As a former teacher, Nichole Forbes, speech pathologist and co-owner at Regina Speech Centre, holds a special place in my educator heart. I've seen the difference early intervention can make so I know the value behind the services they are offering. We all know there have been major funding cuts to education and services like speech and language therapy are one of many that take a hit. This is one of the many reasons private centres are so important in our community.
Tell us about Regina Speech Centre.
Regina Speech Centre is a speech and language centre that just opened its doors on April 1, 2017 and we have been busy ever since. We are an energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate speech centre who aim to provide the most current, evidence based practice to our community. We provide client and family centered speech and language services within our community, day cares, and family homes targeting various concerns. We have a variety of experience in helping families with (but not limited to); expressive and receptive language delays.
​We have experience in working with individuals with motor speech disorders, apraxia, autism, fluency, cochlear implants, literacy and language development, auditory processing, picking eating, and early attachment. We also have a passion and strong interest in providing parents with tools and strategies through parent coaching. We believe the best way we can help the children we work with is by empowering the parents and giving them the strategies. This is the main motivator to encourage us to develop various parent education classes. We offer individual services, group services, consultation services, and parent education services. What ignited the spark to open a speech centre?
It really just takes one person to believe in your crazy idea, and say "yes... do it." Then next thing you know you're in the middle of renovations, building a speech centre, and reading information on how to write blogs, choose a logo, and build a brand for your company. Encouragement from other strong women who own their own businesses and strong family members who support our crazy ideas are what sparked our business adventure.
What is your favourite aspect of being a Momtrepreneur?
That when an idea or an opportunity approaches me, I can say yes or no and pursue it. I am in charge of what my work day and work life looks like. There is freedom in that.
If you had not taken the plunge and opened your own centre, what would you be doing instead?
You mean besides professional Disney karaoke, yarn spinner, 90's rapper, master pun creator, rebel knitter and crocheter? I would probably still be working at my previous job. I don't see myself NOT providing speech and language services in some way. I have been fortunate enough to find my passion and purpose; it would be crazy to abandon that blessing.
What has surprised you most about working for yourself?
How my passion for the field has been reignited, how my drive has increased, how much my creativity has exploded, and my overall happiness. It's amazing how freeing and rewarding it is once you start believing in yourself.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I'm creative and artistic; I have had paintings in art galleries before. I am also strongly passionate for outdoor activities: kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and just soaking up the sun are some of my favorite things. I am an avid reader; I read on average a book a week (either read it or listen to an audio book).
Another reader! What is your top pick?
Two favourites: "To Kill a Mocking Bird" and "Daisy Fay and The Miracle Man".
What local businesses do you admire the most?
Ali Lauren Creative Services: I love the personality, the grace, and the drive she has with her business. She's always encouraged me and is always a sounding board for me to bounce ideas and business problems off of.
OuTcomes Therapy: I have been blessed to cross paths with Louise, owner of OuTcomes Therapy, and her drive, her passion, her advocacy for her clients, and her ethics motivate me to push for, and deliver, stronger services for my own clients. What do you wish other people knew about Regina Speech Centre?
I wish people had a stronger knowledge of how encompassing speech and language therapy is. I can work with the little-little ones to school age to adults. I can help with not only speech sounds but literacy, writing, cognitive skills, memory tasks, feeding, play skills, vocabulary development, and overall communication skills. We have an abundance of information on child development, interaction and attachment, and parent coaching and offer various classes.
Most importantly, I wish that people realized the importance of early intervention, to not "wait and see," and that they are their child's best advocate. So if their gut is saying "help"... listen to it and seek out our help. It's what we love to do. Where can we find Regina Speech Centre?
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