Our Team
MEET OUR CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Samantha Berardesca, SLP
Samantha Berardesca is a registered speech-language pathologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech and Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and is a certified member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). Samantha is also a Singing Voice Specialist, having trained both as a performing artist and as a voice teacher for over a decade. She received her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at Dalhousie University, her Masters in Music Education at Columbia University, and her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Dalhousie University.
Samantha has clinical experience working with adults and children in the areas of articulation and phonology, developmental language, cleft palate, voice, stuttering, traumatic brain injury, and aphasia across a variety of clinical settings – including private practice and at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).
Samantha is dedicated to delivering creative and effective speech, language, and voice therapy and continues to train in evidence-based programs such as PROMPT and PECS, as well as staying up to date on current developments in the field of communication. Samantha welcomes the opportunity to work with you on your communication needs!
MEET OUR THERAPISTS
Sharada Crann, SLP
Sharada Crann is a registered speech-language pathologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech and Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and is a certified member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). Sharada completed her bachelor’s degree with a double major in Linguistics and French from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and her master’s of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto.
With over four years of experience with TalkInc, Sharada has provided assessment and treatment for children in the areas of fluency, articulation, early language, social communication, AAC, and literacy. She has also supported adults with articulation, accent modification, and receptive and expressive language needs.
Before becoming an SLP, Sharada worked as a piano instructor and early childhood educator, giving her valuable experience in supporting children and families. She is deeply passionate about helping individuals overcome communication barriers and is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients and their families.
Brooke Cornwall, SLP
Brooke Cornwall is a registered speech-language pathologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech and Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience and mental health with an honours in psychology at Carleton University. Additionally, she completed her Masters of Science in Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders at The College of Saint Rose.
Brooke has clinical experience providing speech and language services in various settings, including in homes, schools, private practice, and virtually. She has experience assessing and treating children and adolescents in areas of motor speech, phonology, articulation, fluency, feeding, preschool language, expressive and receptive language. She has experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for children with complex communicative needs. In addition, Brooke has experience with the adult population treating traumatic brain injury, aphasia post stroke, and gender affirming voice. Brooke is fluent in English.
In her spare time, Brooke enjoys baking, trying new workout classes, and spending time at her cottage.
Sandie Graham, CDA
Sandie is a Communicative Disorders Assistant, graduating from Durham College with Honours. She is also a graduate from York University with a Bachelors in Psychology, and George Brown with a post-graduate in Autism & Behavioural Science. She has worked with children & youth for over 10 years, including 4+ years with individuals with developmental disabilities such as Autism, working as an Instructor therapist.
Throughout her experience, Sandie has worked with children with speech/communication delays, AAC users, and eating/swallowing issues. Her experience with children and youth includes within clinics, homes and in the community.
She is a registered member of CDAAC and of Speech-language and Audiology Canada (SAC). She is dedicated to continuously bettering the lives of every client she meets.
Daniella Berardesca, SLPA
With over 15 years of experience working at an ABA centre supporting children with autism, Daniella brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. She has worked with children aged 2 to 13, supporting development in receptive and expressive language, literacy, articulation, and social-emotional learning and regulation. Her training includes Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), sign language, and natural environment teaching. Passionate about early language development and supporting neurodivergent learners, Daniella is a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who values play, connection, and individualized support in every session.
Karoline Drozd, CDA
I’m Karoline a bilingual English-Polish CDA. I graduated with distinction from the CDA program at St. Lawrence College and hold a BA in Psychology and Linguistics from Western. I am registered with CDAAC and am a certified member of SAC.
I have extensive experience working with children with Social Communication, Articulation, Early Language, AAC, Fluency, and Literacy goals, often in the context of an additional diagnosis such as ASD. I have worked virtually, in-home, in multidisciplinary clinics and at multiple Children’s Treatment Centres, including CHEO, KidsInclusive and TVCC. Recently I worked in Ontario’s Entry to School (ETS) Program, preparing children with an ASD diagnosis for school. Before becoming a CDA, I was also working as an Early Childhood Educator in preschool settings.
I believe in creating a fun, engaging environment for my clients, and using neuro-affirming practices to meet their needs. I love working with children and implementing a family-centred approach!
