Jillian completed her Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Northern Texas. Jillian previously worked in a private practice in Nanaimo. She has a special interest in assessment and treatment of phonological, voice, and language disorders. She also spent time with EBS Healthcare in Texas, where she was a pediatric school-based SLP working in early intervention Elementary. She has additional training in gestalt language processing and Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC). Jillian has taken FLOORTIME course and uses her training to weave in the neurodiversity-affirming elements of the program into her practice. She believes in modeling and teaching self-advocacy skills to encourage her neurodivergent clients to inform others of their strengths and interests.

While at Victoria Speech and Language Centre, she has created multiple trauma-informed self-advocating communication stories that address the double-empathy problem between autistic and non-autistic individuals. Her therapy goals and objectives for her autistic clients focus on perspective taking, explaining motives for communication and inclusion of AAC options in communication.

Jillian completed her Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Northern T... Read More

Celise is our registered dietitian and is registered with the College of Dietitians of BC. Celise earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Food Nutrition and Health from the University of British Columbia and has been serving as a pediatric dietitian at BC Children’s Hospital since 2017. Throughout her tenure, she has undertaken diverse roles, honing her skills in assessing and treating pediatric nutrition and feeding challenges, including selective eating, sensory sensitivities, food aversions, and feeding tube dependence. Her compassionate approach emphasizes building trust and confidence in children as they explore new foods and eating experiences. Celise collaborates closely with families, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized nutrition plans when addressing feeding issues.

Drawing on evidence-based strategies and innovative techniques, Celise empowers families with practical tools and resources to foster positive mealtime experiences and promote healthy relationships with food which ultimately preserves a child’s nutritional wellbeing.

Currently residing in Vancouver, Celise also does great work with the Sunny Hill Health Center feeding team. When she is not supporting families with their feeding goals, Celise can be found spending quality time with her husband and two children as well as biking, hiking, and beekeeping on her rooftop garden.

Celise is our registered dietitian and is registered with the College of Dietitians of BC. Celise... Read More

Ella graduated from Queen’s University with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2013. Previous to this, she provided in-home respite support to families with children of diverse abilities and within schools as an educational assistant.

Ella has experience in both acute neurosciences, mental health services, and pediatric occupational therapy. She is particularly passionate about assisting families with young children, offering collaborative support to parents and caregivers. Ella’s approach is rooted in client and family-centered principles, emphasizing strengths and embracing neurodiversity-affirmative and trauma-informed perspective into her practice.

Ella is passionate about nurturing engagement through meaningful and practical skill development, embracing the individual child’s interests, and facilitating growth through play.

In her leisure time, Ella enjoys the natural beauty of the island with her husband, three young children, and spirited golden retriever, Honey.

Ella graduated from Queen’s University with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2013. ... Read More

Danica is a Registered Dietitian with over a decade of experience supporting children, youth, and families with feeding and eating challenges. Danica has worked across pediatric clinics and eating disorder programs in both Alberta and British Columbia, including the Calgary Eating Disorder Program and the Central Island Child and Youth Eating Disorder Program.

Danica’s practice has focused on concerns such as ARFID, selective eating, disordered eating, growth challenges, and feeding differences related to neurodivergence. Danica brings a strong foundation in pediatric nutrition and is passionate about empowering families to nurture positive, connected feeding relationships.

Grounded in a Health-At-Every-Size and all-foods-fit philosophy, Danica values a body-neutral and food-neutral approach that emphasizes felt safety, curiosity, and trust at mealtimes. Danica is committed to responsive, neurodiversity-affirming care and enjoys helping caregivers understand their child’s unique feeding journey while fostering resilience and confidence.

Currently residing in Nanaimo, Danica also works in a team-based care model with Red Canoe Pediatrics. When she is not working, Danica enjoys gardening, swimming, camping and spending time outside with her husband, two daughters and dog named Waffles!

Danica is a Registered Dietitian with over a decade of experience supporting children, youth, and... Read More

Izzy is a passionate and dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, who received a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of British Columbia. With experience working with neurodiverse individuals across various settings, including schools, hospitals, and community care, Izzy brings their wealth of knowledge to the families at Victoria Speech & Language Centre.

Izzy is committed to providing neurodiversity-affirming care and creating engaging learning opportunities within therapy sessions by tailoring interventions to each client’s unique needs and strengths.

When not in the clinic, Izzy enjoys exploring the beauty of Vancouver Island through hiking, expressing their creativity through drawing, and indulging in their love for baking

Izzy is a passionate and dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, who received a Master of Science ... Read More