Sharon Reisdorf, founder of Communicare Speech Therapy, contracts with local therapists to create a dynamic team of individuals dedicated to supporting the needs of every client! All SLPs are certified to practice by the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) and are members of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC).
Our Team
Sharon Reisdorf, MSc., RSLP
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Sharon Reisdorf is the owner of Communicare. Sharon received her Master of Science degree from Minot State University in 1991. In 1993, Sharon opened Communicare, moving the practice to Kelowna in 1998.
Sharon has vast experience working with adults in neurorehabilitation medicine including those with acquired brain injuries, strokes, progressive neurological disorders, and dysphagia (swallowing disorders) in the U.S. and Canada. She has also worked with preschoolers to adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, apraxia, speech sound disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, and social communication disorders.
Sharon is passionate about being flexible and working with the family and care team to provide functional outcomes to attain an individual's communication potential. In the process, she has gained a reputation as a practical, engaging, and creative therapist. Sharon also provides supervision of Graduate Student Speech Language Pathologists in her work at Kelowna General Hospital as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC.
Sharon enjoys cycling, playing the piano, and book club. She and her husband have three grown daughters. Sharon's canine buddy, Mowgli, enjoys taking her for walks.
Sharon's advanced training includes:
Sharon is a member of:
Sharon has vast experience working with adults in neurorehabilitation medicine including those with acquired brain injuries, strokes, progressive neurological disorders, and dysphagia (swallowing disorders) in the U.S. and Canada. She has also worked with preschoolers to adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, apraxia, speech sound disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, and social communication disorders.
Sharon is passionate about being flexible and working with the family and care team to provide functional outcomes to attain an individual's communication potential. In the process, she has gained a reputation as a practical, engaging, and creative therapist. Sharon also provides supervision of Graduate Student Speech Language Pathologists in her work at Kelowna General Hospital as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC.
Sharon enjoys cycling, playing the piano, and book club. She and her husband have three grown daughters. Sharon's canine buddy, Mowgli, enjoys taking her for walks.
Sharon's advanced training includes:
- "It Takes Two to Talk" - The Hanen Program
- Advanced course work in Social Thinking (Michelle Garcia Winner)
- Canadian Hemispheres Level 1-8 (Stroke Competency Series)
- Assessment & Treatment of Cognitive Communication Disorders after ABI
- MBS IMP Certification
- Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA), Core Training - The Aphasia Institute
Sharon is a member of:
- College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)
- Speech-Language Audiology Canada (SAC)
- Speech and Hearing BC
- Past member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA)
I'm so thankful for the wonderful support, mentorship and advocacy Sharon has shown my daughter over the years. Olivia loved working with her. Sharon was able to understand her varying needs, provide appropriate methodologies, and communicate to her in a way that she was able to understand and emulate. As a result of Sharon's involvement in Olivia's therapy, she is now able to communicate with adults and her peers in a healthy, supportive, and engaging manner. It has been amazing to see her transformation. Words cannot express my gratitude for Sharon's patient and caring services and the impact they have had on my daughter. ~ Grace, mom of Olivia |
Sarah Coghlin, M.Cl.Sc., R.S-LP
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Sarah is happy to return to the Okanagan as a registered Speech-Language Pathologist after graduating from Western University in London, ON, where she developed her clinical skills working with the pre-school and school aged populations in both the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Centre for Autism Services. She enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities, with her primary areas of interest including prelinguistic development and early intervention for expressive/receptive language. Sarah strives to provide neurodiversity affirming services for the autistic community that she serves and is working towards becoming a practitioner on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).
Sarah is passionate about helping individuals reach their communication potential through family-centered approaches that focus on functional and meaningful changes that impact their day-to-day lives. She enjoys the connections she builds with her clients and their families, and the positive impact that therapy can bring.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys spending time outside exploring the Okanagan, practicing her baking skills, travelling and playing soccer.
Sarah’s advanced training includes:
Sarah is a member of:
Sarah is passionate about helping individuals reach their communication potential through family-centered approaches that focus on functional and meaningful changes that impact their day-to-day lives. She enjoys the connections she builds with her clients and their families, and the positive impact that therapy can bring.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys spending time outside exploring the Okanagan, practicing her baking skills, travelling and playing soccer.
