Nicky (she/her) grew up on northern Vancouver Island. She completed her undergraduate degree at UVic and her Masters degree at the University of Alberta. Nicky believes that the foundation of great therapy is relationship. Through light-hearted, playful interactions, Nicky develops positive, trusting relationships with her clients and their families. She cares deeply for each of her clients, and works hard to tailor therapy to their individual needs and interests. Nicky has her own particular interests in oromyofunctional disorders, speech sound disorders, stuttering and autism. She is grateful to be learning daily from autistic adults about how we can better support and empower neurodivergent clients to experience success without having to mask who they truly are. Nicky is a clinician who rarely has space for new clients since her current clients have such trust in her skills and approach.

In her spare time, Nicky enjoys sharing the island life with her family, whether hiking, cycling, paddling or gardening. Nicky is forever grateful for the privilege of living on and caring for the unceded traditional territory of the Lkwungen peoples.

Nicky’s additional training includes:

• Hanen: It Takes Two To Talk
• Hanen: ABC and Beyond
• PROMPT
• Orofacial Rest Posture Program (ORPP) Indigenous Canada
• Trauma-Sensitive Practice
• Tongue Tie with Dr. Richard Baxter
• Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) with Dr. Ross Greene
• Get Ready, Do, Done! with Sara Ward
• Meaningful Speech – Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)
• Let’s Start Talking (LST) treatment for apraxia with Dr. Megan Hodge
• The Comprehensive Stuttering Program (CSP) with ISTAR
• The Lidcombe Program for preschool stuttering
• Trauma-Sensitive Practice with Kim Bartel

Nicky (she/her) grew up on northern Vancouver Island. She completed her undergraduate degree at U... Read More

Kelsey completed her Masters of Science in Speech Pathology at Western Illinois University and was awarded a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She has experience working with a variety of populations in homes, daycares and clinic settings. Kelsey has a special interest in working with Autistic children and other developmental differences. She is passionate about working with children and their families using play-based and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. She feels strongly about learning from the neurodivergent community by listening to Autistic voices. Kelsey believes that all perspectives are important and that all communication modalities are valid. Kelsey’s clients love her calm and playful nature and are instantly comfortable in sessions.

After spending time in Alberta and Illinois, Kelsey is excited to be living on the coast again. In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys spending time outside with her friends and puppy.

Kelsey completed her Masters of Science in Speech Pathology at Western Illinois University and wa... Read More

Tieghan completed her masters in speech-language pathology at the University of Alberta. She began her career working with a multidisciplinary intervention team in Edmonton. She provided home-based speech and language services for children and their families, with a focus on parent education and involvement. She has experience working with a variety of clients with speech and language delays but has primarily worked with children diagnosed with Autism. Tieghan has enjoyed learning how to incorporate a neurodiversity affirming approach into her therapy and honoring all different kinds of communication and participation styles. Finding new ways to help neurodivergent children and teens connect with their authentic autistic identity has been very rewarding. Tieghan has received specialized training in motor speech (PROMPT trained), fluency, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), autism and social communication. Tieghan is a big proponent of family-centered, play-based therapy – where building relationships comes first. She believes in the importance of setting functional goals in collaboration with families and that children learn best when they are having fun! Tieghan is a clinician who truly loves what she does and it shows in every session and interaction with her clients.

Tieghan has enjoyed exploring the island and has loved taking advantage of all the outdoor activities! When she isn’t at work, Tieghan enjoys playing various sports, baking and spending time with her friends, partner and cat.

Tieghan completed her masters in speech-language pathology at the University of Alberta. She bega... Read More

Rhianna completed her Master of Science in Speech and Language Therapy from City University of London. With unique experience from both Canada and the U.K., Rhianna enjoys using a play-based and client centered approach to create meaningful goals. With a passion for working in paediatrics, she enjoys using her creativity to make therapy fun!

Rhianna has special interests in early language development, phonology, Autism and accent reduction. She strives to help her clients build communication skills they will have for life. Rhianna primarily has experience in Autism and is on board to learn from the autistic community and implement a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

A lifelong learner, Rhianna continues to update her practice by participating in professional development courses and learning from those who inspire her. In her spare time, Rhianna enjoys travelling.

