The Stars of ISTAR 2017

THE STARS OF

ISTAR2017

ISTAR is an academic institute of the

ISTAR is an institute of the

Message from the Executive Director A year ago, I began my role as executive ­director of the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and ­Research, faced with exciting opportunities coupled with some known challenges. One of the core insights I have gained during my time with the organization is that the “ISTAR experience” extends beyond p ­ roviding ­treatment. It is about forging ­relationships and changing lives.

Our reach continues to grow beyond Alberta and ­Canada for both clients and student clinicians—a ­testament to our excellence in treatment and ­training. We continue to connect with the public through ­participation in exhibits and public events including the recent ISTAR Family Fun Day at West ­Edmonton Mall.

Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research Suite 1500, College Plaza 8215 112 Street Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8 T: 780.492.2619 E: istar@ualberta.ca W: istar.ualberta.ca The Stars of ISTAR 2017 Managing Editor Amanda McCarthy Copy Editor Laurie Wang Writer Amanda McCarthy Photography Amanda McCarthy, Iconium Inc., Anwar Haq, Aryn Franklin, Megan Voss, and Matthieson & Hewitt Photographers

ISTAR has also entered a bid to host the ­International ­Fluency Association (IFA) Congress in 2021. This ­Congress is ­intended to be a joint event together with the IFA, the ­International Stuttering ­Association (ISA), and the International Cluttering ­Association (ICA), making it an Olympic-caliber event for the ­fluency world. We are working with some key ­partners to bring the congress here to Alberta.

Every day, as I think of the individuals and families who ­benefit from ISTAR, I am so proud of the work we do on a daily basis. None of this would have been possible without our talented and dedicated staff, volunteers and community support. I remain ­personally grateful to you all.

The future continues to look exciting, and there is much work still left to be done. During the last few months, I have been leading the ISTAR team through strategic ­planning to guide future growth and e ­ nsure ­sustainability. We have some ­exciting programs that will be launched in the ­coming months. I look forward to sharing more details as they ­become available and reporting on the positive ­contributions we make.

I am also thrilled to report that our Calgary clinic will touch a significant milestone this year. By the time you hold this newsletter in your hands, our Calgary clinic will have moved to its new downtown location at the University of Alberta - Calgary Centre. This space is larger than our current site, and has been thoughtfully designed to significantly increase our capacity for treating individual clients and groups, and providing expanded clinical training.

As well, the Foundation of ISTAR has been completely revamped under the leadership of its chair, ­Michael Niven. Subsequent to intensive strategic planning, the Foundation has a concrete plan of action to make a difference in the lives of those who need our speech therapy services. I have a deep ­appreciation for the work of the Foundation.

Each volunteer member cares deeply and genuinely for our clients, family members and our cause, and I am honoured to work with them all.

Let’s continue to work together to make a significant ­difference in the lives of those touched by speech and ­communication challenges.

Thank you for letting us share this publication with you. Enjoy.

Sincerely,

Anwar Haq, PhD, MBA Executive Director

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Message from the ISTAR Foundation Chair All of us come to this work with different ­backgrounds, but all of us are motivated by a ­passionate ­desire to see the amazing work that ISTAR does for ­children, youth and adults.

I was an ISTAR client in May 1987. I had tried many ­different kinds of treatment for my stutter, but none of them had worked for me. That is, until ISTAR founders Dr. ­Einer Boberg and ­Deborah Kully gave me a key to unlock the stuttering cage in which I had been ­confined for 30 years. Unable to say my name, ­answer the ­telephone or ask a girl on a date ­without ­embarrassment, ISTAR gave me the tools to ­control my s­ tuttering and move forward with my law career and a ­better, happier life.

Now, I am happy to be a part of the ­Foundation of ­ISTAR. Through advocacy and ­community ­engagement, the ­Foundation raises awareness and resources to ­support ­ISTAR as a ­globally-recognized centre for research and ­treatment of stuttering and other ­communication ­challenges. Our ­vision is that communities will be ­inspired to support ­transforming the lives of those who stutter or have ­other ­communication challenges.

The Foundation is a strong and engaged board ­comprised of the following members: •

Michael Niven, Chair

•

Craig Pilgrim, Vice-Chair

•

Anwar Haq, Secretary

•

Nazir Kassamali, Treasurer

•

Julia Boberg, Director

•

Gail Burke, Director

•

Mark Burke, Director

•

Lars Christensen, Director

•

Roland Gagnon, Director, Alberta Elks Foundation Representative

•

Shamez Kassam, Director

The Foundation of ISTAR is excited to fulfill its ­mission, and we look forward to talking to and m ­ eeting with many of you.

