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About the Academic Coaching Center
Aubyn Kichler, MPEd, RSW
I opened The Academic Coaching Center because I’m passionate about helping students feel empowered in their academic journey. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and behind—I failed high school and wasn’t sure if I’d ever find my footing academically. But when I returned to school through college, I was determined to succeed. I began learning how to study in a way that worked for my brain. It wasn’t about trying harder—it was about understanding what I needed, getting organized, and building skills that would carry me forward.
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By applying the same strategies I now teach others, I was able to thrive. I transferred to the University of British Columbia and graduated in the top 10% of my department. That experience taught me that academic success is possible—even if it hasn’t happened yet.
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After graduation, I worked for five years as a social worker supporting youth experiencing homelessness in Vancouver, BC. This work shaped how I think about support, resilience, and what it means to show up for someone. I learned to build meaningful relationships with clients by helping them feel seen, understood, and capable. I carry this relationship-based, nonjudgmental approach into my academic coaching every day.
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In 2021, I transitioned into academic coaching to help students in a new way—by teaching the skills and strategies that helped me succeed. To deepen my knowledge, I enrolled in the University of Western Ontario’s Master of Professional Education program in 2022. This specialized program focused entirely on teaching students with exceptionalities. In education, “exceptionalities” is a term used to describe any student with a unique learning profile, including ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, giftedness, and more.
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Today, I specialize in supporting post-secondary students who face barriers to learning, including executive functioning challenges, time management struggles, and academic anxiety. I take a personalized, student-centered approach—helping each student build the practical tools, habits, and confidence they need to reach their goals.
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In our work together, I help students figure out what’s getting in their way, whether it’s difficulty starting assignments, organizing their workload, staying focused, or knowing how to study effectively. From there, we build customized strategies that match the student’s learning style, goals, and life circumstances. Academic coaching is not one-size-fits-all—it’s a partnership rooted in compassion, structure, and growth.
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I believe that all students are capable of success when they have the right support. If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure how to move forward, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—and I know how powerful it can be to have someone in your corner. My goal is to help you move from overwhelm to empowerment and to give you the skills you need to succeed both in school and beyond.