Speech-Language Pathology
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. Anahita is listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) through MCFD.
Anahita holds the title of Director of Language and supports our SLP team.
Arsha Shaji: Registered Speech language pathologist
Arsha Shaji has a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a bachelor's in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from India. She has worked as a Speech Therapist in various capacities in India, Kenya and Canada. The diverse work history has given her a breadth of knowledge to draw from. Her clinical experience over the last 10 years has focused on early intervention, parent coaching, AAC including aided language modelling, PECS and Makaton signing, speech sound delays/errors, supporting children with Autism, Downs syndrome, cleft lip and/or palate, hearing loss and other special needs. She strives to make each session effective, fun and exciting. Arsha registered with the CSHHPBC, SAC. She is also a member of BCASLPA. She is multilingual in English, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada. Arsha is listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) through MCFD.
Arsha works at the ASD Wonder Centre on Tuesdays.
Lydia Rhi MSc. Speech Language Pathologist
Lydia Rhi completed her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of British Columbia. She has experience supporting both children and adults with their speech, language, and communication goals in a variety of settings. She worked with preschool and school-aged children with various communication disorders, including language disorders, speech sound disorders, stuttering, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, and developmental delays. Lydia is passionate about working with children with ASD and their families to build functional communication skills for everyday activities. Lydia also has experience working with adults who have suffered a stroke or brain injury resulting in communication and/or swallowing difficulties. Lydia is a member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHBC) and of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC). Lydia is listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) through MCFD.
Lydia offers services in both English and Korean.
Joleen Schmidt: Registered Speech Language Pathologist
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.
Anisha Unadkat Registered speech Language Pathologist
Agnes Gradowski Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Agnes Gradowski
Melissa Wang
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
Saima Latif REgistered Speech Language Pathologist
Saima Latif
With 12 years of experience working with the pediatric population in both Ontario and Kuwait, Saima specializes in a wide range of areas, including articulation, apraxia, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), feeding, fluency, language, literacy, social thinking, and muscle-based oral motor difficulties affecting speech clarity.
She holds advanced training in Oral Placement Therapy (Level 2), Cued Articulation, American Sign Language, Social Thinking®, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Additionally, she is trained in PROMPT (bridging), DTTC, and the Kaufman Speech-to-Language Protocol for the treatment of apraxia. Her one-year training in sensory integration through the University of Southern California allows her to incorporate sensory strategies that prioritize regulation and engagement for clients with sensory differences.
I strive to make each therapy session fun, creative, and engaging, ensuring that every child feels supported while building essential communication skills