Sincerely, Michael B. Niven Q.C. Foundation of ISTAR Chair

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Speaking from experience: Clients bring stuttering awareness to West Edmonton Mall Inaugural ISTAR family fun event teaches children, adults about speech issues

provided opportunities for both ­parents and children to learn about stuttering and speech issues. Complete with interactive booths, pictures with Disney princesses, cookie decorating and prizes, the event gave families tips about stuttering and speech issues and the proper steps to take if a stutter is suspected—all while having fun!

By Amanda McCarthy Olivia Ma is your average six-year-old. She likes drawing, visiting the zoo, and playing with her Star Wars figurines—her mother would describe her as a ‘ray of sunshine.’ But things weren’t always so ­simple for the youngster.

When Olivia was just two years old, her parents discovered there was s­omething different about her speech patterns. Not just ­different, but ­nonexistent.

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With the help of ISTAR, Olivia was given the tools to express herself ­freely—something over 300,000 Canadians are still not able to do.

ISTAR, an institute of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, offers specialized treatment to ­ ­ children, teens and adults who ­ stutter. And with so many individuals still experiencing speech impairments, their goal is to constantly ­ ­promote awareness of stuttering and its treatment.

Olivia was first diagnosed with severe receptive and perceptive speech ­delays, causing her to become nonverbal. Later on, when she began speech therapy, she also learned she had a stutter.

“Individuals who are experiencing a stutter or speech issues may not be able to get the help they need when they need it,” said ­Anwar Haq, ­ executive d ­irector, ISTAR. “Early intervention for children who stutter and e ­ vidence-based ­treatment programs delivered by ­experienced speech-language pathologists are essential.

The Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) held its first a ­ nnual Family Fun Day at the West Edmonton Mall C ­ entre Stage on ­Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for kids like Olivia— and their parents who want more information on speech therapy.

The free event, in honour of Speech and Hearing A ­ wareness Month,

Negative public perception toward stuttering is another challenge for people who stutter, which is why public awareness events like ISTAR Family Fun Day are so important.”

Steven Hansen, 15, sees the benefit of these types of events, as his stutter was not diagnosed until he was 13 years old. That’s when life as a teenager changed for him.

“At the beginning it wasn’t too bad, but after a while it got really bad,” said Steven. “I attended speech therapy for over a year, but things just kept getting worse.”

That’s when he was referred to ISTAR, and again, his life changed.

“ISTAR helped me regain my confidence. Even though I may have days when I stutter, I now have tools that can help me alleviate that.

I can now do simple things like order food, talk to a store clerk, and give presentations. I realize now that there is nothing wrong with me. I have my self-esteem back.”

“ISTAR helped me regain my confidence.”

Steven Hansen, 15, ISTAR client

being able to ­effectively retell me a story is amazing. I thank ISTAR and our speech therapist Shea Thompsen for that.”

Olivia agrees: “Shea has helped me have no bumps with my words!”

With the creation of this annual event, ISTAR hopes more ­people will be aware of the symptoms of stuttering and seek out the ­correct treatment.

“People used to ask me, ‘What’s wrong with your daughter?’ not knowing exactly what was happening with her—that she had speech issues. Everyone needs to know that there is an organization like ISTAR out there who can help and support people who are going through the same thing Olivia was,” said Kathy.

Now that both Steven and Olivia have found the proper methods for m ­ anaging their speech issues, they want to help other people do the same.

“It was great to be able to talk to people one-on-one at the event,” said ­Steven. “I hope that I can be an inspiration to at least one p ­ erson who stutters and show them that there is hope for them too.”

And confidence is something Kathy Ma has also seen flourish in her daughter since her treatment at the institute.

Photo Left – Olivia Ma, 6, poses with Positively Princess’d Disney princesses at the Inaugural ISTAR Family Fun Day on May 13.

“To see your child going from complete frustration, only being able to scream because she can’t express herself in any other way, to

Photo Right – Steven Hansen, 15, showcases his fluent speech on the West Edmonton Mall Centre Stage with ISTAR clinical director Holly Lomheim.

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Star Donor: Meet the Malcolm Fraser Foundation

By Amanda McCarthy For the last 15 years, the Malcolm Fraser F ­ oundation has been a crucial support for the Institute for ­Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR).

