About Us
Evolved Learning Services Inc. began with tutoring.
Kass started ELS working one-on-one with children and families, and as her schedule filled, Maya joined her. What began as academic support grew alongside the children we were working with. Because we know that learning is about so much more than academics.
Over the years, ELS has evolved into a space where we think about the whole child. Their learning, nervous system, communication, executive functioning, relationships, sensory experiences, interests, emotions, environment, and their understanding of themselves all belong in the conversation.
We take what we know about education and combine it with what we continue to learn across child development, neuroscience, neurodiversity, critical disability and autism studies, executive functioning, regulation, and learning science. Then we keep learning alongside the children and families we work with.
That curiosity has shaped ELS from the very beginning.
Today, we support children and families through individualized academic support, executive functioning, social, emotional, interoceptive learning (Evolved Inner World) parent support, and sibling support.
Our work looks different from child to child because the children themselves are unique.
We believe some of the most meaningful learning happens when a child feels understood enough to explore, curious enough to try, and supported enough to discover what works for them.
And ELS will keep evolving right alongside them.
Meet The Team
Kassandra Powell
Co-Founder
Kassandra Powell is the co-founder of Evolved Learning Services and a passionate advocate for children with exceptionalities. With a background in education and a deep understanding of neurodiversity, Kass has spent years helping families move beyond behaviour charts and surface-level strategies to truly understand what their child is experiencing underneath.
Kass specializes in translating the “why” behind behaviours. Whether a child is experiencing overwhelming behaviours, melting down, zoning out, or struggling in school, Kass helps families and educators see these moments as signals, not problems. Her work is grounded in science, but always led by heart.
Families often describe Kass as the person who finally made it all make sense. She brings clarity, warmth, and deep insight to any situation. Her mission is simple: to help children feel safe, understood, and ready to learn, and to help the adults around them feel empowered, not exhausted.
Kass believes in connection over correction, curiosity over control, and above all else, never giving up on a child.
Maya Doherty
Co-Founder
Maya Doherty is the co-founder of Evolved Learning Services, a Registered Early Childhood Educator, and holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Her work has grown from years spent learning alongside children. She is deeply curious about how children experience the world, what their behaviour communicates, how their bodies and nervous systems shape their days, and what becomes possible when the adults around them understand them more fully.
Maya’s approach brings together child development, education, neuroscience, interoception, executive functioning, neurodiversity, and critical disability and autism studies. She is especially interested in the space where all of these areas meet; the individual child in front of her.
That curiosity has shaped much of Maya’s work at ELS, including the development of Evolved Inner World, an approach centred on helping children understand themselves from the inside out. Through movement, creativity, conversation, experimentation, and everyday experiences, children are invited to explore their bodies, emotions, senses, energy, thoughts, values, choices, and connections.
Maya believes that understanding a child changes what becomes possible for them. Her work is grounded in careful observation, strong relationships, continued learning, and a willingness to stay curious when the answer is not immediately obvious.
At the heart of it all, Maya loves working with children. She brings playfulness, creativity, warmth, and genuine interest into the room, while taking seriously the responsibility of creating spaces where children can learn more about the world and about themselves.
Her work continues to come back to the same question - What is this child showing us, and what can we learn from it?
Deidre Gerrits
Lead Tutor
Deidre is the lead tutor at Evolved Learning Services, where she brings both deep expertise and genuine warmth to every session. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Child Studies, a Bachelor of Education from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, Deidre combines academic excellence with a strong understanding of child development and emotional needs.
Over the years, Deidre has worked across a wide range of educational settings, including classrooms, daycares, and one-on-one support environments. This diverse experience has given her a unique ability to meet children exactly where they are academically, emotionally, and socially.
What makes Deidre such a vital part of the ELS team is her unwavering belief in every student’s potential. Her sessions are filled with encouragement, structure, and compassion. She brings positivity, calm, and a strong sense of purpose to her work, helping children build not just their skills, but their confidence too.
Deidre is deeply committed to helping each child feel seen, supported, and capable of success.
Olivia
English and French Tutor
Olivia is an OCT Certified K-12 educator with a strong passion for helping students discover their strengths and build confidence in their learning. She completed her studies at Queen’s University through the Concurrent Education program and currently teaches English and French as a Second Language to Grade 9 and 10 students.
At ELS, Olivia brings warmth, creativity, and a deep commitment to connection. She listens closely to what students care about and thoughtfully weaves those passions into their learning journey. Her sessions are welcoming, student-centered, and always grounded in joy and purpose.
Outside of teaching, Olivia is deeply committed to equity and creating inclusive, supportive communities. In her free time, you’ll likely find her traveling, staying active, or sharing a great meal with the people she loves.
Mackenzie (Kenz)
Tutor
Kenz brings warmth, creativity, and a deep love for education to her work at ELS. With over seven years of experience in tutoring, she has a gift for building strong connections with her students and making learning feel fun, engaging, and movement-based.
Currently completing her degree in Childhood Education and Development, Kenz is in the process of applying for her Master’s in Elementary Education. Her passion for helping children grow shines through in every session, whether she’s supporting academics or simply helping a student feel seen and supported.
When she’s not teaching, you’ll find Kenz outdoors, exploring new places, or adventuring with her pup, Winnie. She’s a valued member of the ELS team and a future superstar teacher in the making.
Sarika
Math and Science Tutor
Sarika is in her second year of Neuroscience at Dalhousie, she has a big passion for learning about the brain and helping others unlock their potential. Shes always been fascinated by how we all learn and think in different ways. She loves teaching people who help her learn more too.
She aims to make learning fun and empowering. She loves helping students build confidence and discover what works best for them and applying this individually.
If she’s not studying or working she is probably reading, puzzling or out for a walk.
Andrea Stuart, M.ADS, BCBA
Founder of Everlife ABA
Andrea is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families through a compassionate, trauma-informed lens. She holds a Master of Applied Disability Studies, along with credentials in Applied Linguistics and as a Communicative Disorders Assistant. Through her private practice, Everlife ABA, Andrea works with children, teens, and adults across a range of needs, always centering care, collaboration, and integrity.
Andrea’s approach blends evidence-based strategies with heart. She believes in involving families every step of the way and infusing both her work and life with joy, purpose, and play.
Learn more at everlifeaba.com