Sandbox Speech Therapy

About Us

Welcome to Sandbox Speech Therapy!

We are Jennifer and Jade, a team of experienced, pediatric speech-language pathologists.

 

When we saw a gap in speech and language services in our city, we decided to collaborate to serve our community better. We welcome children and families of all abilities from all cultural, linguistic and social backgrounds.

Early Intervention is Important...

When there are gaps in a child’s communication skills, sitting on a waitlist is unproductive. It is important a child receives services so the child can learn to communicate to his/her fullest potential.

Parents as Partners.

At Sandbox Speech Therapy, we value a family-centered approach to both teaching and learning. When we are invited into your home, whether in person or virtually, we are partnering with you in the process. We want to work together to help your child reach his/her fullest potential at home, in therapy, at school, and in the community.

Our Stories + Education

Jade Fisette - Sandbox Speech Therapy

Jade Fisette

Co-Owner, MS, R-SLP

When I first started my university journey, I was on the path to being a high school French teacher. I taught preschool dance classes on the side and loved working with children and felt like I wanted a more focused career. During one of my teaching practicums, I stumbled across a speech-language pathologist and I was intrigued. I called universities all over the world to see who would accept a student locked into a teaching degree.

I moved down to Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota, to complete my studies. Upon completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders, I was awarded the Elsie Mae Deeter Hearing Impaired Scholarship and proceeded to earn my Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology alongside a Master’s Certificate in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I was awarded the outstanding clinician award for my strong clinical abilities with the pediatric population. Throughout my Master’s degree, I participated in four different research studies focusing on treatment protocols for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. This research was presented at national conferences around the United States.

Upon graduation, I started working at a non-profit agency for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, where I met Jennifer! It was during her maternity leave that we dove head first into Sandbox Speech Therapy. So, here we are now, two kiddos later, offering in home services, workshops, and online courses!

 

Certifications:

  • BA French Studies
  • BS Communication Disorders
  • MS Speech-Language Pathology
  • Master’s Certificate Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Registered by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (CASLPM)
Jennifer Oomah - Sandbox Speech Therapy

Jennifer Oomah​

Co-Owner, MS, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT

I am a mama to my daughter, Violet, and a wife to my artistic and thoughtful husband, Jason. Our Goldendoodle, Waffles, has the loudest bark in the neighbourhood!

 

I began my post-secondary studies at the University of Manitoba where I discovered a love for languages and took many courses in French and Spanish. I eventually figured out that I wanted to earn an Advanced Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics.

 

During my undergraduate work, I simultaneously worked at a French school as an educational assistant and completed numerous speech-language volunteer placements in both a private clinic and schools in Winnipeg. It was during that time I knew I wanted to move south of the border to Grand Forks, North Dakota to complete my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

 

While attending the graduate program, I received a ton of pediatric clinical experience and made many lifelong SLP friends. My graduate research examined the correlation of parental involvement with children’s speech therapy outcomes.

 

I started working a day after graduation for a local non-profit agency for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. This is where Jade and I later met. I have since completed an intensive three-year certification process to specialize in working with children who have hearing loss and I also hold an additional designation as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. I now have over a decade of experience working with children from birth through school age, and I am continuously expanding my knowledge and education by attending professional development conferences.

 

It was while I was on maternity leave that Jade and I knew we needed to start up a private practice to improve the quality of care for children and empower parents at the same time. So, Sandbox Speech Therapy was born!

 

We now reach families all over the province with our one-on-one therapy services and have reached many families internationally with our workshops and online courses. We are so glad you’re here with us!

Certifications:

  • Advanced BA Linguistics
  • MS Speech-Language Pathology
  • Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association
  • Registered by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (CASLPM)
  • Registered with the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell), as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist
Courtney Spencer, the newest member of the Sandbox Speech Therapy team of speech pathologists!

Courtney Spencer

MS, R-SLP

I am a speech-language pathologist, baker, biker, music lover, and reader! 

 

My SLP journey has been an eventful one! I studied in North Dakota for 6 years at Minot State University and The University of North Dakota. I came back to Canada with a group of amazing SLP friends, clinical experience in schools and in hospitals, and a thick North Dakotan accent. 

 

Upon completing my Bachelor of Science and my Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, I began my career working for a preschool outreach program taking me to Thompson, Churchill, and Dauphin! Getting the chance to explore our beautiful province and meet so many families was a priceless experience.

 

Currently, I work for the schools in Winnipeg supporting a wide variety of students across elementary and high schools. In this role, I get to work with students supporting language development, speech sound learning, and utilizing alternative and augmentative communication modalities.

 

I joined Sandbox Speech Therapy in 2023 to continue working directly with families in our wonderful city!

Certifications:

  • BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders with Honors
  • MS Speech-Language Pathology
  • Registered by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (CASLPM)
  • Certified in Hanen “More Than Words Program”

Cassidy Matthews

MS, R-SLP

I’m a speech-language pathologist who is passionate about communication and helping others. Outside of work, you’ll find me with my nose buried in a book, playing sports, or enjoying time with my dog, Blue, and my family at the lake!

