Okanagan SLP Services Inc.

Such an awesome find at @valuevillage_thrift I am working with some kiddos who LOVE letters and numbers so I’m excited to use these in sessions this week! . My go-to fave advocate for learning more about hyperlexia is @andnextcomesl Go check out all the awesome information, & resources! Thank you . .... . . #hyperlexia #hyperlexiaawareness #neurodiversity #strengthsbased #slp #slptoolbox #knowbetterdobetter #followtheirlead #preschoolslp #schoolslp #okanaganslp See more

Happy SLP Day! Thank you to all the amazing parents who have welcomed me on to their therapy teams Thank you to all the incredible SLPs, professors, mentors and local (& online!) colleagues who inspire, teach and guide me on the daily.... Thank you to my own family who supports my dreams and passion to help others in their communication journey. And most of all, THANK YOU to all the kiddos out there that have played, learned, blossomed and grown in my presence. I love them like my own and I am so, so proud of all they have accomplished. So grateful today and always that I do what I love, and love what I do. . . . #happyslpday #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #slp #slpeeps #instaslps #slplife #slpeeps #speech #language #literacy #emotionalregulation #socialskills #executivefunctioningskills #aac #augmentativecommunication #augmentativeandalternativecommunication #aacslp #dowhatyoulove #lovewhatyoudo #slpforkids #slpforparents #slp4life #slpsofinstagram #slpmom #schoolslp #preschoolslp #privatepracticeslp

My kids, your kids, our kids; they will all do well if they can. So when they can’t, what do we do? . As educators, parents, consultants, advocates, I think we all have a lot of ideas, strategies and supports and the tendency is to do more. I know I am in the habit of always suggesting ideas and doing more; but I caught myself doing this today in a meeting...then full-stopped .... Right now, it really does feel like we need to do less with our students. More recess. More forest walks. More show and shares. More art. More DEAR. More modelling. More calm, amongst the chaos that is crisis-educating in a pandemic. . This time of year, especially this year, is HARD. But it is also figure-out-able, and we school teams can do hard things. We will have to work together, harder than ever before, to get to what is making student’s times harder for them; discover those lagging skills and unmet needs or both (thanks again Dr.Greene), and then focus deeply and wholeheartedly on connection. Kids do well if they can; and we can help them most by doing less, connecting more, on repeat. . . . . . . . #drrossgreene #slp #mom #advocate #connection #drjodycarrington #aacslp #ascconsultant #boysmom #instaslp #doless #connectmore #aac #speech #language #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist See more

Targeting P is super fun with Piggy Pile-Up! Really loving all the new, quick-to-play games lately; and I turned this one into a cooperative one by having kiddos strategize with me as to which pug should go next and where! . @roogames . .... . . #speechtherapy #speechandlanguage #preschoolslp #schoolslp #slptoolkit #roogames #okanaganslp See more

Today is Apraxia Awareness Day! . Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that makes it hard for children to speak. Children with the diagnosis of apraxia of speech generally have a good understanding of language and know what they want to say. However, they have difficulty learning or carrying out the complex movements that underlie speech (@apraxiakids). .... I am so very lucky to support children with CAS. Over the last few years I have worked hard with these incredibly inspiring children and their families. The more children with CAS I meet, the more passionate I am about learning & growing my clinical toolbox. I truly LOVE what we accomplish together; and it fills my cup (& to be honest, often brings me to happy tears!) so watch the growth in these amazing little friends. Thank you to all the families who have trusted me to be a part of their therapy village. . And a very special congratulations to sweet Harbor in the picture above. We are all so very, very proud of how hard you have worked; from imitating my own mouth movements to telling me stories about going to the cabin...How you have blossomed! . Questions about CAS? Let me know! . . . . #apraxia #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #cas #apraxiaslp #apraxiaawareness #apraxiaofspeech #lovewhatyoudo #dowhatyoulove #okanaganslp See more

HEYA! I realized I have never introduced myself; so here it goes! . ~Proud hockeymom to three wild boys ~Love trail running, handmade everything & a great read ... ~Born & raised in Toronto -> 8 years in Nova Scotia -> 8 years & counting in British Columbia ~Past jobs include pastry chef, yoga teacher and event planner . Thanks for following my journey as Okanagan SLP! See more

Getting ready for another week of LOVE . SO many sweet reads! Do you have a fave? . .... . #literacyslp #readmorebooks #languagelearning #sharedbookreading #nevertoomanybooks #readtogether #valentines #loveday #love #okanaganslp #speechlanguagepathologist See more

