Yvonne M. Oliveira
M.Cl.Sc., SLP(C), Aud. LSLS Cert. AVT ®
Reg. CASLPO

Owner, & Director
Speech-Language Pathologist
Audiologist
Auditory-Verbal Therapist

Yvonne is a dually certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist, registered with both designations with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Having completed her undergraduate degree in the areas of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at California State University, Chico. She then proceeded to complete both the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Masters degrees concurrently at the University of Western Ontario where she graduated in 1998 (SLP) and 1999 (Aud.). She spent a number of years working in the educational setting within a specialized hearing-impaired program which facilitated the use of Auditory-Verbal therapy.  

She has taught both college and university-level audiology courses for the Communicative Disorders Program at Durham College in Oshawa as well as being an adjunct professor at McMaster University Speech-Language Pathology graduate program. 

Yvonne has developed a niche in assessing and developing multi-disciplinary programming associated with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) as it relates to phonemic awareness and literacy, as well as its impact on speech and language development. Her research in areas of listening, literacy and language have allowed her to offer comprehensive intervention options to enhance learning in clients with dyslexia, attention deficit (ADHD/ADD) and learning disabilities. Her unique set of qualifications facilitate growth and development at all ages and stages of life based on the wide array of strategies she uses for assessment and intervention.

 During the global pandemic, Yvonne relocated the HearSay office and build out an all-encompassing rehab and wellness centre that brought a wide array of rehab professionals together under one roof.  The ability to collaborate as a full team of professionals enables the centre to develop a ‘road map’ for parents and families based on those elements needed to reach their full learning and communication potential. 

In 2023 she also opened 2 other satellite locations to offer speech services in underserviced communities – Stoney Creek and Cambridge. Her plan is to partner with other professionals to continue to offer speech, language, literacy and auditory processing services across Ontario.

Rui graduated from the Audiology Program at Western University with a Masters of Clinical Science degree and is a registered audiologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). He is also a certified member with Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC).

He gained valuable experience with children, adults and seniors while working in a hospital, a long-term care facility, as well as with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist in the Halton Region. Rui continues to provide audiological services such as hearing assessments, hearing aid evaluations, prescriptions, fittings, programming, and individual counselling while following best practice guidelines.

He believes in a client-focused approach when it comes to providing health care. Every client’s concerns, needs, personal preferences and budgets are different. His goal is to educate you regarding your hearing health, address your concerns, and discuss all available solutions. Technology alone doesn’t help people hear better—it is with his patience, encouragement, guidance, and use of best practices that he will achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.

In his spare time, Rui enjoys movies, and outdoor activities such as biking/cycling, hiking, and kayaking.

Rui provides hearing services in both English and Portuguese.

“I treat my patients with the kindness and care that I expect when I am a patient.

Deema is an audiologist at HearSay (Milton). She is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) as well as a certified member of the Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) organization. Deema graduated from Salus University in Pennsylvania with Master of science in Audiology. She has specialized training in cochlear implant and vestibular and balance assessment which allowed her to enhance her clinical skills in assessing and managing vestibular and balance problems across all ages.

Deema has experience with pediatric and adult hearing assessment, hearing aid fitting and vestibular assessment. She provides (services) to all ages.

Deema speaks both English and Arabic languages.

In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor walking and reading.

Deema Ikbarieh
Au.D., Reg. CASLPO
Audiologist

Kim Schmidt
M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO
Audiologist

Kim is an Audiologist, registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). She graduated from the Audiology Program at Western University with a Master of Clinical Science degree after having completed a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders at the same university.

As an audiologist, providing service for over 36 years, Kim has worn many hats. She has provided clinical audiology services in private and hospital-based practices for pediatric and adult clients. Services included audiological assessment, prescription and fitting of hearing aids and assistive listening devices and Auditory Processing assessment. Kim has been an instructor in the Audiology Program at Western University and in the Faculty of Education, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at York University. Currently Kim provides Educational Audiology consultation services to area school boards, acting as a liaison between the audiological clinic and the school, interpreting audiological assessment results with an emphasis on relevance for the classroom and ensuring that a child’s hearing needs are being addressed in the classroom.

In her spare time, Kim enjoys hiking, kayaking and travel. She is an avid reader and cooking, meditation and walking her dog are her favourite forms of relaxation. 

