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.

Located in Waterloo, Ontario, we are a paediatric clinic specializing in Speech Language Pathology (SLP), Occupational Therapy (OT) and Literacy Support (LS) 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.

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

Jenna Denomme

  • I love to create fun and engaging therapy sessions, with the ultimate goal of helping children communicate to their full potential. I include activities within therapy sessions that match each child's personality and preferences to maximize therapeutic success. I work with families to prioritize evidence-based, functional and collaborative therapy. I enjoy working with all ages, in areas including receptive and expressive language development, speech sound disorders, social communication, literacy, motor speech disorders, and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). 

    I graduated from Western University’s Master of Clinical Science program in Speech-Language Pathology, and studied Honours Science with minors in Psychology and Biology at the University of Waterloo. I was a team member of the Lab for Infant Language Development, which investigates various aspects related to language learning/acquisition in children and infants. Outside of Beyond Words Waterloo, I enjoy playing sports such as tennis, golf, and volleyball. I also love to spend time with my family and our dog, Thor!

M.Cl.Sc 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

Nikita Findla

  • Learning is a gift and right to anyone willing to try, but HOW we learn takes on many forms! It has been an absolute joy working with kids and their support systems to help them learn and achieve their goals.

    I have been working as a Paediatric OT for almost 10 years, and have really enjoyed watching my clients grow and learn new things every week. Over the years I have watched clients use their unique abilities to accomplish some of the most wonderful goals and bring so much joy and new perspectives to their families and communities. I truly believe differences should be celebrated, but they can also be challenging to navigate…and that’s where I come in!

    I enjoy problem solving and finding new ways to engage kids in activities/occupations that enhance their future. I love learning from my clients just as much as I love teaching them!

    Outside of work I enjoy going on adventures with my partner and little twins! I also love creative projects and singing for anyone who will listen.

MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont)

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