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Grow Speech and Language Therapy in Vancouver, BC specializes in child and family-centered therapy for children up to 18 years of age. Grow is part of the multi-disciplinary clinic Steps BC, which allows clinicians to coordinate and provide your child with comprehensive services. At Grow we strive to provide meaningful and evidence-based interventions to help your child meet their goals and reach their potential.
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Meet the team
CArla monteleone m.SLP., rslp - Speech-Language Pathologist
Carla Monteleone is one of the directors & co-owners of Grow Speech & Language Therapy. Carla received her Masters of Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Alberta. She has worked in a variety of settings with a variety of populations including preschool aged children in public health, school aged children in the North Vancouver School District, and all ages in her private practice. Carla is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. and is certified by Speech and Audiology Canada. Carla is on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).
An adjunct professor at the School of Speech Sciences and Audiology at UBC, she teaches the Fluency Disorders class. She is also a clinical instructor at UBC and enjoys providing mentorship to future SLPs.
Carla has worked with children facing a range of speech and language disorders including developmental language disorders and social language delays. In addition, she has experience working with children with learning disabilities, executive functioning disorders and selective mutism. Carla has special interests in motor speech disorders including Childhood Apraxia of Speech and fluency disorders. She is Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She has a European Clinical Specialization in Fluency Disorders.
Carla has attended multiple workshops in Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner and Executive Functioning Skills by Sarah Ward. She is also trained in the following: PROMPT, the Hanen program, the Lidcombe program, Palin Parent Child Interaction approach, Meaningful Speech and RESTART Demands and Capacities. Carla is also trained in LSVT LOUD for kids, an intensive, neuroplasticity-based treatment addressing vocal loudness, articulation, and intelligibility, and intonation . Carla is continuing to expand her knowledge in the area of oromyfunctional disorders.
Carla is excited to be partnering with her long time friend, Deborah Carter, and to continue working with the Steps BC multidisciplinary team. She takes a family centered approach to providing therapy that is individualized, fun, and relaxed. She is looking forward to meeting all the current Grow families and welcoming new ones.
An adjunct professor at the School of Speech Sciences and Audiology at UBC, she teaches the Fluency Disorders class. She is also a clinical instructor at UBC and enjoys providing mentorship to future SLPs.
Carla has worked with children facing a range of speech and language disorders including developmental language disorders and social language delays. In addition, she has experience working with children with learning disabilities, executive functioning disorders and selective mutism. Carla has special interests in motor speech disorders including Childhood Apraxia of Speech and fluency disorders. She is Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She has a European Clinical Specialization in Fluency Disorders.
Carla has attended multiple workshops in Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner and Executive Functioning Skills by Sarah Ward. She is also trained in the following: PROMPT, the Hanen program, the Lidcombe program, Palin Parent Child Interaction approach, Meaningful Speech and RESTART Demands and Capacities. Carla is also trained in LSVT LOUD for kids, an intensive, neuroplasticity-based treatment addressing vocal loudness, articulation, and intelligibility, and intonation . Carla is continuing to expand her knowledge in the area of oromyfunctional disorders.
Carla is excited to be partnering with her long time friend, Deborah Carter, and to continue working with the Steps BC multidisciplinary team. She takes a family centered approach to providing therapy that is individualized, fun, and relaxed. She is looking forward to meeting all the current Grow families and welcoming new ones.
DEborah Carter, m.sc., rslp- Speech-Language Pathologist
Deborah is one of the directors and co-owners of Grow Speech & Language Therapy. Deborah received her Masters of Speech and Language Pathology from the University of British Columbia. During the last 20 years, Deborah has worked in community health with preschool-age children in the Fraser Region, with school-age children in the Delta and Burnaby School Districts, and children and youth in her private practice. Deborah is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and is certified by Speech & Audiology Canada. Deborah is on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).
Deborah regularly presents professional development workshops to school district staff and has lectured on the topic of Fluency Disorders at UBC. She frequently consults with school-based teams and provides mentorship to teachers, educational assistants, and is a clinical instructor to UBC SLP graduate students.
