About Us

Uptown Speech is a Speech-Language Pathology clinic established by Kira Chandler. We are located in Uptown Waterloo, conveniently close Grand River Hospital and the border with Kitchener. We specialize in working with toddlers, preschoolers and school aged children with communication difficulties.  We take great pride in helping families to support their young communicators by giving them the leg “up” they need to reach their full potential.  We believe that therapy should be fun, and use a variety of interactive games, music and toys to make learning and practice enjoyable and motivating--  even for parents!

Kira is the owner and operator of Uptown Speech.  She completed a bilingual (English/French) Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Glendon College of York University. She then obtained her Masters degree (MSc) in Speech-Language Pathology at City University London in the United Kingdom.

Kira has worked as a speech-language pathologist with children for over a decade in school, clinic, home and online settings in Canada, including on remote First Nations Reserves in Northern Ontario and Quebec.  She has also worked as an S-LP in the UK and as a volunteer S-LP in Bangladesh.  She is passionate about involving parents and caregivers in therapy and goal setting to empower them to be the ones to support their loved ones on their journey to communicative success.

Kira is highly skilled and trained in evidence-based practices, constantly staying abreast with the latest advancements in the field of speech-language pathology. She draws from a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each child. She firmly believe that a comprehensive and holistic approach is essential in maximizing each child's potential and fostering their growth and development.

Kira lives in Waterloo with her husband, and their two kids.  She loves swimming, hiking, travelling and spending time with friends and family.   

Kira’s additional training and certifications include:

The Lidcombe Program (Childhood Stuttering Intervention)

Inside Out- Sensory Training Masterclass

Talk It, Rock It

Lively Letters (Reading with TLC)

Childhood Apraxia & Speech Therapy Centre’s Practical Guide to Assessing and Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Counselling Skills for Speech-Language Pathologists