About Us

Our Speech-Language Pathologists are fully licensed and registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).

Constance Merwin, M.Sc. SLP (C)

Constance Merwin is the founder of Speech Pathways. She received her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from McGill University and certification with the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA). Conni has extensive experience with preschool and school-age children in the areas of stuttering, language development, articulation/phonology, apraxia/oral motor, and voice. She loves the rewards of helping children discover their communication potential. Conni is certified in Phoneme Touch and Say™, which she uses when working with special needs children or children with apraxia. She has a special interest in stuttering and is certified in Lidcombe fluency program (an innovative stuttering therapy program for children).
Conni has also worked for over 20 years with the adult population (private practice and hospital setting), providing communication and swallowing therapy to adults suffering from stroke, brain injury or neurological impairments. She provided voice therapy to adults in the outpatient department, particularly to professional voice users (teachers, singers, public speakers). Conni finds immense satisfaction in helping adults rediscover communication, and reconnect with loved ones.

Jennifer Daley, M.A., SLP

Jennifer received her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from State University of New York at Buffalo. Jennifer has experience working with both children and adults with a variety of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders. She is Hanen certified for “It Takes Two to Talk”, “Target Word” and “Learning Language and Loving It”. Jennifer is trained in the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for children who have difficulty putting sounds together in order to make words. She is trained in the “SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding”, an effective way to increase a child’s comfort level by exploring and learning about food, eventually tasting and eating foods. As a neurodiversity affirming therapist, Jennifer recognizes the needs of each child and follows a play-based approach that utilizes sensory strategies to prioritize regulation and engagement in child-led therapy sessions. She also recognizes that children learn language and communicate in different ways. Jennifer continues to expand her knowledge of Gestalt Language Processing, Echolalia and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) and encourages clients use of all modes of communication (i.e. eye gaze, gesture, vocalization, verbalization, low tech and high tech devices). Jennifer specializes in providing services to preschool children aged 15 – 36 months who are slow to talk. She enjoys the rewards of helping these young clients develop their speech and language skills and unlock their personalities. Jennifer has experience in the following areas of speech-language pathology: early intervention, language delay, autism, executive functioning skills, augmentative and alternative communication, apraxia (oral motor disorders) and articulation.

Rachael Turza, M. SLP

Rachael received her Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Brock University. Rachael started her career working with children with Autism and has developed a keen interest in this area of speech-language pathology. Her focus when working with children on the Autism Spectrum is on improving their social and functional communication skills, which are unique to each individual client. Rachael is certified for Lidcombe Fluency therapy, an extremely effective therapy approach for children who stutter.

Rachael has experience in a variety of communication difficulties including: articulation, stuttering, language delay and voice. In addition to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Rachael’s other main area of interest is early language. She enjoys helping our youngest of clients develop their speech and language skills through using fun and creative therapy techniques.

Julia Vogel-Allen, M.Sc. SLP (C)

Julia received her Master’s of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She is Hanen certified for “It Takes Two to Talk”, a family-focused early language intervention, “Learning Language and Loving It”, supporting communication development in early school settings, and “More Than Words”, involving parents of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in their child’s intervention. Julia is trained in Phoneme Touch and Say as well as the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol; techniques she uses to assist children who are struggling with speech development. Julia is also certified in the Lidcombe Program, a preschool fluency intervention program aimed to highlight the role of parents in stuttering therapy.
Julia has a special interest in supporting preschool and school-age children and their families. She has worked for several years providing assessment and therapy in many areas of childhood communication development, including: early language development, articulation/phonology, oral motor speech difficulties, literacy, fluency, social communication and play skill development, and voice. Julia is truly invested in working together with her clients and their families, through fun and creative sessions, to achieve their communication goals.

Sherry Peter, M.Cl.Sc. SLP (C)

Sherry received her Master of Clinical Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. She provides assessment and treatment to children and young adults who work on a range of communication goals including functional communication, receptive and expressive language, articulation, motor speech, fluency, and literacy.

