Donna-Lee Zmenak MSc. Reg. CASLPO
Integrative Speech and Language Pathologist
Foundations of Communication & Resonance
How we communicate with ourselves and others begins long before words. Early experiences shape our sense of connection, safety, and expression, forming patterns that influence how we respond, relate, and recover throughout life. These imprints, part of our unique energetic signature, affect both developmental growth and rehabilitation after injury. When communication realigns with this natural resonance, clarity, confidence, and authentic connection emerge supporting recovery that flows from within.“Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man”
Acquired Brain Injury Assessment
I provide independent comprehensive cognitive-communication and language assessments for children and adults with acquired brain injury.
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).
Rehabilitation Therapy
Work Re-Entry & Communication Rehabilitation
Supporting adults in rebuilding the cognitive-communication skills essential for successful work re-entry, including memory, attention, organization, emotional regulation, and interpersonal communication. Therapy focuses on practical strategies, workplace communication practice, and confidence-building for real-world success. Each session fosters recovery, promotes personal insight, enhances coping and self-regulation skills, and supports self-awareness as part of a comprehensive approach to communicative competence.
Rebuilding Communication from the Inside Out
After a brain injury, many individuals feel disconnected from their sense of self. Through evidence-based cognitive-communication therapy, clients rebuild from the inside out re-establishing focus, self-awareness, and confidence in how they express themselves. Therapy integrates proven communication rehabilitation approaches with mindfulness-based strategies to enhance self-regulation, clarity, and authentic expression. Together, we strengthen the inner communication system that supports stability, resilience, and reconnection helping clients find their voice again in the maze of recovery.
Collaborative & Integrated Family & Caregiver Support
Recovery after brain injury is a shared experience that relies on connection, understanding, and collaboration. Caregivers and loved ones often carry the emotional and practical weight of communication challenges, and they too need guidance, relief, and compassionate understanding. My work involves bringing families into the therapeutic process, helping them communicate more effectively, reduce frustration, and align their support for the individual’s recovery. In collaboration with the rehabilitation team I foster clear, compassionate relationships within the circle of care.
MBSR is an evidence-based program developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center that uses mindfulness, breath awareness, and gentle movement to reduce stress and improve emotional and cognitive resilience. For individuals recovering from brain injury, these practices support attention, memory, and self-regulation key foundations for communication and everyday participation. In this adapted MBSR (individual or group) program, mindfulness is introduced gradually and experientially, using accessible, brain-friendly approaches that meet clients where they are in their recovery. 8 Week
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
VIRTUAL
Language is received through the lens of the self; perception colours meaning, shaping both how words are understood and how the message is expressed.
“We see things NOT as they are, but by who we are!”
ASD Level 1 & 2 and ADHD
Finding Your Voice Through Connection
For children and adults with autism or ADHD, communication is a process beyond just speaking, is the art of connection, awareness, and authentic expression. Early experiences, sensory sensitivities, and emotional responses shape how we relate to ourselves and others, influencing social interaction and self-confidence. My work combines evidence-based speech-language therapy with complementary approaches that support attention, regulation, and expressive growth. These include cognitive-communication and cognitive-behavioural strategies, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), breath awareness, somatic and relational communication techniques, and guided relaxation.Therapy is designed to unlearn fear-based communication patterns and to uncover the unique strengths often hidden within ADHD and autism. Creativity, intuition, hyper-focus, and sensitivity are powerful tools for authentic expression. By supporting areas of challenge while celebrating individuality beyond conventional “social skills,” we help clients harness their executive functions as emerging superpowers for communication and connection in relationships, education, at work and in real life. 
What makes Donna’s approach unique?
I bring an integrative, evidence-based approach to speech-language therapy, weaving neuroscience, poly-vagal informed practice, hypnosis and biofeedback to support nervous system regulation and authentic communication. I blend structured strategies with, ease, play, mindfulness, and compassion, meeting each person where they are and fostering growth through safety, creativity, and genuine connection. I believe that a deeper understanding of the self improves overall communication competence.
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.
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, meditation, visualization, executive-function coaching, to align cortex, limbic system, and body so authentic communication thrives in everyday life.
