Each year, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia brings on board 20 businesses that are looking for assistance with starting, growing or purchasing a business. The Starter Company Plus program offers these entrepreneurs extensive training, mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to receive a micro-grant of up to $5,000. Get connected to Barrie's business support network by taking the first step with the Starter Company. Eligible entrepreneurs can inquire about an application package at smallbusiness@barrie.ca.
At Mosaic Speech and Language Practice, they believe in celebrating differences and the unique strengths every child has to offer. Just as a mosaic is made up of many pieces to make a work of art, they believe every child has unique strengths to offer their family, friends, and community. Mosaic works to learn about, celebrate, and use each child’s unique strengths through one-on-one therapy sessions. Through various services, Mosaic provides effective, engaging, and supportive speech-language therapy in every child’s own home.
Founder, Rebecca Rupke, is a registered speech-language pathologist with over seven years of experience working with children of all ages in private practice and school settings.
Having seen Rebecca in action at various Farmers’ Markets with other Starter Company Plus cohort members, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia can say that she does an amazing job to create a supportive and fun learning environment – we might have even got in on some of the crafts!
To learn more about Mosaic Speech and Language Practice, check out the Q&A below.
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
My favourite part about being an entrepreneur is the flexibility I have to take the time and care needed to provide my clients with quality services. For example, I love having the time to develop fun and creative therapy sessions that are specific to my clients' needs and interests.
What inspired you to start your business?
I have dreamed of starting my own business ever since participating in the Small Business Centre’s Summer Company program in university. From this experience, I realized I loved being my own boss as it gave me the ability to focus on my personal areas of interest, use my creativity, and overall, focus on what I believed mattered most in providing quality services to my clients.
What services do you offer?
The Mosaic Speech and Language Practice provides speech-language therapy to children of all ages. We are an evidence-based practice, use clinical expertise, and have a passion for speech and language development to help children reach new communication goals. In-home sessions are available to children in Simcoe County (including Barrie, Orillia, Oro Medonte, and Innisfil) and virtual speech-language therapy is available to children across Ontario.
Who do you look up to for inspiration?
I have always looked up to my three older sisters. I am the youngest in my family and I have always felt very lucky to have three sisters go before me in major life events.
What are your top three simple tips that parents can do to assist their children on their speech journey?
I love this question! While I am eager to list many tips, I will narrow it down to three.
Three simple tips that parents can use to assist their child’s speech and language development include:
- Teach vocabulary words in your everyday routines. For example, if your child is just learning to talk, you can model early vocabulary words like, ‘open,’ ‘eat,’ ‘wash,’ ‘drink,’ at snack or mealtimes.
- Slowly model speech sounds: If your child is having trouble producing a particular speech sound, exaggerate and slowly model the sound(s) they have trouble within your own speech. For example, if your child has trouble producing the /f/ sound, you can model an exaggerated /f/ sound like “That was fffffun to see the fffffish.” Even if your child does not copy your models of the target sound, it is still good practice for them to hear a clear model of the sound they are having trouble with.
- If your child is having trouble following directions, try giving just one step of a direction at a time and/or use gestures to help them understand the direction as needed. For example, instead of saying, “Get your coat, and put your books in your bag,” you can give just one part of the direction at a time like, “get your coat.” Once your child completes the first part of the direction, you can give the second part, “now, put your books in your bag.” You can point/use gestures as needed to help your child follow the direction too.
Note: If you think your child may have a delay in their speech and language development, I encourage you to contact a speech-language pathologist. It’s never too early to reach out. We can help you determine if a speech-language assessment is the next right step for your child.
What is unique about your business?
The Mosaic Speech and Language Practice is unique in that all our services are provided from a child’s own home. Whether virtually or in-person, children can learn in an environment they feel safe and comfortable in. Additionally, Mosaic is unique in its mission to, “Celebrate differences, while growing speech and language skills.” Just as a mosaic is made up of many pieces to make a work of art, I believe every child has unique strengths to offer their family, friends, and community.
What is your favourite way to spend a Sunday?
My favourite way to spend a Sunday is with my niece and nephews. I love playing games, making crafts, and reading books with them. I am known as “Super Aunt Beck” by many friends and family members.
What is your favourite thing about working with children?
One of my favourite things about working with children is the enthusiasm they bring to each therapy session. I love using my creativity to develop engaging sessions. Specifically, I love taking a task that might be hard for a child and creating a supportive and fun environment where they can be comfortable (and even excited!) to learn in.
What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday?
I really miss travelling! After so many travel restrictions from the pandemic, I look forward to many more trips soon! I would like to explore the east coast of Canada next, and Iceland is also on my list of places to travel to in the near future!
What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
I am very excited to be a part of Starter Company Plus as I start my business. Through the program, I hope to develop business mentors and increase my knowledge on the financial management of a business.
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To book a free consultation, you can reach out to Rebecca:
Website: https://www.mosaicslp.com/
Facebook: The Mosaic Speech and Language Practice
Instagram: @mosaic_slp