Deborah has experience working with a diverse population of children with communication needs and disorders to support their communication, inclusion, independence and social-emotional development. Her areas of clinical interest and training include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Social Communication, Executive Functioning, Language-Based Learning Disabilities, Fluency Disorders, Speech Sound Disorders, Phonological Development and Developmental Language Delay. Deborah has attended numerous workshops in Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner and Executive Functioning Skills by Sarah Ward. She is trained in the Hanen Program, The Lidcombe Program, Meaningful Speech, PROMPT and the assessment and intervention of school-age Fluency Disorders through the Stuttering Foundation of America. Deborah has extensive experience in the areas of of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), motor-speech disorders and voice.
Deborah's love of languages, voice, children, and teaching drew her to the field of Speech and Language Pathology.
Deborah has performed as a vocalist in local professional bands for over 25 years. She is fluent in French and Hungarian.
Deborah strongly values collaboration and building positive relationships with families and teams. She brings this approach to her therapy and motivates children through engagement and playfulness. She strives to empower parents and caregivers to learn tools and gain resources to support their child’s communication and well-being.
Deborah regularly presents professional development workshops to school district staff and has lectured on the topic of Fluency Disorders at UBC. She frequently consults with school-based teams and provides mentorship to teachers, educational assistants, and is a clinical instructor to UBC SLP graduate students.
Deborah has experience working with a diverse population of children with communication needs and disorders to support their communication, inclusion, independence and social-emotional development. Her areas of clinical interest and training include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Social Communication, Executive Functioning, Language-Based Learning Disabilities, Fluency Disorders, Speech Sound Disorders, Phonological Development and Developmental Language Delay. Deborah has attended numerous workshops in Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner and Executive Functioning Skills by Sarah Ward. She is trained in the Hanen Program, The Lidcombe Program, Meaningful Speech, PROMPT and the assessment and intervention of school-age Fluency Disorders through the Stuttering Foundation of America. Deborah has extensive experience in the areas of of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), motor-speech disorders and voice.
Deborah's love of languages, voice, children, and teaching drew her to the field of Speech and Language Pathology.
Deborah has performed as a vocalist in local professional bands for over 25 years. She is fluent in French and Hungarian.
Deborah strongly values collaboration and building positive relationships with families and teams. She brings this approach to her therapy and motivates children through engagement and playfulness. She strives to empower parents and caregivers to learn tools and gain resources to support their child’s communication and well-being.
Kaitlyn Martinson, M.Sc., RSLP- Speech-Language Pathologist
Kaitlyn has graduated with her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada. She has gained experience practicing in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals and a private practice in the Yukon! Since then, Kaitlyn has been dedicated to working with children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other speech, language and communication challenges. Other areas of interest include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), fluency, phonological awareness, narrative language, literacy, social communication and motor speech disorders. Kaitlyn is building her hours with supervision to become a Registered Autism Service Provider in BC and plans to complete PROMPT training as well as Hanen - More than Words within the year. Person-centered care is a fundamental part of Kaitlyn’s work. Every client is different and requires personalized, and individualized care to ensure that their needs and concerns are met. Kaitlyn enjoys working as part of a team of professionals at Grow and Steps BC to be able to provide holistic and comprehensive care for children and their families.
Ashtyn DeBoice, M.Sc., RSLP- Speech-Language Pathologist
Ashtyn graduated from the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences with a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada. Ashtyn has 6 years of experience supporting children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and other speech, language and communication challenges. Her areas of interests also include speech sound and articulation disorders, motor speech disorders, fluency, and social communication and pragmatic language. She has completed her Hanen - More Than Words certification and is working on building her hours with supervision to become a Registered Autism Service Provider in BC. She also intends on completing her PROMPT training within the year. Ashtyn’s philosophy is the 3 P’s: Play, Patience, and Persistence. Learning is best done when the environment feels safe, the activities are engaging, and of course, when the sessions are fun! Ashtyn is immensely grateful for the opportunity to learn from the wonderful team at Grow, and provide meaningful care for our Grow children and families.
