Our Team
Find Your Therapists on the Following Locations
- Founder and President
- Admin
- Toronto
- Mississauga
- Scarborough
- Markham
- Kitchener/Waterloo
- Kanata
- Sudbury
- Ajax
- London
Ontario
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Every individual member of our team believes in helping others communicate freely and we put our genuine heart and effort into helping our clients achieve their goals!
We offer our services in English, French, Russian, Hebrew, Cantonese, Mandarin, Bengali, Tamil, Arabic, Tagalog, Punjabi, Gujrati, and Hindi. If you want therapy in-person or online, contact us today to see how we can help you communicate freely!
Founder and President

Ibtissam Mustaq
Founder and President

Ibtissam Mustaq
Founder and President
Ibtissam Mustaq created Andalusia Speech Therapy as a social enterprise. With a diverse career spanning 40+ roles—from a school cafeteria dishwasher at 10 years old to Senior Immigration Officer—Ibtissam’s experiences have shaped her leadership and passion for speech therapy.
Her vision is to ensure others have greater access to essential services, while maintaining a safe and enjoyable place to work. In her personal time, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, snowboarding, reading, writing, and exploring nature trails with her husband and toddler—often on a quest for the perfect “wock”.
Admin

Franchesca Dizon
Clinical Coordinator

Franchesca Dizon
Clinical Coordinator
Franchesca has a Masters of Health Science in Speech Language Pathology and works part time as a Speech Language Pathologist. As the Clinical Coordinator at Andalusia, she’s able to apply her clinical knowledge as a Speech-Language Pathologist to improve and oversee operations. She also acts as a liaison between the administrative and clinical teams. She loves to work with and provide support to people as both a therapist and coordinator. She strives to create and maintain positive, healthy, and safe environments within the team. In her free time, Franchesca enjoys reading, taking dance lessons, and gaming.

Maria Reano
HR & Admin Specialist

Maria Reano
HR & Admin Specialist
Maria is the first point of contact for our team and clients. She is passionate about helping people by ensuring client satisfaction and team cohesion. At Andalusia Speech, Maria spends her time providing administrative and HR support, improving HR policies and employee advocacy, all while working remotely from Hamilton! Maria enjoys spending time with her family on the weekends and baking.
Toronto

Anna Mersov
Professional Practice Leader, Speech Language Pathologist
Languages: English, Russian, Hebrew

Anna Mersov
Professional Practice Leader, Speech Language Pathologist
Languages: English, Russian, Hebrew
Anna is evidence-driven in her clinical practice and holds both a research Master’s of Science and a clinical Master’s of Health Science in Speech Language Pathology. With several publications under her belt in the field, she continuously brings our team back to the important question: “But does the research support this?!” And that is why we want her on our side – science with enthusiasm, the most compelling combination in a clinician!

Liv Kuznetsov
Speech Language Pathologist
Languages: English, Hebrew
Liv completed her Master’s of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. She has experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres. Liv is committed to providing evidence-based, inclusive and family-centered care. She strives to support clients with achieving their communication goals by forming genuine connections and sharing moments of joy. Liv is formally trained in Hanen’s It Takes Two to Talk, The Lidcombe Program for stuttering, and Fluency Plus. In her free time, Liv enjoys Zumba, embroidery, and spending time with her family and dog.

Dasha Tecson
Speech Language Pathologist

Dasha Tecson
Speech Language Pathologist
Dasha completed her Master of Clinical Sciences Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from University of Western Ontario. Dasha has experience working with pre-school and school-aged children and adults in a variety of settings including treatment centers, schools, and hospitals. Dasha is committed to helping individuals of all ages overcome communication challenges and achieve their fullest potential by providing intervention that is evidence-based and addresses the unique needs and goals of each client she works with. In her free time, Dasha enjoys working-out, going on hikes, spending time with her loved ones, and exploring the best taco restaurants in the city!

