Communication is
the goal.
Connection
is the pathway.
Donna-Lee Zmenak MSc. Reg. CASLPO
“The most important relationship we hold is with ourselves, irregardless of our circumstances. That self awareness informs our confidence and ultimately our blossoming communication . “
Acquired Brain Injury
(ABI) Assessment
I provide comprehensive cognitive-communication and language assessments for children and adults with acquired brain injury, with a focus on attention, memory, executive functioning, and social communication. As a Speech-Language Pathologist registered in Ontario and HCAI-certified, I am able to complete assessments and submit treatment plans through the Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) system under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). My approach combines evidence-based assessment tools with clinical expertise, ensuring reports and recommendations that are clear, functional, and tailored to each individual’s recovery journey brand
ABI and Post Concussion
Modified MBSR
8 - Week Executive Function
Virtual Communication Group
ASD Level 1 & 2
I support children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum using an integrated and evidence-based approach. My work combines speech-language therapy with mindset reset, somatic awareness, cognitive communication {, self regulation and relational communication strategies. We begin by strengthening the relationship with the self developing self-regulation, nervous system awareness, and authentic self-trust.
From this foundation, clients build communication competence, confidence, and social skills. The goal is authentic entry into connection and en-joy-ment at a level that is meaningful to the individual client. This process supports both functional communication and personal growth, allowing individuals to connect with others more authentically and with greater ease.
ASD & ADHD
Modified MBSR
8 - Week
Virtual Social
Communication Group
ADHD Superpowers
1. Attention Control & Self-Regulation Through Presence an Self Awareness
The foundation skill: sustaining, shifting, and dividing attention while managing distractions. Self-regulation of arousal and focus allows individuals with ADHD to engage more effectively in conversations, tasks, and learning.
2. Working Memory & Mental Organization
Holding onto information long enough to use it in problem-solving, conversation, or following directions. Deficits here often affect the ability to keep track of conversational threads, plan responses, and remember steps in multi-part tasks.
3. Inhibitory Control (Impulse Regulation)
The ability to pause before speaking or acting. In communication, this is essential for turn-taking, listening fully, filtering inappropriate comments, and maintaining social reciprocity.
4. Executive Language Skills (Planning & Organizing Ideas)
Translating thoughts into coherent, organized verbal or written expression. Individuals with ADHD often need support structuring narratives, explaining reasoning, or staying on topic in a conversation.
5. Social Communication & Pragmatics
Using language flexibly and appropriately within context , reading cues, repairing breakdowns, and adapting communication to different listeners. These higher-level social-cognitive skills are often disrupted by impulsivity, inattention, or emotional regulation challenges.
Additional Services
Adults and Children
Bancroft and Burlington In Person
Ontario Virtual
Additional Services:
• Motor speech and articulation therapy for apraxia, dysarthria, and intelligibility refinement
• Fluency strategies to support confident, nervous system regulated and resilient communication
• English as a second language, accent reduction, regional social skills for communication competence and community participation, employment (Executive and General)
Energetic Co-Regulation & Self-Regulation
Guided breath, mindful movement, and heart–brain coherence settle the nervous system at the start of every session, priming neuroplasticity and modelling the self-regulation skills we will build together.
Biofeedback-Infused Therapy
Live HRV monitoring with EmWave® and other HeartMath® tools turns invisible states into visible progress. Clients watch their inner rhythms stabilize on-screen, anchoring regulation skills they can reproduce at home, work, and school.
I bring an integrative, evidence-based approach to speech-language therapy, weaving neuroscience, poly-vagal informed practice, and biofeedback to support nervous system regulation and authentic communication. These unique integrated approaches are incorporated with consent and where appropriate to enhance communication outcomes. With over 30 years of experience, I blend structured strategies with , ease, play, mindfulness, and compassion, meeting each person where they are and fostering growth through safety, creativity, and connection.
What makes Donna’s approach unique?
Subconscious Alignment & Clinical Hypnotherapy
Evidence-based hypnotic techniques access the belief layer where speech habits first wire. In a relaxed, receptive state, clients adopt new neural pathways for fluent, confident expression.
Mindfulness- & Acceptance-Based Practice
Rooted in MBSR and ACT principles, sessions weave present-moment awareness, non-judgemental observation, and compassionate self-talk cultivating an inner climate where communication evolves naturally and sustainably.
Whole-Brain Rehabilitation
Speech-language intervention is integrated with biofield principles, executive-function coaching, and mindfulness to align cortex, limbic system, and body so authentic communication thrives in everyday life.
Clearer, More Fluent Speech
From paediatric apraxia to adult post-stroke aphasia, post concussion rehab, I help clients achieve measurable gains in intelligibility and natural flow, reinforced by mindful breath work and daily technique drills.
Confident Self-Expression & Advocacy
Subconscious alignment (clinical hypnotherapy) plus acceptance-based coaching dismantle limiting beliefs, may empower children, teens, and adults to speak up in class, at work, and in community life.
Resilient Executive Function
Targeted planning, initiation, memory, and organization strategies may translate to smoother mornings, stronger study habits, and more efficient workplace performance after brain injury or ADHD diagnosis.
Robust Social Connection
Energetic co-regulation practices, group therapy labs, and parent coaching foster relaxed, authentic interactions—helping clients form friendships, navigate team projects, and deepen family bonds.
ASD: Return to Safety & Connection
Rhythmic co-regulation, guided interoceptive awareness, and acceptance-based self-regulation coaching give autistic clients a felt sense of safety. As the nervous system settles, genuine back-and-forth communication emerges at home, school, and therapy.
High-Performance Teams & Corporate Communication
Heart-brain coherence workshops blend mindful presence with evidence-based dialogue strategies, helping teams sharpen listening, streamline decisions, and boost communication and potentially collective productivity all while sustaining a culture of psychological safety.
Return-to-Work & Daily-Living Success
Skill-generalization protocols ensure that session gains show up where they matter: on the job, in the classroom, and across activities of daily living from phone calls to community outings.
Nervous-System Balance & Self-Regulation
Biofeedback (EmWave®, HeartMath®) combined with mindfulness tools trains heart-brain coherence, leading to calmer bodies, steadier voices, and greater emotional flexibility key for sustainable communication growth.
Individual progress varies. Outcomes are achieved through evidence-based Speech-Language Pathology integrated with informed consent with adjunct modalities such as mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback, in accordance with CASLPO standards.
Applied Outcomes and Improved Communication Competence
Learn Donna’s Evidence-Based, Biofield Energetic Method for Empowering Authentic Communication
Are you a Speech-Language Pathologist eager to evolve, refine, redefine and expand your definition of communication? Donna’s integrative approach combines cutting-edge mind-body-spirit (bio-field therapy) processes with traditional cognitive-communication therapy, focusing on self-discovery, the subconscious mind and authentic communication. Discover how to help patients and caregivers identify their unique strengths, build genuine connection, foster resilience, and navigate social interaction with greater competence.