Briar received a BSc (Honours) in Neuroscience (2002) from Brock University and her MSc(A) in Communication Sciences and Disorders with specialization in Speech-Language Pathology (2004) from McGill University. She has dedicated her career to helping children speak their mind. She has gathered experience working as a clinician at Speech Services Niagara at the Niagara Children's Centre, and at a private pediatric interdisciplinary clinic in Waterloo, ON.
Briar opened the Speak Your Mind clinic in 2013. In addition to providing services to children with speech and language goals, Briar has a passion for helping children with personal goals in the areas of social learning. She is a supporter for the Neurodiversity movement. Her interests lie in the areas of referencing and regulation, gestalt language processing (Natural Language Acquisition) and social thinking/wonder.
In addition to clinical work, Briar is passionate about teaching and helping others learn about children's communication development. Briar has taught as a part time instructor in the Applied Linguistic Department at Brock University in St. Catharines, ON and as an occasional instructor in the Early Childhood Education program at Niagara College in Welland, ON. She is an annual guest lecturer for McMaster University's Occupational Therapy students. She has also enjoyed providing seminars and workshops to Early Childhood Educators at the Early Childcare Community Development Centre in Niagara and to local Mom's Groups in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.
Certifications include:
- Hanen certified in It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words programs
- Certified Lidcombe Therapist: providing treatment for children who stutter
- Level I training in Auditory-Verbal Therapy and Practice and Auditory Rehabilitation
- Training in the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol
- Training in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
- Training with Meaningful Speech and the Natural Language Acquisition treatment framework.
- Training in Social Thinking Concepts:
Briar lives in the Waterloo region with her husband and school aged boys. They love to explore the St. Jacobs market, cook and dine, explore the outdoors and camp, ski and most recently mountain bike!
Thank you for your interest in Speak Your Mind.
We hope that everyone is staying safe and doing well.
NEW CLIENTS: As of April 19th 2022, we are not able to accept client names to our waitlist. Please continue to check our website to receive notification as to when we will be opening our waitlist.
PRESENT CLIENTS: We have moved to a hybrid model of service. Virtual care continues to be available because YOU have told us you love it! Designated in person sessions are also available.
Continue to stay safe! Continue to check back!