Sarah’s advanced training includes:
- “It Takes Two to Talk” – The Hanen Program
Sarah is a member of:
- College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)
- Speech-Language Audiology Canada (SAC)
We began seeking SLP services from Sarah last year for our daughter's speech. Sarah is so knowledgeable and patient and always has fun and relatable ways of teaching in her sessions to keep kids on track. Sessions are well organized, yet adaptable when necessary, depending on what type of day our daughter is having. We have noticed a huge and continual improvements in our daughter's speech and would highly recommend Sarah to anyone who needed her services. Thank you so much Sarah! ~The Lucash Family |
Nicole Desjarlais, MSc., RSLP
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Nicole received her Master of Science degree from Minot State University in 1996 and started her career in Kelowna in 1997 after working for a short time with Calgary Health Services.
With over 26 years of experience, Nicole has worked extensively with adults and children, providing care for a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders. Nicole’s work with pediatric swallowing disorders covers a variety of issues, including oropharyngeal dysphagia, feeding aversions, oral-motor difficulties, and the management of texture sensitivities that affect eating and drinking.
Nicole is dedicated to lifelong learning and actively pursues continuing education to maintain her expertise and ensure that skills and knowledge in speech-language pathology are always up-to-date and align with the latest clinical standards. Nicole is deeply committed to ensuring that person- and family-centered care is at the heart of her practice, consistently involving patients and their families in every step of care management.
Professional Highlights:
Nicole’s advanced training includes:
Nicole is a member of:
With over 26 years of experience, Nicole has worked extensively with adults and children, providing care for a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders. Nicole’s work with pediatric swallowing disorders covers a variety of issues, including oropharyngeal dysphagia, feeding aversions, oral-motor difficulties, and the management of texture sensitivities that affect eating and drinking.
Nicole is dedicated to lifelong learning and actively pursues continuing education to maintain her expertise and ensure that skills and knowledge in speech-language pathology are always up-to-date and align with the latest clinical standards. Nicole is deeply committed to ensuring that person- and family-centered care is at the heart of her practice, consistently involving patients and their families in every step of care management.
Professional Highlights:
- Involved in leading improvements in stroke care and successfully lead the Stroke Services BC Stroke Rehabilitation Collaborative
- Co-authored a chapter in an upcoming Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing textbook titled “Preceptorship
in Canadian Nursing Education” scheduled for publication in early 2025.
Nicole’s advanced training includes:
- Assessment & Treatment of Cognitive Communication Disorders after ABI
- MBS IMP Certification
- Certificate of Advanced Competency in Videofluoroscopic Assessment and Management of Swallowing Disorders - Adults
- Certificate of Advanced Competency in Videofluoroscopic Assessment and Management of Swallowing Disorders - Paediatrics
- Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Infancy – Joan Arvedson
Nicole is a member of:
- College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)
- Speech-Language Audiology Canada (SAC)
- Past member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA)
Leeann Flood, MSc., RSLP
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
"Communication is the essence of human life." ~ Janice Light
Leeann’s clinical areas of interest include communication and cognitive communication disorders after acquired brain injury. She is passionate about helping people achieve meaningful, functional communication goals with a focus on returning to work, school and community. She specializes in ICBC and Worksafe clients for assessment and treatment for return to work.
Leeann has special training in helping people receive the support they require in the legal system as a result of a communication difficulty, whether it be difficulty expressing oneself, or understanding spoken or written language - as a registered Communication Intermediary through Communication Disabilities Access Canada.
Leeann has limited availability for afternoon, or weekend appointments.
When Leeann is not working, she is often on adventures around the Okanagan with her young son.
Leeann’s advanced training includes:
Leeann is a member of:
Leeann has special training in helping people receive the support they require in the legal system as a result of a communication difficulty, whether it be difficulty expressing oneself, or understanding spoken or written language - as a registered Communication Intermediary through Communication Disabilities Access Canada.
Leeann has limited availability for afternoon, or weekend appointments.
When Leeann is not working, she is often on adventures around the Okanagan with her young son.