Just keep swimming . Snowing again today and we’re headed into a deep freeze. Almost a year into this pandemic and new school restrictions were just released. Feeling the weight of doing more with less resources as a parent.... . Where focus goes, energy flows: so today, I’m really grateful for the kiddos I work with who brighten my day. And when I found this memory of my week today, it reminded me to just keep swimming. . . . @peaceable_kingdom #slp #preschoolslp #schoolageslp #speechtherapy #speechlanguagepathologist #cooperativeboardgames #playistheway #playislearning See more

Welcome to Heartsville! . I LOVE listen and do activities; especially this cute one targeting following auditory directions by @puttingwordsinyourmouth . .... . . . . . #listenanddo #executivefunctioningskills #languagelearning #followinginstructions #receptivelanguage #colouring See more

Proud owner of (almost!) all of @puttingwordsinyourmouth dot art activities because kiddos never get tired of them! . I’ve used teeny snacks, magnetic bingo chips, and my fave ice cream-scented bingo dabbers and it’s always a hit! (Tip: I always have kiddos search and find and say with a light colour first; then we go back and cover with a darker colour for extra trials!) .... . . . #articulation #speech #speechtherapy #preschoolslp #schoolslp #okanaganslp #speechlanguagepathologist #dowhatyoulove #lovewhatyoudo See more

Today I had the opportunity to connect with Advocate Like A Mother and share about my role (life?) as an advocate. Some days, I advocate for kids who are minimally- to non-verbal. Some days, I advocate for my own kids with special needs. Some days, I advocate for services and system change.... When one advocates, they need inspiration to keep that work going. When I was asked about my inspiration, I said the kids that I support; they are working so hard to keep up, catch up, level up in a world that isn’t yet always prepared and ready for them. Often, without a voice. . I felt this overwhelming need, after the interview, to add to what I shared. (maybe I did say this? Who knows! It’s hard to keep track of all that you share when you’re passionately sharing). . But here it is: . Dear. Parents of the children I support, I’m inspired by YOU. You are what makes me want to learn more, do more, help more. You are parenting while also being the therapists, teacher, counsellor, friend, case manager; all while balancing work and relationships and society. You are receiving the tips and tricks and making space to implement strategies and interventions. I see all that you are doing to cope, to stay afloat, and it’s my inspiration. Know that you inspire the people like me who come and tell you things to try and activities to do; especially the hard ones. I see you at times, having a hard time. And then I see you show up again, and again, and again. I see you advocating, teaching, supporting others. I see you and I am inspired by you. So, thank you. It can be a challenging and overwhelming job, being an advocate; but you inspire me to keep at it. Make sure you see you, too. . Photo: my kick-ass, inspiring friend: His Momma FASD Wishing I could tag all the amazing families I’m connected to in this space; know this post is for you. . . . #advocate #parent #team #collaboration #specialneedsparenting #advocatelikeamother #yougotthis #wegotthis

About to connect with @advocatelikeamother STOKED! . . . #pediatricslp #advocate #aac #lovewhatyoudo #kelowna #britishcolumbia

It’s hard to take my clinical hat off sometimes when I’m with my own 3 boys . Take creating these beautiful gingerbread houses. I was amazed at how each boy completed the entire festive activity in such a different way, aside from their differing ages. It was fascinating to see their strengths (& stretches) be so salient now that I am more aware as their Mom. And just as cool was how I had to take pause and see how my own language and behaviour was shaping the experience... for them. . I am so proud of and simply adore my boys; but my parenting journey tends to ALWAYS include a lot of external brain management for them, especially emotional CO-regulation. . Activities like these are such AMAZING on-the-fly moments you can naturally support skill development; but if you’re like me, you’re realizing more and more that it starts with US. Are WE regulated? Did we eat today? Did we drink water? Did we sleep enough? Do we have the energy to be that external brain manager and co-regulate? Fill your cup parents before you plan an activity with any expectations; it truly is the fuel you’ll need to help support y’all through it. . . . #parenting #adhd #slp #slpmom #slplife #slpsofinstagram #gingerbread #executivefunctioning #emotionalregulation #ittakesavillage #selfcare #fillyourcup