Brittany Hoffarth, CDA
My name is Brittany and I am a graduate of the Communicative Disorders Assistant program of St. Lawrence College. From the moment I began my Undergraduate Degree at the University of Guelph, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that involved helping others. Throughout my previous experiences working with both adults and children who displayed various abilities, I recognized my love for working with clients one-on-one and focusing on individual needs.
I have worked in various environments with children and adults. My experiences as a CDA have led me to work with individuals with communication delays, articulation delays, and AAC needs, with a huge focus on language intervention. I can’t wait to work with your family and provide not only fun but practical and motivating therapy sessions using a client-centered approach.
Carolyn Habel, SLPA
Carolyn is a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from York University, complemented by a diploma in Therapeutic Recreation.
Throughout her academic journey and professional career, Carolyn has actively engaged in enriching experiences within various healthcare and educational settings. With over 6 years of hands-on experience, Carolyn has worked as an Instructor Therapist, providing in-home and in-center therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and dual diagnoses.
Carolyn’s commitment to fostering a positive learning environment is reflected in her calm demeanor and ability to make therapy sessions enjoyable for children. Her enthusiasm for her profession shines through in her desire to empower children and their families on their journey towards success.
Ashley Tash, CDA
My name is Ashley, and I’m a Communicative Disorders Assistant graduate from Durham College. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics at York University, where my passion for language first began. I have experience working with children, from preschoolers to teenagers, in developing a variety of skills including language, articulation, literacy, and social skills. My approach to therapy is fun, child-led, and family-focused. I am passionate about continuous education and always enjoy learning new things. When I’m not working, I love exploring new recipes to cook or bake, and creating unique artwork with my family.
Hannah Doran, CDA
My name is Hannah, and I am a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) who completed a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa, and the postgraduate Communicative Disorders Assistant program at St. Lawrence College. Once I discovered the CDA role, which combines my passions for healthcare and working with children, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. As a CDA, my areas of interest include early language, the ASD population, speech sound disorders, language delays/disorders, and social communication. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunities for ongoing learning and growth within the field, and I am dedicated to advancing my skills through continuous professional development. I am committed to providing high quality speech and language treatment to individuals with diverse needs, and can’t wait to get started!
Julia Wood, CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistant Julia is a graduate from Trent University holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child and Youth Studies. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career working with children, she furthered her education at Durham College by obtaining a post-graduate certificate from the Communicative Disorders Assistant program. She has experience in client-centred treatment in various service areas including literacy, articulation, fluency and language.
Additionally, Julia is a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, who is passionate about helping children and their families thrive. As a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, Julia values and respects different ways of being, thinking, and communicating. Julia is committed to creating and implementing therapy sessions that are not only fun, but practical and effective. Julia can’t
wait to work with you and your family!
Sarah Crilly, CDA
Sarah is an enthusiastic and energetic Communicative Disorders Assistant who attended St. Lawrence College to complete her postgraduate certificate as a CDA. Sarah completed her bachelor’s in Spanish and Linguistics at the University of Toronto where she also completed her master’s in Hispanic Linguistics.
Sarah has 7+ years of experience supporting both adults and children with developmental disabilities and has experience working with children with ASD; in group and individual sessions. Sarah has experience in areas of language, literacy, articulation, social communication, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication.
Sarah regularly attends workshops/webinars to update her skills and knowledge to better serve the population she works with. She is committed to implementing play and fun into her practice with a family-centred approach at heart.
Nayana Benny, CDA
I’m a Communicative Disorders Assistant from Durham College with a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. With over 8 years of experience in the field, I’m passionate about helping individuals communicate and thrive. I specialize in working with Autism Spectrum Disorder and have a deep interest in Gestalt Language Processing Therapy. When I’m not working, you can find me singing, curating home decor, or hosting fun events. I love blending my professional knowledge with my creative side!
Amethyst Prue, CDA
Laura Polakova, SLPA
Laura is a Speech Language Pathology Assistant. She holds an Undergraduate and Masters degree in Psychology from Carleton University. Throughout her professional experience, Laura has worked as an Instructor Therapist working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, she has been a Barton Tutor teaching phonics, reading, and writing skills to children with Dyslexia. She is committed to helping children learn!