Founded in 1994 by The Stuttering ­ Foundation of America in ­ honour of the late Dr. Malcolm ­ Fraser, the ­ Malcolm ­ Fraser ­ Foundation’s main goal is to ­ provide ­ funding to stuttering programs and ­other ­health-related ­areas, as well as s­ upport PhD ­candidates. As a ­stutterer himself, Dr. ­Fraser knew what ­ issues ­ individuals with speech ­ impairments were e ­ xperiencing. With that in mind, he made it his ­ mission to help o ­ thers ­ become ­ successful in ­reaching fluent speech by creating the o ­ rganization now known as The Stuttering F ­oundation of America in 1947—something his daughter Jane ­ Fraser is now ­carrying on.

“We wanted to support ISTAR because of the ­quality of its programs and the help that they provide to ­ ­ people who stutter,” says ­ Fraser, president of The Stuttering Foundation of America and The Malcolm Fraser Foundation.

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“­ISTAR’s ­clients are a ­shining example of what can be ­accomplished in an ­intensive program.”

The Fraser family knew Dr. Einer Boberg, the founder of ­ISTAR, and his wife Julia Boberg in the 1980s, and were interested in supporting a ­program that was effective in helping people from all over the world—and ISTAR fit the bill.

“We are excited to know that there is a place where people who stutter can count on getting therapy that will change their lives,” says Fraser.

Thanks to donors like the Malcolm Fraser ­Foundation, thousands of ­stutterers are able to receive the ­treatment they need in order to speak fluently and confidently. At ISTAR, every voice matters, and we’re happy to have the opportunity to show that to the world.

A big thank you to the Malcolm Fraser Foundation for all that they do. We look forward to many more years of ­continued collaboration.

Photo – Jane Fraser, president of the Malcolm Fraser Foundation and The Stuttering Foundation of America.

Your gift to the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research will ensure that children and adults who are experiencing fluency challenges will be able to one day communicate with confidence.

Give the gift of a voice—give to ISTAR.

CONTACT: John Voyer 780-248-5781 | jvoyer@ualberta.ca You can also donate online at istar.ualberta.ca Tax receipts will be issued from the University of Alberta

The Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research

Who is ISTAR?

How can ISTAR Help?

Imagine you are unable to order your favourite food, express your ­feelings or say what you want because of your speech.

ISTAR is a one-stop centre of excellence for the treatment of stuttering and other speech and communication-related challenges. Our goal is to transform individual lives and help ­ ­improve c ­ ommunication by providing evidence-based personalized ­treatment.

ISTAR can help with that.

ISTAR, founded in 1986 with the help of generous donors, is a not-for-profit clinic and institute of the Faculty of R ­ ­ ehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta that offers specialized ­treatment to children, teens and adults who stutter and/or have communication challenges.

In addition, ISTAR conducts research into stuttering, offers ­advanced professional training for speech-language pathology s­ tudents and clinicians, and promotes public awareness of stuttering and its ­ ­treatment.

It is our mission to partner locally, nationally and globally to f­ urther the science and treatment of communication disorders. We increase ­awareness and accessibility of our services through our ­relationships with community organizations, donors and volunteers.

We provide services for: •

Stuttering

•

Motor speech issues

•

Language development

•

Articulation

•

Accent modification

•

Social communication skills

•

Effective communication skills

We deliver individual or group treatment services in the clinic or at a distance using Telehealth and video-conferencing technology.

For more information, visit istar.ualberta.ca.

More than

Clients range in age from

3,000

2 to 82 More than

365 students and clinicians have completed their ­traineeships 8

clients impacted to date

Programs Stuttering Therapy, Communication Improvement Program, Accent ­Reduction, Teasing and Bullying, Telehealth and more

Two offices:

Edmonton Calgary

s­ tutter or speech issues, the first thing they should do is contact a ­qualified speech-language pathologist for an assessment.

“A speech-language pathologist can help individuals ­ determine what the exact issue is and how best to manage it. It may be a recommendation of monitoring, indirect suggestions to f­ollow ­ or ­ direct therapy i­ ntervention. Early intervention is highly ­recommended for concerns regarding ­stuttering,” says Lomheim.

With the help of trained speech-language pathologists, ISTAR offers ­intensive therapy on a year-round basis and can be a trusted source for childhood early intervention when it comes to speech issues.

What causes stuttering?

While the cause of stuttering is still unknown, there can be many ­different factors that contribute to a person’s stutter.

“One thing that everyone should know is that stuttering is not caused by nervousness nor is it related to personality or intellectual capabilities,” says Lomheim. “For many children the predisposition to stutter may be transmitted genetically.

