About Melissa Farkouh, Speech Therapist

My Background and Expertise

Founding My Clinic

As a speech therapist specializing in childhood multilingualism, dynamic assessment, and parental partnership, I founded my private practice in the Montreal area (Quebec, Canada) in 2012. For several years, I have worked with children and parents in healthcare settings, daycares, and through telepractice. These experiences have allowed me to develop a unique and holistic approach to language disorders.

Melissa
Melissa de face

Specializations and Work Settings

I specialize in bilingualism and interventions for children with developmental language disorders. With training from McGill University and extensive practical experience, I’ve worked in various settings, from pediatric rehabilitation services to acute care in hospitals. I’ve had the opportunity to work with preschool and school-aged children, as well as adults recovering from strokes or dealing with dysphagia.

Dynamic Assessment Method

My training in dynamic assessment allows me to better understand a child’s learning potential by observing how they respond to targeted interventions. This method is particularly effective for bilingual or multilingual children, where static assessments may not fully reveal their abilities. My approach focuses on precise, relevant, and child-centered naturalistic assessments and interventions, considering culture, context, and interactions.

My Mission and Values

Supporting Professionals

Today, I assist speech therapists, educators, teachers, and language development specialists in updating their approaches and optimizing their interventions with children and their families. I recognize the expertise of every professional and encourage collaboration to support children with language difficulties. I am committed to creating a supportive and growth-oriented environment for professionals, emphasizing the importance of surrounding the child with a “village” of care.

Research Contributions

My expertise in parental partnership in speech therapy is also reflected in research. I co-authored an article in Mai 2024 in Issue 297 of the scientific journal Rééducation orthophonique, published by Ortho éditions. This academic recognition further supports the importance of my collaborative and evidence-based approach.

My Services and Support

Continuing Education and Workshops

Currently, I offer continuing education, practical workshops, and resources tailored to the needs of speech therapists and other professionals. My services are designed to address contemporary challenges in language development within bilingual and multilingual contexts. Through telepractice, I enable professionals in remote regions to access my training programs, which include sessions on innovative intervention techniques, interactive case studies, and critical reflection modules.

Scope of Impact

I have trained speech therapists not only in Canada but also in Switzerland, France, Lebanon, and Algeria. My goal is to share practical tools and research-based strategies, simplifying complex concepts to facilitate their daily application.

My Professional Commitment

Conferences and Workshops

Engaged in teaching and training, I lead conferences and workshops focused on evidence-based interventions. My goal is to support professionals by providing updated knowledge and concrete tools to enhance their daily practice. I also participate in professional networks and working groups to stay connected to the challenges and innovations in the field of speech therapy.

Personal and Cultural Perspectives

As a mother of two bilingual children, I am fluent in French, English, and Arabic. My Egyptian heritage enriches my cultural perspective, positively influencing my professional approach. I am committed to creating trainings and tools for professionals working with multilingual children, a population too often underrepresented in research and practice.

Invitation to Collaborate

Join me in making every interaction an opportunity for growth and innovation in the field of speech-language therapy and communication development. Together, we can create a rich learning environment for professionals and, ultimately, improve the quality of interventions provided to children in need of language support.
Share This