FOUNDER & CEO, EF Coach

Jo’s extensive experience as a local educator of neurodiverse learners spans over 25 years. She believes that gaining awareness of one’s thinking processes and unique learning styles are foundational components to achieving one’s goals. With this self-awareness individuals can understand “the why” behind the strategies and tools they use leading to greater independence. Jo believes that true change happens when a strong foundation of trust and connection is established between learner and educator.

As a leader in developing a K-12 school-wide Executive Function (EF) Curriculum, creator of the REEF Coaching™ Executive Function Coaching Training course for Educators, and a mentor of EF Coaches, Jo brings a wealth of experience to her work as an EF Coach and Educational Consultant. Her background includes 23 years at Fraser Academy, with 8 years in the role of Director of Learning Services. Jo holds an MA in Leadership from Royal Roads, and is a Certified Orton Gillingham Practitioner with OG Canada. She also holds certifications as an NILD Educational Therapist and IDA Dyslexia Therapist. Jo designed, conducted and published a peer reviewed study in the International Journal for For Research in Learning Disabilities (2020) comparing two types of dyslexia intervention. Jo’s extensive experience with a variety of remedial approaches equips her to take a holistic approach when working with clients.

Jo especially enjoys consulting with families to help them understand their psycho-educational assessment in easy to understand language providing them with the knowledge to advocate for IEPs, and across multiple settings.

In her spare time, Jo enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening and spending time with her 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren on both coasts of the continent. Jo works with adolescents, post secondary students and adults remotely and in person.

LEARNING & LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

Annabel is a highly-specialized learning specialist and educational consultant with a background in psychology and speech and language therapy. She has extensive experience working with the neuro-diverse population and has spent the past 20+ years working with the international community in the UK and Canada.

Annabel's specific interests include ADHD, executive functioning, social communication and dyslexia. She is a strong advocate for early intervention and structured literacy programs, and for supporting young teens and adolescents as they navigate the complex demands of the modern classroom and social world.

Annabel has a unique ability to connect with children and young adults. She is intuitive, patient and open-minded, and she brings a sense of fun and joy to her lessons. She is warm and approachable, and believes in establishing a connection and rapport with the child or young adult before anything else. She works closely with her students and their families to understand each student’s individual strengths and affinities in order to build their capacity for learning and success in the classroom and beyond.

Annabel is available for in-person and remote sessions at Reframe Education.

LEARNING SPECIALIST

Louise has been practicing Orton Gillingham (OG) for over 20 years. She celebrates the individual in every student and is passionate about sharing and igniting a life-long love of learning. Helping students realise their potential and meet with success is a goal of every lesson. Louise values the relationship between student and educator and believes that caring, compassion and humour play a positive role in learning.

While at Fraser Academy for 10 years as a Learning Specialist, Louise was a member of the Executive Functioning (EF) program development team. She enjoyed fostering learning outside the classroom in the form of student debate and environmental clubs. She holds certifications in OG, Educational Therapy (PCET) and TESL, and a diploma in Animal Health Technology.

At Reframe Education, Louise works remotely with post-secondary and adult EF coaching students. She provides in-person sessions to students of all ages from her home on Gabriola Island offering OG, Educational Therapy and EF Coaching. She is an advocate for animal welfare and the environment and likes to spend her spare time with family and being out in nature.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH, ART THERAPIST and CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

Vanessa has a passion for helping learners of all ages with their educational and emotional wellness needs. An educator for over 10 years, Vanessa’s most recent experience includes 3 years at Reframe Education as a Certified OG Practitioner and Executive Function Coach and 5 years as an OG Learning Specialist at Fraser Academy.

A Professional Art Therapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor (BCACC), and Executive Function Coach, Vanessa recognizes the importance of addressing the socio-emotional needs of diverse learners where symptoms such as anxiety and depression often co-occur with learning differences, ADHD and ASD.

Using a person-centred approach, exceptional listening skills, and a deep understanding of cultural identities, Vanessa creates an excellent rapport with her clients working with them to meet their goals. She provides a welcoming space where children and youth feel connected and supported.

In her spare time Vanessa enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and running with her pup and partner.

Vanessa is available to support children, adolescents, post-secondary students, and adults with literacy, executive functioning, art therapy and counselling needs. She is available remotely and in person.

OG PRACTITIONER, EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH

Andy is dedicated to building strong, trusting relationships with her students to ensure that they feel comfortable and relaxed in her OG and EF for Kids™ sessions. She believes in meeting her students at their level, and providing the right amount of challenge in a safe space where they can feel confident taking risks.

Before joining Reframe Education in 2022, Andy worked as an OG Learning Specialist at Fraser Academy where she specialized in teaching reading and spelling to elementary school students with diverse learning needs.

