"Play is the highest form of research." -Albert Einstein
"Play is the work of childhood." -Fred Rogers
"Play is our brain's favourite way of learning." -Diane Ackerman
"Play is the highest form of research." -Albert Einstein
SUNSHINE
Speech Services
About
Sunshine Speech Services Inc. is owned and directed by Kristen Hedley.
Kristen was born and raised in rural Alberta. As the daughter of a farmer and a nurse, from a young age she was instilled with values of compassion, hard work, and dedication. These values are the core foundational tenets for her practice as a speech-language pathologist.
In 2016, Kristen received ACSLPA's "Horizon Award" for demonstrating excellence and initiative early in her career.
Professional Experience
Kristen's first career was as an elementary school teacher. This work allowed her to gain many skills including behaviour management, differentiated instruction, parent communication, and Individualized Program Plan (IPP) goal writing.
Beginning her career as a speech-language pathologist working in early education classrooms, Kristen quickly discovered her passion for hands-on, play-based therapy. Her approach has been described as "organic"-- she uses her creativity to follow a child's lead and build practice opportunities around the child's interests. Kristen fostered her ability to coach other classroom staff (teachers, EAs, SLPAs) and efficiently collaborate with an inter-disciplinary team (occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers).
Kristen also excels at providing home-based, speech and language therapy services. She has worked with children receiving Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Specialized Services funding, children receiving coverage through their parents' work benefits, and children that could benefit from additional support beyond what is provided in the public health sector.
Testimonials
"Kristen is a forward-thinking and passionate speech-language pathologist. She integrates technology into her practice. It is easy to see the rapport she builds with clients and colleagues alike."
Desirae, Speech-Language Pathologist
Edmonton, AB
"Kristen is a team player who works collaboratively with the staff at our various schools to ensure that students are steadily progressing. She incorporates interesting and engaging tasks that are tailored to each individual student's needs. Working effectively with families is one of Kristen's many strengths as she is able to coach them on the best ways to support their children in order to achieve results. Kristen is an incredible asset to our learning team!"
Tanya, Inclusive Education Coordinator
Prairie Land Regional School Division
Our Certifications and Trainings
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) Introduction to Technique and Bridging Workshops
PROMPT therapy is appropriate for a wide range of patients with communication disorders. The most common patients have motor speech disorders, articulation problems or are non-verbal children.
The Hanen Program: It Takes Two to Talk
The It Takes Two to Talk Program is designed specifically for parents of young children (birth to 5 years of age) who have been identified as having a language delay. Parents learn practical strategies to help their children learn language naturally throughout their day together.
The Hanen Program: More Than Words
The More Than Words Program was designed specifically for parents of children ages 5 and under on the autism spectrum. Addressing the unique needs of these children, the program provides parents with the tools, strategies and support they need to help their children reach their full communication potential.
The Hanen Program: Learning Language and Loving It
The Learning Language and Loving It Program was designed to provide early childhood educators with practical strategies for helping all children in the classroom build language and social skills, no matter what their learning and communication styles are.
The Lidcombe Program
The Lidcombe Program is a behavioral intervention, developed to treat stuttering in preschool (and potententially school) aged children. Parents learn to administer appropriate feedback about fluency and stuttering to their children in their everyday-speaking environment and to monitor treatment goals and progress.
CNNH LEGO® Based Social Skills
LEGO® Based Social Skills have been proven to be an effective way for children with social difficulties associated with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression or Adjustment Disorders to improve their social interaction and communication skills. Improvements in social competence enable children to sustain lasting friendships and reach their highest potential.