Getting serious about stuttering What you need to know if you suspect you or your child may have a stutter

By Amanda McCarthy, with files from ISTAR It is estimated that nearly 300,000 Canadians are currently ­experiencing a stutter. That’s 300,000 people who are not able to clearly express themselves and make their voices heard.

But ISTAR is trying to help.

While the exact cause of stuttering is unknown, research can help us gain a better understanding of its origins.

“Research indicates that the cause of stuttering may have a genetic and hereditary component, and that the speech motor system of children who stutter is more vulnerable to disruptions within their physiology and their environment,” says Holly Lomheim, clinical ­director, ISTAR. Stuttering behaviours can also vary from person-to-person, and can ­include a repetition of a sound or part of a word or a whole word, getting stuck or blocked on sounds or words, prolonging sounds, or disruptions in the flow of speech.

Although stuttering usually begins between the ages of two and five, it can also be detected later in life.

If you suspect that you or your child, or even someone you know may have a stutter, you can learn more by referencing the most commonly asked questions and answers about stuttering below.

What are the first steps if a stutter is suspected?

If a person suspects that they or their child may be experiencing a

The speech mechanism of such children seems to be vulnerable to ­disruptions in the flow of speech. Some scientists believe that the ­complex part of the brain that controls the muscles used for speech does not work as efficiently as it should in all circumstances.

The result is that the flow of speech breaks down, and we hear the ­repetitions and prolongations that characterize stuttering.”

Evidence also shows that “the problem can be aggravated and maintained by environmental stressors, negative reactions from ­ ­listeners and the child’s own sensitivity to the speech interruptions.”

What does treatment involve?

While there is no cure, there are treatment options for those who are experiencing a stutter.

“Early intervention can be effective in helping young children ­become normally fluent. The length of time that stuttering t­ herapy takes to help people who stutter become more fluent depends on many factors such as their severity, their response to stuttering, family history, their age, and more,” says Lomheim. “At ISTAR we run intensive clinics for children, teens and adults, and these vary from three to four weeks in length. After treatment is completed, clients enter a maintenance phase of therapy which is ongoing.”

The type of treatment given also depends on the stage of stuttering ­development and the age and particular needs of the individual. In ­treatment of very early stuttering, parents are often taught how to strengthen the child’s fluency.

Where can more information about stuttering be found?

For more information about stuttering, treatment options and frequently asked questions, visit istar.ualberta.ca.

Photo – ISTAR clinical director Holly Lomheim.

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Part of the family: Client, volunteer finds his rightful place at ISTAR Special Olympics athlete gives back to institute that gave him a voice

By Amanda McCarthy Jackie Cameron has love for a lot of things. He loves swimming, singing and travelling. He loves sports—football and hockey. He even loves the simple things in life, like hanging out with friends, his sister Meagan and his brother Parker.

But most of all, Jackie Cameron loves ISTAR. In 2007, Jackie started his journey to better speech when he became a client at ISTAR. He had struggled with esophageal atresia (when the esophagus is attached to the trachea instead of the stomach at birth), and although he had surgery to repair the issue, Jackie still found himself unable to eat and speak properly.

“He loves that he gets to know all of the therapists and be friends with all of them. They provide a safe place for him.”

Joyce Cameron, mother of Jackie Cameron “His speech therapy started in preschool. His first form of ­communication was actually sign language, but now he can use his words quite well, as long as he remembers what he learned at ­ISTAR!” says mom Joyce Cameron.

Two years after his first brush with ISTAR in 2009, Jackie decided he wanted to give back to the institute that was giving him something so valuable—a voice.

“Jackie has a lot of things to help out with at ISTAR. He cleans the toys, shreds paper, cleans out files, helps with displays—you name it.

He loves helping,” says Joyce. “And the best part is that every time he comes in for a session he volunteers afterward. So he feels like he’s able to do something in return while also being able to practice his speech with other volunteers, clients and staff.

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He loves that he gets to know all of the therapists and be friends with all of them. They provide a safe place for him.”

Not only does Jackie give back to ISTAR, he also helps out with many other initiatives around Edmonton, including visiting his friend Emmett, a young client at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine’s Corbett Hall Early Education Program (CHEEP) and volunteering at the St. Albert International Children’s Festival for the past several years.

Jackie has even been a part of a study ISTAR presented at ­Oxford University in 2011 and the International Society for the Study of ­Behavioural Development (ISSBD) conference in 2012, titled ­Treating Young Adults who Stutter and have Down Syndrome.