Alison Quiring, M.Sc., RSLP- Speech-Language Pathologist
Alison graduated from the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences with a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada. She is passionate about helping individuals connect with their family, friends, and communities while advocating for accessibility in all areas of life. Alison values evidence-based approaches, cultural safety, and neurodiversity affirming practices. She has experience working with children and teens with autism and believes strongly in a family-centered, play-based, and strengths-based approach. She She also has experience working with children who have phonology, motor speech, language, and articulation disorders. Alison was a leader with UBC’s Camp Connect, where she learned about and communicated with children through Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). This has become an area of interest for her, as she has seen how impactful having access to a robust communication system can be for children with a wide variety of diagnoses, delays, and disorders. Alison has experience working with children and families from a wide variety of cultural and language backgrounds. Prior to beginning her master’s degree, she spent a year working in a children’s home in Zimbabwe, Africa and had the opportunity to complete her final clinical placement in the Aboriginal Headstart Preschool Programs in East Vancouver. In her free time, Alison enjoys reading, riding her bike, visiting the beach, trying new restaurants, and learning guitar!
Olivia Ellard, MSC., RSLP- Speech-Language Pathologist
Olivia completed her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences and is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada. Olivia has experience working with children and adolescents with a range of communication needs, including in the areas of fluency, motor speech, articulation, language, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), executive functioning, and social-pragmatic skills. Olivia is certified in the Hanen Centre’s Program: It Takes Two To Talk®. Olivia is motivated by her client’s earnest desire to communicate. She is passionate about helping her clients reach their potential and achieve their communication goals though therapy that is individualized, fun, and functional. Previously, Olivia was a Research Assistant at the UBC Language Development Centre, and with the Children’s Speech Development Project, examining infant language acquisition and child language development. In her free time, Olivia enjoys staying active, and can often be found swimming or playing tennis. She is also an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants. Olivia enjoys being part of the Grow Team and providing a family-centered model of care to the clients and families she supports.
Andrew Martin, MSC., rslp - Speech-Language Pathologist
Andrew completed his Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences. He is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada. Andrew has supported individuals with a range of communication needs in the areas of language, articulation and phonology, stuttering, users of Alternative and Augmentative Communication, voice and social-cognitive disorders. He has extensive experience working with Autistic and neurodivergent children and youth. His experience in the daycare and school systems has made him a passionate advocate for ensuring every student feels like they belong. Prior to becoming an SLP, Andrew has been bringing his patience and enthusiasm to a variety of fun, high-energy settings: from kayak tours, to piano lessons, to summer camps. His love of books, stories, and art is always evident in his sessions. He values an approach that is family-centered, neurodiversity-affirming; welcoming of all diversity, and rooted in evidence-based practice. Andrew is honoured to be a part of the Grow team, and to help foster meaningful, long-lasting change for the families he works with.
SARAH CARTER, M.sc., CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Sarah completed her bachelor’s degree in biomedical studies and psychology from UNBC, and her master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Alberta in 2017. Having worked in a variety of settings, including in early intervention and in the school district, she has extensive experience with interdisciplinary collaboration, including working in partnership with occupational therapists, physical therapists, audiologists, psychologists, and educators.
Sarah is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC, certified by Speech and Audiology Canada, and is on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP). She specializes in the development of early language, play, and cognition; augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); working with neurodiverse children; developmental language disorders (DLD); literacy; motor speech; and speech sounds. She takes a play-based approach, and has the best games— she’s earned the moniker “The Toy Doctor” from previous clients.
In her spare time, Sarah loves hiking, camping, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and spending time with her ragdoll cat and miniature doodle: Tom (Selleck) and Finnley.
Sarah is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC, certified by Speech and Audiology Canada, and is on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP). She specializes in the development of early language, play, and cognition; augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); working with neurodiverse children; developmental language disorders (DLD); literacy; motor speech; and speech sounds. She takes a play-based approach, and has the best games— she’s earned the moniker “The Toy Doctor” from previous clients.
