Colleen has worked in the field of Speech-Language Pathology for over 20 years. She earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Ithaca College in New York and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.

Throughout her career, Colleen has provided speech and language services to individuals across the lifespan. In recent years, she has focused her practice on supporting multi-modal communicators, with a strong emphasis on educating and training their communication partners to enhance everyday interactions.

Outside of her professional work, Colleen enjoys a variety of hobbies, including gardening, hunting for beach glass, hiking with her husband, and sewing. Her favourite way to unwind at the end of the day is spending quiet cuddle time with her Siamese cat, Lola.

Bhumi Patel is a hardworking Speech-Language Pathologist with a few years of clinical experience. She received her Master of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology from McMaster University. 

Bhumi enjoys working with pediatric clients and their families. She has clinical experience in assessing and treating preschool as well as school aged children facing a wide range of communication challenges. She primarily provides services in these areas: expressive and receptive language, articulation and phonology, stuttering and fluency, alternative and augmentative communication as well as literacy.  

Bhumi strives to continue her education in speech language pathology by seeking professional development training as well as doing ongoing research to stay up to date with advances in various assessment and treatment techniques. She is formally certified in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). She is also knowledgeable in the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for apraxia. 

Outside of being a clinician, Bhumi is an avid reader and likes to be creative by exploring new hobbies. She is passionate about getting to know the clients that she works with on a personal level and aims to provide holistic person-centred care. She values collaboration with their families and other healthcare professionals in their circle of care. She is also mindful of linguistic and cultural diversity. She looks forward to providing virtual services within the community of Elmira!

Cassandra Groot (Cassie) has been a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist for ten years. She holds a Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from McGill University.

Cassie brings a wealth of experience working with both pediatric and adult clients across diverse settings, including clients’ homes, clinics, hospitals, schools, daycares, and virtual environments. She is committed to delivering dynamic and functional assessments and interventions that empower each client to achieve their unique communication goals.

Cassie holds specialized training in the Lidcombe Program, an effective fluency approach for preschoolers who stutter. She provides sensory-based strategies for improved regulation and is a registered Ontario Autism Service Provider educated in the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework. Cassie is certified in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), PROMPT (Level 1), Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia, and the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for apraxia.

Cassie continually expands her expertise through ongoing professional education tailored to her clients' needs. She has mentored new graduates and welcomed students and volunteers into her practice, fostering growth and knowledge-sharing in the field.

Based in Elmira with her husband, daughter, and dog, Cassie is passionate about delivering a family-centered approach that supports every client in reaching their fullest potential! She is also a board member for HOPE, Hearts Open for Everyone, an Elmira-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting racial inclusivity and fostering intercultural understanding and awareness through dynamic and meaningful workshops.

Emma Mackinnon is a deeply committed volunteer who is working towards a career in speech-language pathology. With hands-on experience working at a hospital, she is dedicated to providing support to clients of all ages. Her passion for singing and performing enhances her creativity and ability to connect with others. As a volunteer with Speech Community, she is enthusiastic about learning and growing while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those she helps.