Marika Robillard
Speech Language Pathologist

Marika Robillard
Speech Language Pathologist
Marika is a Speech Language Pathologist with experience in both the school board and private practice settings. Originally from Sudbury, she moved to London, Ontario to complete her master’s at Western University before moving to Toronto (with her cat, Jiji). She believes in a community, holistic approach to care and is always trying to learn how to see her work from different perspectives.

Grace Helms
Speech Therapy Assistant

Grace Helms
Speech Therapy Assistant
Grace has over 10 years of experience working directly with children in both a hospital and community setting. Her adaptability allows her to foster a positive and supportive atmosphere for individualized growth and development. She places importance on continually educating herself and ensuring that her space is an inclusive and safe environment. Originally from the United States, she (and her dog) are happy to have found a new home here in Toronto.

Lois Guidote
Speech Therapy Assistant

Lois Guidote
Speech Therapy Assistant
Lois has a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech- Language Pathology from the Philippines. She has worked with children and adults with communication difficulties. She believes in the importance of meaningful connections and engagement during therapy sessions, and she strives to provide evidence-based practice to her clients. She is very friendly and enjoys talking with people. She loves to travel, go on nature trips, and watch movies in her free time.

Olivia Martella
Speech Therapy Assistant

Olivia Martella
Speech Therapy Assistant
Olivia completed a Honours Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Psychology & Linguistics at YorkUniversity. She is currently completing her Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology at University Of Toronto. Olivia has experience working with children with varying developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome & Global Developmental Delay. She also has experience working with adults with Aphasia. Olivia is very passionate about the field of Speech Language Pathology. She strives to enhance children’s quality of life by helping them and their families achieve their communication goals. In her spare time, Olivia likes to practice yoga/barre and spend time with her family and friends.

Eileen Santiago
Speech Therapy Assistant

Eileen Santiago
Speech Therapy Assistant
Eileen completed her bachelor’s degree of Speech-Language Pathology in the Philippines. She is committed to helping children learn how to communicate and build relationships with others through child-directed and evidence-based approaches. She advocates for inclusivity and encourages family involvement and collaboration among team members. She loves watching movies, exploring new places, and hanging out with her friends during her spare time.

Aileen Song
Speech Language Pathologist

Aileen Song
Speech Language Pathologist
Aileen completed her Master’s of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. Being raised as a Korean Canadian, Aileen is passionate about providing services in multicultural settings and ensuring that families have access to healthcare services in various languages. Aileen incorporates evidence-based practice while also emphasizing client-centered care, where she strives towards making her sessions meaningful for the clients and families. She has experience working with children and adults in a variety of areas, including private practice, nursery schools, school boards, and hospitals. During her spare time, Aileen volunteers with Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog.

Megan Hooper
Speech Language Pathologist

Megan Hooper
Speech Language Pathologist
Megan completed her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. She has experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings, including hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation units, private clinics, and community centres. Megan is dedicated to providing evidence-based practice that is both client-centered and culturally sensitive, tailoring her approach to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals.
She values interdisciplinary collaboration and strives to empower clients and their families throughout the therapy process. Outside of work, Megan enjoys theatre, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

Gabby Mendoza Harry
Speech Language Pathologist

Gabby Mendoza Harry
Speech Language Pathologist
Gabby completed her Masters of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. She has experience working in the school setting, supporting children with a wide range of communication needs.
Gabby has a special passion for working with children with autism, helping them develop social, language, and functional communication skills. She also has experience working with children with articulation and phonological disorders, helping them improve their speech clarity in fun and meaningful ways.
Gabby believes in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to achieve their communication goals. She works collaboratively with families, and other professionals to develop individualized treatment plans that make meaningful progress possible. Outside the therapy room, Gabby enjoys staying active at the gym, playing volleyball, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Mississauga

Batoul El Sayah
Speech Language Pathologist
Languages: English, Arabic
As a Palestinian, born in Lebanon, and raised in Canada, Batoul emphasizes the importance of providing culturally competent and client-centred therapy. Her previous experience includes working with both children and adults in a variety of settings including preschool initiatives, camp programs, hospitals, and a rehabilitation centre. Batoul is passionate about providing each and every client evidence-based and personalized therapy to achieve a magnitude of communication needs.

