Our Philosophy
At Exceptional Abilities Educational Consultation & Tutoring, we are proud to have a dedicated team of professionals with extensive experience in education, psychology, and advocacy.
Each member of our team is committed to supporting neurodiverse individuals and ensuring they receive the best possible guidance and resources.
Meet our founder, Michelle Siegel, who brings over 20 years of professional experience and a passion for empowering students with diverse learning needs.
Our team also includes skilled tutors, consultants, and coaches who work collaboratively to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all our clients.
Meet the Team
Our diverse team of highly qualified educational professionals is dedicated to helping your children build essential life, academic, and career-ready skills—empowering them to thrive in every area of their development.
Admin
Lucy Kovalova-Woods
Business Manager
Lucy has over 20 years of experience in business development, helping entrepreneurs move their ideas to success.
Her expertise benefited hundreds of businesses from all around the world. Lucy is also a published author with books in personal, business, and career development.
Her first book was published in 2015 and is still favored by young graduates as a career start guide.
Consultants
Bethany
Behavioural Consultant
My name is Bethany, originally from Newfoundland, I moved to Calgary to complete my graduate studies in School and Applied Child Psychology.
I have extensive experience supporting and advocating for youth with disabilities through community work, research, and clinical practice.
I am passionate about providing inclusive, neuroaffirming support for all students and contributing to research that enhances evidence-based practices in assessment, intervention and supporting student well-being.
Jenny Smith
Educational Consultant
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education and have worked and volunteered with children and youth in various settings. These experiences have taught me the importance of building trusting connections and making learning enjoyable.
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!
Jett Devost
Educational Consultant
My name is Jett Devost and I recently joined Exceptional Abilities as a consultant. I graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Psychology and embedded certificate in mental health & wellbeing.
My Honours research project highlighted the lived experience of autistic undergraduate psychology students with the hopes of spreading awareness about the diverse autism spectrum, and finding pathways to foster a more inclusive campus.
I hope to leverage my lived experience as an autistic individual (and the knowledge I have gained) to create a better future for autistic and/or neurodiverse individuals.
In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, taking care of my cat, Lake, and, exploring new restaurants/cafes around the city when I get a chance!
Tutors
Chelsie Williams
Hello, I’m Chelsie, a passionate educator with a Bachelor’s degree in General Elementary Education from the University of Alberta.
Through my teaching and tutoring experience, I have found joy in helping students break concepts down into steps that make sense to them, empowering them to regain confidence and rediscover a love for learning.
My goal is to create a supportive and engaging environment where students feel encouraged to grow. In my free time, I enjoy travelling to new places, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Shiza Syed
I was born in Pakistan but have called Calgary home since the age of 4.
After graduating with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Calgary in 2021, I’ve returned to pursue a second degree in Education, specializing in Elementary Mathematics.
Beyond school, I enjoy hiking, cherishing moments with loved ones, and cooking dishes from various cultures.
Courtney MacDonald
I’m Courtney, originally from Nova Scotia, I pursued my Bachelor of Education at St. F.X., specializing in Secondary Mathematics and Physical Education.
I attribute my success, love for being active and overall growth and development as a person to my small-town roots.
Throughout my tutoring experience, I have found immense joy in fostering strong relationships with my students and cultivating a growth mindset in each individual.
I am currently pursuing a Master of Management degree at the University of Calgary with hopes to integrate her love for education, health and business in the future.
Gopika Raj
Hi, I’m Gopika—also known as Ms. Pika! I’m an educator based in Calgary with over seven years of teaching experience across Canada, France, and India.
My journey has taken me from teaching ESL in Toulouse to French instruction in Kerala, and I currently tutor reading with the Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
With a Master’s in English, a DELF B2 in French, and now pursuing my BEd in English Language
Kevin Anaeche
Teaching, particularly Mathematics, ignites my passion. I firmly believe that every child possesses the potential to learn, given the right strategies and nurturing environment.
With more than two decades dedicated to teaching Mathematics and holding a Ph.D. in the subject, I confidently advocate the belief that mastering Math opens doors to mastering anything in life.
My guiding principles revolve around integrity, honesty, and objectivity.
Honey Sturdy
Hello, my name is Honey Sturdy and I am a teacher of English as a Second Language, French and Spanish Immersion.
I graduated from the University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Education (French). Since that time I my career has taken me to Canada, England, France, Italy and Spain.
I have taught students of all ages 5 and up. As well as teaching Languages I also teach Physical Education and Dance.
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.
IT & Web Development
Salma Aboulnaga
Lead IT & Web Development Intern
I’m Salma, and I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor’s in Computer Science at the University of Calgary.
I’ve been working with kids for over 3 years, as a caretaker, volunteer and tutor, wherein I built trust with my students alongside making learning more accessible and simplified complex concepts across Math, Chemistry, Biology and Coding.
With 2 years of experience in turning wireframes, style guides, and mock-ups into functioning websites and designing websites using platforms like WordPress, Squarespace and Wix, I lead Exceptional Abilities’ IT department in UI/UX design, content placement, responsiveness, and maintenance.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, math, going for walks on campus, and going out for lunch with friends and family.
Our Mission
At Exceptional Abilities Educational Consultation & Tutoring, our vision is to empower individuals to embrace their strengths, unlock their potential, and become the best versions of themselves. We believe that every person—regardless of their challenges—deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Through personalized support, innovative strategies, and a deep commitment to inclusivity, we strive to create an environment where confidence flourishes, abilities shine, and each person can achieve their unique definition of success.
We strive to teach learners to rise above their difficulties through tailored support, meaningful teaching, and unwavering encouragement—because we are all more than our struggles; We Are Exceptional!