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Friday, May 16, 2025

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Shelby Gillies establishing local speech language pathology clinic. The purpose of a Speech Language Pathologist (SLPs) is more than just establishing better communication…It’s about establishing a better connection. Neepawa’s own Shelby Gillies understands that need for connection and is bringing that mindset to each of her client interactions in this diverse and fulfilling field.

Just over seven months ago, Gillies ventured out on her own and opened a fully certified speech language pathology clinic, here in Neepawa. This opportunity was the culmination of six years of education (four-years Bachelor of Science at Minot State and a two-year Masters), and an additional two years working as an SLP across the province.

But for Shelby, it was also a chance to return home and give back to a community that means so much to her, and her family.

“It’s super exciting. My first couple years out of school, I was constantly traveling for work, which was awesome. But now it’s nice to wake up and just have a short drive to work, as well just all the support in the community,” said Gillies. “Knowing people and having those relationships within the community is very important to me. I can walk into the school, and I know most of the staff, or I can walk in to the hospital and I know lots of the staff there as well. It’s nice to not constantly be seeing all new faces, but also, just giving back, contributing to my home is very fulfilling.”

More than just speech

Although speech therapy with children has a common association with SLPs, Shelby explained to the Banner & Press that the profession’s expertise encompasses a much broader scope.

“A lot of times I’ll get questions when it comes to me working with adults, or working in the hospitals, because not everyone understands the whole broad range of a speech language pathologist. I’ve worked with clients that have language disorders, but also related to speech. Then you get into fluency, which is your stuttering. [But along with that] I’ve worked with individuals with swallowing difficulties, often due to strokes or other medical conditions. Cognition stuff that we can work on to improve a patient’s ability to, not only communicate, but to live to the fullest.”

To further explain the point, Gillies used the example of an athlete tearing a muscle. Much like a physiotherapist helps in rebuilding the torn muscle, a speech language pathologist must help in rebuilding the bridges of communication.

Incredibly rewarding

In working with such a diverse range of clientele. Gillies said the job has truly been a rewarding challenge.

“I’m in a profession where we love to help, and helping them to graduate and move on and be successful without us. So it’s just very rewarding when we do get to that point. I have a kid already now, and they’re getting close to that point. We’ve been together for quite a bit of time, so it’s sad [to see them go], but it’s also exciting at the same time,” Gillies said. “It’s an incredible job, and incredibly rewarding.”

A Better Connection has set up its’ office in the east wing of the Breaker 16 building. Anyone interested in learning more can do so by looking for ‘A Better Connection with Shelby Gillies’ online and on its social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc).