Expert Post-Secondary Planning in Calgary: Strategic Guidance for Student Success

About Shelly Qualtieri & Associates

Shelly Qualtieri & Associates is a trusted, Calgary-based counselling and educational
support practice dedicated to empowering youth and families through customized,
strengths-based services. Our multidisciplinary team delivers personalized strategies to
address academic planning, mental wellness, and career readiness. With a
collaborative and compassionate approach, we aim to reduce barriers and equip
students with the tools and confidence needed to navigate their educational journeys
successfully.

Among our specialized services, Post-Secondary Planning has emerged as an
essential resource for families seeking expert support during one of the most pivotal
transitions in a student’s life. Led by our experienced Education Strategist, this service
ensures clarity, structure, and confidence throughout the application process for
colleges and universities across Canada and beyond.

Meet Our Education Strategist:

Tanya Leukefeld, B.A. Psychology

Tanya Leukefeld brings more than three decades of professional experience in
education, family services, and youth advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Psychology and a comprehensive portfolio of certifications in trauma-informed care,
crisis management, mental health first aid, and restorative practices.

Her diverse background includes:
● 23 years as a student services advisor within the Calgary Board of Education,
offering direct, strategic support to students from Grades 1 through 12.
● Extensive work with high-risk youth in collaboration with the Ministry of Children
and Family Development in Vancouver, BC.
● Longstanding volunteerism with community organizations such as the
Vancouver Crisis Centre, Calgary Distress Centre, and the Calgary Police
Service.

Tanya is deeply committed to fostering equity, accessibility, and well-informed decision-
making within education. She provides families with strategic guidance in navigating complex school systems, understanding diagnostic processes, and planning high school
and post-secondary pathways that align with a student’s strengths, aspirations, and
support needs.

Her specific areas of expertise include:
● Development and interpretation of Individual Program Plans (IPPs).
● Academic and career pathway planning based on Alberta Education and post-
secondary requirements.
● Interpreting psycho-educational assessments and translating findings into
effective learning strategies.
● Liaising with medical professionals and school staff to support accommodation
planning and school coding.
● Identifying community-based resources to support mental, emotional, and
academic well-being.

Comprehensive Post-Secondary Planning Services

At Shelly Qualtieri & Associates, our education services are designed to ensure
students and their families are equipped with the most current, accurate, and relevant
information. Our planning process includes:

1. Academic Course Selection
We work with students to select high school courses that fulfil post-secondary
prerequisites and align with their long-term goals. Ensuring eligibility for specific degree
or diploma programs is a critical first step.
2. Transcript Oversight
We assist students in tracking their academic records and facilitate timely submission of
official transcripts through myPass, Alberta’s secure digital platform for student data.
3. Deadline Management
We develop customized application timelines that outline all key submission
dates—ranging from institutional application deadlines to scholarship and residence
applications—helping students plan proactively and reduce last-minute stress.
4. Scholarship and Financial Aid Support

We provide guidance on identifying scholarship opportunities, preparing reference
letters, crafting impactful personal statements, and ensuring eligibility criteria is fully
understood and met.
5. Application Process Support
We offer one-on-one support through the entire ApplyAlberta process, including
assistance with:

● Completion of online applications and profile setup.
● Understanding admission categories (high school, mature student, or post-
secondary applicant).
● Reporting and verifying Group A, B, and C high school courses.
● Understanding GPA expectations and transfer credit equivalencies.

Admission Categories Explained
 

High School Applicants
Students in their final year of high school must present five Grade 12-level courses, including
program-specific prerequisites (e.g., English Language Arts 30-1, Social 30-1 or 30-2
and a relevant Group A Science or Math courses).

Mature Applicants
Applicants aged 21 or older who do not meet the criteria above may qualify for
admission through the mature applicant route. A minimum of two Grade 12-level
courses is required, with additional prerequisites depending on the target program.

Post-Secondary Applicants
Applicants with at least eight transferable courses completed from a recognized
institution must maintain a minimum GPA, typically 2.0 or higher, depending on the
program.

Key Application Deadlines – Fall 2025 Entry
The post-secondary application process is time-sensitive. We help families stay ahead
of the following key dates (note: timelines may vary by institution):
● October 1, 2024 – Application portals open for Fall 2025 admissions.

● January 10, 2025 – Deadline for application-based entrance scholarships (e.g.,
University of Alberta).
● February 1, 2025 – Priority application deadline for institutions such as Alberta
University of the Arts.
● March 1, 2025 – Final application deadline for many programs at the University
of Alberta.

Students are advised to begin planning and collecting documents well in advance to
ensure full eligibility and maximum consideration for scholarships and program spots.

Why Choose Shelly Qualtieri & Associates?

Our work is grounded in a holistic, student-centred philosophy. We recognize that each
student’s educational path is unique. Whether your child is navigating academic
accommodations, managing stress, or seeking clarity about future career possibilities,
we offer the insight and guidance to support every step.

By working with Tanya Leukefeld, students gain access to decades of educational
experience, personalized planning tools, and a deep understanding of the systems that
impact student success.

Contact Us – Let’s Start Planning Together

We invite students and families to schedule a complimentary consultation to explore
how we can best support your academic journey.

📌Office Address:
Suite 300, 4503 Brisebois Dr NW
Calgary, Alberta T2L 2G3
Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]��
📞 Phone: 587.330.1155��
 💻Website: www.shellyqualtieri.ca

Book Online: Visit shellyqualtieri.janeapp.com to select an appointment time.