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.
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.
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.
I am a mama to a daughter, Andersyn, and a wife to a supportive outdoorsman, Louis. Our two dogs, Penny and Teddy, keep our house noisy and fun!
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!
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!