Welcome to Allegra Speech Language Therapy
Returning to the True North after university, I began my career at Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital and the Grace Hospital, both in Winnipeg, MB. I loved working with outpatients, inpatients, specialty clinics (e.g. High Risk Newborn Follow Up Program), nurses, audiologists, otolaryngologists (ENTs), occupational therapists (OT), physiotherapists (PT), developmental pediatricians, and other SLPs. The learning was constant, the colleagues were friends, and the families travelled from all over Manitoba and from Nunavut. Working in the hospitals taught me the strength of kids and their resilient human bodies. It showed me the value of multidisciplinary teams. It familiarized me with therapy supports and resources in the province for children.
In 2011, I relocated to my hometown of Virden, Manitoba. I joined the PROMISE Years team of therapists, supporting preschoolers in the Fort la Bosse area within their homes, daycares, and preschools, as well as the elementary schools that eagerly waited to greet them. Through this role, I met the children of the families with whom I had grown up, as well as families new to the community since I last lived in Virden. The continuing education opportunities were extensive, the school teams were inviting, and I walked the same hallways I did as a student, myself. Working in the schools taught me the flexibility of kids and their beautiful, human brains. There, I had the honour of sharing in a student’s transition to their next big step. I also had the privilege of working alongside dedicated educators and sharing stories and cookies in the staff room!
“Speeching” (and language-ing) children in a variety of environments – most recently, remotely, through teletherapy – has given me the distinct pleasure of working with mighty marvels from all over Manitoba. I’m convinced no job exists that is more fun than mine. I believe in the power of play. I believe children are brilliant, and I’m confident I can support your child in communicating their brilliance.
Born and raised in the oil capital of Manitoba, Virden remains my home, along with my husband, and our two junior “Oil Caps.”
Credentials
• Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Minot State University (2005)
• Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Minot State University (2007)
• Registered member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (CASLPM) with a current Certificate of Practice
• Certificate of Clinical Competence with American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA).
• Manitoba School Clinician Certificate (2014)
• PLAY Project Intensive Workshop (2016)
• The Hanen Centre More Than Words (2019)
