Now accepting new clients
Hi, we're Speakeasy ๐Ÿ‘‹

Big support for little communicators.

Pediatric speech-language therapy rooted in play, family collaboration, and the latest evidence โ€” supporting your child to communicate with confidence.

Areas of practice

How we support your child

Every child's communication profile is unique. Here are the areas we most commonly assess and treat โ€” if you're unsure whether your child fits, reach out and we'll help you figure it out.

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Late Talkers & Early Language

Support for toddlers not yet meeting expressive milestones. Parent coaching is central โ€” we equip you with strategies to use all day, every day.

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Speech Sound Disorders

Articulation and phonological delays โ€” when sounds like /r/, /s/, /l/, or /th/ are unclear, or when patterns make speech hard to understand.

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Language Delays & Disorders

Support for receptive and expressive language, including vocabulary, grammar, narrative skills, and following directions โ€” the building blocks of school success.

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Literacy

Reading and writing support grounded in the science of reading โ€” phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, and reading comprehension.

Hearing Loss

Listening and spoken language support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing โ€” building communication alongside hearing technology and family priorities.

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Stuttering & Fluency

Evidence-based approaches including the Lidcombe Program and school-age fluency therapy. We focus on easy, confident communication โ€” not "curing" stuttering.

What to expect

Your path from first call to first session

We know reaching out can feel like a big step. Here's exactly how the process works so there are no surprises.

1

Free consultation

A 15-minute call to discuss your concerns, your child's history, and whether our services are the right fit. No obligation.

2

Comprehensive assessment

A play-based, standardized evaluation โ€” usually 60โ€“90 minutes โ€” followed by findings and recommendations.

3

Individualized treatment plan

Goals we set together, grounded in evidence-based approaches and tailored to your child's interests, strengths, and family routines.

4

Ongoing therapy & review

Sessions tailored to your child's needs, with parent coaching built in, plus regular progress reviews so we can adjust goals as your child grows.

When to reach out

Signs it may be time for a consult

Research consistently shows that earlier intervention leads to better outcomes. You don't need to wait until you're certain โ€” if you're noticing any of the below, a consultation can help clarify next steps.

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Your child isn't talking as much as you'd expect

If your toddler is using fewer words than peers or isn't yet combining words, an assessment can help clarify next steps.

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You or others find it difficult to understand your child

If family members, teachers, or unfamiliar listeners often struggle to understand what your child is saying, it's worth exploring why.

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Your child repeats sounds, words, or gets "stuck"

Early support for stuttering can make a meaningful difference โ€” sooner is better than later.

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A teacher, pediatrician, or daycare has flagged a concern

Caregivers outside the home often notice patterns worth looking into. A consultation can bring clarity.

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Your child finds social situations challenging

Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, making friends, or navigating social settings may benefit from support.

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You have a gut feeling something's off

Parent instinct matters. If you're wondering, a consult can either reassure you or get your child support sooner.

Karinna MacLellan, Speech-Language Pathologist
Karinna
Meet your speech pathologist

Hi, I'm Karinna ๐Ÿ‘‹

MSLP (C) ยท Reg. CASLPO ยท LSLS cert AVT

I earned my Master's in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Sydney and am registered in good standing with the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Ontario (CASLPO). I'm also a member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC).

My greatest passion is supporting young children to grow into confident communicators. I specialize in early intervention, parent coaching, and play-based, child-led therapy, with a particular love for working with the 0โ€“5 age group. To me, the best therapy doesn't feel like therapy at all โ€” it looks like play, follows the child's lead, and equips families with strategies they can use long after a session ends.

I work with children across a wide range of communication areas โ€” including speech, language, literacy, and social communication โ€” and have experience supporting kids with diverse needs, such as hearing loss, autism, and ADHD.

Trainings & certifications

Listening & Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS cert AVT)
A specialized certification in Auditory-Verbal Therapy โ€” an evidence-based approach that helps children who are deaf or hard of hearing develop listening and spoken language using their hearing technology, with parents at the centre of every session.
Hanen It Takes Two to Talk
A parent-coaching program designed for families of late talkers and children with language delays. It teaches everyday strategies to turn meals, play, and routines into rich language-building moments.
DIR Floortime
A relationship-based, developmental approach that builds communication and connection through child-led play. Especially meaningful for autistic children and children with developmental differences.
Key Word Sign
A simplified signing system used alongside spoken language. By signing the most important words in a sentence, we support comprehension and give children another way to express themselves.
Introduction to Gestalt Language Processing
Some children acquire language in whole phrases or scripts rather than word by word. This neurodiversity-affirming framework honours that natural learning style โ€” common in autistic children โ€” and supports kids to grow toward flexible, self-generated language.
Neuroaffirming Practice
A values-based approach that respects neurodivergent ways of communicating, processing, and being in the world โ€” rather than aiming to make neurodivergent children appear neurotypical.
Good questions

Things parents ask us

Not to book with us โ€” speech-language pathology is a self-regulated profession in Ontario and families can access services directly.

Private speech-language pathology services are not covered by OHIP. However, most extended health benefit plans cover SLP services, and we provide detailed receipts for submission. Preschool children in Ontario may also qualify for publicly funded services through Toronto Preschool Speech and Language โ€” we're happy to discuss options during your consultation.

It varies widely based on the nature and severity of the concern, your child's age, and how often you can practice between sessions. Some articulation goals are met in a few months; complex language disorders may need longer-term support. We review progress formally every few months and adjust the plan as needed. Honesty about timelines is part of our job.

Sessions are usually 50 minutes and structured around play, books, games, or conversation depending on your child's age and goals. For younger children, parent participation is often part of the session so strategies can be practiced at home. We end each session with a brief check-in about what we worked on and what to try between now and next time.

Sessions are highly play-based and tailored to your child's age, attention, and interests. We follow your child's lead, switch activities as needed, and build in breaks so the time feels fun rather than effortful. Most kids look forward to coming back.

Absolutely. We love collaborating with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, teachers, and other members of your child's team. With your consent, we can share findings and align on goals so everyone is working toward the same outcomes.

Yes, and this is very common. The first few sessions are often focused on rapport-building rather than direct therapy โ€” we follow your child's lead. Meaningful therapy happens in the context of a trusted relationship, and we don't rush that.

Get in touch

Let's talk about your child.

Share a bit about what's on your mind and we'll get back to you within one business day to book your free 15-minute consultation.

Thanks so much! ๐ŸŽ‰ We got your message and will be in touch soon.

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