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

After graduating from Queen’s University in 2014 Stephanie spent most of her occupational therapy career in pediatric practice in Kingston, Ontario. She has worked with children and families from diverse backgrounds, and she values building a collaborative partnership with those closest to the child to promote the best outcomes.

Stephanie believes in fostering engagement through meaningful and practical skill development in a way that is playful and fun for children! Stephanie’s philosophy of practice is to meet her client’s where they’re at, presuming competence and building on strengths to help achieve meaningful outcomes.

Stephanie has experience using a variety of evidence-based strategies that serve to compliment her philosophy of practice. Stephanie is an extremely thorough clinician who dedicates time to exploring different ways for her clients to reach their goals. She consistently builds a trusting connection with clients that have previously struggled to connect to other service providers.

After moving to Victoria in 2020 and becoming a mom, Stephanie has restarted her career at Victoria Speech and Language Centre. She eagerly looks forward to partnering with families and applying all she has learned from her experience as an OT and mom!

When she’s not working you will find her enjoying the great outdoors with her family.

After graduating from Queen’s University in 2014 Stephanie spent most of her occupational therapy... Read More

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Shawn holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta and a bachelor’s degree in Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice from the University of British Columbia.

Shawn has honed a valuable skill set through years of experience teaching English and working with autistic and neurodiverse children and teens in a wide variety of settings. She takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach to her work and cares deeply about honouring and respecting the unique ways her clients see, understand, and interact with the world. Shawn believes in setting functional and meaningful goals through collaboration with clients and their families and is passionate about making therapy fun through child-led play-based intervention.

Shawn is dedicated to creating an environment of inclusion and acceptance and making a difference in people’s lives by providing culturally sensitive, engaging, and compassionate evidence-based speech and language services. Shawn continues to evolve professionally through ongoing training.

Outside of work, Shawn enjoys being outdoors hiking and skiing, as well as staying in to watch movies and reading a good book.

Shawn holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta and a b... 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

Before completing her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta, Bailey graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology. This interdisciplinary background sparked a passion for holistic healthcare which led her to the incredible world of OT.

With a recent OT education and an innate enthusiasm for working with children, Bailey brings a fresh perspective and innovative approach to pediatric care. She is committed to meeting children and families where they are, working collaboratively to achieve individualized goals, and fostering a fun and engaging environment for growth and development.

Bailey firmly believes in the power of personalized, neurodiversity-affirming intervention strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs and interests. By incorporating play-based activities, sensory processing techniques, energy regulation strategies, and collaborative family education, Bailey strives to empower clients to explore, learn, and thrive in their everyday lives.

Outside of work, Bailey is an outdoor enthusiast, frequently found hiking, camping, and soaking in the natural paradise Vancouver Island offers. She enjoys quality time with friends and family, spontaneous plans, and attempting new recipes with varying levels of success.

Before completing her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta,... 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

Alison graduated with distinction from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor degree in Child and Youth Care and received a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia. Alison is a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) and a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational therapists and the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.

Alison grew up with her sister who has a physical and developmental disability called Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. Her lifelong experiences supporting and caring for her sister made her passionate about providing family-centered care for others. Alison spent many years volunteering and working with children in various early-intervention therapy centers, group homes, mental health treatment centers, while also being a part of the disability community alongside her sister.

Alison began her occupational therapy career working in a private pediatric clinic in Vancouver before moving back home to Victoria. Alison believes in enabling children and youth to feel empowered, while providing families with knowledge, empathy, and respect. She believes occupational therapy should be client-centered, evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming, culturally safe, and fun!

In her spare time, Alison is at the beach (regardless of the season), is making her next creative project, or is curled up with her cat and a good book.

Alison graduated with distinction from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor degree in Child... Read More

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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Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria and a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of British Columbia. Her academic journey fueled her passion for helping people engage in meaningful daily activities, with a special focus on supporting children and their families.

Guided by a neurodiversity-affirming approach, Taylor celebrates each person’s unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of interacting with the world. She believes that play and function are essential for wellbeing at every age and incorporates both into her practice to foster joy, independence, and confidence.

Taylor works closely with clients and families to create practical, engaging strategies that fit naturally into their daily lives. Through play-based activities, functional skill-building, and creative problem-solving, she strives to help each client thrive in their environment.

Beyond her work, Taylor loves exploring Vancouver Island’s coastal trails, forests, and summits. She’s equally content spending a quiet afternoon with a good book and is always on the lookout for the perfect cup of coffee—ideally enjoyed with a view.

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria and a Master of... Read More

Rida Zehra is an experienced and compassionate Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatric rehabilitation. She began her career at the renowned Children’s Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, where she supported children with a wide range of developmental and neurodiverse conditions, including Autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, sensory processing challenges, and learning difficulties. Rida is dedicated to evidence-based, child-centered care, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and families to ensure every child receives personalized support.

Rida has a particular interest in supporting emotional regulation, honoring individual differences in behavior, and co-creating understanding around social boundaries in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and engaging. Known for her gentle, strengths-based approach, Rida creates a safe and empowering environment where children feel understood and valued. Now based in Victoria, BC, Rida brings her warmth, positive and fun energy, clinical expertise, and international perspective to her work with families in Canada.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and working out. Rida Zehra’s sincerity, insight, and commitment to lifelong learning make her a valued therapist and a trusted partner to the families she serves.

Rida Zehra is an experienced and compassionate Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatric r... Read More