How Speech Hens Transformed a Rural Community with Life-Changing Therapy

In this episode of Resiliency The Podcast, hosts Jenn Quader and Dr. Kelly Culver sit down with Maryanne Ward and Laura Downey, founders of Speech Hens, a private speech and language clinic in Simcoe, Ontario. Discover how they’ve pioneered life-changing communication services in their rural community, empowering individuals of all ages to communicate with confidence. From overcoming personal struggles to winning prestigious awards, their story is one of resilience, innovation, and community impact.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Music00:02 - Meet the Hosts: Jen Quader & Dr. Kelly Culver00:41 - Introducing Marianne Ward & Laura Downey of Speech Hens01:15 - The Mission of Speech Hens: Communication for All Ages03:15 - Starting a Rural Speech Clinic: Addressing Community Needs05:20 - Overcoming Challenges & Building Resilience08:25 - Personal Stories of Struggle and Growth14:00 - Expanding Services: Occupational Therapy, Literacy, Feeding19:22 - Undiagnosed Disorders & the Impact on Adults28:51 - Inclusive Programs: Supporting Children with Autism and Selective Eating40:52 - Winning the 1Awards: Community Impact Recognized43:00 - "Treats in the Streets" Initiative: Inclusive Halloween Fun46:03 - Final Reflections: The Power of Communication & Resilience49:32 - Closing Remarks: Communicating with ConfidenceFind RTP online!- https://resiliencythepodcast.com- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562977084612- https://www.instagram.com/resiliencythepodcast/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/resiliency-the-podcastFollow Speech Hens: https://www.instagram.com/speechhens/Contact Jenn Quader:- Jenn Quader’s Website: http://jennquader.com - Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennquader/- Jenn Quader’s Tedx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yKMeo3GW2kContact Dr. Kelly Culver:- Culver Group Website: https://new.culvergroup.ca/- Dr. Kelly Culver’s Website: http://drkellyculver.com- Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-culver/- Dr. Kelly Culver’s Tedx Talk: https://youtu.be/0FNU95LH-f8?si=8uamb7cs7RiUWxRV- Dr. Kelly Culver’s Book: https://www.drkellyculver.com/my-bookLearn more about TEDxAUP Resilience Redefined: Thriving in Times of Change: https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/55461DISCLAIMER: THE OPINIONS OR VIEWS EXPRESSED DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT OR REPRESENT THOSE OF THE HOSTS OR RESILIENCY THE PODCAST; SUCH VIEWS ARE MERELY OPINIONS EXPRESSED. THE INFORMATION IN THIS EPISODE IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY AND GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES. RESILIENCY THE PODCAST CANNOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF ANY STATEMENTS FROM GUESTS OR THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION.