Initial evaluation is approached holistically and is comprised of a thorough history, taken via the questionnaire and in person discussion, as well as one on one informal assessment with your child. Unless a disorder or delay has already been identified, the initial assessment can determine whether therapy is needed.

Support for speech and language disorders is based on connection, language-enriched play, following the child’s lead as much as possible. Therapy is typically screen free (aside from AT/AAC). Rewards for a desired skill are my undivided attention and encouragement in order to encourage intrinsic motivation. I have training in DIR Floortime, which informs my practice. Speech and language goals are targeted with evidenced based approaches such as modeling, auditory bombardment, and errorless learning. Social skills are addressed through turn taking, joint attention, and reading social cues. Progress is monitored and goals are met, adapted, and added along the way.

Gentle guidance will be provided to recommend any appropriate changes to the parent’s approach toward their child’s communication. So much of parenting is how we model communication and how we listen and respond to our children. Practical advice is informed by my professional expertise and my own experience in the trenches parenting young children.

Why meet outside? Being outdoors promotes overall well-being for the child, you as the parent or caregiver, and me as the therapist. It also allows the child to move around freely, to explore, and to wonder. Nature offers opportunities for vocabulary, descriptive language, narrative skills and story telling, sequencing, inferencing, sensory engagement (colors, shapes, sizes, textures, smells, patterns), counting, curiosity, and learning of foundational concepts (seasons, time, weather, life-cycles).

Speech and language treatment, in and of itself, supports literacy. Additionally, therapy sessions may include read alouds, sensory approaches to encourage print awareness, building narrative skills, and caregiver guidance. I am passionate about children’s books and the benefits of reading aloud to your child, which go far beyond literacy to include strengthening your bond and social-emotional learning.

Phone consultation or initial evaluation determines need for treatment, as stuttering can be developmentally appropriate for children under 5. Holistic treatment involves counseling, caregiver coaching, environmental modifications, as well as training in strategies to improve fluency. Please follow this link for instructions to submit a language sample.

Baby signs can greatly facilitate communication while a child is developing verbal speech and language. Sign language is a language. It may encourage verbal speech and language and support early cognitive, pre-literacy, and social skills. Signing can be adapted to meet your needs and even a few signs can make a big difference. It’s also really fun to learn!

Especially for younger ages, screen time can negatively impact development of speech, language, and cognition according to the AAP. We can discuss whether your child may benefit from a reduction in screen time and why, keeping in mind that screens can be used as a, effective communication tool. Practical, real life strategies will be provided. This coaching is offered in conjunction with speech and language therapy to support our goals.

Simple, evidenced-based mindfulness practices can be implemented within our sessions for emotional regulation in order to work through communication break-downs, to encourage focused attention, and to complement traditional therapy methods.

Personalized visuals aids can be created using your own photos to support our goals and for your unique needs. Visual aids can be helpful to clarify routines and improve narrative skills. A customizable PDF is created by myself using Canva. The template is then delivered to you by email for further customization and additional of photos (which I am unable to add due to privacy requirements). If helpful, I can laminate the document once it is finalized and printed. This involves an additional fee, typically $25 per page.