SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Anahita Dastur M.Sc., RSLP, S-LP (C)
Anahita Dastur is a graduate from the University of British Columbia, where she completed her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Through her education, she has gained experience working with children and youth with a range of speech and language disorders, including apraxia of speech, stuttering, articulation, autism, and language delay. She has developed a passion for helping young children with social-language needs reach their communicative potential, and brings a great deal of enthusiasm and energy to each of her sessions. She enjoys working with clients both individually and in group settings, and works together with children and their families to create a positive communication environment.
Melissa Wang, M.Sc., RSLP, S-LP (C)
Melissa is a graduate of the University of Alberta with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Growing up in Burnaby, she developed a deep connection to her community through volunteer work and later as a program leader. This experience strengthened her passion for accessible and inclusive communication services.
During her graduate studies, Melissa gained experience in rehabilitation facilities, government-funded preschool programs, and specialized fluency therapy at the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR). Her training includes working with aphasia, cognitive-communication disorders, dysarthria, dysphagia, early language intervention, neurodivergent-language intervention (Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD), apraxia, and stuttering.
Melissa believes that every individual can communicate and connect in meaningful ways. Her approach is family-centered, strengths-based, and highly individualized, ensuring that therapy is both engaging and functional
Joleen Schmidt, M.Sc., RSLP, S-LP (C)
Joleen is a dedicated and neurodivergent-affirming Registered Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master of Science in Speech and Language Therapy. She is also certified by both RASP and Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). With a clinical focus on Gestalt Language Processing, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), early literacy and language development, executive functioning, and speech sound disorders, Joleen is committed to providing evidence-based intervention tailored to the unique needs of her clients.
Joleen is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment that recognizes the strengths of neurodiversity, especially as an adult and professional with ADHD. She also embraces the philosophy of ongoing learning and adaptation within the neurodiversity-affirming movement. In addition to her professional expertise, Joleen is an avid nature enthusiast who enjoys kayaking, Zumba, and improvisational performance. Joleen loves to travel and see the world, and has lived abroad in places like the UK in her younger years. Her enthusiastic energy and positive demeanor enhance her interactions with students and colleagues alike, promoting a supportive and engaging atmosphere in her therapy sessions.
RECREATIONAL THERAPY
Vanessa Goncalves
Vanessa completed a Bachelors Degree and a practicum in Therapeutic Recreation with a speciality in children and youth, developmental disabilities and mental health.
Vanessa is very personable, bubbly and full of fun and energy. She is excited to offer recreational therapy to students of the Wonder Society