Our Team

Dr. Callender is passionate about supporting children at reaching their highest potential and believes that early intervention is key for success! Her proven clinical experience is a result of working in both private and public schools, early intervention and private practice settings. Dr. Callender has completed a Masters of Science in Emotional Disturbances and Learning Disabilities with a specialization in Early Intervention, a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida State University. Dr. Callender has also been an instructor at Western Washington University where she taught Preschool Language Disorders. From all of these experiences, she hopes to support children and families here in the lower mainland by providing high quality and evidence-based practice that enables children and youth to develop across domains and to enjoy themselves in the process!
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Dr. Callender is also a PROMPT Trained and Hanen Trained therapist.

Anakate Dueck completed her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Alberta and is registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHHPBC) and Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). Anakate taught elementary school for two years before beginning her degree, so has an abundance of experience being in schools and working with children of all ages.

Anakate developed her clinical skills through working with pre-school to school-age children in school settings, adults with brain injuries in a rehabilitation setting, and teens who stutter in a virtual setting. She has worked with multiple clients who use AAC (both LAMP and TouchChat) and she has consulted, and directly and indirectly targeted speech, language, and literacy goals across multiple settings and ages.

Anakate values play, functionality, relationship-building, and family-centered therapy. During her spare time, Anakate enjoys bird-watching, exploring new places and restaurants, long-boarding, and long walks outside.

Mikayla Toal completed her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. In working toward communication goals with children and their families, Mikayla strives to create a positive, engaging and functional therapy environment. Mikayla has developed her skill set in a number of clinical environments including teletherapy, parent education workshops, a rehabilitation hospital and in a preschool.

While working in early education, Mikayla gained a passion for play-based practice and the importance of approaching speech and language therapy in a way that resonates with her clients. Mikayla is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHBC) and Speech and Audiology Canada (SAC). She prioritizes evidence-based practice and continues to expand her expertise with clinical literature and workshops.

Outside of the clinic, you may find Mikayla playing soccer, exploring the areas numerous cafes and restaurants or hiking.

Yana completed her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of British Columbia. There she gained experience supporting the communication and swallowing of both children and adults in early childhood development, hospital and private practice settings. Yana’s clinical interests include early childhood language development, intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and articulation. She is registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHBC) and is a member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC).

Yana enjoys working with families and caregivers to provide evidence-based, client-centered services through collaboration and teamwork, as she believes that every person has the right to communicate in functional and meaningful ways.

On days off, Yana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and taking her dog on new adventures around BC!

Melissa discovered her passion for children through her experience working with the City of Burnaby, where she taught as a preschool instructor and after-school program leader for four years. During the summers Melissa loves to spend her weeks at overnight camps as a camp counselor for children and youth. She is presently studying at UBC pursuing a degree in speech sciences and early childhood education. Melissa will provide additional support to clients during speech therapy sessions and one-to-one individual sessions to support the carry-over of treatment goals. Her hopes are to support children and families with all that she can and be there for the journey towards their success.