Who's the Nerd Behind the Words?

Hi, I'm Kalyn.

I'm the brain (and the 💕!) behind The Word Nerd, where words and ideas meet kindness, clarity, and a little nerdy sparkle. I specialize in helping adults with accessibility needs feel confident with writing, planning, and communicating — without judgment, shame, or overwhelm.

My Teaching Story So Far

I have 20 years of experience supporting adult learners with accessibility needs, especially those with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, language based learning disabilities, and mental health challenges.

As an academic coach, I specialize in helping post-secondary students with accessibility needs develop strong executive function skills, like organization, planning and task-initiation, so they feel supported in school life and confident in adult life. As a specialized tutor, I'm a true word nerd who’s passionate about helping students communicate with clarity and confidence, including in writing, reading, speaking and comprehension.

🤩 My approach combines dynamic coaching and real-world strategies with compassion, mindfulness, and a little nerdy humour. My past students consistently report valuing my gentle and calming presence, and my ability to hold space so that they feel seen and heard with respect. ✨

What I Do

📚 Tutoring for adults with functional limitations in reading, writing, speaking and comprehension — especially in business, the humanities and social sciences.

🧠 Executive function coaching for planning, organization, and time management.

🎓 Collaboration: I also work with universities, colleges, and private learning agencies to support inclusive learning and communication.

The Word Nerd Way

What I Believe About Learning

🧠 Your brain is not the problem. We work with it, not against it.

🧠 Human-centered support means kindness comes first. Learning happens when you feel safe.

🧠 My approach is rooted in curiosity, attunement, and deep respect—especially for beautifully busy minds.

🧠 No “one-size-fits-all” here. Every session and strategy are tailored to your needs.

🧠 We learn together. We are both student and teacher; let’s help each other help you.

What I Believe About Using AI

💕 I practice a human-centered focus in my work, always.

I believe in ongoing AI learning. This means co-working with AI, not competing with it or ignoring it.

Tutoring

✅ human-centered: compassion, kindness, and empathy with real-talk about choices

✅ facilitate higher-order thinking skills over answer-giving; teach how to think, not what to think

✅ act as a guide to educate and empower students to use AI responsibly and ethically in research, writing, studying and assessments

✅ help students navigate AI tools, modelling academic honesty and integrity

✅ uphold students' school’s AI policy and each teacher’s individual AI policies

Have any questions or concerns about AI? I am happy to chat about it.

Let's Get Real: My Why

📚 I was always a good student in school, but I struggled a lot as school got more demanding. In university, I suffered from chronic migraines and depression, and I was trying different kinds of pharmaceuticals just to survive. All of this severely impacted my ability to learn. Life felt BRUTAL.

When I decided to take control of my health, I explored mindfulness, nutrition, light therapy, and CBT. 🧠 I learned I didn't know how to deal with stress very well and as a consequence I was disconnected from my body and emotions. 🧠 I also learned I am highly sensitive to sensory stimuli (sounds, light, smell) and empathic, keenly in tune with others' emotions.

As I learned new stress-management and self-awareness tools, my health got better. As I got better at listening to my body and my true needs, life began to flow. I can say now that my life is WAY COOLER than I planned at 18 years old! And with practising the right tools (for me), it keeps being that way.

Post-secondary is HARD. Being a 20-someting is VULNERABLE. Being an adult student is INTENSE. ✅ I SO GET IT. I wanted to be the kind of adult teacher that I needed. And I am. I'M HER. I'm confident something I've learned will help you!

✨That's why I created The Word Nerd, a space for real-life learners like you who want personalized, judgment-free support with language skills and executive function development.

I get it. And I'm here for you. 🤓

Let's Work Together!

If you’re ready for support that works with you — and celebrates you — I’d love for us to meet. You can explore my services or fill out an intake form, or reach out with any questions with the button below. I’m already looking forward to working together! 🤓

Contact Kalyn

Kalyn & The Word Nerd

Where words and ideas meet kindness, clarity, and a little nerdy sparkle.