Volunteering at ISTAR really makes Jackie feel as though he’s part of the family. And, as he says, it gives him a “sense of accomplishment.”

But Jackie also has another commitment he can be very proud of— competing in Special Olympics.

“Jackie has been in Special Olympics since the age of seven,” says Joyce. “He competes in track, bowling, basketball, floor hockey, softball and soccer. He has won many medals in track, a gold medal in bowling and a silver medal in floor hockey.

In July of this year, Jackie competed in the Special Olympics Provincial Summer Games in Medicine Hat. He received a silver ­ medal in the 200 metre, and narrowly missed out on bronze ­medals in shot put and standing long jump, by six centimetres and two ­centimetres respectively. It was a very exciting time for Jackie, and he really showed off his leadership skills with his track team!”

Between volunteering around Edmonton, working at his job at ­Canadian Tire and competing in Special Olympics, Jackie will always find time for the place that has given him his confidence.

“ISTAR is my favourite place,” says Jackie with a big smile.

We hope that never changes.

Photo – Jackie Cameron (middle) with sister Meagan (left) and mom Joyce (right) at his favourite place—ISTAR.

‘It was one of those dream jobs that seemed out of reach’ Speech-language pathologist discusses her journey to ISTAR, passion for fluency

By Amanda McCarthy One thing that Shea Thompsen has learned from her time at ISTAR is that you cannot force change upon a person. The person must be ready for that change—they must embrace it and make the most of it.

This applies to both her clients and herself.

Eleven years ago, Thompsen was ready to make a change. After ­completing her four-year undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba, she enrolled in a post-baccalaureate at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), followed by a two-year master’s ­ ­degree. It was there that she discovered her passion for stuttering and fluency.

“I was introduced to ISTAR during my coursework at MSUM. One of my fluency professors met ISTAR founders Dr. Einer Boberg and ­Deborah Kully at the renowned Banff conference for f­luency disorders. During class, he spoke about this conference with ­ excitement—I think his passion for stuttering and fluency was ­ ­infectious, because I soon became invested as well!” says Thompsen.

to have a long talk with my partner, John, to figure out our plans.

Needless to say, the dream job won out and I have had 11 happy years at ISTAR!” Thompsen’s ‘dream job’ has given her many great opportunities to help those currently struggling with stuttering and c ­ ommunication issues, something that inspires her in the workplace and in her ­everyday life.

“My clients inspire me all the time. I’m able to provide fluency ­assessments, treatment and maintenance programming to people of all ages—from age two to 82! They put their trust in me and push their limits. They sometimes put themselves in vulnerable positions for a chance to get stronger and break down their barriers. It’s ­inspiring,” says Thompsen.

“There is no other feeling like giving someone access to their own voice. I feel a great deal of pride when my clients stretch ­themselves to do so. It is inspiring to see them work through their fears or doubts and then enter into challenging situations armed with a plan.

It makes me put my own challenges in perspective and helps me drive toward them rather than shy away from them.”

“There is no other feeling like giving someone access to their own voice”

“During another fluency class, we had an opportunity to speak with a man who stuttered. He allowed us a glimpse into his life and ­experiences as a person who stutters. I connected with his story as it made me think of my own brother’s struggles, as he stuttered when he was a young boy. I knew how much of an impact stuttering could have on a person and I wanted to help out where I could.”

Thompsen also enjoys being able to supervise master’s students and other speech-language pathologists as they complete their ­placements at ISTAR’s child, teen or adult intensive fluency c ­ linics, passing on her skills and knowledge to future generations of ­clinicians.

With this in mind, Thompsen postponed her official graduation in order to complete her final internship at ISTAR. And she’s so glad she did.

“I really love my job. The ISTAR staff are a fabulous group of people to work with. The team is comprised of some brilliant, hard-working ­clinicians. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

“I was hired on permanently at ISTAR as I was finishing my student ­internship in July 2006,” says Thompsen. “I didn’t think that getting a job at ISTAR was even a possibility at that time—It was one of those dream jobs that seemed out of reach.

And with 11 years of happy memories, Thompsen doesn’t foresee ­working anywhere else.

Not only that, but I had already lined up a part-time s­ peech-language pathology job at a multidisciplinary rehabilitation centre in ­Madison, ­Wisconsin, and then I also got a job offer from the University of Wisconsin to join their alternative augmentative communication ­ (AAC) team within two hours of receiving ISTAR’s job offer. I had

“I really love watching my fluency clients do something for the first time while actively controlling their stutter. It is an amazing thing to empower somebody. I don’t think that will ever get old.”

