Haley Martin
Student Volunteer - Elmira
Haley Martin is an enthusiastic volunteer and current undergraduate student working toward a future in speech-language pathology. She brings valuable experience from directing summer camps and working in a retirement home, where she developed a strong commitment to supporting people of all ages. With a passion for helping others communicate and connect, Haley is excited to continue gaining knowledge and experience with Speech Community, while developing the skills to support her future goals and ultimately help people in impactful ways.
Born and raised in Ontario, Brianne is grateful to now have the opportunity to support children and families in her home province. She completed her Master of Clinical Sciences in Speech Language Pathology at Western University and immediately moved west for adventure and experience in a full time position. Now in year 15 of her 2 year plan, she has spent her career specializing in speech sound therapy, play based intervention, and collaborative, family centred care. Her approach is rooted in meeting each child and family exactly where they are, building strong relationships, and working together toward communication goals that truly matter.
She has provided service in many settings like rural communities, Indigenous programs, community outreach programs, as well as in clinic, daycares, and virtually.
While she will always call Southwestern Ontario home, Brianne currently lives in the sunny Okanagan with her husband, their two daughters, two cats, and a dog. When they are not renovating their home, you can find them camping and enjoying the outdoors.
Brianne Loyer
M. Cl. Sc., Speech Language Pathologist
Student Volunteer - Huron Perth
Rilee Brown
BAH
Rilee Brown is a recent Child and Youth Studies undergraduate and a committed volunteer with Speech Community. Rilee is intending to work toward a future in speech and communicative disorders. Her interest in this field sparked while taking Early Childhood Language Acquisition and American Sign Language (ASL) courses during her undergraduate studies.
Through independent sessions with students, Rilee enjoys learning about their interests, observing their growth, and supporting children as they work toward their goals. She is excited to continue developing new skills with Speech Community, supporting her future career while strengthening her ability to engage with children and families.
CASLPO Registered Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP's):
Our Team
Emma Mackinnon
BAH
Volunteer
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.
Bhumi Patel
MSc., Speech Language Pathologist
Shelby (they/them) is a Speech-Language Pathologist who studied and practiced in the United States before relocating to Ontario. They are passionate about neurodiversity affirming therapy and love supporting children through play, connection, and collaboration.
Outside of work, Shelby enjoys cooking, solving crossword puzzles, and exploring both new and familiar places through local food, music, and nature.
Shelby Herzfeld
M.S. Speech Language Pathologist
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
MSc.A, SLP and Owner
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.