Andy’s skill at adapting to the individual learning styles and unique abilities of each of her students enables them feel successful in every session. Her favourite part of one-to-one teaching is seeing students gain confidence and an understanding of concepts that they previously found too difficult. Seeing her students take pride in their work is what Andy finds most rewarding.

During her spare time, Andy enjoys playing with her pets, Jude and Luna. Her ultimate dream is to live on a farm and surrounded by all kinds of animals. She has a flare for detail and loves planning events for family and friends where she can master her skills in baking, decorating, and organizing.

Andy primarily works with elementary age students providing Orton Gillingham instruction and Executive Function Coaching. She is available for both in person and remote sessions.

OG PRACTITIONER, EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH

Lucy is passionate about connecting with young learners and focuses on building strong relationships by creating a space where students feel safe, understood, and valued. She provides just the right combination of structure and flexibility to suite each child’s individual needs.

Lucy is known for her ability to connect with students across a wide range of energy levels and attention styles. She believes in making learning enjoyable and strives to keep lessons engaging by integrating student’s interests with interactive and hands-on learning opportunities.

Lucy draws on her diverse professional background as an Orton-Gillingham Learning Specialist, Executive Function Coach, Behaviour Interventionist, and Early Childhood Educator to provide her with the tools and strategies to support young students with a variety of neurodivergent profiles including Dyslexia, ADHD, Executive Dysfunction, and ASD.

A former Learning Specialist at Fraser Academy, Lucy holds a B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Counselling, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, along with REEF ™ Executive Function Coaching certification.

Outside of her professional work, Lucy enjoys exploring the outdoors with family, friends, and her little sidekick, Olive, who excels at making new learners feel welcome in the office. Lucy is available both remotely and in person.

LEARNING SPECIALIST

Kristi is a passionate educator dedicated to the belief that every student can succeed with the right support and instruction. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from McGill University, specializing in Inclusive Education. Her extensive experience includes serving as a Learning Specialist at Fraser Academy in Vancouver, where she implemented Orton-Gillingham (OG) instruction, and as a Reading Interventionist with the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) in Montreal. Kristi also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia.

Currently pursuing a career in school psychology, Kristi is a graduate student in School and Counselling Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan.

In her professional role, Kristi provides evidence-based, explicit and systematic OG instruction, creating individualized lesson plans, and implementing best practices. Outside of her professional commitments, Kristi enjoys exploring the outdoors, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

She is available for remote consultations during the school year and in-person sessions during the summer months.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH

A life-long learner, Laura recently completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity with a specialization in Executive Function through Landmark College’s Institute for Research and Training. As both a teacher, and a parent of children with learning differences, Laura is committed to doing what is right for students. Her deep understanding of learning differences and her lived experience as both an educator and advocate for her own children drives her passion for helping students reach their potential, both at school and in life.

Prior to joining Reframe, Laura has recently been working with elementary and secondary students with diverse learning needs providing 1:1 support in Math and Sciences. Laura builds strong relationships with her students, and creates a welcoming environment with her warm and caring nature.

Laura holds a Concurrent Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University in Kingston, ON. She is certified to teach in both Ontario and BC, and has completed her Orton Gillingham Foundations and Practitioner training.

Laura and her family enjoy taking advantage of all that beautiful North Vancouver has to offer, whether it is hiking with their dogs, Chaos and Scout, or kayaking and paddle boarding from Cates Park. Having lived in England, Toronto, St. Louis and now Vancouver, Laura cherishes having time with family and friends.

Laura works as an Executive Function Coach primarily with high school students. She is available for in-person and remote support at Reframe Education. 

EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH

Alison works primarily as an Executive Function coach for high school students at Reframe. She is also an Orton-Gillingham trained literacy interventionist and writing instructor. Alison finds it especially rewarding to work alongside students, helping them build EF skills, including time management, organization, and planning, while developing practical strategies to achieve their goals. She is cheerfully dedicated to creating a positive, strengths-based learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential.

Originally from the picturesque Eastern Townships of Québec, Alison holds a BA in English Literature from Sir Wilfred Grenfell Campus (Memorial University) in Newfoundland and an MA from Concordia University in Montréal. A highlight of her academic journey was attending the Institute for World Literature in Lisbon.

Alison spent several years as a Subject Expert in English at a rigorous American international school, where she taught grades 5–7 and provided additional support for high school English. She specialized in advanced grammar, creative writing, and digital storytelling, guiding students in producing podcasts, blogs, and personal reflections. She also works occasionally as a freelance content developer.

Now based on the West Coast of Canada, Alison enjoys coordinating mindful movement and local beauty into her daily routine as much as she can. You’ll often find her spending time with friends & family, running trails in West and North Van, paddling, juicing fresh fruits & veggies, or valiantly trying her hand at baking, photographing flowers & styling blooms.

She is available for in-person and virtual sessions at Reframe Education.