Rhianna completed her Master of Science in Speech and Language Therapy from City University of Lo... Read More

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

Izzie completed her master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia following a degree in linguistics and psychology at UVic. During her time in Australia, she had the pleasure of working with clients of all ages and discovered a particular interest in language and literacy. Izzie is passionate about supportive and inclusive assessment and therapy, which takes an evidence-based and client-centred approach. She also strives to make therapy fun and playful while working towards achievable collaborative goals. In her free time, Izzie enjoys music, reading, and writing. Izzie’s additional training includes: - DIR Floortime 101 - Hanen More Than Words - Authentic AAC - Advanced Literacy Program - Fostering Well-Being in Autistic Girls & Women - Meaningful Speech: Gestalt Language Processing

Izzie completed her master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Macquarie University in Sydne... 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

Malley completed her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and French at McGill University, and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Montana. She is originally from northern BC, and moved to Victoria in 2020. She enjoys working across all ages, with a particular focus on adult fluency, accent modification, voice disorders, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders. Malley holds advanced competencies in Videofluoroscopic Assessment and Management of Adult Swallowing Disorders, and Communication & Swallowing Assessment & Management for Tracheostomy. Additionally, she is a certified Speak Out! provider for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Malley takes a person-centered approach to all therapy, and loves getting to connect with her clients to help them pursue their functional, personal, and professional goals. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, travelling, and attempting to teach herself the cello.

Malley completed her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and French at McGill University, and went o... Read More

Marie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria and a Master of Occupational Therapy Degree from the University of British Columbia. Marie is a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) and a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia.

After living and working in the Yukon and Vancouver for 12 years, Marie moved back to her hometown of Victoria. Marie has over 15 years of experience working with families, and children and youth of all ages and abilities, in a variety of practice settings. Marie has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist, in private practice since 2017. Marie focuses on function and establishing therapeutic relationships and uses a neurodiversity-affirming framework to support clients to achieve their goals. Marie is a wealth of knowledge and is a very well-respected clinician in our agency. She connects easily with clients of all ages.

In her spare time, Marie enjoys biking, canoeing, hiking, playing squash and cooking.

Marie has completed the following professional development courses:

• Core Connections: Exploring the Core’s Developmental Roots – VitaLinks
• Therapeutic Listening ®
• Learning Without Tears ® Get Set for School: Readiness and Writing Workshop
• DIR/Floortime ® 101
• New Cutting Edge Strategies to Improve Executive Functioning Skills – Sarah Ward
• Strategies for Executive Functioning: Teaching Organizational Concepts & Skills: Modules 1-4 – Michelle Garcia Winner
• Making Sense of Attention Problems – Dr. Gordon Neufeld
• Making Sense of Aggression – Dr. Gordon Neufeld
• Exploring Treatment for Social Anxiety – Michelle Garcia Winner
• Building Blocks for Sensory Integration – VitalLinks
• Astronaut Training: A Sound Activated Visual-Vestibular Protocol – VitalLinks
• Concussion Management – Concussion Rehab Works – Shannon McGuire
• Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics – Dr. Bruce Perry
• Intensive Level 1: Making Sense of Kids – Dr. Gordon Neufeld
• Power to Parent – Dr. Gordon Neufeld
• The Get Permission Approach to Anxious Eaters, Anxious Mealtimes – Marsha Dunn Klein
• Reframing Autism from a Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective – Katherine McGinley
• Autism and Neurodiversity – Diane Treadwell–Deering
• Understanding Primitive Reflexes: How They Impact Child Development and Intervention Strategies for Integration – Samantha Heidenreich
• Moving From Power and Control to Collaboration and Problem Solving – Ross W. Greene
• Supporting Learners with Pathological Demand Avoidance – Laura Kerbey
• Understanding Children and Young People with a Pathological Demand Avoidance Profile – Phil Christie
• Fostering Well-Being in Autistic Women and Girls – Dori Zener

Marie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria ... Read More

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Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta.

Amber has a passion for working with autistic children/children with autism. Amber takes the time to build a safe and trusting environment. She approaches therapy from a play-based and client-centered perspective. Amber ensures autonomy for clients of all ages and understands that expression of autonomy may look different for each individual. Most recently, Amber has taken a keen interest in learning about Gestalt Language Processing and applying it in her practice.

