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About Us
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About Us
The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is committed to improving the lives of Manitobans with communication challenges or who are non-speaking through the use of communication devices. OARC helps individuals receive their own long-term systems as well as providing the supports needed for successful implementation of a device as a communication tool.
There is an application form to fill out and submit to OARC to begin the process of acquiring a device for a child new to our services. OARC provides training and support for families who are maintaining the equipment, for support teams who are learning how to use devices and AAC apps, and for everyone around the successful implementation of such devices.
OARC staff work in a consultative capacity with your child's Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). SLPs are professionals who have the education and training to provide essential support to you and your loved ones on your Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) journey. We will work together to help you find the right AAC system (as it is not "one size fits all") and will help you and the people you communicate with learn to use AAC. We have a small library of equipment available for trial. This is intended to assist with determining the best access method or communication software for a particular child. An example of this may be when we are determining if eye gaze access or switch access may be appropriate. Your Speech-Language Pathologist may also work with an Occupational Therapist and a Physical Therapist when the AAC user has different physical skills that impact the way they interact with an AAC system.
We are fortunate in Manitoba to have a range of publicly funded Speech-Language Pathology services for both preschool and school age children that are available for free to families. Information on preschool-based services can be found through the Children’s Therapy Network of Manitoba: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/ctnm/index.html
For school-age children, services are often available through your child’s school or school division. It is recommended you speak with your child’s school directly about available services.
There is an application form to fill out and submit to OARC to begin the process of acquiring a device for a child new to our services. OARC provides training and support for families who are maintaining the equipment, for support teams who are learning how to use devices and AAC apps, and for everyone around the successful implementation of such devices.
OARC staff work in a consultative capacity with your child's Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). SLPs are professionals who have the education and training to provide essential support to you and your loved ones on your Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) journey. We will work together to help you find the right AAC system (as it is not "one size fits all") and will help you and the people you communicate with learn to use AAC. We have a small library of equipment available for trial. This is intended to assist with determining the best access method or communication software for a particular child. An example of this may be when we are determining if eye gaze access or switch access may be appropriate. Your Speech-Language Pathologist may also work with an Occupational Therapist and a Physical Therapist when the AAC user has different physical skills that impact the way they interact with an AAC system.
We are fortunate in Manitoba to have a range of publicly funded Speech-Language Pathology services for both preschool and school age children that are available for free to families. Information on preschool-based services can be found through the Children’s Therapy Network of Manitoba: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/ctnm/index.html
For school-age children, services are often available through your child’s school or school division. It is recommended you speak with your child’s school directly about available services.
Our Mission
To empower individuals with communication challenges, their families, and their communities by providing speech-generating devices and support so everyone's voice is valued.
Our Vision
Everyone has a voice and is heard.
Our Staff
Our dedicated team are experienced professionals who are passionate about ensuring that every child has a voice and is heard. We provide consultation on evidence-based practices in the field of AAC and help teams identify the best system to suit their child's needs. We operate a small equipment loan program for determining access methods for a child who may be unable to use direct selection (touch). To ensure successful implementation of communication tools, we provide ongoing support and maintenance of devices acquired through us. Contact us today to learn more about how our wonderful staff can assist you!
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Mary-Alex Willer, Executive Director
Mary-Alex Willer was appointed Executive Director of the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) in January 2023. She is a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and received her Master of Science from the University of North Dakota. Mary-Alex began her career in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) while working in the school system, where she enjoyed supporting school-aged children with diverse communication needs. She joined OARC in 2019 to focus more specifically on AAC, providing training and mentorship to teams supporting students who use communication devices. Mary-Alex has a particular interest in supporting AAC users who benefit from alternative access methods and is dedicated to ensuring individuals have the tools and support they need to communicate effectively.
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Marnie Loewen, Executive Assistant
Marnie returned to the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) in 2014 after seven years coordinating the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba’s annual stationary bike race fundraiser. She previously served on OARC’s Board of Directors and also worked part-time as an administrative assistant with the organization. Marnie brings both personal and professional experience to her role—her adult daughter is an AAC user who first borrowed a BIGmack from OARC’s lending library in 1995.At OARC, Marnie leads the coordination of major events such as Camp yAAC and the annual AAC conference, and plays an active role in fundraising initiatives that support the organization’s mission. Her work helps create meaningful opportunities for AAC users and their communities to connect, grow, and thrive.