Sherry actively pursues training to enhance the communication skills of each client. She is trained in using Hanen’s “It Takes Two to Talk” Program, the Lidcombe Program, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT), the Phoneme Touch and Say system and the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol. She has extensive experience assisting clients with reading and writing delays and has specific training in the Orton-Gillingham approach for literacy remediation.

Sherry has additional training in techniques that facilitate language growth for her clients who are neurodiverse or on the autism spectrum. She is educated in the Natural Language Acquisition framework for clients who communicate through scripting and uses sensory strategies to facilitate regulation and engagement in sessions.

It is Sherry’s pleasure to help her clients discover their full communication potential and to encourage a love of learning.

Hayley Abraham, M.A. SLP

Hayley received her Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences in Speech-Language Pathology from the University At Buffalo, in Buffalo, New York. Hayley has experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings. She holds Hanen certification for “It Takes Two to Talk”: a program designed to teach parents how to build their child’s language skills during everyday activities and “Target Word”: a program designed to show parents how to build their child’s expressive vocabulary. Hayley has experience designing and implementing augmentative and alternative communication tools for clients who need additional aids for communication, including: visual aids (e.g., Boardmaker, sign language), programmed devices and computer programs (e.g., Proloquo2go).

Before joining Speech Pathways, Hayley worked for several years at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre where she gained valuable experience on their Preschool Communication Service team treating children with multiple speech and language disorders.

Hayley has experience in the following areas: early language development, articulation/phonology, receptive and expressive language, oral motor speech difficulties, literacy, alternative and augmentative communication, and social communication development with children diagnosed with ASD. Hayley’s commitment to helping those with communication challenges, paired with her enthusiasm and creativity, support an environment where clients can learn while having fun.

Mary Krupicz M.Cl.Sc.SLP (C)

Mary received her Master of Clinical Science degree from University of Western Ontario and is certified through Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). She is passionate about helping children and adults meet their communication goals. Mary has experience working with children and adults with articulation delays, phonological delays, swallowing difficulty, motor speech disorders, voice disorders/differences, social pragmatic differences, language delay and comprehension difficulty.

Mary has completed training in the Essential Pause program (fluency), the Supported Conversation Approach for aphasia therapy, and “It Takes Two To Talk” (a family centered therapy program that targets early language skills). She has also completed training for Phoneme Touch and Say TM and the Kaufman Method TM for Apraxia therapy.

Mary has special interests in voice disorders and early language difficulties. Her experience with voice disorders includes voice feminization and masculinization, alaryngeal speech, and voice problems related to over-use or abuse. She has experience working with transfeminine individuals and children with voice difficulties. Her background in music has served her well when working with this population.

Jordana Steinberg M.Sc. SLP

Jordana received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Jordana’s clinical experience includes working with paediatrics from infancy through adolescence, administering assessments and providing treatment for children in private practice, school setting as well as the preschool speech and language programs. Jordana has experience working with clients with articulation and phonological disorders, acquired and developmental language disorders, fluency disorders, voice disorders and motor speech disorders, specifically Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Jordana is certified in Hanen “It Takes Two to Talk” and has completed “Introduction to PROMPT: Technique” from The PROMPT Institute. She works with her clients and their families, providing strategies to enhance and encourage communication.

Kamalpreet Kainth M.A. CCC-SLP

Kamalpreet (Preet) obtained her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She possesses clinical experience assessing and treating preschool and school-aged speech and language needs, such as: dysfluency (stuttering), articulation, phonological processing, motor speech disorders, expressive language, receptive language, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and literacy. Preet also has experience working with adults who have expressive and receptive language difficulties as a result of a stroke (aphasia), motor speech disorders, cognitive-linguistic deficits, and swallowing disorders.

Preet has additional certifications including: Level 1 Prompts for Reconstructing Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT), The Kauffman Speech to Language Protocol, Hanen It Takes Two to Talk, Phoneme Touch and Say Program, The Lidcombe Program for fluency, Ascend SMARTER Intervention for literacy, and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).

