Welcome to Our New Communication Corner!
Hello, everyone! I’m Sophia Mengad, and I’m absolutely bursting with excitement to officially launch this blog and start connecting with all of you. Think of this space as your comfy communication corner—a place where we can learn, share, and get genuinely excited about the incredible power of speech.
As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), my work is my passion. I get to help people—from toddlers to teens to adults—discover and use their voices, whether they're struggling with articulation, working through a language delay, or recovering communication skills. I truly believe that every person has a right to express their everyday wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas, and I’m dedicated to finding the perfect path for each client to feel the pleasure of connecting with others.
I hold a Master of Health Sciences - Speech Language Pathology degree, and my years of experience have shown me one thing: communication is about so much more than just words. It’s about confidence, connection, and feeling truly heard. When someone finds their voice, it’s like watching a light switch flip on—and there’s nothing better!
My Journey to Speech Therapy
You might wonder what led me to this wonderful profession. My path here was actually a blend of lifelong passions. Ever since I was a child, I felt pulled toward healthcare, constantly playing doctor and wanting to treat people’s ailments. It’s no surprise I became a lifeguard as a teenager.
That commitment was layered with my love for teaching. As a dedicated athlete and coach in sports like swimming, track and field, and volleyball, I discovered the immense joy of helping others master a new skill. I realized my coaching abilities—breaking down complex movements or strategies into manageable steps—perfectly translated to therapy. Just as a coach designs a workout plan, I now design and implement therapy programs, celebrating every small gain and reaching the finish line together.
Later, in university, my passion for language led me to explore careers in translation and interpretation. It was while enrolled in that field of study that I thankfully discovered speech-language pathology. A little time volunteering in a clinic was all it took—I instantly fell in love with how the profession would allow me to combine my dedication to health, my expertise in teaching, and my fascination with communication into one rewarding career.
A passion for Language and Communication
As a language enthusiast, I’m grateful to be fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, and to dabble in a few other languages.
Why does this matter? Well, communication is cultural! My background is Moroccan, and having that personal connection to a culture often underrepresented in the healthcare field helps me truly understand the importance and benefits of representation. This perspective helps me appreciate the amazing diversity of communication styles and makes me truly sensitive to cultural differences in therapy. It’s all about making sure our sessions are comfortable, welcoming, and accessible for you and your family. If you're a multilingual family, you can be confident that I understand the complexities and the absolute superpower that comes with speaking more than one language.
What Can We Talk About Here?
This blog is our new platform to explore the fascinating world of communication. My goal is to keep things fun, friendly, and practical.
Here are just a few examples of the exciting topics we’ll be diving into:
Picky Eaters: Understanding Why Your Child Refuses Certain Foods
Why does my child refuse certain foods? We'll look at the link between speech/oral-motor skills and feeding challenges.
Late Talkers: Wait or Seek Help?
Practical tips and professional advice on knowing when a language delay is just "a phase" and when it’s time to reach out to an SLP.
Tech Talk: Non-Verbal Communication
Exploring the amazing world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and apps for non-verbal individuals.
Therapy Through Play: Unlocking the Power of Fun
Discover engaging and easy activities you can do at home to enhance your child's speech and language skills—without the pressure of traditional "homework."
Rediscovering Your Voice: Adult Speech Therapy
Strategies for adults working through voice changes, recovering communication after a stroke, or managing everyday listening challenges.
I’m so thrilled to have you here and can’t wait to share helpful insights and start a supportive conversation with this community.
What communication topic are you most interested in reading about first? Let me know in the comments below!
