Our Mission
Raise awareness, to provide resources, and to recommend options for selective mutism related topics. Provide a common ground where people with SM from all over the world can network and support one another. Foster and generate resources for clinical and research funding opportunities
About Selective Mutism
Selective Mutism (SM) is best described as a phobia of being heard or seen speaking. People with SM are able to speak perfectly with individuals that they are comfortable, but are often unable to speak normally in other social settings.
Support SMF
If you’re interested in supporting the Selective Mutism Foundation, please use the link above to donate now. This will help us in our mission to save children one voice at a time. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Selective Mutism is
an under-researched,
little known childhood disorder.
SMF originated from a family in which all three children suffered from selective mutism. Due to a lack of awareness, no one was able to help these children while mother Poling Bork was desperately and helplessly watching her children suffer in silence. With a sheer determination and a strong impulse to find a resolution, she embarked on a long, daunting, yet rewarding journey which resulted in the acquisition of the necessary knowledge to help her children overcome selective mutism.
What we do
SM Workshops | Fundraising Events | SM Reseach
Achievements
- Helped many children regain their voices
- Provided parents with selective mutism related parenting strategies
- Lead and conducted research and studies on selective mutism
- Provided specific pedagogical approaches for educators who work with children with selective mutism
- Provided sound advice to professionals including Speech Language Pathologist and pediatricians on how to best address selective mutism
Board Directors
Due to a lack of awareness, no one was able to help her children who could speak fluent English, German and Mandarin at home yet unable to communicate in social situations. Mother Poling Bork was desperate while helplessly watching her children suffered in silence. With a sheer determination and a strong impulse to find a resolution, Poling embarked on a long, daunting yet rewarding journey which resulted in the acquisition of the necessary knowledge to help her children overcome SM. Today, not only Dr. Bork's children are autonomous speakers, she has also:
- Helped many children regain their voices
- Provided parents with selective mutism related parenting strategies
- Lead and conducted research and studies on selective mutism
- Provided specific pedagogical approaches for educators who work with children with selective mutism
- Provided sound advice to professionals including Speech Language Pathologist and paediatricians on how to best address selective mutism
Dr. Sheila Bennett is the Associate Dean of Professional and Undergraduate Programs Faculty of Education at Brock University. She has presented nationally and abroad, and has authored and coedited numerous books, chapters, monographs and articles including; Special Education in Ontario Schools; Community Living Ontario’s Community Inclusion Initiative Report on the Delivery of Education Services for Students Who Have an Intellectual Disability in the Province of Ontario; Including students with exceptionalities and, A Canadian Perspective on the Inclusion of Students with Intellectual Disabilities in High Schools.
Her research centres on inclusion for students with diverse needs. Upon completion of her graduate work at the University of Toronto, Dr. Bennett held a number of school and school board based positions prior to joining the Faculty of Education at Brock. She brings her practical experiences as an educator to the field of research, providing a blend of theory and practice essential to bridge the gap between what we do in classrooms and how we understand those actions in the larger context.
Over 10 years of progressive accounting experience with many of those years specializing in the Not for Profit and Registered Charity environment.
A proud member with a Chartered Professional Accountants and Certified General Accountants designation (CPA, CGA) with an Bachelor of Business Administration degree (BBA) from Brock University.
Passionate about accounting related issues and telling the story behind the numbers. Experienced at leading external audits to completion with appropriate follow-up to the Board of Directors. April enjoys digging into the details and presenting solutions to everyday business situations.
Location
St. Catharines
1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way
St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1