Preet is passionate about creating positive and functional therapy environments for clients. She enjoys incorporating her clients’ interests and involving family and caregivers throughout the therapy process. In addition, Preet is able to provide therapy in English and Punjabi.

Cassandra Groot M.Sc.A. SLP

Cassandra (Cassie) received her Masters of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from McGill University. She has experience in assessment and intervention of both pediatric and adult clients in hospital, clinic, school and daycare settings.

Cassie has provided treatment for pre-schoolers and school aged children with articulation and phonological disorders, early language delay, receptive and/or expressive language delays, fluency disorders, voice disorders and motor speech disorders. She has experience with children that have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, 22q Deletion Syndrome and Down Syndrome. She has also worked with adults with aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, voice and swallowing disorders.

Cassie is certified in the Lidcombe fluency program, an effective approach for pre-schoolers who stutter, Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia and the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile. She has specific training in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Level 1 Prompts for Reconstructing Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT), and The Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for working with apraxia.

Cassie is passionate about creating a family-centred approach while helping each client reach their goals through creative and functional activities!

Alessia Tenaglia M.S. Ed. SLP

Alessia received her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. Alessia’s experiences in early language intervention and the school setting have contributed to her unique skill set and provide her with a solid understanding of clients’ needs at various stages of therapy. Using a client-centered approach, she delights in creating therapy programs that focus on developing the appropriate skills needed for clients’ independence and optimal functioning in everyday activities.

Alessia’s passion is working with children ranging from preschool to school age. Prior to joining Speech Pathways, Alessia worked at an early intervention clinic, utilizing a play-based approach and language based strategies to treat young children with severe language delays. She has experience providing educational sessions on baby sign language, helping to bridge the gap between the desire to communicate and the ability to do so.

Alessia has additional certifications including: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), The Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol – a treatment method for children with childhood apraxia of speech, the Lee Silverman Voice Therapy approach, and Level 1 Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT). Alessia is especially passionate about working with children who have Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and motor programming impairments, leading her to attend the recent National Apraxia Conference and related workshops in the field. Alessia enjoys providing a fun, creative, and energetic environment for children to reach their maximum potential!

Janine D’Souza M.Cl.Sc. SLP

Janine received her Master of Speech Pathology Studies from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. She is passionate about working with clients of all ages with developmental and acquired communication disorders.

Janine has provided treatment for pre-schoolers and school-aged children with: articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, literacy disorders, fluency disorders, social pragmatic delays secondary to Autism Spectrum Disorders and motor speech disorders. She has also worked with adults with aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, swallowing, voice, and fluency disorders.

Janine has additional training in: Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Seminar – Alternative & Augmentative Communication Strategies for Individuals with Special Needs, Adult Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies, and Management of Adult Tracheostomy Patients. Janine is committed to working with clients and their families to support their communication goals through dynamic and engaging therapy.

Elena McDowell M. SLP

Elena received her Masters degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. Elena has experience working in a private practice where she facilitated services with clients of all ages and with a variety of communication needs. She has experience working with adults and children with the following communication difficulties: expressive and receptive language delay, speech sound errors, motor speech difficulties, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, social/pragmatic disorders, stuttering, individuals with Intellectual Disability and those with reading and writing difficulties. Elena is trained in the Lidcombe Program, a behavioural remediation program for stuttering.

Elena values collaborative treatment, and enjoys working together with clients’ families and therapy team to achieve their communication goals.

Elena focuses on providing services that are individually tailored to each client so that they can reach their maximum potential. Her services are fun, enthusiastic and energetic!

Julia Steele M.H.Sc. SLP (C)

Julia received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto. She is an enthusiastic and dedicated SLP with a passion for working with children of all ages. She has experience working with children in a variety of setting including in-patient rehabilitation, school board and in-home. Julia was previously working with Preschool Speech and Language Services providing early intervention to children with speech and language delays. She loves making connections with her clients and their families, taking a collaborative approach to therapy in order to keep it functional and meaningful.

