ABOUT ME
I am a uniquely qualified speech-language pathologist and occupational therapist, with over 15 years experience in pediatric therapy and a personal and professional expertise in autism.
I am a father of two boys, a husband, a baseball fanatic and a professional musician.
EXPERIENCE
I have been practicing as a therapist in a variety of public and private settings and within different service delivery models for over 20 years. Working within schools, in homes, and in the greater community, has given me the opportunity to see how I can best help families achieve the best results for their child.
Perhaps most notably, my experience of having a nephew with autism has provided me insight into the needs and perspectives of the family.
I have experienced the challenges of programming and funding, both from the perspective of my sister and nephew, and also from the professional side of the fence. I have worked with school boards (PUF, RCSD), and FSCD (BDS and SS contracts).
Who am I?
I am a born and raised Calgarian. My wife and I have lived in Edmonton, Nashville, Fort McMurray, and now back in Calgary. Our two sons are 14 and 11. We love playing outside and are baseball nuts! Much of our extended family lives in Calgary as well. My 23 year old nephew Ethan, who is autistic, is a huge part of our lives. I'm also a professional, performing musician.
BASEBALL!!
My family is crazy about baseball. We play it and watch it. In 2015, I had the amazing experience of singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at a New York Mets game, in front of 44,000 people.
Ethan
My nephew Ethan was born in 1999. At the age of 3 he was diagnosed with autism. Ethan is a blessing on our family. He has taught us so much about autism, and he has given me insight into the realities of families affected by autism.
Music
I have been a performing musician since 1995, and had the opportunity to play amazing events, such as Calgary and Edmonton Folk Music Festivals. Music is a big part of our lives and plays a tremendous role in my practice.
Client Feedback
“You brought him out of his isolated world and joined it with ours. As I watched how he responded to you, it was so fulfilling. ”
“You have forever made such an amazing and positive impact on our son, that he will carry throughout his life. ”
“It is not very important, the system which is supporting my son, but more about the people around him. I am so proud of the things that Jared has put together to help my son overcome the delays in his development. ”
Professional Development
In 2001, I graduated with honours from the University of Alberta's Occupational Therapy Program. After 3 years working with preschoolers in a school setting, I decided to add the skill-set of a communication specialist. I was accepted to the Speech-Language Pathology program at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where I received my Masters degree in speech-language pathology.
Aside from my two professional degrees, I've done considerable professional development over the course of my career, focusing on autism, augmentative communication, picky eating, sensory processing and a variety of approaches to enhancing and facilitating the communication of non-verbal and minimally verbal children.
SOS Feeding Approach
Picky eating is a major challenge for many clients and their families. The SOS Feeding Approach is one of the programs that I use to formulate strategies and programs for clients. This can be implemented individually and in group settings.
Sensory Processing
Winnie Dunn's Sensory Profile has been a valued cornerstone in my approach to sensory challenges. Through the sensory processing quadrants, I have developed and understanding and approach to these challenges, focusing on function and compassion.
Communication Approaches
My professional development has led me through a number of research-based, reputable approaches. There is no one-size-fits-all in facilitating communication, and thus, parts of Floortime, SCERTS, Hanen, and others, inform my strategies and approach.