Stephanie Strahm
M.Sc., Aud. (C), Reg. CASLPO
Audiologist

Stephanie is an audiologist  at HearSay (Milton). She is registered with CASLPO. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with a BA and MA in Linguistics before obtaining her M.Sc. in Audiology at the University of British Columbia in 2019. Stephanie has training in providing hearing assessments and amplification including auditory processing disorders and provision of low-gain hearing aids.

Stephanie has experience working in pediatric centres in Manitoba and Ontario as well as previous work in First Nations communities. She is experienced in assessing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Stephanie provides audiology services to all ages with an interest in pediatric populations.

Stephanie speaks English.

In her spare time Stephanie enjoys hiking around the escarpment.

Tina graduated from the University of Western Ontario alongside Yvonne in 1998. She is registered and certified through the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and is a member in good standing of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). Tina spent over 23 years in the provincial preschool speech and language system, working with children with a wide variety of developmental and communication difficulties in clinical and childcare settings. Tina also spent several years working in group homes and day programs for adults, providing consultation to families and staff around communication, learning and using AAC, and supporting interactions between family members, staff, and residents.  

Tina has learned much about neurodiversity in the past few years, and endeavors to provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy for her clients. Tina values and is guided by the lived experience and expertise of the neurodivergent community. 

Tina has training in Auditory Verbal Practice, DIR/Floortime®, and all Hanen Parent Programs and Programs for Early Childhood Educators including It Takes Two To Talk®, More than Words®, Learning Language and Loving It^TM, Target Word^TM, ABC and Beyond^TM, TalkAbility^TM, and I’m Ready^TM.   

From 2007 to 2017, Tina worked with a team to coordinate an annual literacy conference for early childhood educators. She is passionate about emergent literacy and spearheaded a program to provide books and information about emergent literacy to parents of newborns at a rural hospital.  

Tina enjoys canoeing and camping with her husband and two sons. She dabbles in pottery and sewing and can often be found with her nose in an enjoyable book. 

Tina Gute Bowering
B.Sc. (Hons.), M.Sc., Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist

Ramya Thangavel is a Speech-Language Pathologist at HearSay (Milton). She is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Ramya graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. 

She has training with articulation, motor speech, and fluency disorders. She also has experience working with expressive and receptive language difficulties. Ramya provides speech and language assessments and therapy to children of all ages. 

Ramya speaks Tamil, English and French.  

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and classical dancing. 

Ramya Thangavel
B.A. (H), M.Sc., Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist

Tammy is a dynamic speech-language pathologist who is dedicated to providing fun and functional intervention to her clients and their families. She believes strongly in a team approach to intervention. She has been practicing for over 24 years in pediatric speech-language pathology. She has a special interest in working with school-aged children, although she enjoys working with children of all ages. Tammy has a range of work experiences, and has worked in a pediatric hospital setting, a preschool speech and language program, school board speech and language services, and in private practices.

Tammy has a special interest in working in peer mediated intervention. She has trained school board SLPs across Ontario, along with researchers, in the principles of a special classroom-based program, Stay Play and Talk. This is a program that teaches teachers how to prompt peers to more effectively engage with students who have social communication challenges.

Tammy obtained a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Child Studies from the University of Guelph and a Masters in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from the University of Western Ontario. She is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).

Tammy VanReenen
B.A.Sc. (Honours), M.Cl. Sc., reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist

Michelle is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) graduate from St. Lawrence College, with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph. She has also pursued additional training in both literacy instruction and cognitive development intervention.

Michelle completed her training in literacy through the Orton Gillingham Academy having completed her study at the Applied Level. With this specialized training, she addresses literacy concerns in a multisensory and prescriptive manner, through practices based on the best evidence in the field. Michelle has had many years experience with literacy instruction, and now further supports clients of all ages and ability using the most recognized methodology, worldwide. With her additional training in Processing and Cognitive Enhancement [PACE] Michelle helps clients improve their attention, working memory, processing speed, auditory processing, visual processing, logic and reasoning, and long- term memory. The PACE program targets and trains
the various processing skills required in learning, addressing the underlying factors impeding a child’s progress by building those necessary fundamental learning skills.

