Meet the Team
We are a small specialist practice in Halifax. We help children feel capable, understood, and hopeful about learning. We use structured literacy, careful mathematics, and patient teaching. Not one method for every child. The work is explicit when it needs to be, and unhurried when a child needs time.
Katia Sutherland
Founder | Assessments, consulting, and limited tutoring
Katia is a bilingual educator with over 11 years of experience supporting students with learning differences. She holds two master’s degrees in education and has completed specialized training in dyslexia through Yale University. She specializes in Orton-Gillingham structured literacy and math remediation, working with students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and autism using explicit, multisensory, and scaffolded instruction designed to build lasting skills and confidence.
Chantal Doiron-Widgery
French Resource & Math Intervention Tutor
Chantal is an experienced French resource teacher with a master’s degree in resource education and over 18 years of experience. She specializes in play-based structured literacy using EMS (Enseignement Multisensoriel Simultané), a multisensory approach to French literacy adapted from Orton-Gillingham principles. She supports students with learning gaps and disabilities through engaging, game-based lessons that build confidence, independence, and strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and math.
Caroline Barnes
Early Literacy Resource Tutor
Caroline is an experienced early literacy and resource teacher who specializes in structured literacy and foundational skill development. She supports students by building on their strengths and addressing their individual needs, helping them develop confidence, independence, and strong skills in reading, writing, and printing. Caroline holds a Master of Literacy and qualifications in Reading, Special Education, Math, Kindergarten, and ELL, and is currently completing a second master’s degree for Diverse Learners.
Michael McCallum
Middle and High School Tutor | Assistive Technology, Math, and Science
Michael brings more than 10 years of teaching in independent schools and 3 years as a post-secondary academic coach for students with learning disabilities. He holds a B.Sc. in Biology from Acadia University, a B.Ed. in Secondary Education, and an M.Ed. in Leadership. He specializes in educational and assistive technologies, as well as science, math, and French for middle and high school students. Sessions are available in person and virtually.