Taelor Smith (MA ALDS/17)

Policy Analyst / Speech-Language Pathologist

• MHSc in Speech-Language Pathology, Macquarie University (2018); MA in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (2017); Joint Honours BA in Psychology and Linguistics, University of Ottawa (2015)

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Pursuing the MA in ALDS allowed me to build on the foundations of my undergraduate studies through exploration of the synergistic relationship between theoretical and applied linguistics, as well as their applications. In addition to obtaining my TESL certification, I wrote a research paper examining the role of formulaic language in the treatment of aphasia, for which I received the School of Linguistics and Language Studies (SLaLS) 2016-2017 Director’s Award for Outstanding Research Essay. I remain grateful to have had the opportunity to conduct research on a topic that consolidated my interest in acquired communication disorders as well as an area of second language acquisition that my supervisor, Dr. David Wood, was an authority on.

After receiving my MA degree, I completed a Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Speech-Language Pathology at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. I returned to Canada in 2019 to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), providing assessment and intervention services for adults with communication disorders and dysphagia.

While my clinical work has continued, I have since transitioned to a full-time career within the federal government. Currently, I am a Policy Analyst at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Prior to entering this stream, I was a Senior Leadership Development Advisor (Human Resources Branch) at CBSA. In that role, I was fortunate to become a certified Leader Character Practitioner through the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership at Ivey Business School’s Leader Character Practitioner Certification Program.

My time at SLaLS proved to be instrumental in my continually evolving trajectory. The transferable skills I developed enable me to excel, and perform meaningful work, in any discipline or profession.