In her spare time, Sarah loves hiking, camping, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and spending time with her ragdoll cat and miniature doodle: Tom (Selleck) and Finnley.
Fiona Humbert-Droz, M.SC., RSLP- Speech-Language Pathologist
Fiona graduated with a Masters in Science of Speech-Language Pathology from University of British Columbia. She is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Professions of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada. Fiona began developing her passions and skills in the field in 2012 when she started working with Autistic children, youth and their families. Prior to obtaining her degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Fiona spent 6 years working in Toronto as a child-youth worker and providing services as a communicative disorders assistant (CDA) at community programs, homes, clinics, and schools. Her areas of interest include evidence-based practices in supporting Gestalt Language Learners, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users, and children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and motor speech disorders. Fiona is working towards building hours of supervision to become a registered Autism Service Provider in B.C. This year, she attended the Neurodiversity-Affirming practices workshop with Autistic SLP Rachel Dorsey and is currently completing the Meaningful Speech course for training in natural language acquisition.
Fiona is committed to ongoing learning about neurodiversity affirming practices, honouring all communication styles, and maintaining a strength interest-based approach. She is passionate about working with culturally and linguistically diverse families. As a child, she spent years living between various countries in Asian and Europe and recognizes how integrated cultural and communication values are. She prioritizes a family and client-centered approach and views relationships and trust as the foundation of treatment success. Fiona is thrilled to be a member of the Grow team and to provide care and support for our wonderful families! In her free time, she enjoys pitch and putt, trying new cafes to satisfy her love of coffee and going on walks with her dog, Goose.
Fiona is committed to ongoing learning about neurodiversity affirming practices, honouring all communication styles, and maintaining a strength interest-based approach. She is passionate about working with culturally and linguistically diverse families. As a child, she spent years living between various countries in Asian and Europe and recognizes how integrated cultural and communication values are. She prioritizes a family and client-centered approach and views relationships and trust as the foundation of treatment success. Fiona is thrilled to be a member of the Grow team and to provide care and support for our wonderful families! In her free time, she enjoys pitch and putt, trying new cafes to satisfy her love of coffee and going on walks with her dog, Goose.
Samantha Gryz, SLPA- Speech-Language Pathology ASsistant
Samantha is a Speech Language Pathology Assistant at Grow. Samantha received her Certificate in Linguistics of Speech Science from Simon Fraser University, and is working on a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma focused on learning disabilities and language acquisition. Samantha is hoping to continue along the path to becoming an SLP. Samantha has worked with children in many capacities for the past 10 years, supporting and learning alongside neurodiverse populations. Samantha has focused on inclusion, social-emotional learning, and communication. She has experience working with Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and non-speaking learners, and has worked as an Education Assistant for the Vancouver School Board for the past 4 years. Samantha volunteers for a weekly conversation group for adults with aphasia, and is a Research Assistant in the Language and Brain Lab at Simon Fraser University. Samantha volunteered and helped to run Grow's Social and Music groups in the Summer of 2021 and impressed the Grow team and families with her professionalism and clinical skills. Samantha is excited to part of the team at Grow and to have the opportunity to get to know and support the Grow community of children and families!
LAUREN CIRKO, M.Sc. Rslp- Speech-Language Pathologist
Lauren Completed her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences. She is a member of the College of Health care Professionals of BC. Lauren has supported individuals in a variety of settings such as early intervention centers, schools, and adult rehabilitation centers. Lauren enjoys working with clients of all ages who have a variety of communication needs in the areas of language, phonology, literacy, social-communication, feeding, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication. Lauren is passionate about providing family-centred care and helping clients reach their communication goals in a fun and motivating environment. In her free time, you may find her baking sweet treats, reading and listening to all kinds of music.
Krista Salanki, M.SC., RSLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Krista holds a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from UBC and Undergraduate Degrees in Cognitive Science of Language and Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour from McMaster University. She is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada.
In her sessions, Krista combines a neurodiversity-affirming approach with evidence-based practice. Her focus is to tailor services to meet the unique needs of clients and their families, while fostering a fun and creative learning environment. She has worked with clients of all ages in diverse settings, including private clinics, daycares, schools, rehabilitation centres, and hospitals.
