Dex McNally
Speech Language Pathologist
M.Sc., RSLP, SLP-C
Originally from Parksville, B.C., Dex was excited to move back to Vancouver Island after completing his Masters in Speech-Language Pathology in order to give back to the Island communities like the one in which he was raised.
Credentials
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Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of British Columbia
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Certified by Speech-Language and Audiology Canada
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Member of Speech and Hearing British Columbia
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Registered Speech-Language Pathologist with College of Speech and Hearing Health Practitioners of British Columbia #1885
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Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP)
Work Experience
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Private Speech-Language Pathologist (2015-2016)
Dex's caseload consisted of children with a wide variety of communication disorders, including articulation, language, cleft palate, stuttering, ASD and other social-pragmatic disorders, as well as adults with traumatic brain injuries. Dex provided speech services in schools, client homes, and Occupational Therapy clinics, as well as gained experience completing funding applications for his clients.
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Comox Valley School District 71 (2016-2018)
Spending two years in SD71, Dex not only gained further experience with children with speech and language disorders, but also developed an understanding of the inner workings of a school district SLP, including IEPs. Dex appreciated working with such an interdisciplinary team, including Teachers, Educational Assistants, Counsellors, Learning Support Teachers, Occupational Therapists, Behavioural Interventionists and more. Furthermore, Dex was able work alongside First Nations students, families, and teachers in the Aboriginal Education program at Ecole Puntledge Park Elementary.
Dex believes in a client- and family-centered approach to therapy. Working alongside clients on goals in which they and their family believe will promote functional communication as well as social and academic success.
Rachel Paquette
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
We are thrilled to introduce Rachel, the newest member of our team! Rachel recently moved to the island from Calgary and brings a strong background in therapeutic support. She holds a degree in History and Psychology from the University of Calgary and has three years of experience as a therapeutic aide and community support worker, working closely with diverse populations and providing compassionate and individualized care. Most recently, Rachel worked as a speech pathologists assistant in a preschool and kindergarten program for children with specialized needs.
Rachel is passionate about fostering confidence and communication skills, and she is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she works with. She will be working from our Comox office Monday through Wednesday and in Campbell River on Thursdays and Fridays. She is looking forward to meeting you and supporting your child's speech and language journey!
Kristine Mallory
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Kristine has been a lifelong Islander, born and raised in Port Alberni and residing in Parksville for the past 10 years.
Kristine knew she wanted to work with children and families with neurodiversity as a young adult and began her studies as a Social Service and Community Support Worker. When becoming a Mom to her son with neurodiversity and Speech and Language delays, she expanded her studies to the field of Speech and Language to better help her son. After graduating from Grant MacEwan Univerity, Alberta, in 2016 with her Diploma in Therapist Assistant- Major in Speech-Language Pathology, she started her career as an SLPA with School District 69 Qualicum/ Parksville. She also worked for a Speech and Language Therapy company in Nanaimo before joining our team.
She has specialized training in working with individuals with ASD and other neurodiversities. Kristine has a strong passion for early intervention therapy to help children as young as 2 years old with their speech and language development. She has worked in many daycare and school settings, as well as being a part of an Early Intervention Team for an Indigenous Community on the island. Her experience has also been with working with youth and young adults with AAC devices, Stuttering, ADHD, and FASD.
When she's not doing Speech Therapy, you'll find her spending time with her husband, son, friends and 2 dogs camping, hiking and kayaking. She is an avid gardener and fitness enthusiast and enjoys tapping into her creative side through graphic design and print.
Kristine is passionate about providing clients and families with the tools, strategies and support networks that will help them achieve their communication and social goals.
Nadia Karim
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Originally from Ontario, Nadia had always dreamed of living on Vancouver Island after hearing stories from the time her parents lived there. After completing her Communicative Disorders Assistant Graduate Certificate at Georgian College in 2016, Nadia moved to Victoria to work at Island Health, supporting youth and adults with complex communication needs by creating and providing alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems to individuals within the community. Since then, Nadia has worked in various settings, supporting individuals from all walks of life in achieving their communication goals.
Nadia believes in a client-centered and neurodiversity-affirming approach and works closely with clients and families to create a unique plan based on the individual’s needs, strengths, and interests. She believes that all communication modalities are valid and is passionate about helping clients unlock their full potential.
In her spare time, you can usually find Nadia curled up with a book, kayaking, or spending quality time with her husband and two cats.
Credentials
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Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto with a double-major in Linguistics and Cognitive Science
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Communicative Disorders Assistant Graduate Certificate from Georgian College
Dylan Zanbilowics
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Dylan is a dedicated support professional with a strong background in inclusive education and
one-on-one student support. Dylan has completed an Educational Assistant Certification and
additional training in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), autism awareness,
POPARD, Crisis Prevention Intervention, and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
Dylan is passionate about helping children thrive by creating calm, supportive environments that
promote communication, emotional regulation, and meaningful connection. With a hands-on,
student-centered approach, Dylan supports neurodivergent learners using visual tools,
structured routines, and personalized strategies that meet each child’s unique needs. Dylan
brings not only practical tools, but also warmth, patience, and genuine care to every session.
Families and colleagues often describe Dylan as someone who “just gets it”—meeting kids
where they are and helping them grow with gentle encouragement and creative thinking.
Outside of work, Dylan is an aviation enthusiast and an active, outdoorsy individual who enjoys
sports, fitness, and exploring the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Whether cycling a coastal
trail or catching a glimpse of aircraft overhead, Dylan finds joy in movement, nature, and the
small moments that make each day meaningful.
Sara Dobson
Occupational Therapist
Sara Dobson, BS, MOT, is an experienced and compassionate Occupational Therapist in Comox, BC. She helps children build the skills they need for everyday life—whether that’s sensory processing, self-regulation, executive functioning, fine and gross motor skills, feeding and picky eating, or school readiness.
Occupational therapy aims to support children and their families to develop the skills and confidence to participate in the activities (occupations) that matter most to them—play, self-care, learning, and connecting with others. Sara uses a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach, celebrating each child’s unique abilities while providing practical, evidence-based strategies that support growth and independence.
With over 15 years of experience in Canada, Hong Kong, the UK, and the USA, she holds a Master of Occupational Therapy and an advanced certification in Sensory Integration. Sara brings deep expertise in supporting children with developmental delays, autism (RASP registered provider), ADHD, sensory processing differences, and learning challenges. She also works with children experiencing anxiety, coordination/physical difficulties, brain injury, or challenges with executive functioning skills.
Sara’s therapy sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and play-based, making skill-building enjoyable while targeting achievable outcomes and progress. Sara partners closely with parents, caregivers, and care teams/educators to encourage generalization of skills to real-life settings—at home, in school, and in the community. Her goal is to help children feel understood, capable, and empowered, while equipping families with the tools and confidence to support their child’s success every day.
Ginger "Gingy"
CFO - Chief Fetch Officer
Special skills include friendly greetings, playing fetch, and keeping up morale!
Ginger has been as much a part of the CVST office as her Dad, Dex, and consistently wins "employee of the month" -- her favourite part of the job is meeting her friends at the door, especially when they give really good belly rubs!
Though she is occasionally caught sleeping on the job, Ginger shows up ready for work every morning with a wagging tail and friendly demeanour.
Her favorite extra-curricular activities include walks in the woods, cuddles on the couch, and tasty treats.