Julia has experience in providing assessment and treatment in: receptive and expressive language delays, late talkers, fluency, articulation, motor speech, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and developmental delays. She uses a comprehensive treatment approach tailored to each individual, building on their strengths and helping them achieve their greatest potential. Julia has experience using Augmentative and Alternative Communication, including PECS and sign language, in her therapy with special pediatric populations.

Julia has additional training in: Hanen “More than Words” and PROMPT: Level 1 training (a treatment method for children with motor-speech difficulties). She has certification from the Geneva Centre for Autism: Taking the ASD Perspective for Success Strategies in the Early Childhood. Julia is trained in the Lidcombe Program, a behavioural remediation program for stuttering.

She attended the Apraxia Kids Conference in 2019, in order to continue to develop her skills in assessment and treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and to keep up-to-date on the latest research.

Julia loves making treatment fun, engaging and motivating for her clients! She can provide services in English and French.

Crystal Tso M.A. SLP

Crystal received her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from State University of New York at Buffalo. Crystal has experience working with both children and adults with a variety of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders in hospital, clinic, and school settings. Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, she is able to connect with family members from different backgrounds. She specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) providing children and adults with Autism and communication difficulties an opportunity to communicate. Crystal is well versed in the Lidcombe and Camperdown programs, fluency therapy programs for children and adults. Using her creativity and enthusiasm, she conducted articulation/phonology and motor speech disorders therapy engaging the children and parents.

While working at a hospital, Crystal refined her skills in cognitive-linguistic therapy and voice therapy. Crystal enjoys working with adults, helping clients find confidence in their speech patterns and encouraging family members to continue to be their support. She has also assessed and implemented swallow therapy for clients with various diagnosis. Crystal is passionate in motivating clients and their family members reach their goals through a fun-filled journey.

Gagan Saini M.S. Ed. SLP

Gagan received her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. Gagan’s experiences with early intervention services, school-based intervention, and traumatic-brain injury structured day-programs have equipped her with a diverse skill-set that allow her to optimize communication potential with a variety of clients.

Prior to joining Speech Pathways, Gagan provided pre-school speech and language services to children impacted by: motor speech delays, expressive and receptive language delays, feeding difficulties, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She also has experience as a behavior therapist providing intervention using principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Gagan focuses on providing client and family-centered services in order to create meaningful change in the lives of her clients. Her goal is to ensure family and caregiver involvement in order to maximize the benefits of speech and language therapy. In addition, Gagan capitalizes on the strengths of her clients, incorporates their interests, and develops therapy programs that promote independence across communicative environments.

Gagan completed additional training in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Level 1 which was used to treat non-verbal children or children with no functional communication. She has provided intervention using The Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for children suspected of a motor speech disorders. Gagan has also been able to effectively develop social skills using concepts derived from Social Thinking, a curriculum specifically designed to teach social skills to children and adolescents with social deficits.
Gagan loves to create programs that are fun and motivating. 

Larissa Der M.Sc. A. SLP (C)

Larissa received her Masters of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from McGill University and is certified through Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). Having experience with children and adults in a variety of settings (preschool, specialized schools, community programs, and private practice) has contributed to her unique skill set.

Larissa has provided assessment and treatment to preschool and school-aged children in the areas of language development, articulation, phonology, apraxia/oral-motor and phonological awareness. She has experience with children that have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and Selective Mutism. Larissa also has experience working with adults in the area of aphasia and accent modification.

Larissa actively pursues additional training to ensure the best quality of care for her clients. She is Hanen certified for “It Takes Two to Talk”, a family-focused early language intervention and “Learning Language and Loving It”, a program supporting communication development in early school settings. She is certified in the Lidcombe fluency program, an effective fluency program for preschoolers. She is also trained in the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImp) and holds Level 1 certification in Pivotal Response Treatment received at the Centre for Autism.