Krista's clinical interests include gestalt language processing, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), developmental language disorders (DLD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and communication challenges associated with acquired brain injuries. She also has a keen interest in articulation, motor speech, phonological disorders, executive functioning, and social communication. Krista’s past research has focused on studying the interaction between traumatic brain injury and social communication within the Centre for Advanced Research in Experimental and Applied Linguistics (ARiEAL) at McMaster University.
Committed to ongoing learning and development, Krista continuously enhances her skills through continuing education, active engagement with clients and their families, and gaining clinical mentorship. In her free time, Krista enjoys creating music, caring for her houseplants, and exploring the great outdoors through activities like hiking and skiing.
In her sessions, Krista combines a neurodiversity-affirming approach with evidence-based practice. Her focus is to tailor services to meet the unique needs of clients and their families, while fostering a fun and creative learning environment. She has worked with clients of all ages in diverse settings, including private clinics, daycares, schools, rehabilitation centres, and hospitals.
Krista's clinical interests include gestalt language processing, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), developmental language disorders (DLD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and communication challenges associated with acquired brain injuries. She also has a keen interest in articulation, motor speech, phonological disorders, executive functioning, and social communication. Krista’s past research has focused on studying the interaction between traumatic brain injury and social communication within the Centre for Advanced Research in Experimental and Applied Linguistics (ARiEAL) at McMaster University.
Committed to ongoing learning and development, Krista continuously enhances her skills through continuing education, active engagement with clients and their families, and gaining clinical mentorship. In her free time, Krista enjoys creating music, caring for her houseplants, and exploring the great outdoors through activities like hiking and skiing.
Laura NeYESTANI, M.SC. RSLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Laura completed a Masters of Education in counselling psychology at SFU, where she conducted research on social cognitive development, and a Masters of Science in speech-language pathology at UBC. She is a member of the College of Health Care Professionals of BC. Laura has experience working with preschoolers, school aged children, adolescents and adults, in various settings such as public health, schools, and private clinics. She supports children with their speech sounds, language development including expressive, receptive, and narrative skills, and social communication. Her practice is neurodiversity-affirming. Laura is interested in all things speech and language related, including singing, voice acting, and foreign languages, and she loves to play and read. She focuses on building strong connections with her clients and their families, and making her sessions fun. Laura sees the best in each child, and is honoured to be part of their developmental journey.
Annika Fong, M.SC., RSLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Annika completed her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences and is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada. In her sessions, Annika emphasizes a tailored, neurodiversity-affirming approach using evidence-based practices, while ensuring the sessions are LOTS OF FUN ! Annika has worked with clients of all ages in diverse settings, including private clinics, daycares, and schools.
Annika’s clinical interests include fluency, articulation/phonological disorders, motor speech disorders, executive functioning, social communication, developmental language disorders (DLD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Committed to lifelong learning, she regularly participates in continuing education, collaborates closely with clients and their families, and seeks out mentorship to stay at the forefront of the SLP field.
Annika loves playing volleyball, playing piano, discovering new restaurants, and creating perfumes and soap! Her SLP superpower? A love for video games - always a great conversation starter for getting to know the kids!
Annika’s clinical interests include fluency, articulation/phonological disorders, motor speech disorders, executive functioning, social communication, developmental language disorders (DLD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Committed to lifelong learning, she regularly participates in continuing education, collaborates closely with clients and their families, and seeks out mentorship to stay at the forefront of the SLP field.
Annika loves playing volleyball, playing piano, discovering new restaurants, and creating perfumes and soap! Her SLP superpower? A love for video games - always a great conversation starter for getting to know the kids!
