The Evolution of Evoke Learning

Evolution of Evoke Learning

Evoke Learning got its start in 2008 as a grassroots response to an identified need among exceptional students. Our holistic approach to coaching was launched to help them move from underperformance to personal achievement, providing our clients with support for reaching their academic goals, overcoming social-emotional challenges, and putting evidence-based learning strategies into action in every facet of their lives.

The majority of our clients were coping with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities and they were often gifted. They were also lost in a traditional education system. Observing and working with these amazing students inspired us to respond organically with new programs to meet their emerging needs.

Students who exhibited self-regulation challenges that often resulted in learning gaps inspired our tutoring program. Those who lacked study skills and had notetaking deficits were the focus of our Academic Foundations program. Many of our students struggled to overcome executive function impediments such as initiation, organization, time management, and focus, and so we created our mentoring program. Clients with learning disabilities often suffered from acute anxiety and stress, addressed now through our coaching practices. Students who had difficulty initiating academic work inspired us to create coaching specifically designed for individuals who procrastinate.

More recently, struggling readers benefit from our reading remediation program, designed to assist primary students who are challenged by the acquisition of reading skills or older students with continued reading difficulties. And after observing that exceptional students needed better guidance for making productive university and college decisions, we now offer postsecondary planning.

Evoke programming will continue to evolve to meet our clients’ needs, using evidence-based, peer-reviewed brain science to inform our work.

Our Philosophy

As coaches, we are partners trained to listen, observe, and customize our approach to supporting every student. We believe that each of us is naturally creative and resourceful, and we work to enhance those abilities to elicit solutions, strategies, and productive habits for our clients. We follow the principles of coaching endorsed by the International Coaching Federation.

People respond positively when provided with choices, respect, and autonomy. Our approach is holistic, and we capitalize on a student’s core strengths, replacing weaknesses and deficits with openness and positivity. Evoke uses research-informed approaches and cognitive science in our programming and instruction. We don’t believe in laziness; we believe there are barriers to learning and situations that hold individuals back, and that it is our job to understand their needs, determine those barriers, and help students address them. Our clients come to us to facilitate change and our goal is to help them move forward. We do this by providing them with the resources, tools, strategies, accommodations, and external scaffolding they need to become independent learners.

We believe in the science of learning, and that it takes time and requires effort and practice. Cognitive science tells us that procrastination and avoidance are natural responses to tasks we dislike doing and often the sign of a deficit in emotional regulation. When we procrastinate, we push away a negative feeling, which makes us feel better temporarily but does not address what is really getting in the way.

never stop learning

The Evoke Difference

We embrace neurodiversity—the view that brain differences are normal—and that variations in brain structure make us human. We specialize in working with students who have learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD, Giftedness and the comorbidities that often accompany them. We understand that the ways in which students respond to the challenges their exceptionalities create may look like active choice, but that people don’t choose to struggle. No one gets up in the morning and decides “today I’m not going to do well!” No one chooses to fail.

Although we can’t change someone’s neurobiology (just as we can’t make someone’s blue eyes brown), we can provide tools, resources, strategies, and support to help them and replace judgement with curiosity, empathy, and understanding. At Evoke, we put ourselves in other people’s shoes. We understand the perspective of someone with executive function challenges, and how deficits in these cognitive functions can feel overwhelming and frustrating. We know what it feels like to struggle with organization, setting priorities, managing alertness, sustaining effort, shifting focus, and regulating processing speed and output. There are many reasons why students procrastinate, and we approach our work together with curiosity and acceptance. We understand that procrastinators often have executive function challenges, and we are here to help our students take that first step toward making things feel less overwhelming.

Evoke coaches, tutors, and academic strategists are allies who partner with students to co-create goals and help them develop an evidence-based plan to maximize their potential. We understand and are sensitive to the challenges our students have and what is uncomfortable and difficult for them. We are dedicated to supporting our students through their mistakes and failures. We acknowledge when something is difficult for them and help them work their way through it.

Contact us
kate Lloyd

Kate LloydMSW, RSW, ACPC

Kate holds a BA (Hons.) in sociology with distinction from the University of Western Ontario where she earned the Gold Medal for a four-year social science specialization, awarded to the student with the highest average in a sociology major. In addition, she holds a master of social work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, and is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is a professional coach certified by Adler International Learning (OISE, University of Toronto) and a member of the International Coaching Federation. Kate is also an Edge Foundation-trained ADHD coach, and a Nurtured Heart Approach® certified trainer. In her work life, Kate was a staff member at Camp Kirk, a residential summer camp for children with learning disabilities and special needs. She has taught a variety of workshops for students on executive functions, study preparation, and metacognition, and was the development director at the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario for 12 years. Kate believes that individuals respond positively when provided with choices, options, respect, and autonomy. Her approach is holistic, and capitalizes on a client’s core strengths, replacing weaknesses and deficits with openness and positivity. Kate knows that development is rarely a straight line, and she uses appropriate humour to address the periodic need to release stress and help lower anxiety. Her long-term focus is on developing academic skills and self-awareness, and on strengthening skills across all subject areas. She believes that hard work, preparation, and self-confidence are the keys to success.