As a CDA, Michelle is dedicated to helping clients overcome barriers in communication and learning. She has experience working on a variety of communication needs, including Autism, Dyslexia, social communication, language skills, articulation, and specializes in literacy and PACE. In addition, Michelle is also experienced in teaching Augmentative Communication through apps like Speak for Yourself AAC. She enjoys working with clients of all ages to help them meet their communication and literacy goals.

Michelle speaks both English and French and can offer services in both languages.

Michelle Baum
B.A., CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Julia is a Communicative Disorders Assistant at HearSay in Milton. She is registered with the Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC).

She graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Science of Language and completed the CDA graduate certificate program at Durham College. 

Julia has training in Gestalt Language Development with Meaningful Speech providing therapy for Gestalt Language Processors/Natural Language Acquisition. She also has experience with Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems. She provides services to children with articulation difficulties, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and speech and language delays. 

Julia speaks English, Polish and is a beginner in ASL.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing the ukelele and walking her dog. 

Julia Rusin
B.A., CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Danika Marquez
B.A., CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Danika graduated from McMaster University with a bachelor’s in Cognitive Sciences of Language in 2021 and has completed her graduate degree through Georgian College under the Communicative Assistant Disorder Program. She has previous experience as an ESL teacher and tutor of all ages, instructing in both English and French. She paints and creates music with local musicians in her free time. 

Jenna is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) at HearSay Stoney Creek. She is registered with the Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC). 

She graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Science of Language and obtained her CDA graduate certificate from Durham college.

Jenna has extensive experience working with children with ADHD, ASD, FASD and anxiety. She has training and experience in providing therapy for articulation, fluency, early language development, neuro-affirming care, social communication, expressive and receptive language, and AAC.

Jenna is dedicated to helping clients reach their full potential. She enjoys working collaboratively with families and likes to tailor her sessions to the unique needs and interests of each of her clients to create a positive, comforting, and successful environment.

In her spare time, she loves to try new art projects, read, and bake.

Jenna Clarke
B.A., CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Leslie Thompson 
M.Sc., CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Leslie is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) at HearSay Stoney Creek. She is registered with the Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC). She graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Science of Language and obtained her CDA graduate certificate from Durham College. 

Leslie has experienced working with the pediatric population providing therapy for articulation, motor speech, early language development, expressive and receptive language and AAC. She has experience working with neurodivergent children including ADHD and ASD. 

In her spare time, Leslie enjoys relaxing with a good book, going for long walks with her dogs and Disney! 

In her spare time, she loves to try new art projects, read, and bake.

Ayah graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics in 2021 and holds a post-graduate certificate in the Communicative Disorders Assistant Program from Georgian College. She gained two years of experience working with a private practice in British Columbia, where she focused on helping neurodivergent children develop articulation, language, literacy, and executive function skills.

Ayah prefers to conduct her sessions using a play-based therapeutic approach, which allows her to build strong relationships with her clients and their families. She takes pride in creating a positive and comforting experience for everyone involved.

Ayah is fluent in both English and Arabic.

In her free time, Ayah enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring nature.

Ayah Nassif
B.A., CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Ava Suntok
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Ava is a Communicative Disorders Assistant at HearSay Milton. Ava is registered with CDAAC and SAC. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts, Recreation and Leisure Studies with a major in Therapeutic Recreation. Ava also holds a Graduate Certificate from Durham College as a Communicative Disorders Assistant.

Ava has training in the Orton Gillingham Method, and Auditory Processing Disorder Therapy. She has experience with Speech and Language Therapy, Literacy Instruction, tutoring, and Auditory Processing Disorder Therapy for clients of all ages.

Ava speaks English.

In her spare time Ava enjoys singing, drumming, martial arts & video games.

Maddie is a Communicative Disorders Assistant at HearSay Milton. She graduated from Georgian College with an honours certificate in Communicative Disorders Assistant. In 2021, Maddie received her BA from McMaster University with combined honours in Linguistics and English & Cultural Studies. 

Maddie has worked for the Halton District School Board as an Educational Assistant for the past 3 years. Here she worked alongside staff and students to ensure various goals and needs were met, while continuously developing methods and adapting her learning. 

In her spare time, Maddie enjoys reading, running, and relaxation.  

Maddie Robson
B.A., CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Brent Fraser
B.A., CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Brent is a Communicative Disorders Assistant at HearSay Milton. He graduated from Durham College’s Communicative Disorders Assistant Program and has an Honours Degree from York University. With a background as a Support Worker and Educational Assistant, Brent has experience working with adults and children with a variety of needs and challenges in speech, expressive and receptive language and social communication. 

