Every child’s story unfolds in their own time. But sometimes, you might notice your child needs a little extra support finding their voice…
That’s where our journey together begins.
Chapter 1 - Stepping into Space
Every story starts with a first step…
Jen believes in a developmentally-comprehensive approach to speech and language therapy that begins when families arrive at her treatment space. She fosters autonomy in her clients from the first session by encouraging them to walk into the treatment space independently.
Chapter 2 - Learning through play
Children learn best through play, so all sessions take place on the floor with toys. There are no desks, tables, or worksheets, but instead children play with developmentally-appropriate toys and activities, including art and sensory play.
The treatment space is a screen-free zone because Jen seeks to counteract the pervasiveness of digital influence over children’s budding neurology. She even takes the batteries out of every toy so the child can take the lead in the soundscape.
Client families receive video messages through the Marco Polo app, where they learn homework strategies for carryover between sessions.
Jen’s two trained therapy dogs, Story and Ivy are always available for sessions, and provide tremendous motivation and reinforcement for hard work. They are particularly effective for calming children on the autism spectrum, and they love every single client, without exception.
Jen is an innovative therapist, and she champions unique opportunities such as field trips (when appropriate) or summer “speech buddies” sessions to practice the same sound during the summer. She hosts a massive and festive client party every December with over twenty volunteers to celebrate another year of progress in her clients’ lives.
After each session, children visit the treasure box for a small piece of candy, toy, or Pokemon card to reinforce their hard work and good attitude.
Chapter 3 - Guidance You Can Trust
As a mom of three wonderful and launched adult children, Jen’s personal experience informs her practice and has been the greatest education for her calling as a pediatric speech-language therapist. She guides both clients and the parents who love them from the developmental perspective gained from her vast experience and reflection.
Behavior challenges don’t intimidate Jen. As a seasoned professional, she has an extensive toolbox for behavior management, and can handle and ultimately eliminate tears and tantrums from therapy sessions, particularly during transitions. She is kind but firm, and children instantly understand she means business in the most loving way. Her expectations for behavior are conveyed and consistent routines maintained around toy selection and clean-up. Everyone wins, and therapy time focuses on communication skills, not managing behavior challenges. If you have any possible concerns about autism, please click here.
Jen’s approach is innovative, warm, gentle, engaging, and effective. After one session, children run to the door to begin therapy. Tears seldom occur around speech, but if they do, Jen handles the big emotions underlying them with compassion. And most tears are around sadness for leaving!
Chapter 4 - Growth Beyond the Session
Despite her tremendous affection for the children she serves, Jen is quick to reduce session length or frequency as soon as she believes it’s justified and supported by the home program. She doesn’t want to waste families’ resources, so she strongly encourages full participation in homework. However, parents do not attend sessions because in her three decades of experience this is not effective for the child, and hinders their growing independence.
Jen understands the integration of communication abilities, social skills, and cognitive development. With this holistic approach, Jen strengthens all three domains through curated activities that engage and challenge children at their growing edge. She seeks to understand the broader context of her clients’ development and the family and educational system behind them for more effective intervention. Jen loves collaborating with other professionals to dovetail treatment and achieve more comprehensive growth.
She also understands the necessity of social-emotional self-regulation for academic success. This begins in toddlerhood and has implications for an entire life. Jen also fosters cooperation, imagination, and problem-solving to strengthen tenacity and self-confidence.
Jen maintains strong connections with her clients and families, and often attends sporting events, school honors, and even graduation ceremonies! The bond she shares with her clients is perpetual, and she loves getting updates from graduates.