MAElle Le Rudulier, M.Sc., RSLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Maëlle is a bilingual (English and French) Speech-Language Pathologist who received her Masters of Science in speech-language pathology from the University of British Columbia. She holds a linguistics degree and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate from Simon Fraser University. She is a member of the College of Health Care Professionals of BC. Prior to earning her degree, she spent over a decade working with children in diverse settings. Her variety of roles included working as a tutor, theatre teacher, children's camp manager, and academic support specialist. Maëlle has extensive experience working with autistic children and is passionate about supporting children from all backgrounds with diverse communication needs. Her other interests include motor speech disorders such as childhood apraxia of speech, stuttering, and developmental language disorder. Maëlle believes in providing therapy that is fun, engaging, and family-centered to build relationships and support the best outcomes for her clients. She has completed professional development courses in SCERTS and DIRFloortime and is soon to complete the Hanen More than Words program . Outside of her work, Maëlle is an avid reader and enjoys taking long walks by the water or in the forest and listening to a variety of engaging podcasts.
GREG TRavis, B.SC. - Speech-Language Pathologist- (AWAItinG REGISTRATION WITH CHCPBC)
Greg completed his Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at City, University of London. He is a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council in the UK. He is currently awaiting registration with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada. With a degree in language and literature, and previous experience teaching English as a second language across the world, Greg is at his best when working with a rich cultural palette. He specialises in supporting executive functioning, key mental and emotional needs, and higher-level language skills important for social, academic, and professional success. His therapy aims to be engaging, fun, and meaningful. Being neurodiverse himself, he believes in empowering each individual with the awareness, confidence, and self-love required to advocate for themselves within society.
Laura Keith, MSC., RSLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Laura is a registered speech-language pathologist with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. She completed a Masters of Science from the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences as well as a Masters in Linguistique et Didactique des Langues from the Université de Rennes 2 in France. She also holds a teaching credential from the UBC Faculty of Education in French immersion elementary teaching.
Laura also works as a school-based SLP and has experience working with school aged children. Her clinical interests include speech sound disorders, developmental language disorder, stuttering, literacy, and social communication. Laura takes a client and family centered approach to speech therapy. She believes that therapy should be individualized, engaging, fun, and evidence-based. Laura is honoured to be working alongside the supportive and talented clinicians at Grow.
Laura also works as a school-based SLP and has experience working with school aged children. Her clinical interests include speech sound disorders, developmental language disorder, stuttering, literacy, and social communication. Laura takes a client and family centered approach to speech therapy. She believes that therapy should be individualized, engaging, fun, and evidence-based. Laura is honoured to be working alongside the supportive and talented clinicians at Grow.
Ali Vickers, M.SC. RSLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Ali is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), and a member of the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia. She completed her Speech-Language Pathology Masters degree at UBC’s School of Audiology and Speech Sciences.
Prior to her career as an SLP, Ali’s experience spans preschool, elementary, and high school settings, where she worked with children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Throughout her graduate studies, she gained unique experiences supporting children who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing, infants in the NICU, head and neck cancer patients, and adults with neurodegenerative and acquired language disorders. In addition, her experience supporting children with motor speech disorders, developmental language disorders (DLD), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users, has fueled her passion for the diverse field of Speech Pathology.
Committed to evidence-based practices, Ali employs a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approach, creating a safe and engaging environment where her clients can express themselves through any modality. She places a high value on building trusting and authentic relationships with her clients and their families, utilizing family-centered and strengths-based approaches to develop functional and meaningful goals tailored to each individual’s unique needs. In her personal life, Ali enjoys spending weekends in the mountains hiking and backcountry camping, as well as teaching yoga classes in her community, integrating her love of nature and mindfulness into her professional practice.
Prior to her career as an SLP, Ali’s experience spans preschool, elementary, and high school settings, where she worked with children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Throughout her graduate studies, she gained unique experiences supporting children who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing, infants in the NICU, head and neck cancer patients, and adults with neurodegenerative and acquired language disorders. In addition, her experience supporting children with motor speech disorders, developmental language disorders (DLD), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users, has fueled her passion for the diverse field of Speech Pathology.
