Helping Children Express, Heal, and Learn

The Foundation Station is a welcoming, child-focused therapy and learning centre in Courtice, Ontario. Founded by former teacher turned child therapist Sarah Graham, the centre specializes in creative therapies—like play, art, and movement—that help children and youth express themselves when words aren’t enough.

The Foundation Station also offers literacy intervention and speech and language services for children who struggle with reading, writing, or learning in traditional classroom settings. Every service is designed to meet kids where they are and support their emotional and educational growth.

Services include:

• Play Therapy
• Walk & Talk Therapy
• Talk Therapy
• Literacy Intervention
• Speech and Language Services

After 12 years in the classroom, Sarah saw firsthand how many children needed more support than the education system could provide. She became a child therapist to fill that gap and launched The Foundation Station to offer a safe, creative space where kids could thrive emotionally and academically.

How BACD Helped

Sarah joined the Starter Company Plus program (funded by MEDJCT) at BACD to strengthen her business skills. While she was confident in her ability to support children, she needed help with the business side of things.

Through BACD, she gained:

• Budgeting and expense tracking tools
• Marketing and advertising strategies
• Tax and incorporation guidance
• Networking opportunities
• Encouragement and mentorship

The program gave her the confidence and clarity to run her business more effectively and understand her financials month to month.

Business Growth

The Foundation Station has grown into a collaborative team of four professionals, including three independent contractors and a remote speech-language pathologist. Hiring additional therapists and teachers has allowed Sarah to step back from day-to-day sessions and focus on growing the business.

Sarah’s most effective marketing strategies include:

• A consistent and engaging Instagram presence with photos and videos
• Business signage that increases local visibility
• Postcards to spread the word in the community

Sarah’s Advice to New Entrepreneurs

“Apply for the Starter Company Plus program early—it’s a game changer. And surround yourself with like-minded people. A strong support network makes all the difference.”