Jasmine Wilson
Speech Language Pathologist

Jasmine Wilson
Speech Language Pathologist
Jasmine has experience working with a wide age range of clients from diverse backgrounds. Her previous experience includes working with children in after-school literacy programs as well as adults with aphasia and other acquired communication disorders. She strongly believes in the importance of cultural competency within the communication sciences and provides client-centered care. When she’s not at work Jasmine enjoys reading and writing as well exploring new restaurants in her city!

Nathalia DasGupta
Speech Language Pathologist
Languages: English, Spanish
Nathalia received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Toronto. She has experience working with children with a wide range of abilities and profiles. She has also worked with adults primarily in the area of accent modification. Nathalia strives to provide individualized and inclusive care to help each client and their families reach their own goals. Nathalia is formally trained in Hanen’s It Takes Two to Talk, The Lidcombe Program for stuttering, and Fluency Plus. In her free time, Nathalia enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Nayasta Kusdaya
Occupational Therapist

Nayasta Kusdaya
Occupational Therapist
Bio coming soon!
Scarborough

Shiromee Arudselvan
Speech Therapy Assistant

Shiromee Arudselvan
Speech Therapy Assistant
Shiromee has a Bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto in Psychology and Linguistics, and Communicative Disorders Assistant diploma. She has worked closely with speech-language pathologists to provide personalized care to children and adults facing various communication disorders. She excels in implementing therapy plans, and utilizing innovative techniques to enhance speech and language. Shiromee is committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment, fostering trust and rapport with clients and their families. Driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others, Shiromee remains dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying abreast of the latest advancements and evidence-based practices in the field of communication disorders. Outside of her professional endeavors, Shiromee enjoys dance and music, finding inspiration and creativity in her personal pursuits that further enrich her ability to connect and relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Sierra Ialongo
Speech Therapy Assistant

Sierra Ialongo
Speech Therapy Assistant
Sierra has a passion for helping children, and, through her care and dedication, is committed to helping individuals unlock their full communication potential. Sierra has experience working with children personally and professionally, and continues her studies at the University of Toronto. Her warm and empathetic demeanor brings clients at ease, allowing her to build a supportive and encouraging environment where growth and progress thrive. When she is not helping clients or furthering her knowledge, Sierra enjoys baking and going for walks with her dog.

Sahani Weligamage
Speech Therapy Assistant

Sahani Weligamage
Speech Therapy Assistant
Sahani holds a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) diploma from Durham College.
In addition to that, Sahani graduated from Practical Nursing at Centennial College. She has had experience working with the pediatric population within her nursing role, alongside her ECE role at a daycare. Sahani has experience with working with kids, but also adults. She did her final placement at March of Dimes Canada within the After Stroke Program, working with clients in person and online.
Sahani has always had a passion for making a difference and being a part of someone’s story. Sahani is committed to helping others in any which way she can and being a positive impact to the people around her.
With all the knowledge and experience Sahani has and continues to build upon, she is dedicated and committed to supporting her clients in becoming more and more confident with their communication.When Sahani is not at work, she enjoys music, hanging out with her dog, working out and finding new recipes to recreate.

Cassidy Ferreira
Speech Therapy Assistant

Cassidy Ferreira
Speech Therapy Assistant
Cassidy has a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Psychology from Trent University, where she specialized in Legal Studies, Psychological Development, and Mental Health and Well-Being. Throughout her career, Cassidy has honed her expertise in Behavioural Therapy, which sparked her interest in Speech-Language Pathology. Her multifaceted approach combines evidence-based techniques with compassionate support, ensuring that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
With a deep understanding of the complexities of human behaviour and development, Cassidy is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in people’s lives and supporting their journey towards growth and well-being. In her spare time, Cassidy enjoys listening to music and going on hikes with her friends.
Markham