 

My journey to becoming an SLP began early. I am the older sister to an autistic individual who has truly inspired me throughout my life and led me down this road to becoming an SLP. Growing up in a multilingual household further fueled my fascination with communication in all its forms!

 

After completing my Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at the University of Winnipeg, I took a two-year break to live in France and improve my French. Upon returning to Canada, I pursued my post-baccalaureate and master’s degrees at Minot State University in North Dakota. During my time there, I completed an independent research study, focusing on the perspectives and experiences of adult siblings of autistic individuals. This research has since been presented at state and national conferences in the United States.

 

Currently, I work for the schools in Winnipeg supporting a wide variety of school aged students with various communication needs. Joining Sandbox Speech Therapy in 2024 has allowed me to continue my passion for working directly with families, helping them navigate the world of speech and language.

Certifications:

  • BA Linguistics
  • MS Speech-Language Pathology
  • Registered by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (CASLPM)

 

Cass Spriggs

MS, R-SLP

I am a speech-language pathologist, wife, dog-mom, and new mom to my daughter, Hallie! When I’m not chasing my little one around or providing speech therapy, I love coffee, watching movies, reading thrillers, traveling, and spending time at the lake!

 

My path to becoming a speech-language pathologist began with a Linguistics degree from the University of Manitoba, followed by a Master’s in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of North Dakota. During my externships, I got to try a bit of everything – from working in hospital pediatric outpatient to providing teletherapy services for both children and adults. It quickly became evident that my passion lies in working with children!

 

Starting my career in private practice has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I’ve enjoyed collaborating closely with families and caregivers, tailoring therapy services to meet the unique needs of each child I work with. In addition to my private practice work, I’m also part of the school system, supporting students with a variety of communication disorders. Whether addressing speech sounds, language disorders, social communication skills, or fluency, I love empowering children to realize their full communication potential!

Certifications:

  • Advanced BA Linguistics
  • Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma (PTA, OTA, SLPA)
  • MS Speech-Language Pathology
  • Registered by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (CASLPM)
Arielle Humphrey Speech Therapist Winnipeg

Arielle Humphrey

MS, R-SLP

I am a dedicated speech-language pathologist passionate about helping individuals communicate effectively and confidently. Outside of my professional life, you’ll often find me spending time with my loved ones or unwinding by the lake. Family time and lake days rejuvenate me and fuel my passion for life!

 

I earned my Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of North Dakota (UND). During my time at UND, I had the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in evidence-based practice while honing my clinical expertise in both private and school settings.

 

I have a diverse range of interests, but two areas that truly ignite my passion are supporting gestalt language processors and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I believe everyone deserves a voice and that effective communication is the key to unlocking limitless possibilities. Through personalized therapy plans and a neurodiversity-affirming lens, I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where all individuals feel empowered.

 

I currently work in schools in Winnipeg, supporting a wide variety of students in elementary and middle years. I’ve joined Sandbox Speech Therapy, and I look forward to working more closely with families and supporting them on their journey to reaching their communication goals!

Certifications:

  • Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of North Dakota (UND)
  • Registered by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (CASLPM)

Megan Rathwell

MS, R-SLP

I am a speech-language pathologist who is passionate about building meaningful relationships with my clients and their families. In my spare time you can find me reading, spending time at the lake, or enjoying a coffee. 
 
I am originally from Saskatchewan but moved to Minot North Dakota to pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Minot State University. 
 
Upon completing my degree, I began my career working in northern Indigenous communities, learning how truly beautiful Manitoba is. I have developed a love for working in the areas of speech sound disorders, early language development, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). 
 
My bucket feels most full when I work alongside families to create goals that truly align with their unique strengths and values. That is why I am excited to begin working for Sandbox Speech Therapy!

Certifications:

  • Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Minot State University
  • Registered by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (CASLPM)

Help for Parents

Navigating your child’s speech and language development can be challenging. Here are some resources to help you get started.

PARENT COACHING

In our parent coaching sessions, we teach you how to turn everyday activities into opportunities for communication growth.

QUIZ

Gain some insight into weather or not your child is reaching key speech and language milestones for their age group.

FREE COURSE

Is your child under __? Get a head start on speech & language development with our free course, “Talk to Me Baby”!

FREE ASSESSMENT

We provide assessments free of charge to help you determine where your child is at in terms of speech and language milestones. 

Getting help for your child's speech and language needs...

We are here to provide you as many options as we can for children struggling with speech and language development. Here are a few resources to get started…

FREE CONSULTATIONS

We provide consultations free of charge to help you determine your best next steps to provide your child with the support they may need.

QUIZ

Gain some insight into weather or not your child is reaching key speech and language milestones for their age group.

SERVICES

View the complete list of services offered by our team of professional SLP’s.

Parent Coaching

What to Expect

We provide parent coaching to empower parents and caregivers with strategies and techniques to support their child’s communication development across various settings. Our coaching sessions focus on teaching practical tips for everyday activities, ensuring confidence and competence in fostering language skills. This support is valuable for both younger and older children, enhancing their communication abilities and overall development.