Larissa’s approach is client and family centered and she strives to provide individualized therapy that is not only effective, but fun! She looks to build on her client’s strengths to build confidence and to reach their goals. It is Larissa’s absolute pleasure to help her clients become the best communicators they can be.

Colleen Thibert M.Cl.Sc. SLP

Colleen received her Master of Clinical Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western University in London, Ontario. Colleen has experience working with clients of all ages with a variety of communication and swallowing disorders. She has experience assessing and treating children with the following communication impairments: expressive and receptive language delays, early language intervention, articulation, motor speech disorders, stuttering, Autism Spectrum and Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, genetic conditions, and Down Syndrome. Colleen also has experience treating adult clients with a variety of speech and language disorders including aphasia, dysarthria, voice disorders, and swallowing disorders.

Colleen has a special interest in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and focuses her treatment on improving functional communication and play skills. She has experience with DIRFloortime programming, which focuses on social interaction and sensory issues, and is certified in Hanen’s “It Takes Two to Talk”, a parent-focused program for young children with early language delays.

Colleen is passionate about working with clients of all ages. She enjoys developing individualized goals and functional activities in collaboration with the client to maximize participation in daily activities.

Leanne Secen M.H.Sc. SLP

Leanne received her Master’s of Health Science degree from the University of Toronto. Her clinical experience includes assessing and treating infants to adolescents in the areas of articulation, phonology, expressive and receptive language, literacy, social communication, executive functioning, fluency and oromyofunctional disorders. Leanne has worked with pediatric clients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and ADD/ADHD. She also has experience assessing and treating adults presenting with cognitive communication difficulties secondary to traumatic brain injury.

Leanne has completed additional training in Hanen “It Takes Two to Talk”, Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT, Level 1), Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, the Lidcombe Program, and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). She has attended other workshops on reading and writing difficulties, and fluency disorders, in the school-aged child.

Leanne is passionate about client/parent education during both assessment and intervention. Understanding the reasoning behind each activity, task, and/or exercise, empowers the client and provides more meaning to each therapy session. In addition, revisiting these short-term goals on a regular basis allows for the entire team – the client, client’s family, and clinician – to continue to be on the the same page in working towards the client’s functional, long-term goals of treatment.

Humma Khan MSpPathSt

Humma received her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Humma has experience working with children under the age of 5 in a Preschool Speech and Language program and school aged children who have speech, language, voice, fluency and social communication delays. Humma is Hanen certified for “It Takes Two To Talk”, “More Than Words”, “ABC and Beyond” and “TalkAbility” that provide family-centered approaches to support early language, early literacy and social communication skills. She is PROMPT Level 1 trained to work with children who have difficulty planning and sequencing their sounds appropriately.

Humma is passionate about helping families gain a better understanding of how their child perceives information and interacts with the world around them. She has further education in the DIR-Floortime (Developmental, Individual-differences and Relationship-based) approach for children with Autism.

Humma has attended workshops on sensory processing disorders and LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) Words For Life, a communication tool used with children who have motor planning difficulties, including children with Autism.

Humma enjoys using fun, engaging activities to target a variety of communications goals. She understands Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi.

Brianna Guild M.H.Sc. SLP

Brianna received her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto. She has clinical experience working with both children and adults with a variety of speech, language, cognitive and learning disorders. She is particularly passionate about supporting preschool and school-age children and their families.

Brianna provides services in a variety of areas, including literacy, receptive and expressive language, articulation and phonology, fluency, social communication, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Brianna actively pursues training to continue learning how to best support her clients. She is Hanen certified for “It Takes Two to Talk” and “ABC and Beyond” which provide family-centered approaches to support early language and literacy. She is trained in Ascend SMARTER Intervention Reading & Writing Curriculum and IDA Ontario’s Basics of Decoding and Spelling Instruction to support clients with reading and writing delays. She is certified to provide The Lidcombe Program for preschool fluency, and Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for morot speech disorders. Brianna is also trained in techniques that facilitate language growth for clients who are neurodiverse or on the autism spectrum, including the Natural Language Acquisition framework (Meaningful Speech course).

