an environment where students feel supported and capable.

Outside of education, I love spending time outdoors with my family and friends. Calgary has been home for the past 30 years, though I still carry fond memories of growing up in the Edmonton area.

I look forward to helping students discover their strengths and reach their academic goals!

Joan’s background as a Behavior Analyst adds a unique layer to her approach, as she’s worked extensively with children with special needs, offering individualized support to help them thrive. She is also highly experienced in exam preparation for CELPIP, IELTS, and CAEC, as well as Business English, ensuring that each student receives the tailored support they need to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.

With a Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language (Level 5, UK) and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a major in Mathematics, Joan has a well-rounded academic foundation. Her teaching experience spans both American and British curricula, and she has worked in international schools across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Currently, Joan serves as an Education Assistant with the Calgary Catholic School District, where she continues to work directly with students, providing support and fostering a positive learning environment.

Joan’s approach is centered on creating interactive, personalized lessons that cater to each student’s unique needs. Whether it’s helping students with special needs, preparing for exams, or guiding professionals in their career development, Joan is committed to helping others reach their goals with confidence and success. Let’s work together to unlock your full potential and achieve the academic success you deserve!

My clinical approach is child-led and play-based, with a focus on parent coaching and collaboration. I have experience working within multidisciplinary teams in schools and providing home-based FSCD supports.

I am also a mom to two busy boys and three dogs. In my spare time, I love staying active through group fitness, running, skiing, hiking, and spending time outdoors with my family.

I’m passionate about inspiring growth in developmental years and empowering children to become confident, curious, and capable learners.

I specialize in structural variations; breaking down a complex concept into the simplest form so that it facilitates understanding.

My teaching approach is student-centered and personalized, using clear explanations, real-life examples, and exam-focused strategies. I support students with homework, assignments, assessments, and exam preparation while adapting instruction to meet diverse learning needs.