I need . When I came across this photo tonight it reminded me how often as an SLP the phrase I need is followed by a HUGE list of to do’s for our students, families and teams. I find this especially to be the case with my students who are learning to use AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tools. It’s very easy to get a case of the overwhelms, especially as their school-based SLP I’m finding. The level of support needed for students learning AAC systems is HI...GH. Being the AAC consultant for my local school district is proving to be one of the most challenging (& therefore rewarding) experiences; and with it has come big lessons learned. Feeling grateful and humbled tonight. . . . . #aac #aacslp #slp #schoolbasedslp #preschoolslp #augmentativeandalternativecommunication #slpconsulting #speech #language #communication #kelowna #okanagan #slplife See more

The inner child in me legit squealed in excitement when my @dinkydoodads arrived! I’ve been using them for speech and language therapy goals both in person and on zoom and I think the kids are loving them as much as I am! . . .... #speechandlanguagetherapist #speech #articulation #apraxia #preschoolslp #schoolbasedslp #doodads #slp #slplife #slpsofinstagram See more

EVERY.DAY. I’m targeting executive functioning (EF) skills with my own three boys AND the students I work with! I’ve been adding again to my toolbox this fall and am thrilled to offering EF-specific interventions for students and their families. Definitely my passion; and something I LIVE on the daily. . Stay tuned for my upcoming workshop AND info on my EF sessions. . .... Graphic: @addvantagekc . . #executivefunctioning #executivefunctioningskills #adhd #add #autism #anxiety #parenting #kelowna #okanagan #slp #schoolbasedslp #preschoolbasedslp #timemanagement #workingmemory #emotionalregulation #initiation #planning #prioritizing #impulsecontrol See more

OKANAGAN SLP GIVEAWAY . Sharing is caring! As a passionate SLP who is a huge game aficionado, I’d love to gift some great finds this holiday season! Anomia is a fun game that’s great for pre-readers up to adults; be the first to shout a word that starts with the same sound as the image on your opponents’ card; but get ready to laugh when your brain does some silly things while under pressure! Great when paired with a small whiteboard or when waiting for dinner! .... To enter this giveaway: 1 Follow @okanaganslp 2 In the comments, tag 2 friends and tell us what you are thankful for this year! . TWO Winners will be chosen at 12:00 PM EST Tuesday 11/27/20 . . One entry per person. Instagram is not affiliated with this giveaway . . #slp #preschoolslp #giveaway #tistheseason #playmoregames #speech #language #okanagan #therapy #communication #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #aacslp #literacy #languagelearning #languagedevelopment See more

At a time when students are facing so many constant changes and are surrounded by anxiety and fear, what a calming, beautiful scene to enter into each day. This middle school truly made me take pause in my busy day; a moment of mindfulness that I was grateful for. . . .... . #besafe #bekind #becalm #schoolbasedslp #aacslp #slp #speechlanguagepathologist #language #literacy #speech #apraxia #preschoolslp #privatepracticeslp See more

SO COOL! Just discovered @pixelblocks.shop and they are a total HIT! I love to use these types of activities with the builders on my caseload. They earn blocks throughout the session then use them to create as a reward! If you like plusplus then you’ll love these! . . #slp #speechtherapy #articulation #speechlanguagepathologist #play #playbasedlearning #building #pixelblock #minecraft #aacslp #preschoolslp #schoolbasedslp

SO EXCITED! I feel so honoured to have been asked to participate in this awesome series created by @babyandmedotca Stay tuned for more exciting details! . #playismyjam #playistheway #playbasedlearning #playbasedtherapy #playistheworkofchildhood #slp #preschoolslp #kelowna #okanagan #letthembelittle #givethegiftofplay

Fun fact! . I’ve run artisan markets for the last 8 years (on pause due to covid ). These markets have always featured local, handcrafted goods. Years ago in #halifax I met an amazing Momma who was making and selling playdough and I became instantly hooked on using it in my speech and language therapy sessions. Since then I’ve met local dough makers like @playgrow.dough and I love supporting their small businesses by buying their handmade goodness (especially around the ...holidays!) . Playdough can be used in so many ways; there are a ton of cool playdough mats you can find online; you can pair with a bunch of your kitchen utensils and cookies cutters; you can create scenes and sculptures using woodland materials foraged outside; and like my own boys like to do: use it as blobs attacking and devouring their @lego mini figures . Give the gift of play this holiday season and please support local small businesses! . . . #kelowna #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #playdough #handmade #vernon #playdoughfun #playdoughkit #playdoughplayactivities #christmas #givethegiftofplay #play #playistheway #playislearning #buylocal #supportlocal #buyhandmade See more

Happy Halloween, from my family to yours!