Leeann’s advanced training includes:
- Registered Communication Intermediary through Communication Disabilities Access Canada
- MBS Imp certification
- LSVT LOUD certification (2011)
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing workshop and training
- Camperdown workshop for Adolescents- fluency disorders
- Assessment and Treatment of Cognitive Communication Disorders after ABI
- SOS approach to feeding certified therapist (March 2021)
- Clinical Instructor in the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences at UBC
Leeann is a member of:
- College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)
- Speech-Language Audiology Canada (SAC)
- Speech and Hearing BC
My 54 year old son is in a care centre and his health issues are now affecting his walking and speech. I was very impressed with the assessment report and care plan prepared for my son's caregivers by Leeann. I am very grateful for the excellent support we have received. ~ Marion S. |
Eileen Harris, MSc., RSLP, OMT
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Eileen has a varied background working across populations of all ages in multiple settings. She has experience working with a variety of populations in the areas of articulation, language development, social communication, fluency, swallowing disorders, cognitive communication, and orofacial myofunctional therapy.
Eileen incorporates a holistic approach and enjoys the creative aspects of Speech-Language Pathology. She integrates cutting-edge approaches to deliver tailored therapy for individuals with various needs, including neurological, developmental, and motor-based challenges.
Eileen is also a TOSA Breathwork Facilitator, Artist, Writer, and enjoys spending time with family, volunteering, and the outdoors.
Eileen’s advanced training includes:
- Canadian Hemispheres Level 1-8 (Stroke Competency Series)
- MBS IMP Certification
- SCERTS training
- Hanen Learning Language and Loving It
- Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AMOT)
- Cognitive-Communication Course for Acquired Brain Injury (CCCABI )
- 20 Hour Douglas College Breast/Chestfeeding Foundations Course
- Floor of the Mouth: Interconnectivity Unveiled & Tongue Press Courses
- Prompts for Restructuring Oral and Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT)
- Neuro-Sequencing Integration Specialization (Restoring Breathing)
Eileen is a member of:
- College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)
- Speech-Language Audiology Canada (SAC)
- Speech and Hearing BC
- Past member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA)
Eileen has been working with my daughter for a few months to deal with her lisp. She is patient and works to keep the lessons varied and fun. Eileen is always willing to adapt the lesson when my daughter turns up with ants in her pants. She continues to make speech therapy fun, so that going is not a chore. Thanks! ~ Pleased Parent |
Kelsey Mackie, MSc., R.SLP
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Kelsey has worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist since graduating from the University of British Columbia in 2018.
She enjoys working with both children and adults, and has experience with disorders of swallowing, voice, speech disorders, social communication disorders, language disorders and stuttering. She has a special interest in adults with progressive neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. She is also certified to provide Lee Silverman Voice Therapy.
Kelsey is passionate about working with clients and their families to achieve meaningful and functional communication changes.
During her free time Kelsey enjoys playing with her new puppy, Chase, working away at a puzzle or exploring Kelowna.
Kelsey’s advanced training includes:
Kelsey is a member of:
She enjoys working with both children and adults, and has experience with disorders of swallowing, voice, speech disorders, social communication disorders, language disorders and stuttering. She has a special interest in adults with progressive neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. She is also certified to provide Lee Silverman Voice Therapy.
Kelsey is passionate about working with clients and their families to achieve meaningful and functional communication changes.
During her free time Kelsey enjoys playing with her new puppy, Chase, working away at a puzzle or exploring Kelowna.
Kelsey’s advanced training includes:
- Lee Silverman Voice Therapy certificate (2020)
- Certified Practice Certificate for Videofluoroscopic Assessment and Management of Swallowing Disorders
Kelsey is a member of:
- College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)
- Speech-Language Audiology Canada (SAC)
Our family is so thankful for Kelsey. She is a pleasure to work with. Kelsey is always prepared, very knowledgeable in her field, and she is wonderful with children. We started receiving weekly speech therapy with Kelsey two years ago. I have been told by those who know our daughter and have worked with her that they notice improvement in her speech. Our daughter has been diagnosed with a genetic syndrome, spectrum disorders, and a profound cleft impairment. Speech articulation and communication are difficult for her. Kelsey is amazing with our daughter! We appreciate her patience, understanding, and her ability to adapt to our daughter’s needs. As a parent, I glean from the strategies Kelsey implements and I love that we are a team. Our daughter adores Kelsey! ~Tracy C |