Allison Baird is a senior Speech-Language Pathologist and owner of  HelloSpeechworks  (www.hellospeechworks.com). Her practice focuses on adults with communication and swallowing challenges related to stroke, Parkinson's Disease, dementia, and traumatic brain injury.

 

Along with her ‘traditional’ therapy practice, Allison is keenly aware of the healing power of inviting people with communication struggles to come together and share their stories. She believes that every person has a rich trove of stories that are waiting to be told. It’s all a matter of issuing an authentic invitation and discovering the keys to open the story doors.

 

Allison considers HelloSpeechWorks’ facilitation of an Aphasia Camp as one of the highlights of her career. At the camp, people with aphasia, members of their families, and service providers join together for mutual support and for a rich exchange of stories.

 

Delivering services in Inuit communities, both virtually and in-person, has also been an enriching experience.  Allison has heard many new and unfamiliar stories during her Northern visits, along with familiar stories about the struggles and accomplishments that come with being a member of the disability community.

 

Allison is a powerful storyteller in her own right and uses her own life stories to inform her practice and her life journey.