Our Mission

We provide parents and children alike with individualized strategies, carefully selected tools and resources to help them be successful at school and at home. Through guidance and a better awareness of your child’s strengths, educational needs and preferred learning styles, you will become empowered to make informed decisions for your child and effectively advocate for their needs.

Work with us

Advocate For Your Child

We will teach you how to advocate for your child's individual educational needs to be successful at school. This includes gaining a better understanding of school policies and procedures on special education. We will provide you with guidance for team meetings so that when you enter a meeting, you feel empowered, knowledgeable and prepared. Through this process, we will help you work collaboratively with your school’s administration, teachers, and other professionals involved in your child’s education and development.

We will also help you identify your child’s strengths, needs and learning styles to ensure goodness of fit in all learning environments. This will allow your child to build a greater self-awareness of their strengths and needs so that they can take ownership of their education and learn to advocate for themselves to the best of their ability.

Building Stronger Schools & Camps

We work alongside schools, camps, and educational organizations to create positive, inclusive, and effective learning environments. From classroom and group management to student behaviour support, special education consulting, curriculum and program development, and organizational planning, we provide practical strategies tailored to your unique needs. Our collaborative approach helps educators build confidence, strengthen programs, and create meaningful experiences where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Finding the Right School, Together

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. We take the time to understand each child's unique strengths, learning profile, interests, and goals, then conduct comprehensive research to identify schools that are the best fit. Whether you're exploring public, independent, private, specialized, or alternative education options, we evaluate programs, supports, location, culture, and community to provide personalized recommendations. Our goal is to simplify the school search process and help families make informed, confident decisions that support their child's long-term success.

Meet the Team

Michelle Aptekar

Michelle Aptekar has over 25 years of experience in education, having worked with the York Region District School Board and the Prairie Spirit School Division in Western Canada. She also brings more than five years of experience as an educational consultant, partnering with schools, camps, and families to provide personalized educational guidance and support.

Michelle holds three degrees, including a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education with a specialization in Special Education. As the parent of four children with diverse learning needs, she has firsthand experience navigating both the public and private education systems.

Michelle is passionate about advocating for children and youth with diverse learning profiles and believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. She works collaboratively with families, educators, and school leaders to create inclusive, student-centred solutions that help children reach their full potential—both in school and beyond.

Samantha Barkin-Budd

Samantha Barkin-Budd has over 20 years of experience in education, having worked with the Toronto District School Board, the federal government, and as an educational consultant for more than five years. She partners with schools, families, and educational organizations to provide practical, personalized support that helps children and educators succeed.

Samantha holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Education, and Specialist Qualifications in Special Education and Literacy from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).

As the parent of children with diverse learning needs, including a child with complex needs, Samantha understands firsthand the challenges families face when advocating for exceptional children. She is dedicated to helping families navigate the education system and believes that no stone should be left unturned when supporting a child's success. Through collaboration, advocacy, and evidence-informed strategies, Samantha is committed to helping every child reach their fullest potential.

Contact Us Today!

consultants@abbeduconsulting.ca (We will get back to you within 24-48 hours)