The ACC team is expanding! See below for details.


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Start something that matters
Strategies for optimal academic performance and mastery

Learn more and start today

HOW I CAN HELP

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Atomic Habits • James Clear

Academic coaching starts with an open and honest dialogue so that I can understand the whole you — the way you think, learn, live and what makes you tick. We will take a deep dive into the strategies that have worked for you in the past and what hasn’t. If you have any professional documentation/testing, we will review it and see how this information can help you build a solid foundation for enhanced learning.

We will begin by mapping out your term based on your course syllabuses. We will focus on ‘crunch times’ and plan accordingly, so that you do not have to panic and cram. You will learn to build schedules that are realistic and appropriate for each week of learning. My goal is to make you independent. Once you can consistently demonstrate strategies and achieve outcomes for academic success, while at a healthy level of confidence and comfort, you will then be on your way to continued academic success.

SAMPLE VIDEOS

Easy strategies to prepare for College/University

Impact of the basic necessities on education

For more videos by Leanne, visit Academic Coaching Canada on Facebook

ADHD COACHING

If you have a professional assessment/diagnosis OR you suspect you have ADHD and need tips and strategies to support you on a daily basis, I’m your coach! We can put systems in place to manage your key symptoms- distractibility, impulsivity, racing and/or wandering thoughts, organizational issues, inattention to details, emotional regulation and/or time management. We will also take advantage of episodes of hyper focus and creativity. External supports are a must for academic success. Let’s work together to find that perfect system for you! Please check out my support packages below.

Mapping out your term

Once we know your course schedule, we will look at each syllabus and map out the term, based on all of the tasks involved. We will look at crunch times and learn how to plan for heavy academic points throughout the term. This will inform our weekly and daily schedule.

Time Management

I want you to learn how to work smarter, not harder. There are so many demands for your time both in school and out. You want to be able to identify your daily, weekly and term goals and be extremely efficient and effective. I want to encourage a balance between your academics and your other desired activities and experiences. We will look at habits that tend to detract from managing your time wisely, how to encourage the likelihood of good habits to form, how to maintain them, and to break habits that do not serve you well.

Taking Notes

Did you know that there are many methods of note-taking? Depending how your brain works and the course material being taught, some methods may prove better for memory retention than others. We will examine the debate between technology for note-taking versus handwritten notes. We will practice techniques for understanding content, making connections, memory retention, and recall.

Study Skills 1

Brain health — setting the stage for optimal learning: Learning, memory retention, and higher order thinking skills can be optimized through an honest look at how well you move through this world. We will examine routines and habits that serve your mind, body and mental health. How do you cope with stress? What is your sleep routine like? How well do you nourish your body? Do you exercise? We will look at the best ways to set your body and brain up for optimal learning.

Study Skills 2

Evidence-based practices that work: Did you know that when it comes to studying, most students have no idea whether their chosen method(s) of studying actually have proven, evidence-based research efficacy? Most students do what they do because that’s what everyone else tends to do! But what if you could enhance your understanding and performance results and reach your true potential? We will examine evidence-based strategies that will enhance your existing study strategies, for optimal performance and mastery

Taking Exams, Tests & Quizzes

Exams can be very stressful. Did I prepare enough? What is that question actually asking of me? Will I recall everything in a timely manner? Will I give the answers that are expected for a great mark? Exams/tests come in a variety of formats. We will examine effective strategies for the various exam components, so that you can go in with a solid plan of attack. Many strategies that are highly effective are underutilized. Let’s discover what they are!

Living and studying in Canada

The international student experience (only for international students) — If you are an International Student, I offer an online workshop on the differences between Canadian academic culture and yours. I have worked with students from around the world and want you to feel prepared for the newness of living and learning in a new country.

About Your Coaches

Working together requires two things: a willing, motivated student and an experienced, caring, professional coach. Our only ask is that you have an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone and give new strategies an honest try. We look forward to working with you!

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

Rita Mae Brown

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Amos E. Dolbear

YOUR ACADEMIC COACHES

Experience matters.

Darlene

Darlene Etherington Pounder

All things Writing & Research!

Hons. B.A. Literature & Languages, B.Ed., O.C.T.

