Eryn Coughlin, Founder, Sounds Apart Literacy Education

Eryn is a dedicated teacher with almost 20 years of experience in both public and private education. She completed her Classroom Educator and Practitioner training in the Orton-Gillingham approach through the REACH Learning Centre in Vancouver (2020–2021) and provides structured literacy intervention in both one-to-one and small group settings. Eryn is currently completing a M.Ed. in Reading Development and Instruction (June 2025), and is the current literacy specialist for Rundle Schools.

She has supported MRU’s B.Ed. program by helping to train preservice teachers in structured literacy, provided ongoing professional development to Calgary schools focused on Tier 1 and Tier 2 literacy instruction, and presented at local literacy events including NetWORDing and the Calgary City Teachers' Convention.

Eryn is also a proud mother of two teen boys who play rugby and spend their winter weekends skiing at Lake Louise. Around Calgary, she and her family are always joined by their gentle and rambunctious golden retriever, Zoe, who loves Eryn’s reading students ALMOST as much as she does!

Shannon White, BEd., Clinic Director

Shannon White is a passionate educator who recently earned her Bachelor of Education from Mount Royal University, with a minor in English. She has completed specialized training in the Orton-Gillingham approach through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE), equipping her with a strong foundation in the science of reading and Structured Literacy. Shannon is experienced in supporting students with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, and is committed to using evidence-based practices to help every child become a confident and capable reader.

Originally from a small town in British Columbia, Shannon brings warmth, creativity, and a deep love of learning into her work. Her background in the arts, outdoor education, and inclusive classroom support has shaped her holistic approach to teaching. She believes in fostering a welcoming environment where all students feel inspired, motivated, and valued. Outside of her work, Shannon enjoys spending time in nature with her husband and their dog, Tully, as well as baking, reading, and exploring creative hobbies.

Rachel El-Hamamsy, B.Ed., Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Rachel El-Hamamsy (El-hum-um-see) is a caring and involved educator who graduated with a bachelor in Education from Mount Royal University in 2024. Since her graduation, Rachel has trained and implemented programs in both SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) and EBLI (Evidence Based Literacy Instruction). Through the SRSD approach, Rachel has built an effective curriculum that teaches students from kindergarten to grade 12 to write informative and argumentative sentences, paragraphs, and essays. Prior to joining Sounds Apart in July 2023, Rachel worked one-on-one with students in junior high and high school, teaching them to write effective CRT (Critical Response to Text) essays. As well, Rachel has used the EBLI approach to fill in major spelling gaps in students from grades 4-12, improving their overall understanding and skills within the English language.

Rachel has significant experience working with students who have ADHD and ASD, building close relationships and ensuring that their needs are met. Rachel firmly believes that creating safe and loving spaces for students to express themselves and make mistakes guarantees they will have a positive, worthwhile learning experience.

Since 2022, Sounds Apart has employed over 55 teacher candidates from Mount Royal University. While a few have chosen to remain with Sounds Apart full-time after graduation, the majority are quickly hired by local school boards—thanks to the invaluable, hands-on experience and highly regarded training they receive during their time with us. This outcome speaks directly to one of our core goals: supporting teachers as they learn to implement the most effective, evidence-based literacy instruction.