What makes us different?

Debbie has a unique background in both learning disabilities and speech-language pathology. 

For several years, I taught children with learning disabilities and found that many of these children had underlying language difficulties.  I felt that I needed to learn about speech and language development in order to better serve my students. 

Many children have both learning difficulties and speech/language difficulties.  I can help diagnose and remediate underlying issues (e.g., word retrieval difficulties) as well as treat the symptoms (e.g., difficulty explaining things and poor writing composition).

Debbie travels to you.

I feel that children and their families often learn best in a familiar environment.  I find that I get to see more of a child’s personality when he/she is comfortable.  Traveling to the home also allows me to make recommendations to families that are practical and functional. 

Debbie offers a free 30-minute consultation.

I think that it’s so important for children to be self-motivated to learn.  Not only does this help “speed up” progress, it also allows the child to hold onto this progress for life!  A good relationship with a therapist/teacher can really help your child’s motivation.

This is why I offer a free 30-minute consultation.  It’s a great opportunity to get a sense of whether or not we “click.”  It also give you a chance to talk about concerns and questions that you might have.  After we meet, there is absolutely no obligation to continue with services. 

Debbie has had experience working in schools, hospitals, private clinics, and early intervention.

Schools, hospitals, private clinics, and early intervention have such different priorities.  All of them legitimate, of course, but it can be confusing for you.  You may be dealing with all of these entities and may feel pulled in different directions.  Having worked in these environments, I can help you tease apart your questions and help you make clear decisions about therapy. 

Debbie firmly believes in individualized instruction.

I have great concerns about a therapist who is more committed to a program than to his/her student.  I believe in customizing instruction to your child and to your family’s lifestyle and goals.  

Popular therapy methods and tools will go in and out of fashion.  The key is to find what’s best for your child and your family.  That may look like a mixture of many different teaching methods and tools.