Meet the Team
tanya@averyfsps.comTanya Keto
Avery Co-Founder & Clinic Director
Hello! Welcome! I’m Tanya, and I’m a Registered Psychologist, Permanent Professionally Certified Teacher and mom. I have more than 25 years’ combined experience as a teacher, learning strategist, guidance counsellor, public educator, advocate and school psychologist.
I have worked extensively with a range of students, from twice-exceptional (2e) learners to children with mood and anxiety disorders. My areas of expertise are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disabilities (LD) —Dyslexia in particular.
I am incredibly passionate about helping kids find success through the assessment process. I am equally as driven to help parents and teachers learn new support methods. In addition to assessment, I am a coach and educator to teachers and educational specialists.
kyle@averyfsps.comKyle McIntosh
STARS Literacy & Learning
Hi, I’m Kyle! I approach my work at Avery from a place of compassion, kindness, gentleness and humour. Building trust with students allows them take risks in their learning, and I love watching the daily gains they make!
I have worked with children throughout my life, including 17 years as leader for church youth programs. A career highlight was a mission trip, when I took 30 high school students to Mexico where we built a home, set up a medical clinic, and made friendships with local children.
But my one of my absolute best career moments? My time as counsellor at Camp Okotoks.
lawrence@averyfsps.comLawrence
Counselling & Career Guidance
Hello! I'm Lawrence, and my motto is: “If they have a dream, they need a plan”.
I am a Permanent Professionally Certified Teacher, Canadian Certified Counsellor, and Registered Provisional Psychologist. With more than 20 years of combined experience, I advocate, facilitate, and mediate change for my young clients and their families as a counsellor at Avery.
In my personal and professional experiences as a parent, scientist, teacher and counsellor, I’ve gained essential insights in adolescent behaviour. In my practice, I teach students practical steps to find their passions and plan their futures; advise parents and caregivers in supporting their kids; and empower children to develop resiliency.
colleen@averyfsps.comColleen
Academic Coaching and Assistive Technology
Hi, I’m Colleen, and I empower students to thrive through all their educational endeavors.
With more than 20 years of experience supporting students including 11 years in the post-secondary environment, I specialize in equipping students with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to succeed throughout their academic journey.
I offer practical, student-centered services rooted in a strengths-based approach. My work focuses on supporting students in finding their voice and taking ownership of their learning journey.
carmen@averyfsps.comCarmen
Assessments and Play Therapy
Hello, I'm Carmen! As a psychologist, teacher and parent, I have experience supporting children with a variety of needs. I am a Registered Psychologist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) assessment for in children ages 5 to 17 years old.
I believe all children and parents do well when they have the right support.
Assessments are essential for understanding a child’s strengths and challenges. Assessments also empower the child, showing ways they learn, think and process their surroundings. When children know what works for them, (and what doesn’t), they learn the power of self-advocacy.
My strength-based approach to assessment, focuses on what a child excels at and areas for improvement. This is rooted in a neurodiversity-affirming framework:
recognizing brain differences without pathologizing them
emphasizing the value of individuality
fostering an environment where children can thrive on their own terms
With compassion and empathy, I commit to providing children and their families the tools to overcome barriers successfully.
vanessa@averyfsps.comVanessa
Assessments
Hello, I'm Vanessa, and I am a Registered Psychologist specializing in assessment with children, youth and adults.
I conduct comprehensive psycho-educational and psychological assessments for Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mood and anxiety disorders.
I have experience working with individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds and strive to create a welcoming, respectful, and supportive assessment environment. I see assessments as a way to gain a clearer understanding of how an individual learns and functions in daily life. They can help highlight strengths, explain challenges, and provide information that supports insight, confidence, and positive change.
My goal is for assessment results to feel useful and understandable, helping families make informed decisions about supports and next steps. I especially enjoy working with children, as their curiosity, honesty, and resilience continually remind me why this work matters. My goal is to help each child feel understood and supported, while equipping parents with the tools they need to help their child thrive.
timi@averyfsps.comTimi
STARS Literacy & Learning instructor
Hello, I’m Timi! My own love of reading, combined with my passion for supporting children, drew me to literacy instruction. I am excited to help young learners build the skills and confidence to work through challenges.
As an avid reader, I know stories have the power to inspire, educate and create human connection, and literacy is central to child development and self-esteem.