Bethany Loshusan
Speech Language Pathologist

Bethany Loshusan
Speech Language Pathologist
Bethany completed her Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at McMaster University. She has experience working with clients of all ages in settings such as private clinics, schools, and in-home services. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Bethany is passionate about supporting clients’ communication goals through personalized care as well as pursuing continuing education to ensure her interventions are evidence-based, inclusive, and client-centred. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, running, and discovering new books through recommendations.
Kitchener/Waterloo

Carly Moreau
Speech Therapy Assistant

Carly Moreau
Speech Therapy Assistant
Carly graduated from the Communicative Disorders Assistant program at Durham College in 2017 and has been working as a CDA in the Waterloo Region ever since. While most of her time has been spent working in elementary schools, she also has experience supporting adults in a hospital setting. Carly strives to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel comfortable and confident working towards their communication goals. In her spare time Carly enjoys visiting with friends and family, reading and curling.
Kanata

Noor Khalil
Speech Therapy Assistant
Languages: Arabic
Noor is originally from Lebanon and was raised between Canada and Lebanon. She has a Speech-Language Pathology degree from Phoenicia University in Lebanon. Noor’s experience was compiled from working with the pediatric population of varied linguistic cultures including Lebanese, Palestinian and Syrian in various settings such as clinics, schools, and NGOs. She strives to provide an inclusive and interactive environment abiding by the moto: “Everyone deserves a voice”. During her free time, Noor enjoys drawing, reading, and experimenting in new recipes.

Zahra Anwar
Speech Language Pathologist

Zahra Anwar
Speech Language Pathologist
Zahra completed her Master’s in SLP from the university of Toronto. Her previous experience includes working with both children and adults in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals and research labs. Zahra is passionate about supporting and involving parents and caregivers in the therapy process. She aims to empower families by educating them about communication strategies needed to care for their loved ones. Outside of work, Zahra enjoys painting, drawing and baking.

Salam Salame
Speech Language Pathologist

Salam Salame
Speech Language Pathologist
Salam is a proud Canadian with a Lebanese heritage. She has experience as an employee, volunteer and as an intern in a variety of different contexts such as hospitals, schools, and private clinics. She has encountered a variety of individuals with different speech and language needs and is always striving to increase her experience and continually update her education. She believes in fostering a client-centered and culturally sensitive environment to help clients reach their optimal communication potential.
In her free time, Salam enjoys playing piano and singing.

Kayla Gallant
Speech Therapy Assistant

Kayla Gallant
Speech Therapy Assistant
Kayla is currently completing her degree in Linguistics with a Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Disorders at Carleton University and has obtained a Developmental Services Worker Diploma from Algonquin College. She has always had a passion for working with children and has gained experience from teaching skating lessons, working in group homes, supporting students and classrooms as an educational assistant as well as providing respite services to private clients. In her free time, she enjoys playing hockey, being outdoors, and hanging out with her dog.

Alaa Azzam
Speech Language Pathologist

Alaa Azzam
Speech Language Pathologist
Alaa completed her Master of Health Sciences in Speech-Language Pathology at University of Toronto. She has experience working with kids and adults from multiple backgrounds in various settings including private clinics, hospitals, and community centres.
Alaa moved from the United Arab Emirates to Canada in 2016 and has experience working in English and Arabic from volunteer and work experience in both countries. Alaa believes in including a holistic view in her approach and making sure the clients feel comfortable and heard. Outside of work, Alaa enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with loved ones.
Sudbury

Leandra Stopar
Speech Language Pathologist
Languages: English, French
Leandra is a Sudbury native and provides therapy to our Sudbury clients or online. She has experience in a variety of settings, including hospital, school board, and private clinic and looks forward to continue to assist others using a client-centered approach. She is passionate about helping others and hopes to promote a comforting space for clients of all ages and with diverse communication needs. During her leisure time, Leandra enjoys taking photo walks and watching movies.