Academic Coach/Learning Strategist
Registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers
Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

I have enjoyed over 30 years of experience in Education. A qualified Intermediate and Senior division teacher, I hold an honours BA in English Language and Literature from Brock University and a Library Specialist certification from Queens. To further assist my students, I acquired additional qualification courses in Cooperative Education, English as a Second Language, and Teaching and Learning through E-Learning. I have taught ESL and all levels of high school English. For the second half of my career, I was a Department Head and Library Learning Commons Lead Teacher. In this role, I specialized in teaching research and notetaking skills, organisation, time management, and critical thinking. These skills equipped my students with a solid foundation for success in post secondary education.

“Writing comes from reading, and reading is
the finest teacher of how to write.”

Annie Proulx

Leanne

Leanne Ellis

All things Learning about Learning and ADHD!

Hons. B.A. Sociology, B.Ed., O.C.T.

Academic Coach/Learning Strategist/ADHD Coach
Registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

I am a teacher with over 30 years of direct student experience and am passionate about working with students, helping them grow their confidence, succeed in their academic goals, and discover their true potential. I was the Department Head for Special Education at two high schools for 17 years, and am registered with the Ontario College of Teachers. I attended three Universities for my post-secondary education — York, Guelph, and Windsor. I have additional qualifications in Special Education and Guidance and Career Counselling. I taught in the high school setting as a Learning Resource Teacher, for over half of my career. I regularly worked with students on Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.s), in areas of support ranging from giftedness, learning disabilities of various kinds, ADHD, deafness and hearing impairment, vision loss, mental health, physical challenges, technology support, and beyond. I later worked at the University of Waterloo in Accessibility Services as a Learning Strategist, as well as at Conestoga College in the same capacity. I have worked as a course Instructor at Conestoga in the Human Services Foundations department and am currently a workshop facilitator for the Behavioural Management Systems training certificate program and Instructor in their Community Integration for Co-operative Education (C.I.C.E) program.

Marc

Mark Sauvé

All things Math-based!

Hons. B.A. Mathematics, B.Ed., O.C.T.

Academic Coach/Learning Strategist
Registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

I am a teacher and administrator with over 30 years of experience working with high school and adult students, and am passionate about creating a balance between student supports and student independence. I have my Math Specialist and have taught math for 25 years. I was the Head of Mathematics at St. Mary’s High School for 5 years before transitioning into a vice-principal role for ten years. During my time as a vice-principal, I had the opportunity to work in adult education for two years. I am currently a math professor at Conestoga College. Working with students from ages 14 to 40 has given me a broad perspective of the challenges of learning math and a broad perspective of the opportunities that are created by developing good “math habits”. The structure and organization of math are important to learn to enhance many aspects of our lives. I look forward to helping you see math in a positive light!

“Nature is written in mathematical language.”

Galileo Galilei

30+ years
years of teaching and coaching experience
in 3 academic settings
High Schools, Colleges & Universities
1000+ hours
coaching students of all backgrounds

SUCCESS STORIES

A few words from individuals who have benefitted from Leanne's coaching:

Honours Student

University of Waterloo

Leanne takes a very practical approach to building skills in order to help students succeed and accomplish their academic goals. When I faced a heavy workload during my second year of university, she took the time to listen about the challenges I faced with prioritizing and time management. As she heard more about my default approaching learning, she recognized my struggles and suggested to seek an assessment for ADHD to rule it in or out . Alongside that, she walked me through tools that helped utilize my strengths and plan around my shortcomings such as distractibility.

Leanne provided me with strategies such as using the pomodoro technique with a timer at my desk, creating a weekly hour-by-hour timetable with time for breaks and errands. I learned how to read my course-syllabus and plan out my semester ahead of time. She has an extensive repository of tools and resources to support students with ADHD.

By helping me work with myself instead of against myself I was able to develop strong habits and routines that resulted in success at school including effective time management and prioritization skills to manage ADHD symptoms.

A really good aspect about Leanne’s approach is that she has extensive experience working in the teaching industry (including higher education) so her approach was readily applicable to day-to-day challenges that students face.