Photo Left – Shea Thompsen, speech-language pathologist at ISTAR Photo Right – Shea Thompsen working with her client, Olivia Ma during a session

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‘You get to be a part of changing people’s lives’ Speech-language pathologist, published author talks about the impact ISTAR made during her time as a ­student-clinician

“The level of skill and knowledge I learned about stuttering ­treatment during my placement is incomparable,” she says. “I always feel so proud to tell people that I had an opportunity to learn from the best and to be a part of something bigger than yourself. You get to be a part of changing ­people’s lives. There’s not a lot that can ignite your ­passion for your profession quite like this.”

By Amanda McCarthy

And ignite her passion it did.

Although it’s been five years since she completed her ­ student ­clinical ­placement, Aryn Franklin attributes much of her success in the ­workplace to her time at ISTAR.

In early 2016, Franklin and two of her Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine ­ ­ colleagues decided to create something that, in their experience, was greatly needed for developing children: a fun, ­ ­interactive and widely u ­ seful resource that goes by the name of Narwhal Makes a Sandwich.

Franklin, now a speech-language pathologist, completed her ­f­­our-week placement with ISTAR in January 2012 before ­graduating from the ­ Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine with an MSc in Speech-Language ­Pathology.

Now, Franklin is doing great things in her community—from d ­ irectly helping children who need supports in the Comox Valley school ­district on Vancouver Island, to indirectly helping children through the ­creation of speech therapy resources.

Great things, she says, that ISTAR has helped prepare her for.

“ISTAR has absolutely prepared me for my profession. I’m able to apply some of the techniques and knowledge around fluency ­treatment to my work with children in the school system.

What I was able to take away from my time at ISTAR is s­ omething much more valuable than practical skills—the importance of c ­ reating a strong rapport with clients and fostering a safe space for them to grow and learn.”

While Franklin was busy helping individuals with speech and stuttering issues find their voices, she, in turn, found a new ­ ­excitement for her ­profession.

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“Narwhal Makes a Sandwich is a whimsical sequencing and number story about a hungry narwhal that searches the depths ­ of the ­Arctic Ocean for greatness in the form of a sandwich. But the real ­significance of the book is in the connections it inspires—­ connections to our imaginations, our ­emotions, each other, and our curiosity for the world around us. We matched the l­anguage-rich narrative with bright, detailed imagery that provides a starting point for imagination and further exploration,” says Franklin.

It’s an engaging story, but it’s how the story is used that gives it its value.

“One example of how the book can be used is that when the ­reader adds in questions or discussion points, it helps children to learn the new v ­ocabulary and concepts within the book. Additionally, our ­illustrator, Tara Put, hid stars all over the book, which could be used to help a child who is ­practicing their ‘s’ sound, or there are small shapes hidden on another page which would help children learning to recognize or name shapes.”

With the book becoming a success, Franklin and her team decided to donate some of the books to ISTAR for use in therapy sessions,

and are creating more resources that will supplement the ideas in the book and make for more hands-on therapy scenarios. And she’s using the skills she learned at ISTAR to do so.

“The level of skill and knowledge I learned about stuttering treatment during my placement is incomparable” “ISTAR really fostered in me a deep core value regarding building a sense of community that I aim to bring to my practice every day.

During my placement, we had to work as a collaborative team to carry through the program with our clients. Those same values ­carried through during the creation of the book. It was a huge team effort. The book couldn’t have been created without the whole team working closely together.”

And although her time at ISTAR ended five years ago, Franklin will ­always view her experience as a positive one—something she can look back on to guide her in her profession.

“I have this very vivid memory of ISTAR before I was ever even a ­ speech-language pathology student. I had signed up to be a conversational volunteer at a ‘mocktail’ party being hosted by ­ ­ISTAR. I had no idea at the time what I was really signing up for, what it was all about, and how impactful these events really are. I remember seeing the clinicians working so closely and supportively with their clients to get through a very tough event. I was in awe of the skill, patience, and support the clinicians provided to them. I thought, ‘I NEED to do this. I NEED to be a part of this.’

Later, as a student-clinician, I got to see the other side of it—what it’s like to be a therapist and help clients put aside their natural ­anxieties and dive in with confidence to test out their new skills.

That’s what ISTAR does, that’s what ISTAR is all about—it helps ­people be the best versions of themselves.”

