Real families • Individual experiences

Small Steps Can Create Meaningful Change

Every child’s needs, pace and progress are unique. These family stories offer a glimpse of what thoughtful, individualized support can look like.

Talk With Shelley

Stories shared with care

In Their Own Words

Reflections from families Shelley has had the privilege to support.

Speech & language support

Working with Shelley has been a game changer for my son Lucas and our family. Shelley puts love and enthusiasm into her work. Her passion and knowledge in the field is remarkable. Shelley is a gap closer.

Now Lucas is closing up early gaps in his language development. Lucas is starting to read and is more successful at school. He is able to recall details, sequences, share his ideas with ease. He practices saying his girlfriend's name in the mirror and smiles. Before working with Shelley he was often not understood by his peers and even some adults since his articulation was off. Now his speech is beautiful and conversations are more interactive and expressive.

Shelley also has a special talent for connecting with kids. Her easy, positive and respectful presence is wonderful. Lucas can be rambunctious and easily distracted. Shelley keeps his attention by making all exercises in our speech session fun. Lucas and I love working with her. Our work has replaced my worries with tools and success.

Early language & verbal apraxia

What has been most effective for Marlowe in learning new speech and language skills is your patience, energy, and creativity. You have a calming sense about you that puts Marlowe at ease. You are patient with her, gently guiding her and giving her space to pave her own way. And I think you sense her varying moods and desires and you adjust your energy and lessons accordingly. Your creativity stands out most of all, as you have endless ideas of different ways, different angles, to help affect the progress you know Marlowe is capable of.

In those first few months under your guidance, though, she showed progress. It was a breakthrough to hear Marlowe's words developing - everyday words like "milk" or "Sara," her nanny, or "more" (without the use of sign language). Today, I have conversations with Marlowe about complex ideas and plans and although we continue to work on her articulation, it is pure joy to be able to talk with her and to see her engaging with other children.

You have been and continue to be instrumental in Marlowe's speech and language development. You are caring, considerate, incredibly thoughtful, nurturing and loving. Not only are you the consummate professional and a stellar human being, I also consider you a very dear friend. Thank you again so much for what you have done for Marlowe.

Confidence & communication

You have been so helpful and amazing in our lives this year. I appreciate your hard work with Quincy and me. Everyone has seen the difference in him and most importantly he has seen it in himself and has grown in confidence and now family and friends are continuously amazed, humored and touched by what he says to them. And as a mother I am so pleased when others see what I knew was there all the time.

What makes a helpful story

Progress in Context

The most useful stories help parents understand the experience, not just the result.

What the family first noticed
How Shelley listened to the child and parent
How support was individualized
What therapy or guidance looked like
What the family observed over time
How the child or parent felt more supported

A note about outcomes

Every child is different. Experiences and outcomes vary based on individual needs, circumstances, participation and many other factors. A family story is not a guarantee of results.

A reassuring first step

Your Questions Are a Good Place to Start

You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out. Share what you’re noticing, ask your questions and learn what support may be right for your child.

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