Irene Haakman
MSLP, RSLP, CCC‑SLP

SLP & AAC Specialist

Irene Haakman is an experienced speech‑language pathologist with close to three decades of clinical practice in both Canada and the United States. She specializes in early intervention, autism, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), parent coaching, and teleintervention. Irene is known for her ability to support very young children with complex communication needs and for empowering families and teams through evidence‑based, culturally responsive practices.

Irene began her career in Alberta, providing speech and language services across public schools, early childhood programs, and autism‑focused intervention teams. She later moved to Florida, where she served in school‑based, medical, and early intervention settings before becoming the AAC Specialist for Gulf Central Early Steps. In this role, she developed and leads a comprehensive AAC program serving nine counties—providing evaluations, consultations, device procurement support, and ongoing coaching for families and providers. She has extensive experience delivering services virtually to rural and remote communities.

Irene is internationally certified as a Routines‑Based Interview (RBI) and Routines‑Based Home Visit Trainer through the McWilliam Early Intervention Institute, is a trained provider of the FSU Autism Navigator program, and is in the process of becoming a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP). Her clinical approach emphasizes natural‑environment intervention, family capacity‑building, and functional communication across daily routines.

Irene is registered with Speech‑Language & Audiology Canada (SAC), and the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. She is fluent in English and Greek. She is only available virtually. 

Accreditation

Master of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Alberta

Bachelor of Science, McGill University