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Our Team

Our dedicated team of therapists, the heart of Frolic Expressions. Committed to providing the highest quality of care and support, our experts specialize in speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavior therapy.

With a wealth of experience, they are not just therapists but compassionate guides on your family's journey towards success.

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS
Speech Language Pathologists
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Registered Speech Language Pathologist (c), Registered Autism Service Provider

Ritika Gupta

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Ritika is a Speech Language Pathologist and Registered Autism Service Provider With over 15 years of experience as a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Ritika specializes in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of speech, language, and communication disorders in children and adults. Her expertise encompasses working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and providing rehabilitation services for those with hearing impairments. Passionate about empowering clients to reach their full potential, Ritika combines her extensive knowledge of cognitive and social communication, as well as swallowing disorders, with a problem-solving approach to develop personalized and effective therapy plans.

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Registered Speech Language Pathologist   and Audiologist

Ayesha Nazeer Zarook

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Ayesha brings a unique dual expertise to Frolic Expressions as both an Audiologist and a Speech-Language Pathologist. Specializing in pediatric communication disorders, she focuses on language, fluency, and articulation challenges, helping children enhance their communication skills and reach their fullest potential. With over 11 years of experience as a rehabilitation Audiologist, Ayesha is also an expert in auditory-verbal therapy (AVT) for hearing aid users and cochlear implant recipients. She excels in tinnitus management and vestibular rehabilitation, providing comprehensive, compassionate care that empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

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Registered Speech Language Pathologist 

Simrin Bains

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Simrin is a dedicated and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist who brings a wealth of experience to our team at Frolic Expressions. With a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from UBC, she has worked extensively with both adults facing acquired language disorders and children with speech and language delays, including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Simrin's approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, always tailored to the individual needs of each client and their families. Her commitment to creating a supportive and collaborative environment helps ensure that every client can communicate confidently and thrive.

Behavior Therapists
BEHAVIOR THERAPISTS & CONSULTANTS
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Behavior Consultant

Shabnam Charakchi

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Shabnam holds a Master’s in Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a 'Category A' Behavior Consultant on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP), she has been providing behavioral consultation since 2017. With prior experience as a Behavior Interventionist and educational assistant, Shabnam is passionate about early intervention and parent training to support each child's unique needs. She is fluent in English and Farsi, offering services in Farsi upon request.

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Behavior Consultant

Milene Ceciliano 

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Milene is a highly experienced Behavior Consultant who has dedicated over 19 years to helping diverse populations, from children and adolescents to adults. Trained in psychology in Brazil and with extensive experience in the Canadian therapy landscape, Milene excels at providing truly integrated care. She is a natural leader who has managed, trained, and mentored other therapists. Milene focuses on life skills development, functional behaviour assessments, and creating customized support plans that emphasize solving external issues and building strong communication between all agencies involved in a client’s care.

Occupational Therapists
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
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Registered Occupational Therapist

Reux Sanchez

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Reux is a Registered Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience helping clients achieve independence in their daily lives. A member of the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP), Reux specializes in sensory regulation, home safety, and developing functional skills for individuals with Autism and physical limitations. His extensive career spans international hospital and community settings, giving him a deep understanding of diverse client needs. Reux adopts a holistic approach, working closely with families to design sensory diets and technical solutions that allow clients to participate fully in the activities that matter most to them.

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Registered Occupational Therapist

Jessica Hunt

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Jessica is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University. She brings fresh academic knowledge and a strong drive for client care to the team. Her background includes hands-on experience as a Long-Term Care Aide and volunteering with the SMILE program, where she guided children with disabilities through sensory-motor activities. Jessica is recognized for her leadership and empathy, having served as a peer mentor and community organizer for student-athletes. She is committed to using her growing expertise to support development and mobility for clients with varying conditions.

Therapy Assistants
THERAPY ASSISTANTS
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Speech Language Pathologist Assistant | BI

Kim Estoque

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Kim Estoque is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at Frolic Expressions Therapy House, bringing over four years of experience in speech sciences. Specializing in supporting children with autism and speech/language delays, Kim holds a BA in Speech Sciences from the University of British Columbia. Passionate about making communication accessible to all, she combines scientific expertise with deep empathy to help every child reach their fullest potential. Kim is an invaluable part of the Frolic Expressions team, committed to the success and growth of every client.

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Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Laura Tellez

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Laura, originally from Colombia, brings her enthusiasm and dedication to Frolic Expressions Therapy House. With a degree in Speech-Language Pathology from her home country, she is passionate about transforming lives through human communication. Laura has a deep love for working with children, and she is committed to positively impacting their growth and development. Inspired by their curiosity and resilience, Laura takes great joy in being part of their learning journey, making each day a rewarding experience for her and the children she supports.

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Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Rajalekshmi Sasi 

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Rajalekshmi, known as Lax, is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with 8 years of experience specializing in complex communication needs, including autism and Down syndrome. Her empathetic approach allows her to create innovative therapy sessions tailored to each client. Lax collaborates with families and educators to extend therapeutic progress into everyday life, aiming to help every individual find their unique voice.

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Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Shukran Aladdin

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Shukran, a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a degree in Speech Sciences and Psychology, is dedicated to supporting individuals and families with special needs. Her personal experience as a caregiver for a family member with special needs provides her with a deep sense of empathy and understanding, allowing her to connect with families on a more profound level. Through personalized therapy and guidance, Shukran empowers those she works with to overcome challenges and reach their full potential, helping them live fulfilling and enriched lives.

