Who We Are
Our Story
After many years of working together as speech-language pathologists in the public school system, an opportunity to work with First Nations communities in Saskatchewan introduced us to a different way of practising.
Our years in public education laid the foundation for who we are as clinicians. We were fortunate to learn from exceptional colleagues, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and work alongside dedicated educators who inspired us every day. We were also given opportunities to keep learning, share our knowledge with others, and grow as clinicians and leaders. The lessons we learned during those years continue to shape the way we approach our work today.
As we began working more closely with First Nations communities, we had the opportunity to spend more time with students, build strong relationships with school teams, and become part of the communities we were serving. We were welcomed into communities with warmth and generosity, and those relationships changed the way we thought about our work. They strengthened our belief in the importance of listening, learning, and working alongside the people we serve, and they inspired the kind of practice we wanted to build.
Creating Willow & Birch was the natural next step. We wanted to build a practice where relationships and connection are at the heart of everything we do, where services are shaped alongside the families, schools, organizations, and communities we partner with, and where our experience as clinicians is guided by the values that have shaped us throughout our careers.
Today, we're grateful to partner with families, schools, organizations, and communities across Saskatchewan. As Willow & Birch continues to grow, we remain committed to listening first, building lasting relationships, and providing practical, responsive speech-language services that reflect the people and communities we have the privilege of serving.
Barbara Wilson,
MSc SLP(C), BBA
Speech-Language Pathologist
OwnerHi, I’m Barbara.
I’m a speech-language pathologist with 17 years of experience supporting children and educators in Saskatchewan schools and early intervention programs. I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Regina in 1998 and my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta in 2008.
Throughout my career, my goal has been to help children build strong communication skills so they can grow into confident, independent adults. My practice focuses on connection, practical problem-solving and tailoring therapy to each child's individual needs. I see myself as a partner to the child's team - families, caregivers, and educators - believing that those who know the child best always have the most valuable insights.
I’m thankful for the chance to grow alongside my students as they become better communicators. Learning with them and watching their progress is the most rewarding part of my career.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, enjoying nature, and escaping to the ocean whenever I can. I’m also a huge animal lover, so you can often find me relaxing at home with my dog and cat.
Winter Bengert Siman,
MSc SLP, BEd
Speech-Language Pathologist
OwnerHi, I'm Winter.
I'm a speech-language pathologist with 16 years of experience working with children in schools, early intervention programs, private practice, and alongside First Nations communities throughout Saskatchewan. I completed my Bachelor of Education at the University of Regina in 2007 before earning my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Minot State University in 2010.
No matter the setting, I've found the best outcomes happen when the people around a child are working together. Whether I'm working directly with a child, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, consulting with a school team, or leading professional development, I enjoy finding practical solutions that fit naturally into classrooms, homes, and communities.
Becoming a mom has shaped the way I approach my work in ways I never could have anticipated. Watching my own children learn and develop has given me an even greater appreciation for the little moments that shape communication every day. My perspective has also been shaped by personal experience, as both I and members of my family have benefited from the support of speech-language pathologists over the years. Those experiences have helped me appreciate what it feels like to be on the other side of the table. They remind me every family, school team, and community brings unique strengths and perspectives, and the best support comes from listening, learning from one another, and working together.
When I'm not working, you'll probably find me playing cards or games with family and friends, wandering through a garage sale or antique shop looking for a bargain, or "camping," which, in my world, mostly means sitting outside in a comfortable chair, eating a hotdog, and hoping the weather cooperates.
I'm incredibly grateful for the people and communities this work has brought into my life. It is a privilege to be welcomed into schools and communities across Saskatchewan. The opportunity to build relationships with children, school teams, families, and community members is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Let’s Work Together
We’d love to learn more about your team, your goals, and how we can help. Whether you’re looking for ongoing support, an assessment, professional development, or simply have a question, we’d be happy to connect.