Blair Hilts

Principal, Bluewater District School Board

As a principal with Bluewater District School Board I have always been impressed with Leanne’s commitment to meeting the learning needs of students as the Learning Resource Teacher. She exceeded expectations by routinely seeking out resources and professional growth. Leanne developed expertise in navigating post-secondary pathways for students. Leanne is a clear communicator, who advocates effectively.

Ramya Muraleetharan

Honours Co-op Urban Planning, University of Waterloo

I am writing this testimony to express my heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support and guidance you have provided as a learning strategist, during my time at the University of Waterloo. Your expertise and dedication have made a profound impact on my personal and professional growth, and I am truly thankful for the transformative learning journey you have facilitated.

From our very first interaction, it was evident that you possess a unique ability to understand individual learning needs and tailor effective strategies to address them. Your insightful approach to learning design has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities for development. You have a remarkable talent for fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment, which has been instrumental in boosting my confidence and motivation to achieve my goals.

Your commitment to staying updated with the latest educational trends and technologies is truly commendable. Your innovative use of various learning tools and platforms has not only enhanced the learning process but also inspired me to explore new ways of acquiring knowledge and skills. Your dedication to continuous improvement sets a shining example for all learners, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to benefit from your expertise.

Beyond your expertise in learning strategies, your genuine passion for helping others succeed is what sets you apart as an outstanding learning strategist. Your patience, empathy, and willingness to listen have made our learning sessions truly meaningful and enjoyable. You have not only been a teacher and mentor but also a reliable ally on this journey of growth.

I want to express my appreciation for the unwavering support you have offered me, both in achieving my learning objectives and navigating any challenges along the way. Your constructive feedback and encouragement have motivated me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence.

In conclusion, I can confidently say that working with you as my learning strategist has been an enriching and rewarding experience. Your professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for your students make you an exceptional educator and mentor. I wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone seeking guidance in their learning journey.

Thank you once again for everything you have done for me. I am truly grateful and look forward to continuing our journey of growth and development together.


Ben Nichol

Masters, Particle Astrophysics, Laurentian University

I first worked with Leanne in my freshman year of high school, where her talents for helping rather disorganized students adjust to a new environment became immediately obvious. Throughout the year she saw potential in me as a student with exceptionally poor time management skills and helped provide tools I could use to improve both independently and with her.

Leanne continued to support me throughout our time together at that secondary school, and the skills I learned with her were paramount to ensure my success in gaining admission to and completing a very competitive undergraduate program. To this day over 10 years later, I still carefully schedule and write things down - an underrated skill I had no affinity for before meeting Leanne, and a skill that will likely bring me benefits for the remainder of my life.

In the time since I started working with Leanne, she has continued to help hundreds of students like me and many from backgrounds unlike mine. I have personally experienced her abilities that have no doubt grown even further since our time working together.

PRICING

The coach discusses with the student their perceived needs and challenges,
in combination with their diagnosis (if applicable), as well as their past academic performance,
to come up with the frequency and duration of sessions needed.

If you are eligible for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) program, a quote is available upon request.

Please note that all sessions are conducted remotely via Zoom.

  • Coaching Fee
  • Personalized assessment
  • Customized services based on your needs
  • Free 15 minute consultation via Zoom.
  • $ 150 per hour

    Minimum 3 hours.

    Taxes not included. Non-refundable. Payment is due in advance.
  • Financial Assistance
  • Bursary for Students with Disabilities

  • If you (or your child) have a diagnosed disability, you/they may be eligible for government assistance (BSWD) for Academic Coaching and/or ADHD Coaching, among other services. Please contact your province's or territory’s institution-specific Accessibility Services department.
  • For general information regarding National and Provincial bursaries and grants, please consult the following web sites:
    National: Canada Student Grants and Loans
    Provincial: Post-Secondary Education Disability Funding by Province/Territory
  • Health Care Benefit Coverage

  • If you or your parents have Health Insurance Benefits, there is a possibility that some of the cost for ADHD and/or Academic Coaching may be covered. Please check with your healthcare insurance provider to see if the service you are seeking is eligible, and what professional documentation and accreditation are required.

CONTACT

Let‘s get in touch:

Ontario, Canada

Phone: +1 (519) 477-2858

Email: info@academiccoachingcanada.ca