While I intend for this to be a mostly "running/lifestyle" blog, I wanted to share another part of my life that's truly fulfilling. On this page, I'll likely post SLP-related topics, some resources, and other "speechie" musings.
*********** Professional Background *********** I'm a registered Speech-Language Pathologist in good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). I completed my Masters' Degree at the University of Toronto. Prior to this, I double majored in Psychology and Linguistics and led tutorials as a Teaching Assistant for 100+ undergraduate students (Intro to Linguistics). I am a proud recipient of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, University of Toronto Excellence Award, and the Speech-Language and Audiology Canada Elks & Royal Fund for Children Scholarships.
My primary areas of interests include assessment and management of dysphagia, acquired speech and language disorders (as a result of a stroke or a traumatic brain injuries), and fluency (stuttering). In previous roles, I've worked with children, teenagers, and their families to support goals related to speech (motor speech, articulation/"pronunciation"/voice) and language (expressive and receptive language, reading comprehension, literacy).
I am available for home visits during non-standard work hours (evenings, weekends) in Mississauga West / Brampton areas. If you would like more information to see if we are a good fit, please contact me here.
What I Wish I Knew Before My Mother's Death: A Story
Sharing a heart-wrenching read about someone's experiences with the inevitable outcomes of end-stage dementia. I work in the acute care setting, in General Medicine and Palliative Care Units. I would say about 75% of my caseload are patients suffering from this terrible illness. "I didn’t know it then, but we finally encountered the real killer with Alzheimer’s—forgetting how to swallow."
As SLPs, our role surrounds the inevitable - the oropharyngeal swallow often deteriorates with end-stage dementia. We assess the severity and characteristics of the swallowing impairments, provide strategies, counselling, education, and promote appropriate comfort feeding. It brings me such fulfillment knowing that we are helping families provide comfort to their loved ones as their loved ones approach end of life. This read meant so much to me on a both personal and professional level.