Brianna is dedicated to working with clients and their families in fun and creative ways to target a variety of speech, language and literacy goals, and ultimately support each client’s development.

Anja Trajkovic M.H.Sc. SLP

Anja received her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto. Her experience includes communication and swallowing assessment, treatment, and consultation services to both children and adults in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Anja eagerly engages clients in creative and functional ways and aims to make intervention meaningful and personalized. She believes in a team approach to therapy and encourages collaboration with parents, caregivers, teachers, and other therapists to provide the most positive and successful environment for her clients.

Anja enjoys working with adults and children, with a specific interest in supporting youth and their families with their speech and language needs. She has experience in the areas of developmental and acquired language, articulation and phonology, fluency, motor speech, voice, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing. Anja also has experience working with pediatric clients diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. Furthermore, Anja has worked with adults presenting with cognitive communication and swallowing impairments, secondary to stroke and traumatic brain injuries.

Anja’s certification portfolio is actively growing, currently she possesses certifications in Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for children with motor speech disorders, and Progressive & Systematic Speech & Language Training for Children on the Autism Spectrum. Anja is actively expanding her clinical skills by participating in continuing education programs to provide personalized, evidence-based, and family-centered care. Anja is fluent in English and Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian.

Tiffany Knautz M.H.Sc. SLP

Tiffany received her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto. Tiffany has clinical experience working in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics, to treat a variety of communication disorders including: language delay, motor speech, articulation, social communication, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing. Tiffany provides enjoyable, individualized therapy by creating meaningful goals and involving clients’ personal interests in treatment. Tiffany is a passionate therapist who brings creativity to her therapy activities and is highly enthusiastic toward client progress!

Tiffany provides intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, expressive and receptive language delay, as well as adults with acquired speech, language, and swallowing disorders. She also has experience in the assessment and implementation of alternative and augmentative tools for communication (AAC). As a previous one-to-one support counsellor for children with special needs, she has experience successfully implementing behavioural management strategies to sustain client engagement.

Tiffany participates in continued professional development including the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for children with motor speech disorders, and Kasper: Progressive and Systematic Speech and Language Training for Children on the Autism Spectrum. She also received training on LAMP: Words for Life to support language development through AAC on children with Autism. Additionally, she holds certification in the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) for assessing adults with swallowing disorders.

Areej Hussain M.H.Sc. SLP

Areej completed her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto and enjoys servicing both the pediatric and adult populations. Areej has clinical experience in various settings including early intervention, schools, private practice, acute care, and inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation. Areej is keen on creating a fun and meaningful learning experience by providing individualized therapy catered to each client’s strengths, goals, and personal interests.

Areej provides assessment and intervention in the areas of expressive and receptive language, articulation/phonological disorders, motor speech disorders, voice, and pragmatics/social communication with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Areej also works with Unity Health with adult-geriatric patients with a variety of medical conditions including stroke and other acquired brain injuries, neurological diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease) and Alzheimer’s/dementia. She is well versed in dysphagia management, aphasia, reading and writing therapy, cognitive-communication, apraxia of speech, and dysarthria.

Areej is fluent in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and English. Her multilinguistic abilities enhance her sensitivity for others and in meeting the diverse communication needs of her clients. Areej takes a collaborative approach with clients, families, and the interprofessional team to ensure client success. She is committed to furthering her clinical knowledge by completing relevant evidence-based workshops and training programs.

Emma-Lee Peller M.Cl.Sc. SLP

Emma-Lee received her Master of Clinical Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western University. She has experience providing assessment and intervention to children and adults with a wide range of communication disorders.

Specifically, Emma-Lee has experience treating preschool and school-aged children with language delays, articulation delays, motor speech disorders (including apraxia), fluency disorders, and literacy disorders. Emma-Lee also has experience treating children with a variety of developmental and acquired disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. In the adult population, Emma-Lee has experience supporting clients with aphasia, Parkinson’s Disease, voice disorders and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).

