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 The Team

Michelle Siegel
Founder / CEO
Meet our founder, Michelle Siegel, who brings over 20 years of professional experience and a passion for empowering students with diverse learning needs.

Lucy Kovalova-Woods
Business Manager
For over ten years, I’ve been working as an external consultant and fractional executive.
Since February 2019, my clientele base is covering all continents. Proud to be global! 20-years of business experience: strategy, business development, organizational and financial effectiveness, etc. is my ground base to deliver the best results for you. Published author of various personal development and business books. Disability Inclusion Advocate

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!

Bethany Torraville
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.

Katia Benyaminian
Contributor to EEP and YCC Programs
Katia holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has experience working in a daycare as well as a language educator.
She is passionate about helping young people grow, learn, and find their place in the world.

Salma Aboulnaga
Junior WebDev & IT Support
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.

Angeline Licuan
Communications Lead
Hello! I’m Angeline, a fourth-year Psychology student at the University of Calgary.
In the past, I’ve worked directly with neurodivergent children and young adults, creating a supportive environment where they can work towards their developmental goals with confidence.
After witnessing the many barriers that prevent parents from accessing support for their children, I’ve become especially passionate about advocating for parents who are navigating these complex systems.
I believe that every child deserves the chance to feel seen and capable of achieving meaningful growth. With love and compassion, I am committed to supporting children and families in ways that honour their strengths and journeys.

Megan Hundseth
Developmental Behavioural Aide
Megan is a fourth-year Kinesiology student at the University of Calgary. She has always loved movement, whether through sports,
dance, or play, and is passionate about how it can support both the body and the brain. This passion inspired her to study human movement and explore how it can make a difference in the lives of children and families.
Megan has enjoyed working and volunteering in many different settings with children of all abilities, including CP Alberta, and Best Buddies. These experiences have taught her the importance of creating welcoming spaces where kids feel supported, encouraged, and celebrated for who they are.
When working with children, Megan’s approach is built on patience, adaptability, and fun. She believes in meeting kids where they are, celebrating every success, and helping them build confidence through movement and play.

Nnedinma Alo
Developmental Behavioural Aide
Nnedinma is a dedicated Community Rehabilitation and Disability Support Professional who believes every
child with disability has something special to share. I look beyond disabilities, focusing on the strengths and uniqueness of each child.
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.

Ayeisha Galvez
Developmental Behavioural Aide
My name is Ayeisha Galvez, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from the University
of Calgary. I bring extensive experience supporting children with cognitive, developmental, and neuromotor disabilities, and working with children has been a lifelong passion of mine.
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.

Sharmaine Rosal
Developmental Behavioural Aide
Hello, I’m Sharmaine, and I have a strong foundation of supporting children and individuals with diverse disabilities, combining
hands-on childcare experience with a background in rehabilitation. Earlier in my career, I worked in before-and-after-school programs and summer camps, providing one-on-one guidance to children, including those with ASD, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities, enriching confidence, independence, and social-emotional growth.
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.

Sekinat Sanni
Developmental Behavioural Aide
I am a dedicated Support Aid with experience working with both adults and youths in community living settings and group homes.
I’m passionate about providing person-centered care, promoting independence, and creating a safe, supportive environment for individuals with diverse needs.
I’m known for my empathy, patience, and strong commitment to improving the quality of life of those I support.

Tara Lewis
Speech Language Pathologist
I am a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist with almost ten years of experience working with children and families across
school and private practice settings. I am passionate about supporting autistic children through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens that honours each child’s unique sensory preferences, interests, and ways of communicating.
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.

Nadine Moncks
Speech Language Pathologist
I’m a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist and have been supporting individuals with their communication needs since 2011.
I provide services across the lifespan—from infancy through adulthood—offering individually tailored assessment and therapy designed to meet each client’s unique goals.
I work closely with clients and their families to foster communication competence, support meaningful progress, and improve overall quality of life.

Kevin Anaeche
Tutor
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.

Andrew Hwang
Tutor
Hello, I am Hyeoncheol Hwang, known as Andrew Hwang as well. I am a passionate and energetic undergraduate student who teaches
science and mathematics to those who struggle.
My teaching philosophy is learning occurs everywhere and misunderstanding is a product of attempt and success. Mathematics is my expertise at the secondary level.
I specialize in structural variations; breaking down a complex concept into the simplest form so that it facilitates understanding.

Hiok Hng Tay
Tutor
Hello, I am Mr. Tay, a Mathematics and Vocal Music Teacher originating from Singapore, before moving to Toronto in 2012, and
finally Calgary in 2025. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from McMaster University in 2021, and obtained a Bachelor of Education from Western University in 2024.
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.

Drishty Keswani
Tutor
With over a decade of experience nurturing young minds, I bring a balanced blend of educational insight and creativity to every
session. Holding bachelor’s degrees in Commerce and Education, plus a Master’s in English, I specialize in using play-way techniques and innovative, child-centered strategies to help learners flourish-especially when they benefit from extra support or individualized attention.
I’m passionate about inspiring growth in developmental years and empowering children to become confident, curious, and capable learners.

Honey Sturdy
Tutor
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.

Erika Taylor
Tutor
Hello! My name is Erika, and I am in my first year of a Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary, specializing in Elementary Education
with a focus on English Language Arts. I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in French and have been tutoring French since 2021.
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.

Dean Langenberger
Tutor
Hello! My name is Dean Langenberger, and I’m excited to support students on their learning journeys. I’ve spent more than 20 years
teaching in the Calgary school system and the last five years as a school administrator. With a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Education, most of my classroom experience is rooted in the humanities—an area I’m passionate about exploring with learners of all ages and abilities.
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 Parkinson
Tutor
Joan Parkinson is a dedicated educator with a passion for helping students excel academically and build a strong, confident foundation
for future success. With years of experience working with students of all ages, from young learners to adults, Joan focuses on making learning engaging, personalized, and effective. Whether it’s boosting confidence, improving skills, or reaching specific academic goals, she believes every student has the potential to succeed.
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!



