Tammy Johannson

When you think of how a 17-year-old might spend their free time, it’s not often that you envision them volunteering at an elementary school. That is, however, exactly where you would find Tammy Johannson in her last two years of high school.

When the Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) for the elementary school in Riverton, Manitoba (110 kilometers north of Winnipeg) was looking for some extra help in working with children who had articulation problems, Tammy jumped at the opportunity.

While volunteering at her former school, she gained valuable experience but didn’t realize at the time the effect that would have on her future. Although she spent two years helping the SLP, as she moved into her final year of high school, she was determined to become a pharmacist.

It wasn’t until she finished her first year of university, however when she came to the realization that her passion wasn’t at all in the pharmaceutical industry. Although still science-based, Tammy discovered that her career aspirations were indeed to help people with communication disorders.

She chose to complete her Master’s Degree in the United States as program options in speech and language training were medical-based.

“Being able to apply medical-based speech pathology into an academic setting gives you a different perspective, as well it gives you an understanding of physiology and how the brain works,” said Tammy.

With a Master of Science and accreditation with both the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Speech-Language & Audiology Canada, Tammy can practice as a Speech Language Pathologist anywhere in the world. However, her clients are beyond grateful that she chose to build her career right here in her home province.

With now more than 26 years of experience, Tammy has literally helped 10,000 children in both hospital and school settings, through outreach programs and in private practice in the Westman and Parkland regions.

She has worked in ten different school divisions in the province and currently works with children at  Christian Heritage School in Brandon, Sioux Valley School, Frontier School Division, Manitoba Public Insurance, as well as with Child and Family Services. She has been offering speech and language services, as the main clinician through her private practice at the Brandon Speech & Language Clinic for over 21 years.

Tammy says that work is her hobby, but she still finds plenty of time to care for her three teenage children, to travel and to host family and friends at their lakeside cottage in southern Manitoba.

Credentials and Certifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Undergraduate in Linguistics and Psychology – University of Manitoba
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders Post-Baccalaureate – University of North Dakota
  • Master of Science (MSc.) – St. Cloud State University
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Certificate of Clinical Competence)
  • Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (Certified)
  • College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (Fully Registered Member)
  • School Clinician Certificate, Manitoba Education & Training

Community Involvement
As a long time resident of Brandon, Tammy knows the importance of having a thriving, growing and prospering community with ample services and programs that help people at different stages of their lives. As such, she has volunteered for a number of different organizations and has taken on key roles on a number of different boards. Over the years, she has committed volunteer time to help her community through the following organizations:

  • Assiniboine Community College Foundation
  • Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre
  • Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba
  • Preschool Wellness Fair
  • Brandon University
  • J.R. Reid School
  • Vincent Massey High School
  • Westman Speed Skating Club
  • Manitoba Speed Skating Association
  • Westman Ski Club