As the Founder and Owner of Seaway Speech, Karie Hartle-Poirier is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized speech and language support to children and families. A graduate of the Communicative Disorders Assistant Post-Graduate Program with a diploma in Developmental Services, Karie has worked in both school board and private practice settings. In addition to her clinical work, she is a Professor in the Communicative Disorders Assistant Program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston.

She has experience supporting a wide range of communication needs, including early language development, speech sounds and articulation, receptive and expressive language, literacy, social communication, phonological awareness, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She has worked with children with diverse strengths and support needs, including children with Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and sensory differences, as well as minimally speaking children who use AAC.

As a mom of two boys, including a child with special needs, Karie brings a unique personal perspective and understanding to her work with children and families. She believes in recognizing each child’s individual strengths and providing support that is meaningful, engaging, and realistic for both the child and their family.

Karie uses a person-centred, strengths-based approach that is fun, creative, and individualized to each child. She focuses on building confidence, fostering genuine connections, and collaborating with families and other professionals to support each child in reaching their communication potential.

Member of CDAAC, SAC (Speech-Language Audiology of Canada)

Katie is a graduate of the Communicative Disorders Assistant program at Durham College and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health from Carleton University.

Katie has experience supporting preschool and school-aged children with a variety of communication needs, including speech sound disorders, expressive and receptive language, gestalt language processing (GLP), and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). 

Through her clinical placements, Katie has gained experience using a variety of high- and low-tech AAC systems and supports, including TD Snap, LAMP Words for Life, TouchChat, and core boards. She has also supported children working toward a variety of speech and language goals through individualized, play-based therapy.

Katie is passionate about helping children build confidence in their communication and is excited to continue growing as a CDA and join the Seaway Speech team!