Beyond Words Waterloo combines over 20 years of clinical experience with the latest evidence-based research. After two decades working with children and their families we have fine-tuned our truly collaborative approach. We see ourselves as partnering with families, meeting them where they are and moving forward together. Side by side, step by step.

Your Team.

Jennifer Phillips

  • Over the past 18 years I have gained significant experience working with children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and who have complex communication needs including clients on the Autism Spectrum and those with developmental, cognitive and physical delays.  I am recognized by Apraxia Kids as having advanced training in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). This is an area that I am passionate about, and I love to partner with families through their journey with this diagnosis. My approach to therapy is always family-centered, functional and collaborative.  I like nothing more than to make my therapy sessions motivating and fun.  I am continuously seeking out new learning opportunities to expand my clinical skills and to ensure that my therapy remains current. In my free time I love to spend time with my husband and three wonderful children.  We love to travel and spend time at the cottage.

M.H.Sc. SLP (c), Reg. CASLPO

Heather Kleihauer

  • My passion is to help parents and caregivers use their daily interactions with their child to develop their social, language, and speech skills.  My primary goal is fostering meaningful interactions with children and their parents to help their child achieve their own optimal outcomes. 

    I have substantial experience working with children with varying degrees and types of hearing loss and supporting their auditory development (listening skills) through the use of hearing aids/cochlear implants.  I have extensive experience in the areas of early language development, Autism Spectrum Disorder, articulation/phonological delays, motor speech disorders, developmental language disorder, and social communication difficulties.  I support children with complex communication needs, including those using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

    When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids.  I love adding new plants to my garden, discovering my next favourite book at the library, and listening to music.

M.H.Sc., Reg. CASLPO

Paulina Elias

  • I am a multilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists (CASLPO) and a member of Speech Pathology & Audiology Canada (SAC).

    After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Psychology from McGill University, I completed my Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology from Western University. I am certified in Hanen’s “More than Words” and “It takes two to talk.” I  received extensive training in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA), and I offer courses and international consultations for parents and other professionals who are looking for support in any of these areas. I am passionate about evidence-based practice (EBP), diversity, and inclusion, especially in the context of multilingual and neurodiversity-affirming services. My favourite part about being an SLP is supporting students with communication in all forms and getting to empower students and their families throughout the process.

    When I am not working, you’ll find me exercising, enjoying a new book, and spending time with my family and friends.

M.H.Sc., Reg. CASLPO

Leah Schwartzentruber

  • In my 12 years as a Speech Language Pathologist, I have had the privilege of supporting preschool and school-aged children and their families working towards their communication goals in the areas of speech sound production, vocabulary, understanding and use of oral language, functional communication skills, and literacy skill acquisition.  I completed my Masters of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia in 2010, and have participated in ongoing professional learning in a variety of areas, specializing most intensively in literacy skill acquisition.

    When I’m not in session, you are likely to find me on the campsite or on the ski hill with my husband and 2 daughters!

MSLP Reg. CASLPO

Heather Taylor

  • During my decade as Communicative Disorders Assistant, I have had the privilege of working with preschoolers through to young adults, supporting a variety of communication needs.  I meet my clients where they are, flexibly and creatively providing each with the opportunity for connection and growth in every session.

    When I'm not at the office, you'll find me taking photos, reading books, caring for my plants and dreaming of world wide travels.  From ukulele and printmaking, to salsa dancing and boxing, you'll always find me trying something new. 

Reg. CDAAC

Hailey Davis

  • I completed my Bachelor’s of Music Therapy (BMT) at Acadia University in May 2021, followed by an internship with Connecting in Rhythm in March 2022. I am a classically trained flutist and also play guitar, hand drums, ukulele, and piano. As a disability activist, I advocate for disability-preferred language and neurodivergent affirming practices within music therapy and the wider community. I have experience working with the Deafblind community, the disabled community, individuals with developmental delays, Autistic people, and children. My goal is to meet clients where they are and collaborate to achieve their goals.

MTA

Katy Hurst

  • With 22 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist, I am dedicated to supporting families in the region of Waterloo. I specialize in developing children’s skills in the areas of play, self-care, fine motor, and sensory processing. My experience includes working with children on the Autism Spectrum, DCD, ADHD, sensory processing issues, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other developmental and physical diagnoses. Since earning my degree from Queen’s University in 2002, I have consistently applied a family-centered care approach, working together with families to create meaningful goals for their children. Outside the clinic, I enjoy riding horses, boating, and spending time with my husband and two teenage children.

BScOT Reg (Ont.)

Located in Waterloo, Ontario, we are a paediatric clinic specializing in Speech Language Pathology (SLP), Occupational Therapy (OT) and Music Therapy (MT) for children ages 1 -18. Our dedicated team genuinely sees the value in a team-approach with our clients and families to support their success; often coming together to truly meet the needs of each and every client.

What you can expect

  1. If you’re interested in one of our services or are just looking for additional information, we encourage you to connect with us.

  2. We’ll get in touch within 3-business days with information about the clinic, availability and waiting lists.  A phone conversation can be scheduled if you’re looking for additional information.

  3. Once there is an opening we’ll contact you to schedule an Initial Assessment. We’ll send out our intake forms and consents through our practice management system (Jane) to be completed before the initial visit.

  4. The initial assessment is then conducted. Our recommendations and therapy plan are discussed and developed together.

  5. Sessions are then scheduled!

Our Guiding Principles

E V I D E N C E - B A S E D
P R A C T I C E S

C O L L A B O R A T I V E
A P P R O A C H

I N D I V I D U A L I Z E D
T R E A T M E N T

N E U R O D I V E R S I T Y
A F F I R M I N G