Rhonda MacKinnon

M.Sc., S-LP(C), Reg. CASLPO

Meet Rhonda – Owner & Speech-Language Pathologist

Rhonda is a dedicated licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and the proud owner of Communicating Together Therapy & Wellness Associates, in north Waterloo, Ontario. She has been helping individuals develop their communication skills since 2002 and brings over 22 years of experience to her practice. Rhonda’s vision for the clinic is to foster a collaborative and inclusive space where individuals and families receive compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs.

A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
Rhonda is passionate about providing neurodiversity-affirming care, which means she values and respects the unique ways individuals think, learn, and communicate. Rather than focusing on “fixing” differences, she supports clients in building skills that help them thrive in their own way. She tailors her approach to each client’s strengths and needs, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Experience
Rhonda has worked with clients across all age groups, from infants to older adults. She began her career in a small-town hospital, where she gained experience working with preschoolers, adults with complex medical needs, palliative care patients, and outreach programs in group homes. In 2005, she joined KidsAbility, in Waterloo, a publicly funded regional children’s treatment centre, where she worked full-time for nearly two decades before opening Communicating Together Therapy & Wellness Associates in 2024.

Rhonda has a wealth of clinical experience in areas such as:

  • Neurodiversity (e.g., Autism, ADHD)
  • Speech sound development
  • Motor speech challenges (PROMPT Certified)
  • Language development
  • Literacy development
  • Selective mutism & reluctant talking
  • Social communication skills
  • Stuttering
  • Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Family-Centred Therapy
Rhonda believes that families play a vital role in a child’s communication journey. She works closely with caregivers, providing them with the tools and strategies to support their child’s progress in everyday life. By working together, families can help their child build confidence and communication skills in meaningful ways.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA)

Rhonda is deeply committed to EDIA in her practice and strives to create an inclusive and affirming environment for all individuals and families. As a founding member of KidsAbility’s EDIA group, in 2012, she played a key role in advocating for meaningful change. She understands that continued learning in the area of EDIA is essential, as society continues to evolve, and she remains dedicated to growing her knowledge to better serve her community.

A Team Effort
Starting Communicating Together Therapy & Wellness Associates was truly a family and community effort. With the love and support of her husband, two young sons, extended family, and friends, Rhonda’s vision came to life. From making therapy materials to refinishing chairs and building engaging therapy tools, everyone played a part in making the clinic a warm and welcoming space.

Education & Professional Memberships:

  • Honours Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons.) in Psychology with Distinction, University of Western Ontario (1999)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology), University of Western Ontario (2002)
  • Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) since 2002
  • Member of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) since 2002
  • Hanen Member, certified in the following Hanen Programs:
    • It Takes Two to Talk
    • More Than Words (for parents/caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder or social communication difficulties)
    • Target Word
    • Beyond ABC
  • PROMPT Certified to support individuals with motor speech challenges
  • Certified as an Individual Authorizer (for prescription of low-tech communication aids) via the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Moving Forward Together

Rhonda is excited to meet you and looks forward to working collaboratively with you and your child to support their communication journey. She is committed to providing a safe and encouraging space where every individual feels valued and supported in reaching their goals.

At Communicating Together Therapy & Wellness Associates, we believe that Care Meets Possibilities!