Meet the Speech Hens Team
At Speech Hens, we believe communication builds confidence—and confident communication begins with a compassionate, highly skilled team. Our collaborative approach is rooted in family values, clinical excellence, and a passion for helping people of all ages express themselves fully and freely.
With a strong foundation of Speech-Language Pathologists, Communicative Disorders Assistants, clinic coordinators, and support specialists, we work together to offer personalized care in a welcoming, rural setting. Whether you’re seeking support for speech, language, literacy, feeding, or cognitive communication, we’re here to help—with heart.
We also proudly share our space with trusted professionals in Occupational Therapy and Psychology, creating a supportive hub for care across disciplines.
Laura Downey,
M.A., S-LP, Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist, Co-Owner
Laura is a licensed SLP and a proud mother of three daughters. She earned her Master’s from SUNY Buffalo and has spent over a decade providing care in schools and homes. Her focus is on family-centred support, with a growing interest in feeding development and picky eating. Opening Speech Hens was a dream rooted in rural community care, education, and unique programming.
Special Interests: Feeding development, picky eaters, speech sound and language disorders.
Training Highlights: SMARTER Intervention, SOS Feeding, Feed the Peds®, Motor Speech 101.
Marianne Ward,
M.A., S-LP, Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist, Co-Owner
Marianne brings warmth and experience to her role, having worked with children and adults across settings. With a Master’s from SUNY Buffalo, she’s passionate about empowering individuals with speech, literacy, and AAC needs. Founding Speech Hens is the realization of a long-held dream.
Special Interests: Language/literacy development, AAC, speech sound development.
Training Highlights: Hanen (It Takes Two to Talk, Never Too Soon), PECS, Motor Speech Disorders.
Nicole Kimmerly,
Clinic Coordinator
(Currently on Maternity Leave)
Laura is a licensed SLP and a proud mother of three daughters. She earned her Master’s from SUNY Buffalo and has spent over a decade providing care in schools and homes. Her focus is on family-centred support, with a growing interest in feeding development and picky eating. Opening Speech Hens was a dream rooted in rural community care, education, and unique programming.
Special Interests: Feeding development, picky eaters, speech sound and language disorders.
Training Highlights: SMARTER Intervention, SOS Feeding, Feed the Peds®, Motor Speech 101.
Ferris Kennedy,
Clinic Coordinator
Ferris holds a BA in French from Laurentian and brings years of public-facing experience. Her detail-oriented approach and love for working with children shine in her role. She’s a proud mom who enjoys early mornings and Norfolk sunrises.
Kayleigh Godschalx,
B.A. (Hons.), CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs)
Kayleigh joined in 2023 with a BA in Psychology and a CDA diploma from Georgian College. She’s active in early literacy and food programs and thrives on helping preschool and ASD populations communicate with confidence.
Special Interests: AAC for ASD, preschool speech, literacy prep.
Training: Hanen (Spark, 4 I’s), PECS.
Amanda Bradstreet,
B.A. (Hons.), CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs)
Amanda, a Linguistics grad from McMaster, followed her dream into speech-language care via Georgian College. She brings empathy as both a mom and a clinician.
Special Interests: Structured literacy, late talkers, preschool SLP support.
Training: Hanen (multiple), PECS, SMARTER Intervention.
Jaylene Martinow,
B.A. (Hons.), CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs)
Jaylene holds a BA from Brock and a CDA diploma from Georgian. With over 10 years of experience, she values meeting clients where they are to help them succeed.
Special Interests: AAC, speech/literacy for school-aged clients, cognitive-communication.
Training: Brain injury neurorehabilitation, voice disorders, SMARTER Intervention.
Emily McInnes,
B.Sc., CDA
Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs)
Emily earned her B.A.Sc. in Adult Development from Guelph, then completed training in Brain Disorders and CDA work. She has experience across age groups and is passionate about helping clients “who know more than they can say.”
Special Interests: Aphasia, post-stroke care, child language/literacy.
Lori Holstein,
B.Sc., S-LP, Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologists
With 35+ years in the field, Lori is a pillar in the SLP community. She previously led Haldimand Norfolk’s Preschool Speech and Language Program and is an advocate for children with Autism and their families.
Special Interests: Autism support, AAC, motor speech.
Training: Hanen (multiple), PECS (Level 1 & 2), MCCSS Motor Speech Disorders.
Melissa Dumoulin,
M.Sc., S-LP, Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologists
Melissa brings over 15 years of school and private experience. A mom of two, she’s especially skilled in AAC and strengths-based care for complex communication needs.
Special Interests: AAC, Autism, literacy and language disorders.
Training: Extensive AAC training, caregiver education.
Kelsi McComb,
M.A., S-LP, Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologists
Kelsi earned her Master’s from Western and brings a multilingual, multicultural lens to her practice. She supports both pediatric and adult clients in speech, fluency, and swallowing.
Special Interests: Bilingual therapy (French), stroke rehab, neurogenic disorders.
Training: MBSImP, LSVT, Hanen.
Susan Harper,
M.HSc., S-LP(c), Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologists
Susan brings experience across the lifespan, along with a deep appreciation for how communication impacts relationships. She’s known for empowering clients and presenting to communities and professionals alike.
Special Interests: Advocacy, meaningful conversation skills, public education.
Chantelle Donahue,
M.A., S-LP, Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologists
Bio coming soon: We’re excited to introduce Chantelle, our newest team member!
Tanya Borghese,
DSW, EA, ASL, Current VSC, BMS
Respite & Program Support
Bio coming soon.
Our Location
28 Argyle St
Simcoe, ON, N3Y 1V5
Contact Us
Phone 226-534-9457
Fax 226-400-6514
info@SpeechHens.com