Our Team

Kim Bennett, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO

Co-Owner & Speech-Language Pathologist

Kim is an adoptive and biological mom, speech-language pathologist, and neurodivergent person. She became a Speech-Language Pathologist in 2012 and has worked with children with a variety of needs. She started Wellington Kids in 2013 after seeing a need for private speech therapy services in the Kemptville area, and has grown the practice since that time. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo, a Masters in Clinical Science from Western University, and has been trained in Orofacial Myofunctional therapy. Kim loves connecting with kids over their interests, and working speech and language goals into play.

Michelle Avery

Speech Language Assistant

Michelle has been working with children with a variety of needs in a variety of settings since 1998. She discovered her passion helping children with speech and language difficulties when she started working as a Speech and Language Assistant in 2005. She has worked with both preschool and school-aged children. She graduated from St. Lawrence College in Kingston with Social Science as the major area of study. In addition, Michelle has had training in PECS, Hanen, BMS, Apraxia of Speech, CLI, and Heggerty.

Emma Grady
Communicative Disorders Assistant

Emma has been working as a bilingual Speech Language Assistant with the public school board since 2017. She discovered her passion for speech and language when she began working as a Developmental Services Worker. Emma has training in a wide variety of areas, such as PECS, BMS, CLI, Myo, Hanen, and GLP. She graduated in 2017 from St. Lawrence College in Kingston with a certificate in Communicative Disorders Assistant.

Jessica Danielle (J.D) Norwood

Communicative Disorder Assistant & Administrative Assistant

Originally from the Maritimes, she began her new journey as a CDA after having her children during COVID and witnessing the need for speech and language support in her community. J.D completed her undergraduate at UNBSJ and her Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on sustainable community development and access to community resources, at Royal Roads University. She completed her CDA training through St. Lawrence College, which included clinical placement training at CHEO's Augmentative and Alternative Communication Clinic and speech and language therapy at Wellington Kids.

Chelsea Campbell

Communicative Disorder Assistant - Smiths Falls location

Chelsea is a Communicative Disorder Assistant with a passion for supporting children through a wide range of speech and language needs. Her interest in speech and language began early on as she received speech therapy herself when she was young. Chelsea earned a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics and Psychology from the University of Ottawa and went on to obtain her Communicative Disorder Assistant certification from St. Lawrence College. She has also received training in play-based therapy, GLP, Motor speech, and Hanen. She strives to create engaging and supportive sessions that help her clients feel motivated and confident.

Courtney Barton, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Co-Owner and Occupational Therapist Lead

Courtney completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Queen’s University. Prior to achieving her master’s degree, she graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics. Courtney is licensed by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.

Courtney’s career experiences include school-based and private OT services for children and youth. She is a motivated and passionate OT who strives to enable people of all ages to live to their full potential. Courtney has a high degree of concentration for the development of fine and gross motor skills, self-regulation and sensory processing. It is her belief that each person is unique and their core values and motivation differ from others. Courtney strives to capitalize on an individual’s strengths and empower children to build on their weaknesses.

Kaitlyn, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Occupational Therapist

Kaitlyn received an Honours Baccalaureate of Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa in 2009 before completing her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2013. Kaitlyn has developed a passion for Sensory Processing, Self-Regulation, Anxiety behaviours and ADD/ ADHD. Kaitlyn has continued to seek out emerging approaches to treatment in her field.

Kaitlyn has 10 years experience working with individuals and children in the community setting and has worked with children on the autism spectrum and well as with children with mental health challenges, learning disabilities, ADHD, DCD and developmental delays.

Kaitlyn has a passion for working within the creative arts and is a certified pediatric yoga instructor. She has acquired numerous certification in anxiety management, ABI and neuro rehabilitation.

Abby Lawrence

Occupational Therapist

Abby is a pediatric occupational therapist who is passionate about helping children grow in their confidence, discover their strengths, and find joy in everyday activities. She believes the best therapy happens through connection, play, and creating a space where children feel safe, celebrated, and empowered to be themselves.

Prior to completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, Abby earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Guelph. During her OT training, Abby gained pediatric experience supporting children and youth with sensory processing differences, emotional regulation challenges, and mental health needs. She takes a family-centred, strengths-based approach to care, collaborating with children and caregivers to develop individualized strategies that support participation, confidence, and success in everyday life. Abby is excited to partner with families and help each child reach their goals!

Tristan Harris

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Tristan has a passion and determination to assist and motivate persons of all ages to reach their fullest potential. She has been working with children since 2014 in different areas, which has led to her current career. Tristan graduated from Algonquin College in 2022 from the Occupational therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant program. Currently, Tristan is completing her Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology, concentrating in Developmental Psychology, at Carleton University. Tristan’s goal for her future is to become an Occupational Therapist and to continue to build her career with the pediatric population. Tristan strives to ensure all children feel OT is a safe, comfortable and encouraging environment to reach their goals.

Jo Purcell

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Jo is a graduate from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Jo is a graduate from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences.

She has extensive experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings; namely, Jo has experience as an occupational therapy assistant, camp counselor, dance instructor, and teacher. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Jo strives to produce an encouraging and creative environment for each individual to progress in their goals. Her goal is to return to school to become a licensed OT, but is eager to continue to learn and grow in her career while at Wellington Kids.

Sophie-Angélique Saumer-Stockless

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Sophie graduated from Carleton University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Honours Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience and Mental health. Sophie is now completing a Master's of Arts in Counselling Psychology.

For the past 6 years, she has been working with children in childcare and in volunteer positions at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Sophie has a passion for working with children and helping them meet their unique goals, while providing them with independence and support.