School Age Kids

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After you submit the contact form or schedule a consultation, we will discuss your child’s communication history, current concerns, and goals. If appropriate, we will schedule a comprehensive evaluation to better understand your child’s speech, language, and learning profile. From there we develop an individualized therapy plan.

I commonly work with children who:

• Stutter
• Have persistent articulation challenges
• Struggle with language skills such as vocabulary, comprehension, or expression
• Need support with reading or spelling 

Yes. While older children participate more independently, family involvement remains important. Caregivers are included in goal setting, progress discussions, and strategies that support communication at home and school.

Therapy is individualized based on each child’s needs and goals. Training and approaches include:

• Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering®
• Strength-based and solution-focused therapy approaches
• Language and literacy intervention approaches informed by:
  • Barton Reading and Spelling System
  • Orton–Gillingham
  • SPELL-Links

The Talking Place is a neurodiversity-affirming practice.
 

The goal is to support confident communication and academic participation.

Yes. Speech-language pathologists often address language skills that support reading and writing. Difficulties with vocabulary, phonological awareness, and language processing can affect literacy development.

That situation is more common than many families realize. Sometimes a different therapeutic approach, additional assessment, or addressing overlapping areas (such as language or literacy) can help unlock progress.

Yes. Children who stutter or have communication challenges may avoid raising their hand, reading aloud, or participating in discussions. Therapy can help build confidence and support participation in school activities.

We are currently in-network with HealthPartners, MinnesotaCare, and some Cigna plans. Insurance coverage varies by plan, and we recommend confirming benefits with your insurer. Private pay options are also available.

I am a licensed speech-language pathologist with extensive specialized training in stuttering, speech sound disorders, language development, and literacy. I am also a Certified Fearless Living Coach and a current candidate for board certification as a specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders.