Speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants who accepted the opportunity to meet with Rosalee Shenker (Ph. D.) for a day of learning, engagement, and connection at the CSA-NLSA 2026 Conference ended their day enriched and energized. Rosalee's workshop centered on strategies for obtaining better treatment outcomes with school age children who stutter.
Speech professionals converged from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, from school, hospital, private practice and university settings. Rosalee’s relaxed, welcoming, and affirming style quickly led everyone to relax and engage freely in the presentation and discussion.
Following brief introductions, the day flowed into talk about assessment, how to develop treatment goals from the assessment, the importance of attending to the advocacy needs of the child and of involving parents in all aspects of the therapy process.
The afternoon focused on therapy approach options that are evidence-based, meaningful, simple, and realistic for children, their parents, and therapists who work in different settings.
We were pleasantly surprised when a Delta Hotel staff member, who happened to be in the conference room during an important discussion, announced that he stuttered, affirmed what was being said and added perspectives and insights from his own experience. He blew us away with his positivity, resilience, and joy. We would never have predicted this fortuitous circumstance! We are grateful that he identified himself as someone who stutters.
The day ended with a small-group activity involving different case discussions requiring participants to use and integrate the information that was presented throughout the day. It was a confidence-boosting way to end the day.
Comments from the speech professionals at the end of the day were positive regarding session content and structure, and the benefits of meeting and talking with colleagues. It seemed that they were feeling more “at home” about providing therapy to school age children who stutter.
Thank you, Rosalee Shenker, for a great workshop and thank you to all who were present!