Alex Zannier
Speech Language Pathologist

Alex Zannier
Speech Language Pathologist
Alex is a passionate clinician who prides herself on providing family centered care. She has experience working with children and adults working in a variety of settings. Alex strides to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in her sessions. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and crafting.
Ajax

Shiyannie Waran
Speech Therapy Assistant
Languages: Tamil
Shiyannie received an Honours Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Human Biology and Health Studies from the University of Toronto. Shiyannie strives to provide individualized and inclusive care to help each client achieve their speech goals. She collaborates closely with clients, their families, and relevant professionals to ensure the ongoing success of her clients. Her combination of culturally informed, client-led and play-based approach to therapy fosters a positive, supportive, and meaningful experience for all clients.

Sahani Weligamage
Speech Therapy Assistant

Sahani Weligamage
Speech Therapy Assistant
Sahani holds a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) diploma from Durham College.
In addition to that, Sahani graduated from Practical Nursing at Centennial College. She has had experience working with the pediatric population within her nursing role, alongside her ECE role at a daycare. Sahani has experience with working with kids, but also adults. She did her final placement at March of Dimes Canada within the After Stroke Program, working with clients in person and online.
Sahani has always had a passion for making a difference and being a part of someone’s story. Sahani is committed to helping others in any which way she can and being a positive impact to the people around her.
With all the knowledge and experience Sahani has and continues to build upon, she is dedicated and committed to supporting her clients in becoming more and more confident with their communication.When Sahani is not at work, she enjoys music, hanging out with her dog, working out and finding new recipes to recreate.

Cassidy Ferreira
Speech Therapy Assistant

Cassidy Ferreira
Speech Therapy Assistant
Cassidy has a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Psychology from Trent University, where she specialized in Legal Studies, Psychological Development, and Mental Health and Well-Being. Throughout her career, Cassidy has honed her expertise in Behavioural Therapy, which sparked her interest in Speech-Language Pathology. Her multifaceted approach combines evidence-based techniques with compassionate support, ensuring that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
With a deep understanding of the complexities of human behaviour and development, Cassidy is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in people’s lives and supporting their journey towards growth and well-being. In her spare time, Cassidy enjoys listening to music and going on hikes with her friends.
London

Margaret Papel
Speech Therapy Assistant

Margaret Papel
Speech Therapy Assistant
Margaret is in her final year of SLP graduate school at Western University. Before this, she graduated from UofT with a double major in Linguistics and Psychology and a minor in French Language. She has also completed her RBT training and has experience with a wide range of clientele. Margaret is very passionate about communication, and strives to create environments where everyone can feel heard. In her free time, Margaret enjoys cooking, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.
(Languages: English, French)
British Columbia

Mikyla Grau
Speech Language Pathologist

Mikyla Grau
Speech Language Pathologist
Mikyla is excited to now call the west coast home. Originally from Ontario, Mikyla completed her Master’s of Health Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Toronto. Clinically, she has experience with adults and children in private practice, working with culturally-, linguistically- and neuro-diverse populations. On our team, she mentored junior clinicians and support personnel while located in Toronto. She is passionate about connection and its ability to empower individuals and foster meaningful communication. Mikyla prioritizes this with clients to develop purposeful, aligned, and tailored treatment plans to see clients thrive. Her professional areas of interest include literacy, cognitive communication, neurodiverse-affirming practice and public speaking. Beyond clinic work, Mikyla enjoys spending time in nature, exploring new places, and learning languages.
New Brunswick

Coming Soon
Licenses & Training
All our Speech Language Pathologists have a Master’s of Speech Therapy and are licenced by the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).
Training and certifications acquired by our team include:
Motor Speech Articulation: Prompt Introduction, Prompt Bridging
Autism: More than Words
Stuttering: Fluency Plus, Lidcombe
Language: Hanen It Takes Two and Target Word
Literacy: Orton illingham
Aphasia: Supported Conversation with Adults with Aphasia
Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC): Picture Exchange Communication (PECS)