65 Newburyport Turnpike,
Newbury
MA 01951
A therapist for over 20 years, I believe in a family-centered, multi-sensory approach that focuses on the individual needs of the child and the family. This holistic approach encompasses the child’s sensory, cognitive, academic, language and social domains. Services are provided in a warm, fun and child-friendly environment. Focus of therapy includes parental and caregiver education to improve carryover and generalization of learned skills.
I work with children with a variety of speech and language needs including motor speech disorders (ie: Childhood Apraxia of Speech), articulation disorders, phonological disorders, dysarthria, receptive and expressive language disorders, Down’s syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, verbal and non-verbal learning disabilities as well as feeding/swallowing difficulties.
As a PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Motor Phonemic Targets) certified therapist, I specialize in helping children with Apraxia of Speech as well as other motor-based speech disorders. The PROMPT therapy technique is a dynamic approach that uses gentle tactile cues, in combination with visual and verbal cues, to guide the speech musculature in the production of functional sounds, words and phrases. These prompts are designed to help the child get a feel for the muscle movement required and how to combine movements to form words and phrases. The PROMPT method is a functional, interactive, language-based approach that is highly respected and sought after worldwide.
My office is conveniently located in Newbury, right over the bridge from Newburyport. The office is handicap accessible and there is free parking in front of the building for your convenience. The office has a comfortable waiting room where you and your family are welcome to relax.
A thorough speech and language assessment includes standardized testing as needed, developmental history and clinical observations. Evaluations will be completed over one or multiple sessions depending on your child’s needs. Together, we will review results and recommendations. You will also receive a comprehensive written report which will include goals, objectives and supplemental therapy strategies.
Therapy is play based and designed to engage the child so they become an active participant in the therapy process. Your child is made to feel at ease so they begin working on areas of concern in a stress free, comfortable environment. Therapy objectives are targeted as we engage in fun activities such as board games, art projects, music and computer games. Activities are kept simple and motivating so your child can focus their resources on improving their speech and language skills. Functional ideas are also provided so you can practice at home to improve generalization of learned skills.
Your child may be also be receiving other therapies, including speech and language, from school services and/or private therapists. Ongoing communication will be implemented between all members of your child’s team via communication notebooks, emails, phone calls and meetings to ensure coordination of care.
I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance and a minor in English. After working a few years in the finance industry I decided to pursue my career as a Speech Language Pathologist.
I attended California State University, Fullerton where I graduate Magna Cum Lada with a post baccalaureate and Masters of Arts in Communicative Disorders. Over the past 20 years I have continued to expand my clinical expertise working in a variety of diverse settings including hospitals, private clinics, early intervention and schools.
I opened my private clinic in 2010 in order to provide comprehensive speech and language services to children in the greater Boston area. In addition to my private practice I am part of the special education team at River Valley Charter School providing speech and language services to elementary and middle school children.
I continue to maintain my national certification through ASHA (American Speech Hearing Language Association) as well as my MA state licensure.
