SLPs and CDA’s

Dana Sahian, M.Sc., SLP

Dana Sahian, the Founder and Clinical Director of SLP4ALL, is a Speech Language Pathologist with over 27 years of experience. Dana created SLP4ALL to fill a much-needed gap for individuals with disabilities.

Dana’s passion for 21st-century Assistive Technology solutions empowers individuals with disabilities to overcome barriers, both in and out of the classroom or workplace. In her book that was released in 2021, Cool Tools for School: Assisted Learning in the Digital Age, Dana shares many of her methods and strategies for supporting students with accessibility needs.

When working with her clients, Dana uses a holistic approach that combines her knowledge of assistive technology with executive functions coaching and the teaching of learning strategies.

As a renowned international presenter and researcher, Dana is dedicated to advancing the field of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities who experience barriers in and out of the classroom.

Lauren Margel, M.Sc., SLP

Lauren Margel is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Since starting at SLP4aLL in 2015, Lauren has helped many students learn how to use assistive technology to support learning in the classroom. She enjoys seeing each client reach that "aha" moment, when they realize how much easier, organized, and even fun, learning can be with their newly acquired "technology toolbelt".

Lauren also works in private practice with preschoolers, school-aged children and adolescents with speech and language disorders, social communication difficulties and literacy delay.

Daphne Goold, M.A., CCC-SLP

Daphne is a Speech-Language Pathologist registered to practice in both Ontario and Nova Scotia. She previously worked at the York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program and the Children’s Treatment Network’s Developmental Assessment and Consultation Services (DACS). She now continues to work in private practice mostly with autistic children, teens, and families as well as those with ADHD.

Daphne brings both professional and personal experience to her work as her family is neurodivergent and she strives to deliver neurodiversity-affirming services. She frequently checks in with the adult neurodiverse community and looks to her Autistic sister who received a late adult ASD diagnosis to help guide her and her practice and to help advocate for the autistic and neurodiverse community.

Lisa Drake, SLP

Information coming soon!

Deborah Velsher, CDA

Deborah Velsher is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA). She graduated from York University with a bachelor’s degree in linguistics. She subsequently attained her post-graduate certificate as a CDA from Georgian College. She currently works at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab in the Communication and Writing Aids Clinic. Previously, she worked at Toronto Rehab’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication Clinic. Deborah is fluent in English and Hebrew and has worked with people of all ages and abilities. She is a firm believer that technology is a great way to make lives easier and to help people achieve their fullest potential.

Assistive Technology Facilitators

Josh Sahian, B.A.

Josh Sahian is an experienced education professional who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Guelph. He currently works as the High School Coordinator at StandWithUs Canada and brings a wealth of experience from working with students across various age groups and abilities.

Josh, drawing from his personal experience as someone with a learning disability, deeply appreciates the transformative power of assistive technology in the world of education. This unique perspective has shaped his strong belief in the effectiveness of technology as a means to level the playing field in the classroom. His dedication to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education is not just professional but also deeply personal, making him a relatable advocate for equitable learning environments and an effective Assistive Technology Facilitator.

Sydney Yalowsky B.F.A.

Sydney Yalowsky holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Toronto Metropolitan University in Film Studies. She has recently returned to school to study Early Childhood Education at Seneca College.

Having a learning disability, Sydney knows first hand the power of assistive technology and has found it life changing. She uses this technology not only in her education but as a part of her daily life. She understands how access to assistive technology can create equal learning opportunities, and how it can boost confidence. Sydney is passionate about promoting inclusivity and access to assistive technology and enjoys teaching others.