Amber has lived in Victoria since 2012 and when she’s not working she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing board games, and kickboxing.

Amber’s training includes:

• Meaningful Speech -Gestalt Language Processing Collaborative Proactive Solutions (CPS) by Dr. Ross Green
• Diagnosis and Treatment of CAS Using DTTC Certificate – Child Apraxia Treatment
• Fostering Well-being in Autistic Girls and Treatment through Autism Community Training
• Rachel Dorsey Neurodiversity Affirming Practice for the Autistic Population

Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a master’s degr... Read More

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Heather did her undergraduate degree in health sciences before attending McGill where she completed both her clinical learning in speech-language pathology and an additional research year to earn her master’s degree. She has since gained advanced training for a variety of speech, language, and communication needs. She enjoys working with autistic children and adolescents and their families to develop neurodiversity-affirming goals and to provide opportunities for families to better understand each other’s communication. She runs many neurodivergent peer groups in which she connects goals from individual sessions into activities with peers.

In addition, Heather’s clinical interests and experience include fluency treatment (stuttering and cluttering) both in children and adults, and voice, including treatment of vocal fold nodules, paradoxical vocal fold movement, muscle tension dysphonia, as well as being knowledgeable and experienced in providing transgender voice therapy. She works as well with children requiring a range of speech and language therapy. Heather is a clinician who is often on the floor playing, laughing and engaging with her very young clients and then just as easily shifts to her tween and teen groups focusing on building self-awareness and self-advocacy skills. Heather’s move to Victoria in 2019 has fueled her love of the outdoors, and on the weekends she camps in her home-made campervan and loves working with textiles.

Heather did her undergraduate degree in health sciences before attending McGill where she complet... Read More

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Shannon is an occupational therapist who graduated with her MSc. OT from Queen’s University in 2018. Prior to discovering occupational therapy, she completed an undergraduate degree in clinical psychology on the east coast of Canada in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. She has extensive experience working with infants, toddlers, children, and adults with varied abilities in a variety of roles and settings. Shannon began her OT career at Make Way For Me! Occupational Therapy For Children, in Kingston, Ontario. Since moving to Victoria in 2019, Shannon has learned extensively about implementing a neurodiversity-affirming approach to treatment. In her practice, Shannon values building a strong therapeutic relationship, creating a safe space in therapy, and meeting clients exactly where they are at. Shannon believes strongly in helping individuals develop a healthy, positive self-image and the skills to advocate for their support needs. Shannon is a keen young therapist with a tangible passion for working with her clients and families to help them reach their goals in creative ways. Shannon has an intense interest in autism acceptance and works hard to help increase the community’s understanding of the beauty of neurodiversity. Shannon also learns passionately from her SLP colleagues and in the clinic we joke that she was an SLP in her previous life! In her spare time, Shannon can usually be found walking her little orange dog, Finn.

Shannon’s Additional Training Includes:

• VitalLinks Quickshifts Course
• Learning Without Tears K-5 Handwriting Course
• Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT): Introductory Course
• Cutting Edge Strategies to Improve Executive Functioning Skills
• VitalLinks Therapeutic Listening Program
• Social Thinking Strategies for Teens
• The Learn, Play, Thrive Approach to Autism: Introductory Seminar
• Interoception and Early Learners: Establishing Body Listening from a Early Age
• Augmentative/Alternative Communication Workshop: Programming with Touch Chat
• 2022 Decoding Behaviour Summit for Neurodiverse Families
• Interoception and The Non-Speaking Client
• Modern Emotion Regulation Supports for Neurodivergent Learners
• Toileting, Interoception, and Nutrition: An Evidence-Based Approach for Promoting Toileting Success and Independence
• Unsafe, Unheard, and Misunderstood: Trauma from Being Atypical in a Typical World
• HB Autism Summit: Empowering and Enabling a Neurodiversity Affirming and Strengths-Based Practice
• AHA Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Part 1: Foundations
• AHA Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Part 2 The Get Permission Approach to Anxious Eaters, Anxious Mealtimes – by Marsha Dunn Klein, OT
• Collaborative For Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration (CLASI) Part 1
• Collarborative Proactive Solutions (CPS) by Dr. Ross Greene

Shannon is an occupational therapist who graduated with her MSc. OT from Queen’s University in 20... Read More