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.
Grace Trapler
Speech Language Pathologist
M.Sc., RSLP, SLP-C
Grace is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist passionate about supporting individuals and their families through compassionate, evidence-based care. She strives to create a warm, inclusive environment where clients feel supported and confident as they work toward their communication goals.
She holds a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Science in Linguistics from the University of Victoria. Grace is a registered member of the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC (CSHPBC) and Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC).
Grace’s clinical experience spans pediatric rehabilitation, early education programs, and hospital settings. She has supported both children and adults with a variety of communication needs, including motor speech disorders, aphasia, developmental language disorder (DLD), speech sound disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and hearing loss. Grace values a collaborative approach and enjoys working closely with clients, families, and other professionals to support meaningful, functional outcomes.
Originally from Victoria, Grace is excited to be back on Vancouver Island and to now call the Comox Valley home. She’s thrilled to be closer to family and is looking forward to becoming a part of the local community. Outside of the clinic, you’ll often find her exploring local trails, checking out new coffee shops, or getting lost in a good book.
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!
Jennifer Rasor
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Communication is a basic human need and vital in fostering our sense of belonging
in our society. It is essential to me as a singer, a teacher of music and English and
in Speech Therapy. The inability to communicate not only affects the life
participation of the individual, but also the family and community. I have worked
with individuals with brain trauma and degenerative issues privately and in groups
since 2015 and my volunteer hours were spent at the world-renowned Aphasia
Institute near Toronto.
Since 2004, I have taught English, and especially pronunciation, to students from
countries all over the world who are hoping to improve their English skills and
improve their chances to find meaningful employment. This work continues as I
meet with international professionals to brush up their skills and gain confidence in
their communication abilities.
As a professional musician my studies have included different languages as well as
musical styles and I understand the inherent challenges and rewards. I have
traveled and performed in Canada, Europe and Mexico.
In speech therapy I hope to help people to find their voice and establish their
relationships in this culture and community so that they can enjoy a more fulfilling
life.
I grew up in the Comox Valley and am happy to be home again and enjoy the many
qualities that our area has to offer. I can usually be found walking the trails with my
dog, swimming at the beach or singing at any opportunity.
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
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.