Trained in the Lidcombe program, Emma-Lee provides a behavioural treatment program for children who stutter. As a neurodiversity affirming therapist, Emma-Lee prioritizes sensory regulation engagement in therapy and follows an approach based on the “Inside Out” sensory course for SLPs. Emma-Lee is trained in Gestalt Language Processing (Natural Language Acquisition) and is well versed to provide assessment and treatment to clients that are echolalic/Gestalt Language Processors.

Emma-Lee is a defender of play and is passionate about providing individualized services to help clients reach their full potential!

Melani Beric M.A. SLP (C)

Melani received her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She has a wide range of clinical experience working with both adults and children with a variety of communication challenges, including articulation, phonology, motor speech, language, fluency, literacy, and complex communication needs.

While she enjoys working with clients of all ages, Melani has a special passion for working with children. She is Hanen certified for It Takes Two to Talk, an early language intervention program designed to support parents of young children, and Learning Language and Loving It, a program designed to support early childhood educators within the classroom. Prior to joining Speech Pathways, Melani worked as a part of a multidisciplinary team in an Early Childhood Services (ECS) program in Alberta, providing support to children diagnosed with a variety of neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism, Down Syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum.

Melani is a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming therapist, who respects the unique needs of each child while nurturing their individual strengths and interests. She facilitates sensory regulation and encourages intrinsic motivation to ensure active participation during sessions. Melani uses a multi-sensory, play-based therapy approach, recognizing the crucial role of play in childhood and the importance of meaningful, joyful experiences for optimal learning and development.

Melani is committed to ongoing education and she continues to build on her skills and knowledge in the areas of Natural Language Acquisition, Gestalt Language Processing, Executive Function, and Nervous System Regulation in order to provide high-quality service to her clients.

Pia Lyszczarz M.Cl.Sc. SLP

Pia received her Master of Clinical Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western University in London, Ontario. She has clinical experience in early intervention, private practice, acute care, and inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, which allowed her to develop skills in assessing and treating individuals of all ages with various speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. She has a special interest in working with preschool and school-age children and their families.

Pia provides assessment and intervention to preschool and school-age children with expressive and receptive language delays, articulation and phonological disorders, literacy disorders, and pragmatics/social communication with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Pia is certified in Hanen’s “It Takes Two to Talk”, a parent-focused program for children with early language delays, and in the “Inside Out” sensory course for SLPs, a treatment approach which affirms the neurodiversity of individuals with autism. She is also certified in the “Ultimate Play Based Speech Therapy” course, which focuses on targeting goals through play with children of all ages.

Pia’s creative and enthusiastic outlook helps her to provide therapy sessions that are both effective and engaging, allowing clients to reach their goals. She is a compassionate clinician dedicated to providing evidence-based care and family-centered therapy, catered to each client’s individual needs. Pia is fluent in English and Polish.

Sandra Gidak M.H.Sc. SLP

Sandra received her Master of Health Science degree from the University of Toronto. Her clinical experience includes providing assessment and treatment to preschool and school-aged children with speech and/or language delays virtually, in-home and in child care settings. Sandra has completed additional training, which include the Hanen programs, “It Takes Two to Talk”, “Target Word”, “Learning Language & Loving It” and “More Than Words.” She also received training in the Introduction to PROMPT: Technique from the PROMPT Institute. Sandra is passionate about providing individualized speech and language services to help all clients reach their full potential.

Sarah Kraft M.H.Sc. SLP

Sarah received her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto. Sarah’s clinical experience has involved working with children in the areas of early intervention, expressive and receptive language, articulation and phonology, motor speech, augmentative and alternative communication, and literacy.

Sarah has completed additional training in Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) and Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) to support children with motor speech difficulties. She has also completed training to support children with reading and writing difficulties, including SMARTER Intervention and Lively Letters.

Sarah is passionate about providing client-centered therapy and supporting parents in achieving their goals for their child. She recognizes the importance of ensuring that children are provided with opportunities to enhance their communication skills in fun and meaningful everyday activities.