Avani Darji, Administrative Assistant
Avani is currently completing her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Manitoba, where she is majoring in Accounting and minoring in Finance. She has a strong interest in financial reporting, analysis, and audit, and is actively working toward a career in the accounting field. Her long-term goal is to earn her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and contribute to organizations through thoughtful and accurate financial management.In addition to her academic pursuits, Avani enjoys staying active by playing sports such as badminton, and values spending quality time with her family and friends.
Natalie Bouchard, Intake Coordinator
Natalie joined OARC in October of 2024. She is a recent graduate of the University of Manitoba, where she earned an undergraduate degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Linguistics. During her studies, Natalie developed a strong interest in communication sciences and accessibility, which led her to pursue work that supports individuals with complex communication needs. Natalie is applying to graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology, with the goal of supporting children and adults with communication challenges. She’s passionate about creating inclusive spaces where everyone can be heard.
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Val Buisse, Speech-Language Pathologist
Val joined the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) in 2007 and has played a key role in the organization’s growth and evolution—from its early days as a lending library to its current focus on long-term AAC systems for individuals. With years of experience in the field, Val brings a deep understanding of communication needs and solutions.Fluent in both English and French, she has developed particular expertise in supporting bilingual and multilingual communicators. Val enjoys customizing communication devices to reflect the unique language profiles of each user, ensuring their voices are heard in all the languages that matter most to them.
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Leanne Sinclair, Assistive Technology Specialist
Leanne brings over 15 years of experience in designing, implementing, and delivering training programs across a range of settings. Since joining the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) in 2018, she has been supporting families and educational teams with a focus on AAC and communication devices. In addition to her professional expertise, Leanne offers the invaluable perspective of being a parent to an AAC user, which enriches her approach to support and training.She specializes in practical, real-life AAC modeling, introducing AAC in preschool environments, and weaving literacy instruction into communication support. Leanne is also the voice behind much of OARC’s social media presence, helping to share resources, celebrate successes, and build awareness in the AAC community.
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Samantha Enns, Speech-Language Pathologist
Samantha (Sam) Enns is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist who joined our team in November 2022. She earned her Master of Clinical Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Western Ontario. Prior to joining our team, Sam worked as rural clinician in the Interlake gaining valuable experience in both the educational and healthcare settings as well as private practice. Throughout her career she has gained experience working with AAC users, their families and support teams in diverse environments, including homes, schools, daycares, preschools, nursery schools and community settings. Sam is passionate about empowering teams with the skills they need to help children develop authentic and autonomous communication. Beyond her work with children and their support teams, Sam is enthusiastic about developing and leading interactive presentations and workshops on a variety of AAC topics. In her free time, Sam teaches acting classes to children and youth.
Kimberlee Churchill, Speech-Language Pathologist
Kim joined OARC as a Speech-Language Pathologist in 2024. She received her Master of Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta and has over 20 years of experience supporting preschool and school-aged children in school and private practice settings. Her passion for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) developed early in her career, and she has continued to build expertise in this area through hands-on experience and ongoing professional development. She has supported students with a wide range of communication needs and enjoys collaborating closely with families, educators, and support teams. Kim has a fun and approachable style and builds strong connections with clients and team members alike. She’s excited to be part of the OARC team and to help make communication more accessible for everyone.
Alexa Kovacs, Occupational Therapist
Alexa received her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba and is joining the OARC team in August, 2025! She brings a strong background in school-based occupational therapy, with experience in assessment, intervention planning, staff coaching, and delivering professional development. She has supported students with a wide range of needs, including communication, sensory processing, self-regulation, attention, and motor skills. Known for her collaborative approach, Alexa has built strong relationships with students, families, school staff, and fellow clinicians.She is committed to continuing her learning in the area of AAC and is passionate about helping students find communication systems that reflect their strengths and support their participation across settings.
Our Board Of Directors
June 2024 - Present
Executive
Jennifer Barthel, President
Shellie Hatch, Past President
Trish Guimond, Vice President
Steven Peleck, Secretary/Treasurer
Board Members
Elizabeth Grauer
Shellie Hatch
Kristina Ostermann
Donna Passey
Dorian Phillips
Ashleen Scott
If you are interested in serving as a member of the Board of Directors, please contact us.
The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is dedicated to enriching the lives of Manitobans who have communication difficulties or who are non-speaking by providing access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
The Open Access Resource Centre acknowledges we are located upon Treaty #1 and the homeland of the Red River Metis Nation. We work in partnership with children, families and communities who reside on ancestral lands and traditional territories throughout Manitoba. We thank Mother Earth for life-sustaining waters. We understand all benefit from and take responsibility for these gifts.Open Access Resource Centre is committed to continued reflection and dialogue to ensure a place where everyone’s voice is heard.
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