Empower Your Learning with Academic Coaching
Virtual one-on-one academic coaching for post secondary students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and other complex learning needs
Masters of Professional Education- Teach Students with Exceptionalities
My Academic Coaching Philosophy
Registered Social Worker
5+ years experience coaching students
There is no single strategy that works for every student.
My coaching begins with understanding how each student's brain learns, what is getting in the way, and which research-informed strategies are most likely to help.
By combining knowledge from education, executive functioning, learning science, and psychology, we build practical systems that fit the student, rather than expecting the student to fit the system.
Explore the sections below to learn more about the principles and strategies that guide my coaching.
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Together, we will develop a schedule that helps you feel on top of things while still allowing for flexibility.
A solid time management approach for students with ADHD includes:
A comprehensive plan for each course – No more missed due dates or last-minute cramming.
Learning how to learn – Schedule your most effective learning activities so you can learn more with the time you have.
Life commitments – Learn how to balance school, everyday responsibilities, and time to recharge.
Methods – Find what works for you, whether that's Google Calendar, a paper planner, or another system that helps you stay on top of everything.
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Students with ADHD often struggle with motivation. You will discover what impacts your motivation so that you can stop white knuckling your way through the day.
A few important factors that influence motivation for students with ADHD include:
Identifying the benefits of a task and keeping them front of mind
Developing the skills needed to do well in school
Increasing time awareness to create a sense of urgency before it is too late
Using your environment to support action
And much more!
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Most students with a learning difference struggle with one or more core academic skills, including reading, writing, note-taking, and studying.
Learn how to adapt academic skills to suit your unique cognitive profile.
Examples of common modifications include:
Support working memory to improve reading comprehension, writing quality, and learning efficiency
Adapt note-taking approaches based on the requirements of each course
Select study conditions that work for you, including your environment, work-break routines, material format, and more
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You are busy, and the last thing you need is to waste time in your coaching sessions.
I use a streamlined intake, assessment, and planning process so that our time together is valuable to you.
In a typical session, we use a structure that helps us stay focused on your goals and progress.
We will first review your previous week, including what worked and what did not. Then, we will plan for your upcoming week, ensuring that we foresee and prepare for potential barriers to your success.
As needed, we will also practice academic skills in session using your actual assignments.
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Metacognition is the last executive functioning skill to develop. It is also essential for success in school.
In every coaching session, you will practice using metacognition as we review how your week went and plan for the upcoming week.
Metacognition, or "thinking about thinking," helps students:
Make strategic plans for everything they need to do, including managing their time, completing schoolwork, and developing skills
Monitor their progress and adjust their approach accordingly
Review completed tasks in order to continually improve their skills
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Students seeking coaching are often dealing with a broad range of challenges that impact their success in school, such as:
Transitioning to living independently
Shame and stress related to school challenges
Mental health struggles
Feeling burned out
Difficulties balancing social and academic demands
Social media and cell phone overuse
All of these issues can impact school. Together, we will identify the key issues that can be addressed through skill development.
Concerns that go beyond my scope as an academic coach will be addressed compassionately and tactfully and referred to the appropriate supports, as needed.
Reviews
"Working with Aubyn has made my school life much more manageable. As someone with a learning disability, I used to feel overwhelmed and frustrated with my studies. Through our sessions, we tackled problems together, and Aubyn helped me develop a deeper understanding of how to use my strengths and navigate around my limitations."
Maddie, 3rd year St Fx “Aubyn was a huge help for me in preparing for my psychotherapy licensing exam. I’ve always found exams daunting, but with Aubyn’s guidance around how to study and manage this with my busy life, I felt confident taking on my exam- and I passed!”
Erin, Masters of Counselling at York University “In my first year of university, I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and failed my classes. Determined to improve, I got coaching with Aubyn. Together we develop time management methods and I learned how to start and stick with my work. I turned things around and became the straight A student I knew I could be.”
Rachel, Western
“I started coaching with Aubyn after being on academic probation and getting diagnosed with executive functioning challenges. She showed me how to plan my school work, stay on track, and study for exams. Now, I am on the honor role and feel so much more in control of my school work!”
Donovan, Ontario Tech University Submit your inquiry
Have a question or interested in working together?
Whether you're a student, parent, or accessibility professional, I'd be happy to answer your questions. Complete the contact form, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
You can also reach me at info@ aubynkichleracademiccoach.net or text or call me at 519-909-1038.
I look forward to hearing from you.