GROWING YOUR CHILD’S
COMMUNICATION THROUGH PLAY


Paediatric Speech Language Pathology Services

Hello!

I am currently slowly returning to work with some exciting changes in effect. I will be seeing clients in the beautiful space at CoWork Penticton on Nanaimo Ave as well as other community settings on a case-by-case basis.

My May schedule is now full but please reach out to be added to the waitlist. I look forward to connecting with you!

Our Values

  • Family Centered

  • Play Based

  • Creative

  • Collaborative

  • Inclusive

About


OSOYOOS — OLIVER — SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY — PENTICTON — NARAMATA — SUMMERLAND

The Practice

Arrowleaf Speech and Language Therapy was created to help meet the large needs of children and families in the South Okanagan facing communication issues. Shortly after beginning work in the region, the founder and Speech-Language Pathologist, Jade Mackenzie quickly became aware of the limited SLP services in this area of BC and the dedicated families in need.

The practice specializes in the speech and language development of children ages 0-18, with a focus on parent collaboration and education, play based therapy, and neurodiverse affirming methods.

The name “Arrowleaf” comes from Jade’s inspiration from nature and the beauty of the Okanagan wildflower. So many aspects of nature teach us important lessons in life, such as the never-ending growth that we experience. Just like the stunning trees and flowers that surround us here in the Okanagan, a child’s communication can always grow with the right nurturing environment and approach.

Sometimes life serves us unexpected challenges and we must “bloom where we are planted”. Jade believes this metaphor strongly relates to the experience of raising a child with communication difficulties. It may not have been the reality you envisioned for your family, but just wait and see how your child will grow and the unexpected beauty you will witness.

Arrowleaf provides in-person, virtual, or hybrid services throughout the South Okanagan as well as 100% virtual services across British Columbia. The practice aims to be an inclusive space where all gender identities, ethnicities and abilities are welcome.

We acknowledge that we are privileged to live, work, and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation.

Jade Mackenzie BA, MClSc

Jade, a compassionate Speech Language Pathologist, cherishes her pivotal role in supporting children's communication. With extensive experience across schools, private clinics, hospitals, and community-based settings in four Canadian provinces, Jade is especially passionate about aiding children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, employing play-based therapy, and nurturing pre-linguistic infant communication and the toddler population. She values collaboration, involving caregivers, siblings, schools, and health professionals in her work.

Jade's interest in children's literature led her to a Bachelor of Arts in Young People’s Texts and Cultures from The University of Winnipeg, followed by a Masters of Clinical Science in Communication Science Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Western Ontario.

A devoted mother of two young boys, Jade integrates professional learning with family life, currently exploring conscious and respectful parenting approaches. Her guiding motto is, "people do not care about how much you know until they know how much you care."

Professional Development and Licenses

  • 2022 Assessing Social Competencies: Michelle Garcia Winner - Social Thinking.

  • 2022 Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech Using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing: Edythe Strand.

  • 2022 Registrations: Registry of Autism Providers List (RASP), College of Speech and Hearing BC, Speech-Language Audiology Canada and BC Speech and Hearing Association.

  • 2022 Polyvagal Theory.

  • 2021 Start Solids Confidently: Feeding Your Baby.

  • 2020 Taking Developmental Approach with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Relationship Development Intervention.

  • 2019 The Play Project Intensive Workshop.

  • 2019 Current Inclusion Practices in Canada Workshop.

  • 2019 Social Cognition in the Classroom Workshop.

  • 2019 Participation Model and Social Network Model for Complex Communication Profiling Workshop.

  • 2019 Augmentative and Alternative Communication Conference: Open Access Resource Centre.

  • 2019 Indigenous Perspectives and Considerations in Speech-Language Pathology Symposium.

  • 2018 Influencing and Working on Interdisciplinary Teams.

  • 2018 Symbolstix Training.

  • 2018 Hanen’s It Takes Two to Talk Certification. 

  • 2018 Hanen’s More than Words Workshop.

  • 2016 DIR Floortime Level 1 Certification.

  • 2012-2016 Relationship Development Intervention 101 (RDI) Workshops.

Clinical Areas


Arrowleaf Speech and Language focuses on the prevention, assessment, and treatment of speech and language disorders in children from 0-18 years old. Our individualized therapy services occur in the convenience of your home, at our clinic space, or in a community setting. We provide in person, virtual or hybrid services in the South Okanagan. Complete virtual services are available across all of British Columbia.

  • Speech Sound Development

  • Language Development

  • Social Communication

  • Engagement and Play Skills

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Stuttering

  • Phonological Awareness and Literacy

Process


The process at Arrowleaf Speech and Language begins with a free consultation and ends with the discharge of your child when they reach their communication goals! Every plan is customized to meet the needs of each family but below is a general outline of what to expect at the practice.

1. Inquiry Consultation

Complementary and either in person, virtual or over the phone.

2. Assessment

Caregiver interview, file review, consultation with other relevant professionals, and formal and informal measures.

3. Report and Family Meeting

We will review the assessment results and report with you to plan for therapy.

4. Therapy

Individual, group, in person, virtual, at home, or in a community setting.

5. Other Services

Progress reporting, home programming, reassessments, joint sessions with other professionals, resource sharing, team consultations and family education.

Funding


Arrowleaf Speech and Language is committed to finding a funding arrangement that works for your family. We will work with you and partnering funding sources to determine a program that fits your resources. Below is a list of funding sources that Jade Mackenzie has experience with.

  1. Ministry of Children and Family Development: Autism Funding (RASP registered).

  2. Ministry of Children and Family Development: At Home Program.

  3. Various Home School Organizations.

  4. Jordan’s Principal.

  5. Private Pay and Employee Benefits Billing.

We acknowledge that we are privileged to live, work, and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation.