“As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I am using my professional knowledge and platform to advocate for literacy instruction that is aligned with the science of reading, so we can better help all children learn to read and write.” - Brianna

About Brianna

I’m a private practice Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario, Canada. I provide virtual speech therapy sessions, primarily in the areas of literacy, language, and articulation, to residents of Ontario. I also provide professional development and create literacy resources for busy SLPs and educators, so they can not only teach students to read and write, but help foster a love of literacy.

I struggled with learning to read as a child, so my passion for helping children learn to read is fuelled by my own personal experiences. The first books I remember finally enjoying were the Junie B. Jones series by Barbra Park. I have fond memories of my mom and me taking turns reading the pages.

Now I’m a total nerd who loves school and learning (I still regularly take continuing education courses). I received my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology from the University of Guelph (2017), and my Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto (2019).

The educational background of SLPs gives us a unique perspective when it comes to literacy, which is, after all, written language. SLPs have the knowledge and skills to address all aspects of communication, including speech, language, and literacy—it’s all connected!

Outside of work, I enjoy yoga, reading, baking, watching movies, playing video/board games, exploring nature, or spending time with family and friends.

My Alphabet Book!

The alphabet book I wrote, N is for Nom: An Amazing Alphabet, is now available! You can get the digital version immediately, and the physical board book is open for pre-orders (with shipments hopefully starting later in December 2025).

I wrote this book because so many ABC books include poor word choices, inconsistent vowel sounds, and boring or unclear visuals.

With N is for Nom: An Amazing Alphabet, you can trust that every page was intentionally designed with kid-friendly words and clear sound-letter connections (no more “C is for chimpanzee” or “X is for xylophone”).

It features large tracing letters to work on letter formation, simple (and often silly) sound-loaded sentences to work on sound-letter connections, and engaging illustrations! You can read the full rationale on the product page and my blog.

Additional Training + Certifications

Sounds-Write Trained Practitioner - Sounds-Write
Reading Simplified Expert - Reading Simplified Academy
Basics of Decoding and Spelling Instruction - International Dyslexia Association Ontario
SMARTER Intervention Reading & Writing Curriculum - Ascend SMARTER Intervention
ABC and Beyond - The Hanen Centre
It Takes Two to Talk - The Hanen Centre
Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Trained Clinician - Meaningful Speech

Presentations

Virtual

“Literacy Essentials for SLPs: Teaching Beginning Readers” for ableU, November 2025, and available as an on-demand course.
“Structured Linguistic Literacy (SLL): Assessment, Goals, and Intervention” for Speech Pathways team professional development, September 2025.
“Effective Alphabet Instruction and Teaching Beginning Readers” for the 2025 Back to School Virtual Summit, August 2025.
“From Words to Writing: How Speech and Language Shape Literacy” for the Building Readers for Life 2025 Virtual Conference, July 2025.
“Effective Alphabet Instruction and Teaching Beginning Readers” for the Building Readers for Life Academy, June 2025 featured presenter.
“An Overview of the Science of Reading and Teaching Beginning Readers” for the 8th annual Theory to Therapy Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Graduate Student Conference, May 2025.
“Literacy Essentials Toolkit for SLPs” for Literacy Connect virtual conference hosted by Tassel, June 2024.
“All About Literacy: Roles of SLPs in Literacy, The Science of Reading, Structured Literacy & Activity Ideas” for Chatterboxes team professional development, November 2023.
“All About Literacy: Roles of SLPs in Literacy, The Science of Reading, Structured Literacy & Activity Ideas” for Speech Meta team professional development, June 2023.

In-person

“All About Literacy: Roles of SLP & OT in Literacy, The Science of Reading, Assessment and Instruction” for Aurora Speech Clinic team professional development, August 2024.

Panels