Keri Giesbrecht has been a Registered Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) for over 20 years, but her most recent chapter has brought new challenges—and new purpose. After nearly two decades supporting students in School District 60, Keri made a bold shift into her current position as both the Inpatient and Outpatient SLP servicing Fort St. John and the North Peace region.
Transitioning from pediatric to adult care meant quickly adapting to new clinical demands. “Instead of helping children develop speech and language, I now support adults with swallowing disorders, cognitive-communication challenges and end-of-life care,” she explained. “It’s become my calling.”
Working with adults and seniors facing acquired swallowing or communication disorders has deepened Keri’s compassion for the aging population. “Supporting and increasing understanding of the inevitable physical, physiological and neurological changes that come with aging – while spreading empathy for our elders, grandparents, parents, and their caregivers – has truly become my career calling,” she shared.
Since joining the hospital in 2021, Keri has worked to build the SLP role from the ground up—developing procedures, mentoring staff, and expanding services. She also supports patients with complex communication needs, including those with dementia, stroke, or nearing end of life, ensuring they can express themselves and connect with care teams. “I want to ensure efficient and safe feeding and swallowing—and give every patient a voice when verbal expression is minimized or no longer possible.”
Now, Keri is pursuing advanced certification in Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS)—a specialized imaging assessment used to diagnose swallowing disorders. Currently, this service is only available through a visiting specialist, which can delay care. “Once certified, I’ll be able to offer this service locally, reducing wait times and improving access for patients in our region,” she said.
Balancing full-time work, family life, and further education hasn’t been easy. That’s why receiving the FSJ Hospital Foundation Education Grant has meant so much. “It’s a huge relief,” Keri shared. “This support helps ease the financial pressure and gives me the motivation to keep going.”
Keri’s long-term goal is to continue growing as a clinician, mentor, and advocate for patient-centered care. “I want to be the best individual and collaborative allied health practitioner I can be—and to mentor others in the practices I’m passionate about as I move through the next 20 years of my career.”
To the donors who made the grant possible, Keri offered heartfelt thanks: “Thank you for acknowledging the importance of my roles on the care team. Your generosity supports more than education—it improves care for patients, families, and our entire community. I’m proud to grow in my role and give back to the place I’ve always called home.”