Session Length:

20 Minutes

THIS SERVICE IS COMING SOON!

Cost:

$50*

 

*A receipt labeled “Parent Coaching” will be provided after your sessions. Please verify with your private insurance provider to determine if this service is covered under your plan.

Next Steps: Get in Touch

Fill out the form below and we will be in touch with next steps and booking options.

Reading & Literacy

What to Expect

Our reading and literacy services are designed to support children who may be struggling with foundational skills in reading, comprehension, and written expression. Through specialized assessments and personalized strategies, we identify your child’s unique literacy needs, from phonemic awareness to vocabulary development and fluency. Each session focuses on strengthening the building blocks of literacy, providing the skills and confidence your child needs to thrive academically and beyond.

 

If you’re seeking targeted support to enhance your child’s reading and writing abilities, our services include progress tracking and tailored recommendations for at-home practice. We work closely with families and educators, ensuring that our approach aligns with your child’s school goals and learning environment. Our commitment is to help every child unlock the joy of reading and the power of communication.

Session Length:

Details Coming soon!

THIS SERVICE IS COMING SOON!

Cost:

Details Coming Soon!

Next Steps: Get in Touch

This service is only available to clients of Sandbox Speech Therapy. Get started now by filling out the form below and we will be in touch to schedule your child’s free assessment. 

Report Writing

About this Service...

Our speech and language assessments, progress tracking, and therapy summaries provide in-depth insights that capture your child’s unique communication needs and achievements. Each report is written with precision and clarity, offering you a reliable tool to understand your child’s progress, strengths, and areas for continued support. We tailor every report to align with Manitoba’s standards for school and healthcare documentation, ensuring that all relevant details are included to best support your child’s journey.

 

If you’re seeking a report to share with your doctor, school, or other professionals, we are here to help. Our reports include measurable goals, actionable recommendations, and clear summaries of therapy outcomes, making it easy for others to support your child effectively. We understand the questions you may have and are happy to answer them, providing reassurance and clarity every step of the way.

Session Length:

Variable

Cost:

$100

Next Steps: Get in Touch

Reports are available to active clients. If you’re not yet connected with us and want to get started, fill out the form below and we will follow up to schedule your child’s free assessment.

Consultative Services

What to Expect

We provide consultative services with schools and other health professionals upon request by parents. We believe a child’s support system collaborates and focuses on common goals to ensure optimal success. If you would like us involved in a school intake meeting, team meeting, or IEP meeting, please do not hesitate to ask. We can also provide progress reports for the same fee to school teams or to healthcare professionals.

 

We offer contracts with preschools, daycares, and private schools to complete screenings, comprehensive speech and language evaluations as well as therapy services. Our services strive to provide essential information to determine student programming, areas of intervention and modifications/accommodations to IEP plans.

Session Length:

Variable

Cost:

Please Contact us for Pricing

Next Steps: Get in Touch

We’d love to hear about your inquiry whether you’re a concerned parent, or representative of an organization, get in touch to see what your next steps are. 

Teletherapy

What to Expect

Experience the convenience and effectiveness of our Teletherapy services, available to families across Manitoba. We use a secure video conferencing platform that allows for personalized, one-on-one assessment and therapy sessions with your child, incorporating engaging activities and real toys for a fun and interactive experience. With access to a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist from the comfort of your own home or wherever you have an internet connection, our Teletherapy services provide high-quality care tailored to your child’s needs. Perfect for busy schedules, remote locations, and unpredictable circumstances, our Teletherapy services ensure consistent and reliable support for your child’s speech therapy needs.

Session Length:

Variable

Cost:

 $150/$100 (no mileage required)

Next Steps: Get in Touch

Due to high demand, we don’t facilitate automatic scheduling for new clients for this service. However, you may fill out this form below to get in touch and we can get you started on the path to helping your child as soon as possible. 

Individualized Therapy

What to Expect

We offer individualized therapy sessions with a registered Speech-Language Pathologist to target your child’s speech and language goals. With a focus on flexibility and family involvement, our therapy sessions empower parents to actively participate in their child’s progress, both in sessions and through recommended at-home activities.

Session Length:

30-45 minutes

Cost:

 $100 (+ $0.70/km outside of Winnipeg for mileage)

Next Steps: Get in Touch

Due to high demand, we don’t facilitate automatic scheduling for new clients for this service. However, you may fill out this form below to get in touch and we can get you started on the path to helping your child as soon as possible. 

Assessments

What to Expect

Our comprehensive assessment services are designed to determine your child’s unique communication strengths and areas for growth. Our assessments provide the required information that help to determine targeted speech and language goals. Evaluations may include parent interviews, formal or informal assessments, and observations.

Session Length:

30-60 minutes

Cost:

 $100 (+ $0.70/km outside of Winnipeg for mileage)

Schedule an Assessment

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly to find a time that might work for you.