Committed to evidence-based practices, Ali employs a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approach, creating a safe and engaging environment where her clients can express themselves through any modality. She places a high value on building trusting and authentic relationships with her clients and their families, utilizing family-centered and strengths-based approaches to develop functional and meaningful goals tailored to each individual’s unique needs. In her personal life, Ali enjoys spending weekends in the mountains hiking and backcountry camping, as well as teaching yoga classes in her community, integrating her love of nature and mindfulness into her professional practice.
Catherine Peciuch, B.Sc., RSLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Catherine has been working in schools for children with autism and learning disabilities for over 8 years. She graduated from Leeds Beckett University school of Social Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy. She has experience both in providing speech therapy intervention and teaching literacy to students with learning disabilities. Catherine's areas of interest are autism spectrum disorder, social communication and pragmatic language, emotional regulation, phonological awareness and literacy skills. Catherine is registered with Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Canada (SAC). She is now recertified as a speech language pathologist in Canada and is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. Catherine is trained in Social Thinking methodologies and is certified with PEERS for adolescents and Telehealth, as well as Hanen It Takes Two to Talk.
LARA KILBERTUS, M.SC., RSLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Lara completed her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, she also holds a Master's in Linguistics from the University of Ottawa. She is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and Speech and Audiology Canada.
Lara has experience working in private and public schools, working to support students of all abilities from K-12. She enjoys working with children and their families and has experience in a number of areas including speech sound disorders, AAC, developmental language disorder, social communication, and literacy. Lara is passionate about supporting all her clients in a way that fosters self-determination and meaningful connection to those around them.
Lara has experience working in private and public schools, working to support students of all abilities from K-12. She enjoys working with children and their families and has experience in a number of areas including speech sound disorders, AAC, developmental language disorder, social communication, and literacy. Lara is passionate about supporting all her clients in a way that fosters self-determination and meaningful connection to those around them.
REzWAN KariMI, SLPA- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Rezwan is a Speech Language Pathology Assistant at Grow. Rezwan completed a Bachelor of English Teaching University degree in her home country and spent five years as a classroom teacher prior to coming to Canada. She is fluent in Farsi, Kurdish, and English. Rezwan earned a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate from Simon Fraser University.
Rezwan has over 15 years of experience working with children in preschool and school settings. She worked as a Behavioural Interventionist for three years, supporting autistic children of all ages to develop speech sounds, language, executive functions, and social communication. Rezwan has further developed her teaching practices working as an Education Assistant for the last 7 years with children with diverse abilities and needs in local school districts.
Rezwan is enthusiastic about being part of the Grow team. She is eager to contribute her knowledge and experience to her work with children and families at Grow! Rezwan is always well prepared and makes therapy fun, engaging and personalized for her young clients. She is looking forward to continuing to expand her education in the areas of Linguistics of Speech Sciences.
Rezwan enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time outdoors going on nature walks, hiking and camping.
Rezwan has over 15 years of experience working with children in preschool and school settings. She worked as a Behavioural Interventionist for three years, supporting autistic children of all ages to develop speech sounds, language, executive functions, and social communication. Rezwan has further developed her teaching practices working as an Education Assistant for the last 7 years with children with diverse abilities and needs in local school districts.
Rezwan is enthusiastic about being part of the Grow team. She is eager to contribute her knowledge and experience to her work with children and families at Grow! Rezwan is always well prepared and makes therapy fun, engaging and personalized for her young clients. She is looking forward to continuing to expand her education in the areas of Linguistics of Speech Sciences.
Rezwan enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time outdoors going on nature walks, hiking and camping.
EMILIE RUSSO, SLPA- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Emilie is an undergraduate student at The University of British Columbia pursuing a degree in Speech Sciences. She is also taking coursework in psychology, and special education as part of her well-rounded studies. Emilie is planning to pursue a career in Speech-Language Pathology. She brings her experience as a leader with children in summer camps and teaching assistant roles to her speech-language pathology assistant work at Grow. Emily is dedicated to working with children with communication needs and has been an indispensable volunteer at Grow prior to becoming a speech-language assistant at our East Vancouver clinic. Emily builds wonderful rapport with her young clients while engaging them and supporting their skill development. In her free time, Emilie loves to listen to music and crochet.