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Therapy Assistant

Sarah Shakil

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Sarah is a compassionate therapy assistant with over 8 years of clinical experience in assessing and treating diverse communication disorders. With a background that includes international experience in Scotland and Bachelor’s degree in Speech sciences in Pakistan, Sarah is proficient in using evidence-based practices to support clients of all ages. She specializes in creating customized therapy plans for articulation, language delays, and fluency issues, and holds specialized certification in TalkTools (Level 1 & 2) for oral placement and feeding therapy. She is deeply committed to collaborating with families to ensure every individual achieves their optimal quality of life.

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Therapy Assistant

Rhea Tomines

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Rhea is a versatile therapy assistant who brings a decade of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, joining us with a strong background in school-based and clinical therapy from California. She possesses specialized expertise in Autism diagnostics (ADOS Assessment trained) and is highly skilled in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods. Rhea has worked extensively with diverse age groups, from preschool through high school, providing comprehensive assessments and intervention programs. Flexible and reliable, Rhea is dedicated to case management and team collaboration to support the unique developmental needs of her clients.

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Therapy Assistant

Dona Maria

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Dona is a versatile therapy assistant who combines her background as a Clinical Audiologist and speech language pathologist with hands-on therapy support to children with complex communication needs. Her unique skillset includes Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT) for children with cochlear implants and hearing aids, as well as supporting neurodiverse children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. With the skills working in educational settings with special needs students, Dona is trained in Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) and excels at managing challenging behaviors with empathy. She is passionate about early identification and using listening-based learning to help children find their voice.

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Therapy Assistant

Lily Nguyen

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Lily is a dedicated therapy assistant with over 7 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals, ranging from toddlers to young adults. With a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics and Psychology from SFU, Lily has a dual background in both speech therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She is passionate about community building and has volunteered extensively in schools and stroke recovery groups to promote literacy and communication. In her free time, you can find Lily reading the latest manga or organizing her anime collectibles.

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Therapy Assistant

Lorena Brammer 

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Lorena is an incredibly seasoned Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with over 20 years of experience, bringing a depth of knowledge that truly benefits our clients. She has a strong focus on inclusive education and has specialized training in Autism support (POPARD) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including PECS and LAMP. Lorena excels at making therapy practical—she creates visual schedules and adapted materials to implement goals designed by the SLP team. A dedicated collaborator, she even mentors UBC teaching candidates, sharing her practical wisdom on supporting neurodiverse students in the classroom.

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Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant

Daven Bishnoi

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Daven is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong foundation in physiotherapy. Having practiced as a Physiotherapist in India and currently pursuing a Master’s in Leadership at Trinity Western University, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to his role as an assistant. Daven has a special heart for rehabilitation and pain management, with experience ranging from hospital internships to supporting elderly residents in care homes. He is eager to apply his skills in the Canadian healthcare system, helping clients recover and improve their mobility with kindness and expertise.

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Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant

Achza Esther Jobin

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Achza joins us with a truly impressive background in pediatric care. Holding a Master’s in Neuro Physiotherapy from India and currently pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership here in BC, she has a deep understanding of developmental and neurological needs. Achza is passionate about play-based interventions and supporting families with practical, compassionate care. As a mother herself, she brings a personal touch to her sessions, understanding the patience and empathy required to help children thrive in a safe, supportive environment.

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Behavior Interventionist

Mayumi Zara Andal

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Mayumi is an energetic Behavior Interventionist and current student at Simon Fraser University. Since 2022, she has gained hands-on experience supporting children in camp and home settings, including those with special needs. Mayumi is known for her adaptability and strong work ethic, bringing a "super" attitude to her sessions. Eager to learn and grow within the field, she focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment where children can thrive.

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Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Josephine Singian

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Josephine brings a deep understanding of the connection between mind and language to our team. With a double major in Psychology and Linguistics from SFU and a Certificate in Speech Science, she approaches communication therapy with a truly holistic mindset. Josephine has spent over a decade working directly with children in schools and homes as an Inclusive Education Support Worker and Behaviour Interventionist. She excels at bridging the gap between clinical goals and real-world application, using structured play and social activities to help children find their voice and confidence in every setting.

ADMINISTRATION & CLINIC OPERATIONS
Administration and Clinic Operations
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Clinic Coordinator

Vipin Gupta

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Vipin leads our clinic operations with a steady hand and a sharp eye for organization. Drawing on a robust background in logistics and dispatch management, he is an expert at navigating complex schedules and ensuring resources are exactly where they need to be. Vipin combines this operational efficiency with a genuine "patient-first" attitude, prioritizing the needs of our families and team above all else. Whether he is coordinating between therapists or managing daily workflows, Vipin ensures that Frolic Expressions remains a supportive and well-run environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

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Clinic Administration

Simrat Kaur

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Simrat is a key part of our administrative team, known for her efficiency and friendly customer service. With a unique background in Computer Systems Technology, she navigates our clinic management software with ease, handling everything from online scheduling to direct billing with precision. Simrat is a calm multitasker who manages patient flow and administrative requests simultaneously, ensuring that our therapists can focus entirely on client care. She is dedicated to making sure every administrative interaction is helpful, clear, and stress-free for our families.

© 2024 by Frolic Expressions Speech Therapy Inc. DBA Frolic Expressions Therapy House - All Rights Reserved | Privacy Statement

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