Your Questions, Answered

    • articulation therapy to improve production of speech sounds

    • language therapy to improve understanding and use of language. This can include following directions, answering questions, vocabulary knowledge, making inferences and predictions, and grammar.

    • phonics instruction using Orton Gillingham method. I have completed the Orton Gillingham Plus course for K-2.

    • social and play skills. This can include learning to play board/card games, understanding others’ perspectives, and problem solving.

  • Signs of a Speech Sound Disorder

    • Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (2–3 years)

    • Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (3–4 years)

    • Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)

    What Parents/Caregivers Can Do

    • Say the sounds correctly when you talk—and know that it is okay if your child makes some mistakes with sounds.

    • Avoid correcting your child’s speech sounds—it is more important to let your child keep talking.

    Signs of a Language Disorder

    • Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)

    • Does not babble (4–6 months)

    • Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like reaching (7–9 months)

    • Does not understand what others say (10 months – 2 years)

    • Says only a few words (19 months – 2 years)

    • Does not put words together to make sentences (19 months – 3 years)

    • Speaks using words that are not easily understood by others (3–4 years)

    • Has trouble with early reading skills, like pretending to read or finding the front of a book (4–5 years)

    What Parents/Caregivers Can Do

    • Listen and respond to your child.

    • Talk, read, and play with your child.

    • Talk with your child in the language you are most comfortable using.

    • Know that it is good to teach your child to speak a second language.

    • Talk about what you are doing and what your child is doing.

    • Use a lot of different words with your child.

    • Use longer sentences as your child gets older.

    • Have your child play with other children.

    Reference from ASHA at https://identifythesigns.org/signs-of-speech-and-language-disorders/

  • My focus is to create and maintain a fun learning environment. I feel that children learn best when they are laughing and playing. With this in mind, I pair work with games or other fun activities. This may happen while we are completing the work or as a reward at the end of the session - depending on the child’s needs.

    I also focus on giving each child their own voice. I start each session with time for them to share whatever they want about their week and what they remember from the previous session. I want to give everyone the empowerment to share their ideas and what they have learned to keep them involved and accountable for their own learning.

  • Service location is determined by child and family need. The following options are available:

    • my home office in my home located in the Sykesville/Eldersburg area.

    • meeting at a local place such as the library.

    • working at the child’s daycare or preschool - pending availability of space and permission from the facility.

    • coming to the child’s home if within the Sykesville or local community.

    • tele-therapy through Google Meet.

  • You can reach me anytime:

    I aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.