I DID IT! . Never one to shy away from presenting on my passions, today I hosted my first ZOOM pro-d (for a group of 100 registrants no less!) I worried about glitches and it not running smoothly which I shared as being a lot like how we feel about supporting students with AAC needs. I’m so happy that so many people walked away with their ticket out the door on how we can promote INCLUSION of our students who use AAC in our school communities. . LOVED that I had a sweet T... to match the topic too! Thanks @thepeachiespeechie . . . . . #aac #aacawarenessmonth #aacslp #inclusion #schoolbasedslp #okanagan #aac2020 @thegreataacchallenge2020 See more

Been taking inspiration from all the awesome activities my littlest has been doing at his Montessori school! Our little guy is VERY busy at home; so it’s been fun learning about what keeps his attention at school and trying to do similar activities while adding in language modelling. Target words in colour mixing: colour names, dark/light, wet/dry, more/less, slow/fast, etc. . . . #preschoolslp #letthembelittle #colourmixing #montessori @kinderheart__

This weekend was filled with mindful moments of giving thanks for all that my family is grateful for. It has been a challenging year; and I’m so thankful that my family is healthy & happy. #thanksgiving

Excited to be presenting this month on this topic dear to my heart . Perfect timing for AAC Awareness Month! . .... . #aacslp #inclusion #aacawarenessmonth #aac #kelowna #okanagan #speechlanguagepathologist See more

SO excited for my Halloween Cards! . . . .... . #halloween #cardgames #letthembelittle #slp #lovewhatyoudo #dowhatyoulove #preschoolslp #schoolbasedslp See more

SO excited to be using my NEW @bjoremspeech cards in speech therapy sessions! Pairs perfectly with my longtime fave game Sneaky Snacky Squirrel by @learningresources . . . #speechtherapy #apraxiaofspeech #sneakysnackysquirrel #happyfall #okanagan #speechlanguagepathologist

All around the world, people and communities have had to adapt to big changes caused by COVID-19. People with cerebral palsy have mastered dealing with change, breaking down barriers, and coming up with creative solutions their whole lives. . I wish I could share ALL the many, many ways that the kiddos with cerebral palsy that I know meet inaccessibility challenges on the daily and how they and their families still create, participate, and meet (& exceed!) their goals. ...How they Make Their Mark on the daily is most inspiring and what we as a society have much to learn from. . October is Augmentative and Alternative Awareness month; so how I am trying to Make My Mark is supporting as many students as I can with CP and other students needing additive technology for communication at school by directly setting students up with low and high technology strategies and tools; but also importantly sharing education on AAC in the school and specifically with their peers. . #aacslp #worldcpday #lightitupgreen #cerebralpalsy #assistivetechnology #schoolbasedslp See more

Today is World Cerebral Palsy Day I am so lucky to support & love kiddos with cerebral palsy and their amazing families. Cerebral palsy (CP) affects body movement and muscle coordination, is not hereditary nor contagious but is a life-long condition. . Over 10,000 people in BC live with Cerebral Palsy. It is the number one physical disability in children, and while many adults with CP work and lead productive lives many are bound by therapy and equipment expenses that can ...be debilitating. CP is a complex disability: 1 in 4 children with CP cannot talk 1 in 4 children cannot walk 1 in 2 have an intellectual disability 1 in 4 have epilepsy. CP is a lifelong disability and there is no known cure. #worldcpday #aacslp #lovewhatyoudodowhatyoulove #gogreen4cp @worldcpday

Every child matters. https://www.cbc.ca/kidscb/the-feed/what-is-orange-shirt-day

IT’S ALIVE HAS ARRIVED! . SO excited that the creators of science podcast @brains_on created this AMAZING book on the study of living things! It’s so, SO good. For approximately ages 8-12 (but I’ll be reading it to all 3 of my boys!) and filled with the coolest facts, epic graphics and comics, funny jokes and more! . .... #brainson #steam #biology #slpreads #nonfiction #backtoschool #readmorebooks #kelowna #okanagan See more

Meet Bill He is our family’s Worry Eater. Talk about a perfect time in our lives for Worry Eaters! I meant to share this earlier this summer when back-to-school jitters typically start; but Mom-life got extra busy! . We got our Worry Eater from one of my fave Canadian businesses, Odin Books .... Bill eats up our worries so we can make space in our brains and bodies. The last thing we want are extra worries taking up rent in our boys . . . #worryeaters #backtoschool #covid19 #letthembelittle #anxiety #executivefunction See more