My interest in identity development, mental health and relationships, led me to complete a Master’s in Counselling. My goal is to become a registered psychologist.
nadine@averyfsps.comNadine
STARS Literacy & Learning instructor
Hello, my name is Nadine! My goal is to ensure children feel safe and supported to take risks, ask questions and grow at their own pace.
As an educator, I create positive, inclusive and engaging learning environments where every child feels valued, supported and comfortable.
My love for education began with amazing teachers who inspired and encouraged me when I was young. As I grew up, they brought me out of my shell and sparked my drive to make a difference to others.
My experience in the Bachelor of Education program at Mount Royal University deepened my understanding of children literacy and learning, and my commitment strong literacy instruction.
The more I learn, the more I am motivated to help kids grow into confident readers. I am honored to guide students on their literacy journeys!
amanda@averyfsps.comAmanda
STARS Literacy & Learning instructor
Hi, my name is Amanda!
As and educator, my goal is to provide every child, regardless of ability or learning style, the tools and inspiration they need to thrive. At Avery, I help students build confidence and develop a love for learning.
I found my purpose encouraging and mentoring others when I was young. This ignited my passion for teaching and led me to the Bachelor of Education program at Mount Royal University.
Every child has unique strengths, difficulties and ways of understanding. By creating inclusive and supportive spaces, I assure students feel valued, understood, comfortable to explore ideas and capable of reaching their full potential.
erika@averyfsps.comErika
STARS Literacy & Learning instructor
Hi, I'm Erika!
Experiencing my own learning challenges motivates me to see surpass expectations. I love inspiring and encouraging Avery students as we build their reading, writing and spelling skills together.
I earned Honours with Distinction pursuing my psychology degree, where I minored in human development, counselling, learning and developmental disabilities.
I plan to become a school psychologist via the UCalgary Master of Education in School & Applied Child Psychology.
alyssa@averyfsps.comAlyssa
STARS Literacy & Learning instructor
Hello! I'm Alyssa, and my goal is to empower students and build their confidence with patience, understanding and custom literacy interventions.
While completing my Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology at UBC Okanagan, I gained a lot of valuable lab research experience. As part of my clinical training, I assisted children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities.
In my journey to become a school psychologist, I am currently enrolled in the MEd in School & Applied Child Psychology program at the University of Calgary Werklund School.
laura@averyfsps.comLaura
STARS Literacy & Learning instructor
Hi, I'm Laura! As an educator, I spark a love for learning and create lasting positive effects for students.
When I was younger, helping my mom while she taught preschool inspired me to pursue teaching. Seeing children discover the joy of learning is so exciting, and I am thrilled to share this with them.
I am currently an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Education program at Mount Royal University. As a Literacy Instructor, I advance what I learn in my courses, providing me an invaluable skill-set for future classrooms.
siena@averyfsps.comSiena
STARS Literacy & Learning instructor
Hi! My name is Siena, and as a firm believer in the power of lifelong learning, I’m eager to continue my journey as an educator.
My experiences volunteering at specialized schools for students with learning disabilities has provided me with invaluable insights into the diverse ways students learn.
Building strong relationships with students is, in my view, the foundation for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students feel safe and valued. I am committed to ensuring that every student feels empowered to learn and grow, and to support them in building upon their confidence towards learning.
I am a teacher candidate at Mount Royal University, where I am deeply committed to nurturing students with a love for learning. Over the past few years, I have had opportunities to tutor and have built strong relationships with neurodiverse learners.
My role at Avery allows me to develop these relationships and tailor my teaching approach to meet the unique needs of each student, aligning with my goal of becoming an educator.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy about yoga, exploring new destinations and spending time with family and friends in Texas. As well, I enjoy watching college football and supporting my favourite team, the Texas Longhorns!
ilana@averyfsps.comIlana
STARS Literacy & Learning instructor
Hi! I’m Ilana!
Creating a learning environment where every child feels comfortable to ask questions, make mistakes and discover strengths is my passion.
Teaching swimming lessons sparked my inspiration to work with kids and support diverse learners. This was the moment I knew I wanted teach, leading me to pursue my Bachelor of Education at Mount Royal University.
My area of interest is helping students with learning differences. Because I believe every child can thrive with the right tools and encouragement, I strive to build a safe, inclusive space where students feel seen and supported.
As a Literacy Instructor, I foster meaningful connections with students to develop their reading skills and confidence. Seeing children grow into independent, enthusiastic learners is what I love most about my career.