Therapy Services

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Our skilled therapists work with a variety of communication disorders including:  speech/articulation disorders; apraxia; stuttering; phonological processing disorders; receptive/auditory processing and memory; receptive and expressive language; and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Carmen Rathert, M.S. CCC-SLP, COM® is a speech-language pathologist and certified orofacial myologist.  Amanda Litrell, M.S. CCC-SLP and Lauren O'Hare, M.S. CFY are speech-language pathologists on track for certification to become certified orofacial myologists. They work with children and adults with the following:  tongue- and lip-tie consults; infant suck re-training (including sucking pre- and post frenectomy); feeding/swallowing disorders; orofacial imbalance/weakness; bruxism; tongue thrust; open mouth posture and habit elimination.

The Pediatric Place uses a team approach when determining best treatment solutions for this population.  Megan Hilsabeck, M.S. CCC-SLP, Lauren O'Hare, M.S. CFY, Jami Volemeck, M.S. CCC-SLP are speech/language pathologists specially trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach to dyslexia.  Jeanni Kanzler, OTR/L, is specially trained in the MNRI method.  Our licensed counselor, Emily Stocking, is also available to address the emotional impact that dyslexia can have on the child.

Comprehensive gross motor evaluations lead to individualized and specific treatment plans for each child and their situation, including adaptive equipment when needed.  By improving range of motion, strength, flexibility and balance, we assist children in meeting developmental milestones or regaining lost skills after an injury.  We work closely with the family and other care providers to ensure the most complete plan of care is in place for each child.  Our goal is always to improve the lives of children by helping them achieve their highest potential in an environment surrounded by caring therapists and caregivers.

Our outstanding occupational therapists encourage development, independence, and reganilitation through the practice of everyday activities.  We consider the child's whole body and how it contributes to overall functioning, but you will commonly find OTs focusing in on fine motor skills, visual motor and perceptual skills, sensory processing, and self-care skills.  Our overall goal is to help kids participate independently right alongside their peers in any environment, regardless of their level of ability.

Play therapy utilizes play, children's natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words.  Play therapy can help individuals communicate, explore repressed thoughts and emotions, address unresolved trauma, and experience personal growth.  Play therapy is widely viewed as an important, effective, and developmentally appropriate mental health treatment.

Our therapists are trained in a variety of therapeutic feeding techniques designed to help children with feeding disorders.

Chatterbox Speech Therapy has purchased 4 Starling Word Counters.  Word counters can be checked out by patients and their families at any time.  Word counters are used to increase awareness of the number of words spoken to the child as well as a way to encourage families to read, play, and talk to their children every day!

This is a program is designed for children 4 years of age and older who suck thumbs, fingers, use pacifiers, bite finger nails, etc.  Carmen Rathert, M.S. CCC-SLP, COM®, is a certified orofacial myologist specially trained in working with children to eliminate these types of habits and regain a proper oral resting posture.

Using the Social Thinking curricula, our speech-language-pathologists teach children with social thinking challenges how to navigate through our complex social world.  Children are placed in groups of 2-3 with similar social abilities.

 “Rhythmic Movement Training is a movement based, primitive reflex integration program that uses developmental movements, gentle isometric pressure and self-awareness to rebuild the foundations necessary to help overcome learning, sensory, emotional and behavioral challenges.” 

 The Masgutova Method® is a comprehensive set of programs that focus on motor reflex and sensory system integration to promote function.  A reflex is an involuntary motor response to a stimuli.  When reflexes are not functioning correctly this can have a detrimental effect on development.  The Masgutova Method is effective to treat a variety of concerns including: attention, cognition, speech/language, motor movements, dyslexia, spatial awareness, executive functioning disorder, CP, autism, learning disabilities, PTSD and more.  The MNRI approach requires specialized, post graduate training. 

Fascial Movement Taping uses kinesiotape for the purpose of pain control, swelling management, improved muscle activation or deactivation and a multitude of other pediatric concerns.  Using the concept of movement therapy enhanced by Rock Tape, the tape works to promote function during activities.  Therapists are certified in functional movement techniques through post graduate training.  Our speech-language pathologists may use taping methods for facial muscles as well.

 Child’s Play Therapy is excited to now offer aquatic physical therapy! Why might aquatic physical therapy be right for your child? 

Here are a few benefits:

Water provides more support for our kiddos, making it easier for them to balance compared to on land.
Water decreases the effects of gravity, making it easier to move and walk compared to on land.
Water resists movement, helping the kiddos to get stronger and build coordination through slower and better controlled movements.
We receive constant pressure when in the water, helping to build body awareness and provide sensory input.

 If you have questions or concerns about the way your infant is breast- or bottle-feeding , our speech-language pathologists are trained in infant and toddler feeding and are available to assist in identifying correct/incorrect latch, ideal positioning, identifying tension patterns in the cheeks, lips, neck, assessment of lip and tongue ties, etc.

Please contact us to schedule a feeding evaluation today.