Photo – Aryn Franklin holds a copy of her book Narwhal Makes a Sandwich, a fun, interactive and varied therapy resource for children, teachers and clinicians.

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Hello

Smooth Talk

Goodbye

2016-2017 AT A GLANCE ISTAR welcomed Heidi Williston in January 2017 and Dr. ­Torrey Loucks in July 2017.

This year, we say goodbye to two exceptional ISTAR ­members: Dr. Derek Truscott and Kate Farr.

Heidi, who is joining us as our newest c ­ linician, grew up in the ­Edmonton area and completed her ­Bachelor of ­Science with a major in Psychology and her Master of Science at the U ­ niversity of Alberta. Heidi began volunteering at ISTAR in 2011, and then completed three summers with the ­ ­ institute as a research assistant. After that, in the summer of 2016, she ­ ­ c­ ompleted a ­student clinical placement at ISTAR.

Dr. Truscott was a big help to clients during his time at ISTAR, offering counselling to help with social anxiety, fear of speaking, or any other personal problems. His connection with ISTAR goes back many years to when his son attended speech therapy at the institute to address his stutter. After seeing first-hand the ­difference that ISTAR made in his son’s life, Dr. Truscott offered his counselling expertise and consultation services to ISTAR’s ­clients and staff members. He brought a profound professional and personal commitment to ISTAR and his clients.

Dr. Loucks has accepted the position of Chair in Stuttering in ­the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. Joining us from the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbane/ Champaign, Dr. Loucks will work closely with ISTAR on many ­different initiatives.

Kate joined the ISTAR team in 2013 and worked closely with ­children, teens and adults who stutter as well as individuals with other speech, language, and communication challenges through the Communication Improvement Program.

Thank you to Dr. Truscott and Kate for all they have added to ­ISTAR. We wish you both well!

$763,955.33

9

438

donated to support stuttering research and treatment

students completed clinical placements

clients received treatment (426 Canadians and 12 international)

Congratulations to Halley ­Bailey from D ­ alhousie ­University, ­recipient of the Elks & ­Royal ­Purple Fund for Children, and Laura Brompton from the ­University of ­Alberta, recipient of the ­Deborah Kully S ­ cholarship in Stuttering ­Treatment and Research.

In October 2016, Leading Edge ­Running Club Ltd. / Grant and Heidi Fedorak ­organized the YEG Comedy Fest in ­support of ISTAR client services. They raised $8,000.

The #ShareTheISTARJoy social ­media campaign took place in ­December. The ­campaign ­allowed current and ­former ­clients a chance to wish ­everyone a ­“happy holidays,” something they can now say with ease thanks to the help of ISTAR.

The ISTAR Calgary ­clinic will be moving to the ­University of ­Alberta ­Calgary Centre on September 23, 2017.

TH A N KYO U !

For over 30 years, donors have been making a difference in the lives of ISTAR clients. Children, teens and adults have been able to receive much-needed fluency treatment thanks to the generous gifts we receive.

A

BIG THANK-YOU also goes out to our dedicated volunteers for making this past year a great success.