Read some of the positive reviews left for Kate here.

Denise Harding

Denise HardingBA, ACPC

Denise holds a BA (Hons.) from the University of Waterloo. She is a certified professional coach (ACPC) through Adler International Learning and the University of Toronto (OISE) and an applied mindfulness meditation specialist (University of Toronto) and has completed postgraduate certification as a learning disabilities specialist (LDGC). Denise is a graduate of popular author and ADHD expert Chris Dendy’s ADHD Training Institute. Denise has been a consultant with the Learning Disabilities Associations of Ontario (LDAO) and York Region (LDAYR). She has served as a representative for LDAYR on the York Region District School Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee and was a director of the Ontario provincial board of Canadian Parents for French (CPF), working with CPF’s special education advocacy committee. She has served on advisory panels, co-produced CPF webinars for educators and parents, and has been a presenter at l’association canadienne des professionels en immersion’s (ACPI) annual conference. Denise has been a contributing writer to the Journal de l’immersion, a resource for French immersion educators, and is the author of “A Parent’s Perspective: French Immersion and the Student with Special Needs,” a chapter from l’Association canadienne des professionels en immersion’s A Reflective Guide for French Immersion Leaders: A Collection of Essays on Topics Relevant to French Immersion Educators Across Canada. She is also a contributor to ADDitude magazine. She has worked with her local school board delivering teacher training workshops as well as consulting on course curriculum development. Denise is the proud mother of two neurodiverse young adult children, a son who is gifted and a daughter with learning disabilities who is bilingual and has completed both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Her daughter has been profiled in Chris Dendy’s new book Launching into Young Adulthood with ADHD … Ready or Not! in the “Photo Gallery of Hope,” which features young adults who have overcome the challenges of ADHD and are thriving. Supporting her two children has helped her understand the demands of navigating the education system from elementary school through postsecondary studies.

Read some of the positive reviews left for Denise here.

Reviews

Evoke has been absolutely essential to the academic success of all three of our children. Evoke’s skilled staff and tutors were able to assess and remediate gaps and challenges that... read more

Laura Harvey Avatar Laura Harvey
November 17, 2023

Vic has been an amazing support for our teen. I catch bits of their sessions together and Vic is so compassionate, engaging, practical and intentional. Our teen truly... read more

Bruce Sellery Avatar Bruce Sellery
October 22, 2023

This tutoring has been a game changer for my son. The staff are fabulous; kind and patient with him and his learning needs. Highly recommend! And we love Lea!

Amanda Tulk-O'Reilly Avatar Amanda Tulk-O'Reilly
October 6, 2022

My son was diagnosed with ADHD-Combined, and we were very fortunate to discover Evoke Learning. Over the past 1.5 years, Evoke Learning has been instrumental in helping my... read more

JT Avatar JT
April 6, 2022

I worked with Richard at Evoke over several months and he was immensely helpful. Besides being professional and effective, Richard was very compassionate and empathetic. During my time working with... read more

Bree Avatar Bree
April 6, 2022

My son was diagnosed with ADHD plus an LD and he was having difficulty with his high school classes. After searching for tutors for my son and coming up... read more

Trecia Downes Avatar Trecia Downes
April 6, 2022

Our experience with Evoke has been fantastic. Everyone from the administrative staff, to the assessment staff to the tutors are incredible professional, and knowledgeable. The virtual experience was great, my... read more

Anne-Marie Gabrini Avatar Anne-Marie Gabrini
April 6, 2022

My name is Jessica and I’ve had Richard as my academic coach for the last 1.5 years. I am completing my Master’s and as someone with ADHD, I was very... read more

Kimberley Gemmell Avatar Kimberley Gemmell
April 6, 2022

I went to Evoke for several months for ADHD counselling. I had Richard Comeau, who was unbelievably helpful with improving my work ethic, organizational skills, motivation, and note taking/studying strategies.... read more

Evan Applebaum Avatar Evan Applebaum
April 6, 2022

The reading program at Evoke helped me feel empowered and strengthen my reading. This program truly has impacted my life in such a positive way. This program not only helped... read more

Vanessa Garritano Avatar Vanessa Garritano
April 6, 2022

I had the chance to work with Richard this year on improving my learning skills and over that time I've become a different person with a completely different mindset on... read more

Naomi Tomeo Avatar Naomi Tomeo
April 6, 2022

My 14 year old son has been working with Andrew for a couple of years to get help with math and science and he loves it so much my 16... read more

Dorothy Steel Avatar Dorothy Steel
April 6, 2022

I worked with Richard at Evoke over several months and he was immensely helpful. Besides being professional and effective, Richard was very compassionate and empathetic. During my time working with... read more

