Learning Specialist and Academic Coach

Personalized, One-to-One Help for Students and Working Individuals/Professionals

Heather Johanson

I am a Learning Specialist based in London, Ontario, Canada.  I have worked in education for 26 years, first as a high school teacher, then as a Learning Specialist at Western University for 18 years, and most recently, as an independent Learning Specialist and Academic Coach.  I provide help to individuals wanting to develop or strengthen their strategies for academic studies or work-related tasks, and to students wishing to improve their academic performance.

Help I Provide

I provide assistance for a variety of issues and concerns related to academic learning, including: test preparation and writing, problem-solving in math and science, getting the most out of lectures, reading, memory, time management, organization, attention, procrastination and more.


This assistance is available for senior high school students preparing for university or college, and college and university students in undergraduate, graduate, professional or post-diploma programs.  A student’s own course materials are used in all discussions related to learning strategies.

I also offer help to individuals from a wide range of careers and professions with issues such as time management, creating and delivering effective presentations, organization, attention and more.

I have extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with learning disabilities and those diagnosed with ADHD, helping them achieve success in their academic and career pursuits.


Testimonials

“Over the course of my second and third year as a student at Western, Heather helped me cope with the demands of university. With her knowledge and expertise, she helped me develop new skills and strategies for achieving academic success. Moreover, Heather taught me how to plan ahead and organize in an effective manner. Overall, she helped put me in a position to succeed and I strongly recommend her services to anyone seeking help in any specific subject.”

Year 3, Medical Sciences, Honours Specialization in Biochemistry and Human Pathology, Western University


“I found that Heather helped me tremendously in all facets of my academic life. She helped with my confidence in terms of my test taking skills, as well as my time management skills. I would recommend her to anyone looking for help “upping” their academic game. I still use her tips in my work life during my internship. Thank you Heather!”

Elise Woodward

Year 3, Honors Specialization in Integrated Science with Physics, Western University


“I just wanted to say thank you for all your help over the past year. Since I started going to you for time management help, my grades have seen a huge improvement.  I went from being happy last year with 75’s to my lowest grade going into finals this year being an 85, and even averaging an A on anatomy, which I never thought would happen. I really appreciate all the time you spent with me, and making sure all my questions were answered.”

Emerald Schreier

BA (Hons) Double Major in Linguistics and Psychology, Western University

“Heather is an incredible learning counsellor. I have volunteered under Heather’s supervision for four years, and I have observed her work with many students in helping them achieve their learning goals.

When working with students, she uses a cooperative approach to help them make the most out of their experience. When working through problems, she will involve students in the process by asking regularly for their feedback. Rather than immediately telling them what steps to take or what the answer is, she’ll kindly ask them for their thoughts first so that they have a chance to feel engaged. From what I’ve observed, students greatly appreciate this and they appear more confident after meeting. This is related to something that Heather has said before — that she wants the student to leave confident and with tools that they can use to complete new questions independently. 

When speaking to students about general learning strategies, she uses a similar student-centered approach. Rather than enforcing specific strategies too strongly, Heather understands that each individual has their own unique strengths and circumstances. Because of this, she will bring up several options based on her expertise, and she will consider the individual’s input throughout. Heather is compassionate and welcoming; I always felt comfortable asking her questions and seeking her input. Seeing the impact that she has on students has also inspired me to pursue more counselling-related opportunities in the future. Thank you Heather!”

Jailin Song

BMSc in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences, Western University

While at Western I helped to run a drop-in, peer-led help centre.  I trained and worked with the Learning Peers staffing the centre. Jailin was one of our Learning Peers.

“I started working with Heather as I entered my second year of University after experiencing a significant grade drop during my first year. Heather worked with me over the next four years to help me improve as a student and achieve my academic goals. Each time we met, Heather provided insightful and productive assistance for each of my classes, covering everything from how to succeed in a class lecture, to how to study for specific class types depending on my individualized needs, and planning and executing projects or papers. Heather aligned her specified assistance with my needs and my program of study, always making me feel as though her guidance was unique to me. Beyond that, Heather also helped instill me with confidence to talk with teachers and seek further support from the school when I needed it. Before working with Heather, I felt like I was drowning and I didn’t know why though. Through working with her, I turned my grades around and gained the confidence to apply and get into graduate school. I definitely would not be where I am today without Heather’s continual support, guidance and expertise.”

Hannah Wilcox

BSc (Hons) – Double Major in Biology and Microbiology and Immunology, Western University; MSc in Microbiology and Immunology, Western University

For any questions you have, or to book an appointment, you can reach me at:

heather@hjlearning.com