Let's Meet
I'm Colleen, An SLP
I am a New Jersey, New York and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist who has LOVED helping children learn to communicate for more than 12 years! In addition to private sessions, I have worked at top-level institutions including Boston College, University of Miami Mailman Center of Child Development, Westchester Institute for Human Development, and public schools in Texas and Connecticut. From these experiences, I gained specialized expertise in the treatment of many aspects of speech and language difficulties.
AAC & Assistive Technology
I am a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). I have conducted evaluations and treatment for individuals using both high and low tech AAC and assistive technology. I worked as an AAC specialist at the Boston College Campus School, and Westchester Institute for Human Development. I have also conducted workshops, lectured and served as a consultant at universities, private practices and local school districts.
Early Language Development
Prior to receiving my master’s degree, I worked as an early interventionist and ABA therapist. While working at the University of Miami, I served as a SLP under grants, projects and programs which focused on early language development including the university’s Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team. After giving birth to my son in 2015, I developed a curriculum and corresponding child & me classes (Wee Talk and Tot Talk) to help caregivers help their little ones improve their speech language and communication skills.
Speech Sound Disorders
I am well versed in a variety of treatment approaches for developmental speech sound disorders. I am PROMPT trained, and is experienced in Kaufman, and a variety of other treatment approaches. Additionally, I conducted an IRB approved research study on Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Later, I presented my findings at ASHA’s 2007 National Convention.
Autism/ Social Communication Disorders
I have a wide range of experiences working with children with social communication challenges. I have specialized training in interventions ranging from more strict behavioral approaches such as ABA, and verbal behavior, to more metacognitive linguistic approaches like Social Thinking. While working at the University of Miami, I helped write an online course module for medical resident physicians on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Professional Development
I have taken university-based jobs with mentors who were dedicated experts in the areas of autism, AAC, sensory development, hearing impairment, social skills and speech and language disorders. I received formal training on a wide range of programs including, ABA, PROMPT, Stretch What Matters Pediatric Yoga, Social Thinking, StoryGrammar Marker, and more. In addition to on the job and formal training, I co-founded a special education learning community from 2011-2013. AllSpecialED had an online forum of more than 1000 users and a Boston-based learning community that hosted learning opportunities with top Boston specialists in the areas of narrative language, sensory integration, and Social Thinking.
Family Life
I have two young children and a loving husband. I spends my time changing diapers, pondering toddler behavior (practicing 1,2,3 Magic), saying no (and yes) and playing firefighters.
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Communication
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Holistic
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Motivating
Therapy Services
I am experienced in providing high quality, evidence-based treatment for the following speech, language and communication difficulties/ diagnosis:
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Autism
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Childhood Apraxia of Speech
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Speech and Language delay
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Cerebral Palsy
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Speech and Language Impairment
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Hearing Impairment
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Fluency Disorders (stuttering)
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Social Communication Disorders
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Downs Syndrome
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Complex Communication Disorders
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Rhett Syndrome
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Angelman Syndrome
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Speech (Articulation and phonological Disorders)
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Voice Disorders
Evaluations
I provide in-depth speech, language, social skills, and AAC evaluations to diagnose speech language disorders and provide individualized recommendations to help children reach their full potential.
One-to-one
Therapy
I believe there is nothing more important than nurturing the growth of children's functional communication, academic and relationship skills in settings where they use these skills the most. That is why I provides rigorous therapy (expertly disguised in FUN!!!) in familiar settings such as home and school. By incorporating loved ones, caregivers, and educators as much as possible, I develop and employ highly individualized therapeutic programs that focus on the needs and hopes of the family.
Child/Baby & Me Classes
WEE TALK CLASSES: This baby & me class focuses on teaching caregivers how to use baby sign and increase speech and language skills within a fun, sensory, music, and literacy based class.
TOT TALK CLASSES: This toddler & me class focuses on helping both the child and caregiver increase the child's communication using edvidence based therapeutic speech and language elicitation strategies.
Is the foundation for all positive relationships and personal well-being.
Family-centered approach uniquely tailored to a child's needs and interests.
Rigorous therapy expertly disguised as fun!!
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Testimonials
“Colleen is an amazing speech pathologist and person! I searched high and low for a therapist who could plan and execute productive sessions with my son who has Apraxia. She has helped him make huge strides in his speech and communication over the past 8 months, by selecting appropriate targets for each session. Her knowledge of different therapy techniques has allowed her to create successful lessons week after week. As a mom and a fellow Speech Language Pathologist, I cannot recommend her enough!! “
Stacy Devins, M.S., CCC-SLP
"My two and a half year old son has been struggling with a severe speech delay. He had been in speech therapy for five months prior to working with Colleen, making very minimal progress. Within two months of starting therapy with Colleen, my husband and I noticed such a difference with our son’s speech. His ability to produce more sounds and approximations and his motivation to try harder to repeat words has greatly improved. We have also observed less meltdowns due to lack of communication skills, which has been an added bonus! Colleen is such an energetic and caring speech therapist who has gone above and beyond to connect with my son and tailor her sessions to his interests. He loves working with Colleen! I would highly recommend Colleen to anyone who is looking for a speech language pathologist for their child! "
Colleen W.
“We’ve been extremely pleased with our daughter’s progress. Colleen has worked miracles. In just a few months we’ve seen a phenomenal improvement in both the quality of our daughter’s speech and the quantity of words she can say. Colleen has a very thorough treatment plan and reviews our daughter’s progress regularly to pinpoint areas that need more concentration. As a parent, it is very calming to sit in on each sessions and see her good patience and love for working with our girl. Thank you Colleen!”
Yan L.
Workshops and Consultation Services
AAC Workshops
I have lectured and completed workshops at institutions including Boston College (Graduate level courses), and Jersey City Public Schools. I have presented on topics including: mobile AAC technology, low tech and high lech AAC, language systems, and core vocabulary. I am happy to work with institutions, districts, and centers to create individualized professional development that meets the needs of their team.
AAC Consultation Services
I love to collaborate with professionals and help solve their problems, quell technology and AAC fears, help motivate their teams to overcome anxiety regarding AAC, and help develop simple yet robust systems for helping their students achieve their academic and social potential!
Parent/Educator Workshops
I offer parent and teacher workshops and Q&A sessions on the topic of speech and language development. I am happy to work with groups to customized workshop topics to meet the needs of their participants.