Sarah Arnold:
Hello! I am Sarah Arnold, Founder of Halifax Learning.
I know from personal experience what it is like to go through school without efficient reading and writing skills—it limited my personal potential, rocked my confidence, and presented barriers to optimal performance in all aspects of my learning and life.
My life direction became clear when I met and became a student of Dr. Kay MacPhee from PEI. I studied Dr. MacPhee’s life's work, which is an evidence-based structured literacy program that offers a clear instructional pathway tailored to the needs of learners. I adopted this to become Halifax Learning Inc. in 2007.
The profound transformation that happens as a child becomes an excellent reader is magical; there is science and art in this process, and it is the best job in the world.
It is every child’s human right to be provided with a strong foundation of reading skills mastery, and at Halifax Learning we make this a reality.
The publishing of the Ontario Human Rights Commission Report, the Right to Read Report, in 2022 concluded that literacy is a basic human right. This historic report recommended Halifax Learning as a leading Canadian structured literacy student program and teacher training provider.
Laurie Sinclair:
I'm Laurie Sinclair, CEO of Halifax Learning, where I passionately lead a dedicated team of educational experts in delivering Canada's foremost structured literacy program. Our program is meticulously crafted and grounded in the science of reading, designed not only to build but to sustain foundational skills in educators and students alike. We aim to transform literacy education, ensuring that all participants are equipped to succeed.
My professional journey is rooted deeply in business strategy, leadership, and the successful scaling of private enterprises across Canada. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and have successfully completed the rigorous CPA program. Additionally, I have pursued executive education in Strategy, Leadership, and Scaling Private Business at Harvard University, which has further honed my skills in navigating complex business landscapes
Throughout my career, I have consistently developed a strong track record of identifying market opportunities and translating them into actionable, sustainable business models that drive growth and innovation. In this capacity, I created, designed, and delivered to CEO’s across Canada, a national-scale up business program based on a comprehensive 11-step business model. These crucial steps lay the groundwork for any business success, addressing the key components that contribute to a thriving enterprise.
At Halifax Learning, I bring both my business acumen and educational passion to the forefront. My mission is one I believe in deeply: to ensure that every teacher and student in Canada—and beyond—has access to the vital tools, skills, and resources they need to become confident, lifelong readers. Through our innovative programs, we aim not just to teach reading but to inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. I am committed to fostering an educational environment where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.
Melinda Cameron:
I'm Melinda Cameron, Director of Clinics and Research at Halifax Learning. I lead curriculum development and research initiatives for Canada's leading structured literacy program.
I hold a Research Master of Arts in Literacy Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, and my career spans over two decades of direct literacy instruction, teacher mentorship, and program development.
At Halifax Learning, I oversee the clinical delivery of structured literacy programs and drive the research partnerships that keep our practice grounded in current science. This includes an active AI phonological screener validation study in collaboration with researchers at Saint Mary's University.
I am a curriculum developer, conference presenter, and literacy advocate. I present regularly at the International Dyslexia Association and ResearchEd conferences, where I speak on automaticity and intervention for struggling readers.
My commitment is simple: to close the gap between literacy research and classroom practice, and to ensure that every student, no matter where they are, has access to instruction that works.
Eryn Steele:
Hello, I’m Eryn Steele, Director of Teacher Training at Halifax Learning. I work with educators, schools, and districts across Canada to bring structured literacy into real classrooms in a way that is clear, practical, and sustainable.
With over 25 years of experience in literacy instruction, my work spans teacher training, curriculum development, and professional learning design.
I’ve also worked directly with students of all ages, which continues to inform how I design training and support educators.
I develop courses and training that align with best practices in education and help teachers build strong, consistent instructional routines.
Through coaching and mentoring, I work alongside educators to translate research into confident, day-to-day practice.
At the core of my work is a commitment to equitable access to literacy and to supporting educators as they help students become confident, capable readers and writers.