The Literacy Clinic Team

Proud Members Of:

Laura Caprini, B.Ed. Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Dip.Ed. Specialization: Middle Years Technology In The Classroom

Founder of both the Hudson Literacy Clinic and the Montreal Literacy Clinic, Laura Caprini graduated from McGill University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Education Degree specializing in Early Childhood Education. She began her career as a resource teacher at the Montreal Catholic School Commisson (MCSC), working with underpriveldged children living in Montreal’s inner-city Pointe St. Charles and Côtes-des-Neiges areas.

In 1995, she resigned her teaching post from the MCSC, and re-located to British Columbia where she spent almost a decade working as a classroom teacher in disadvantaged areas of Vancouver and inner-city Abbotsford, B.C. During this time, she attended Simon Fraser University and successfully completed a Graduate Diploma of Education.

She and her family returned to the province of Québec in 2004, whereupon she resumed her role as a resource teacher for the Lester B. Pearson School Board. Added to her credentials is a Certification in Simultaneous Multisensory Teaching Methodology recognized by the Canadian Dyslexia Association in Ottawa.

In 2019, Laura resigned her tenure with the Lester B. Pearson School Board to devote her attention exclusively to both clinics. It is here that she fulfills her true passion: helping children with learning difficulties to become confident and proficient readers! Privileged to have been working with children with a variance of special needs throughout her teaching career, Laura’s ultimate goal is for all her students to reach their fullest potential.

Heather Baillie, B.A. Specialization: Sociology, B.Ed.

Specialization: Elementary Education

Heather graduated from Bishop’s University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts Specialization in Sociology, and a minor in Psychology. At this time, she worked as a substitute teacher with the Eastern Townships School Board, while travelling and training with the National Women’s Rugby Team. After attending the Rugby World Cup in Spain in 2002, she received a Bachelor of Education at the University of Victoria, B.C. in 2004. Over the years, she has enjoyed teaching with the Lester B. Pearson School Board, the Upper Canada District School Board in Ontario, and the Chignecto-Regional School Board in Nova Scotia. In addition, she has volunteered as a rugby and soccer coach, participated in a variety of breakfast programs, and has given her time to a number of reading and library programs at various schools. She moved to Hudson with her family in 2016, and was thrilled to join The Literacy Clinic team in 2019.

Shaneha Patel, M.A. Child Studies, B.Sc. Psychology Specialization: Behavioral Neuroscience

Shaneha graduated from Concordia University in 2018 with a Master’s Degree in Child Studies, and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Her area of study is literacy development in the context of the home environment, specifically during literacy activities between parents and their children. She has had several research experiences in psychology and education, and she currently works as a research coordinator at Concordia University. Shaneha is presently furthering her studies at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), working toward the attainment of a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Shaneha has also worked as a mentor and tutor in a variety of settings, and has worked with underprivileged children for many years during her time as a volunteer at Batshaw Youth and Family Centres. She is grateful to be working at The Literacy Clinic, and it brings her immense joy to witness the academic growth of her students.

Marie-Louise Hadjidakis, B.Ed. Elementary Education

Marie-Louise Hadjidakis graduated from McGill University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Education, and began her career at Dorset Elementary School (Lester B. Pearson School Board) as an integration aide. Prior to this, she completed her collegial studies at the County Council School for Nursing Professions in Vasteras, Sweden, whereupon she worked as a pediatric nurse's assistant in a variety of hospital settings. During her studies at McGill, she worked at Ericsson Research Canada teaching Swedish to engineers, as well as teaching Swedish to young children. Marie-Louise enjoys making a difference in children's lives, and teaching at The Literacy Clinic to share in the academic growth of her students is of great value to her.

Rebecca Chisholm, M.S.T. Childhood Education

Rebecca graduated with a Masters of Science in Teaching: Childhood Education from SUNY Potsdam. Qualified to teach from pre-kindergarten to intermediate, Rebecca had the pleasure of working in Quebec’s northern Cree Nation and within public schools in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. She completed additional professional qualifications in Kindergarten, Guidance and Intermediate Science. She also holds a Specialization in Special Education.

Her experiences have reinforced her theory that learning comes down to the importance of relationships. She looks for innovating ways to develop these relationships with curiosity, humour, technology, pop culture, the arts, and whatever else she can employ. When working alongside Rebecca, students achieve success as they enjoy her positive attitude and willingness to adapt to their needs.

Tina Cutrone, B.A. Specialization: Early Childhood/Elementary

Education

Tina Cutrone is a graduate of Concordia University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree specializing in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has worked for the English Montreal School Board, Montessori schools, and is currently teaching within the Lester B. Pearson School Board. Tina uses her broad repertoire of teaching experience to help students at The Literacy Clinic meet their individual learning goals, and is committed to their success.