— April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 — Over $100,000

Bell, Dr. John

Bercov, Marcia

Benjamin, Marc & Laurie

Bloomer, Vaughan

Alberta Elks Foundation

Bentley Royal Purple Lodge #264

Clendenning, Paul

Big Valley Elks Lodge #147

Comparelli, Diana

$20,000 - $100,000

Big Valley Royal Purple Elks Lodge #77

Competrini, Anna

Block, Garth & Paula

Costa-Herman, Lory

Boberg, Dr. Peter & Sunwoo Kahng

Boser, Kelvin & Callista

Craig, Garth

The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children

Cameco Corporation

Crnogorac, Rajko

Camrose Elks Lodge #70

Crowsnest Pass Elks Lodge #584

$5000 - $19,999

Camrose Royal Purple Lodge #49

Curtis, Christiane

Chapman, Allan

Delia Royal Purple Elks Lodge #304

Boberg, Julia

Charbonneau, Arnie

Edgerton Royal Purple Elks Lodge #224

Calgary Elks Lodge #4

Chauvin Elks Lodge #261

Edmonton Elks Lodge #11

Edmonton Royal Purple Lodge #22

Chernausava, Hanna

Edson Elks Lodge #87

Fondation Franco-Albertaine

Connelly, Phil & Kirsteen

Entwistle Elks Lodge #374

Kully-Martens, Deborah

Elks Point Elks Lodge #460

Fedak, Lori

Leading Edge Running Club Ltd. /Fedorak, Grant & Heidi

Ellenwood, Darrel

Felts, Dennis

Grande Prairie Elks Lodge #285

Ferguson-Pell, Dr. Martin & Peggi

Greenberg, Sheila

Fodchuk, Orest

Halkirk Elks Lodge #361

Gardner, Greg & Nancy

Hodge, Dr. Megan

Girardin, Christine

Joy, Dr. Anil & Anila

Gosnell, Kim & Heather

Kennard, Lawrence

Green, Marie

Knight, Dr. Brian & Mary

Gronhovd, K. Dale

Laseur, Mark

Hall, Lisa

Lawson, Ronald – Professor Emeritus

Haverland, Lyle

Myrnam Royal Purple Lodge #242

Hughes, Dr. David G.

Olds Elks Lodge #100

Iles, Shirley

Orlecky, Loretta

Kowton, Susan

Piché, Allen, Lorna & Darci

Manning Elks Lodge #286

Round Hill Elks Lodge #71

McLennan Royal Purple Elks Lodge #62

Rowlett, James & Margaret

McLeod, Lloyd & Helen

Schneider Electric Canada Inc

Moore, Gordon

Sexsmith Elks Lodge #284

Mosley, Bryan

Sherwood Park Royal Lodge #287

Murray, Dr. Frederick

St. Paul Elks Lodge #465

Palmarin, Mark

Stanford, Henry & Dr. Lois

Parent, Richard

Stawnichy’s Meat Processing

Penney, Audrey

The Dinner Optimist Club of Edmonton

Pietrusik, Celina

Trenville Royal Purple Elks Lodge #248

Pill, Jaan

Trochu Elks Lodge #168

Pooley, Erwin & Arleen

Trochu Royal Purple Elks Lodge #71

Rapp, Christine

Trumpener, Ulrich

Rhamey, CJ

Wainwright Elks Lodge #22

Rolene Holdings Ltd

Wainwright Royal Purple Lodge #92

Rvachew, Prof. Susan

Wetaskiwin Elks Lodge #91

Saunders, Rose

Wightman, Laird

Somogyi, George & Judith

Long, Wayne & Laren

Stewart, Carol

Snyder, Joan TELUS Community Board

$1000 - $4,999 Acme Royal Purple Elks Lodge #103 Bara, Dr. Barry & Sheelagh Barrhead Elks Lodge #332 Bhayat, Dr. Qudsiyyah Coronation Elks Lodge #360 Delburne Elks Lodge #206 Eaglesham Royal Purple Lodge #318 Edmonton Royal Purple Elks Lodge #22 Flynn, Dr. Peter Fort Saskatchewan Royal Purple Lodge #212 High Prairie Royal Purple Elks Lodge #59 Johnston, Dr. David & E. Jun Johnston, Gord Leduc Elks Lodge #156 Leduc Royal Purple Lodge #41 Lord, Bruce Marshall, Geoff & Dr. Colette Fournier Marshall Medicine Hat Elks Lodge #412 Okotoks Elks Lodge #31 Picture Butte Elks Lodge #268 Sexsmith Royal Purple Elks Lodge #266 Sherwood Park Elks Lodge #481 Stettler Royal Purple Lodge #60 Superfluity Shop Vegreville Elks Lodge #143 Voyer, John & Lee Whitehorse Elks Lodge #306

$250 - $999 Agrium Inc Ahorro, Nathania

Swanson, Leonard & Ruby

$50 - $249

Vanguard Investment Canada

Alderliesten, Hans & Jannie

Viking Elks Lodge #83

Allan, David & Nikki

Von Niebelschutz, Alex & Lisa Rossi

Barons Elks Lodge #224

Warren, Douglas

Bashaw Elks Lodge #175

Wiens, Dr. Douglas

Vermilion Elks Lodge #131

Bassano Elks Lodge #487

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DID YOU KNOW...

ISTAR not only offers treatment for stuttering, but also for communication improvement?

The Communication Improvement Program (CIP) has helped ­clients of all ages with widely differing needs ­develop the c­ ommunication skills that are so important for social and ­educational success.

CIP can help improve speaking ability in many areas, including: • improving clarity of speech or language • expressing thoughts clearly • reducing foreign accents/accent modification • assisting stroke survivors who have difficulty communicating • improving conversational and/or public speaking skills For more information about the Communication Improvement ­Program (CIP), visit istar.ualberta.ca.