PEDIATRIC SPEECH THERAPY • CALGARY, AB
Helping Children Communicate Through Play and Connection.
Along Dusty Trails provides relationship-centered speech-language therapy for children and families in Calgary through individualized assessments, play-based intervention, parent guidance, and nature & community-inspired experiences.
HOW WE SEE THERAPY
Connection Comes Before Communication
Along Dusty Trails is a private speech-language therapy (SLP) practice based out of Calgary. Our speech therapists specialize in providing tailored communication support for children and their families to help them thrive.
We believe in these principles, and they are the foundation of all that we do:
Social connection and enriching, positive relationships are the roots of happy, healthy humans.
Communication & social abilities are best developed through warm, responsive, and reciprocal interactions/conversations with people we like.
Anything and anywhere can be 'therapy' for children, communicative opportunities are all around - it's all about sparking joy and then using interactive strategies to facilitate increasingly complex communication skills (even if it means playing with dirt!).
The most optimal outcomes for children occur when caregivers are empowered to both understand developmental paths and scaffold opportunities, during daily activities and teachable moments.
We believe in observing, noticing and celebrating forward steps, both huge and tiny.
Inclusion is more than just being present in a classroom or community. All children have a right to participate in their community in a way that is developmentally appropriate and allows them to experience joy, confidence, and competence.
A focus on holistic child development, including children's social-emotional, linguistic, cognitive, physical, and spiritual well-being is paramount.
Professionals do not need to be intense or intimidating - Working (playing?!) with a speech-language pathologist/assistant should be fun, silly, and casual!
We believe in welcoming and exploring the diverse, unique, and quirky of the world...Sometimes the offbeat, unconventional path is where the magic happens.
WHERE TO BEGIN
There's a Path That Fits Where You Are Right Now.
Assessment
You have some questions or possible concerns about your child's communication development, and would like a specialist to evaluate and provide insight, guidance and next steps.
Intervention
You have identified some areas for communication growth, and would like to pursue therapy to remediate these challenges. FSCD contracts also accepted.
Consultation
You are unable to pursue more regular therapy, but would like to schedule a single session, or intermittent 'check-ins' to review communication development, ask questions and/or update strategies.
Workshops & PD
You are an agency and would like to have a speech-language pathologist provide a workshop or professional development on a topic of your choice, tailored to your team.
Teletherapy
You may not be able to find an SLP available in your area, or your child may be immunocompromised, and you would like to access direct therapy and/or parent consultation online (only available in AB).
PUF, Schools, & Agencies
You are an organization that wants to access SLP support for your children, or a caregiver who wants to access an SLP to consult with the school regarding supports and strategies for a child.
Speech-Language Assistant
Speech-language assistant time may be available, depending on your location and availability. Our assistants are highly skilled and experienced in delivering creative, specialized intervention in collaboration with the SLP, offering a more economical option for accessing speech-language services.
Social Learning Groups
A fluid, individualized group experience centred on co-constructing shared play and joy, with language and social skill-building woven in as it naturally arises. Not a prescriptive curriculum, but responsive support that meets each child where they are.
Meet Ashley
Speech-Language Pathologist & Founder
I'm a speech-language pathologist and relationship-driven explorer who believes connection, layered with technique, is the real foundation for progress. Sessions with me are built around play, flexibility, and humour, not intimidation. I believe that we're all our best, most successful selves when we can show up authentically.
I've worked with children and families for over 20 years, with my MSc in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta, in homes, schools, and communities across Alberta and abroad.
When I'm not working, you'll find me with my hands in houseplants, training my future therapy dog Harlowe, or planning my next travel adventure.
WHAT THIS CAN LOOK LIKE
Communication Challenges Show Up in Different Ways.
Speech Sounds
Difficulty pronouncing sounds correctly. May look like: * Substituting consonants with other sounds * Distorted vowel sounds * Difficulty being understood by others * Limited repertoire of sounds
Expressive Language
Difficulty learning and using words. May look like: * Late talking * Slower to combine words into phrases and sentences * Limited variety of 'reasons' for communicating * Grammatical mistakes
Receptive Language
Difficulty listening and understanding language. May look like: * Not following directions * Answering questions incorrectly * Behavior challenges
Social Communication
Difficulty participating in groups and social interactions with peers. May look like: * Difficulty with taking turns * Difficulty with problem solving and perspective taking * Difficulty with initiating and maintaining conversations and interactions over several turns * Social isolation or frustration
Literacy
Difficulty acquiring reading and writing skills. May look like: * Challenges in 'decoding' (i.e. sounding out words) * Not understanding what was read * Difficulty remembering sounds and letters * Hard to get ideas on paper
AAC Supports
Children who may use high or low tech symbols to augment or as an alternative to verbal speech in order to communicate. May look like: * iPad talking device * Picture boards * Sign language
Developmental or Medical Delays & Disabilities
Communication/social challenges associated with an identified developmental or medical diagnosis. May include: * Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) * Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) * Learning disability * Genetic disability * Physical disability
Hearing Impairment
Communication challenges associated with an identified hearing loss. May include: * Children using assistive hearing tech (e.g. hearing aids, cochlear implants, BAHA) * Speech sound or language delays * Environmental modifications * Supportive interaction strategies
Let's Talk About What Your Child Needs.
Speech therapy in the vibrant and unique community of Inglewood, Calgary, delivered from our shared clinic space or nearby community settings. Reach out and let's figure out the right next step for your child.
Inglewood, Calgary