Brent has a special interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Aided Language Stimulation.  

In his spare time Brent enjoys family time with his wife and kids.

Lisa has the goal of seeing the end of learning disabilities in her lifetime.  Learning disabilities (including Dyslexia and ADHD) and learning challenges do not need to exist because the lacking cognitive skills can be trained.

For children it results in a lack of self esteem and the inability to gain the knowledge that is the primary purpose of going to school. It frequently causes friction within the family when the child does not complete homework and fights about going to school. Children usually either withdraw or rebel in response to the constant pressure placed upon them, both at home and in school.

As an adult, it means an inability to succeed in occupational training programs resulting in a life of dead-end jobs. For many adults learning challenges result in an inability to learn new skills in college or on-the-job. They are more challenged when responding to an ever-changing job market and so are frequently under-employed.

Lisa is dedicated to helping others succeed. She achieves this by keeping informed of the latest scientific breakthroughs in the field of neuroplasticity (brain changing methods) as used in autism, cognitive deficits and disabilities. Lisa believes in keeping abreast of the best methods available in order to provide clientele with the highest standards in programming and goal setting. Lisa is highly trained in the Fast ForWord program that helps building auditory processing skills, phonemic awareness, memory, and literacy skills.

Dana Cohen
B.A./B.Ed., Dipl. Deaf Ed., M.Ed., LSLSL Cert. AVT®
Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)
Auditory-Verbal Therapist

Dana Cohen joins HearSay as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (Cert. AVT), specializing in supporting the listening, speech and language needs of infants and children who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Dana completed a joint undergraduate degree in Psychology and Education (BA/BEd). She subsequently completed a post-graduate diploma in Deaf Education through the Ministry of Education (Dipl. Deaf Ed), and a Master’s of Education in Language and Learning Disabilities, with a specialization in Deafness (MEd). She is registered with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and holds additional certification from the AG Bell Academy of Listening and Spoken Language, as a Listening and Language Specialist, Certified Auditory Verbal Therapist (LSLS Cert. AVT).

Over the past 37 years, Dana has worked as an educator, consultant, therapist and mentor supporting infants, children, teens and adults who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and their families. She has worked in the public and private school systems, as well as in clinical and home visiting settings. She has volunteered with several organizations contributing through advocacy, parent guidance, early intervention services, publications, mentorship and guest lectures.

Dana supports the belief that all children can learn, provided they have access to high quality early intervention services. Her approach is nurturing, collaborative and family centered. Dana uses an evidence-based coaching and guidance model (LSLS-AVT) to empower parents to support their child’s development of spoken language through listening. Her sessions also support the development of literacy, school readiness, and curriculum support.

In her spare time, Dana enjoys fitness, wilderness canoeing & camping, hiking, travel and reading.

Kim Goodman
Clinical Administrator – Speech

For over 20 years, Kim has been a customer experience expert whose integrity, personability and overall professionalism is evident when speaking with her at HearSay. Kim is the main point of contact between clients and our clinicians in our Speech & Language Department. When not keeping busy at HearSay, you can find Kim spending time with her loved ones, watching the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Blue Jays or out hiking to take in the beautiful surroundings that Milton has to offer.

Tracy provides administrative support to HearSay’s multiple locations. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Psychology, and from Sheridan College with an Early Childhood Education diploma. 

She worked in the childcare field for years, in the private, non-profit and workplace sectors. She currently works for a local non-profit agency along with providing administrative support to HearSay. She is passionate about connecting with and supporting others as they strive for success.

In her spare time, Tracy enjoys her garden, travelling and spending time with family, friends and her fur baby.

Tracy Gaetan
B.Sc., ECE
Human Resources – Speech & Audiology

Julie is an Administrator at HearSay (Milton). She graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelors of Technology in Graphic Communications Management (GCM), with a Minor in Marketing.

As a project manager, Julie has experience in the following industries: Labour Law & Human Rights Publishing, HR Advertising, Financial Communications, Non-profit, Printing and Marketing. She currently provides administrative expertise to colleagues, organizational clients, vendors and partnering networks.

Julie speaks English.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, biking, hiking, cooking, knitting, quilting, reading and spending time with her fur-baby cat.

Julie Noordhoek
Executive Assistant