Bree Lawrence Avatar Bree Lawrence
November 22, 2021

I feel so much gratitude for the services of Evoke Learning. Our child developed reading skills during our time with Evoke which was a huge milestone. Dollar for... read more

Lee May Nikoletos Avatar Lee May Nikoletos
April 6, 2021

A friend recommended Evoke after I shared concerns with my daughter’s reading development. She had used Evoke more than five years ago and still raves about the positive impact for... read more

Shalini Mitchell Avatar Shalini Mitchell
April 6, 2021

I have nothing but positive things to say about our Evoke Learning experience. From the initial phone call, to the intake meeting to, in our instance, the weekly sessions, there... read more

Mike Dietrich Avatar Mike Dietrich
April 6, 2021

Kate is quite possibly the most helpful person I have worked with in the 20+ years of managing my ADHD. She is down to earth, intelligent, compassionate and truly incredible... read more

Emmett Johnston Avatar Emmett Johnston
April 6, 2021

I had the pleasure of being mentored by Richard. He taught me how to maximize my school performance, and to learn how to work with my ADHD and learning... read more

Cameron Oland Avatar Cameron Oland
April 6, 2021

I’ve had nothing but positive experiences at Evoke, having worked with two of their coaches (Aaron and Richard). With their professionalism, kindness, and expertise, I’ve been making real progress on... read more

C. James Avatar C. James
April 6, 2021

Our daughter has learning disabilities and ADHD. When she began having difficulties during university, Kate Lloyd was recommended. Kate’s counselling was excellent and enabled our daughter to graduate... read more

Marilyn Gillespie Avatar Marilyn Gillespie
April 6, 2020

I have been working with Evoke Learning for my ADHD for about five years. Before I started working with my tutor I was having a lot of difficulties at school... read more

Keegan Gardner-Elmer Avatar Keegan Gardner-Elmer
April 6, 2020

As a Mom of a student with learning disabilities, I highly recommend the coaching and tutoring services of Denise Harding and the staff at both the Evoke Learning Aurora and... read more

Glenna Davis Avatar Glenna Davis
April 6, 2020

****5 STARS HANDS DOWN!!!!**** Kate Lloyd, the owner of Evoke Learning- is one of the most amazing and outstanding human beings that I have ever met in my life.... read more

Malaika Jackson Avatar Malaika Jackson
April 6, 2020

It is difficult to sum up how much Evoke’s services have helped me to reach my goals and realize my full potential at university and beyond. From my in-person coaching... read more

Carli G Avatar Carli G
April 6, 2020

I have been using Evoke's services for the past two years while being in university. I have to say, Kate (the owner) has gone ABOVE and BEYOND for me! She... read more

Hailey Merten Avatar Hailey Merten
April 6, 2020

I worked with Evoke's learning for helping my niece. She wanted to be in the baseball team and we weren't ready to allow her as she is an ADHD kid.... read more

Linda Wells Avatar Linda Wells
April 6, 2020

We have made Evoke our go-to resource for several years. One of our children had been diagnosed with a learning difference and ADHD, in grade three, and needed a support... read more

Anouchka Freybe Avatar Anouchka Freybe
April 6, 2020

I had the pleasure of working as a coach and mentor at Evoke Learning. I was very impressed with the quality of training I received by Kate Lloyd, and have... read more

Uzma Abdullah Avatar Uzma Abdullah
April 6, 2020

I would give 10 stars if I could! Kate Lloyd is amazing at what she does. I had always struggled to take tests through University and Graduate school so... read more

Jaclyn Clarkson Avatar Jaclyn Clarkson
April 6, 2020

I hired Evoke Learning to help coach and organize my child when he went off to university. They did an excellent job and were very professional with their services, invoicing,... read more

Diana Lawrence Avatar Diana Lawrence
April 6, 2020

We have had the greatest pleasure of Learning about Evoke. They have been phenomenal working along with my daughter. Denise was a great mentor for my daughter... read more

Daniela Saker Avatar Daniela Saker
April 6, 2020

My daughter has been with Evoke Learning and with the academic coaching program for two years. In that time, I can say that she’s really become much stronger in her... read more

Lily McClelland Avatar Lily McClelland
April 6, 2020

Great coaching services for students with ADHD and/or executive function deficits. Denise is organized, structured and holds her clients accountable for their 'homework'. I highly recommend Evoke to parents who... read more

B “onekgirl” K Avatar B “onekgirl” K
April 6, 2020

I can say both my boys used Evoke Learning to sharpen their study skills and benefitted from the coaching they received. I would recommend Evoke Learning when a child needs... read more

Lily Polemidiotis Avatar Lily Polemidiotis
April 6, 2020

My Son Marco has been going to Evoke for English and Math, and we are so happy with his progress. He has worked with Bridgitt and Mohammed and they... read more

Amy Gesualdo Avatar Amy Gesualdo
April 6, 2020