Speech-Language Pathologist
M.Sc., Reg. CASLPO
I feel fortunate to be a part of a field that is so incredibly diverse. Being able to support families across the life span with a variety of needs allows me to be learning every day. Although hard to choose, my favourite part of this career is being able to celebrate each and every milestone, no matter how big or small. I love being able to tailor assessment and therapy plans to match each individual’s values, strengths and needs. I have a special interest in early intervention, articulation/phonological disorders, and keeping current with evidence-based approaches to language and literacy. When I’m not working, I love travelling when I can, finding new places to explore and trying out new recipes with my husband.
Rachel Pond is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and a member of Speech Audiology Canada (SAC).
Rachel received her Master of Science from McMaster University in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019. Rachel was honoured with the Citizenship award for her leadership in the Speech-Language Pathology program at McMaster in 2018.
Rachel graduated from the University of Guelph in 2014 with her Honours in Psychology and with a Minor in Family and Children Studies. Further, she attended Georgian College in 2015 receiving a Communicative Disorders Assistant Ontario College Graduate Certificate. Prior to entering Speech-Language Pathology studies at McMaster, Rachel worked for several years as a Communicative Disorders Assistant with children with a variety of communication needs including articulation, expressive and receptive language, and Autism.
Rachel is experienced liaising with “parents as partners” in the therapy process. She is passionate about collaborating with parents, teachers and other community care providers to provide coordinated services and to ensure meaningful and functional outcomes.
Rachel is dedicated to the assessment and treatment of children and adults with a range of communication needs. She has a special interest in pre-school and school-age language and literacy, augmentative and alternative communication/ technology, articulation, and social communication. A sample of professional certifications and courses includes:
- Prompt for children with motor speech disorders / apraxia
- Hanen More Than Words (communication and social skills program for Autistic children)
- Ascend SMARTER Intervention Literacy Program for reading and writing
Rachel loves volunteering to help put smiles on people’s faces! She has volunteered with the Down Syndrome Association and cofounded a charity campaign at Georgian College where she collaborated and lead team members in raising funds to support the Able Kids Rehab Clinic in Malawi, Africa. Rachel is also a graduate student ambassador at McMaster University.
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