What is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders. Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) assess speech, language, cognitive-communication, and oral/feeding/swallowing skills in a child.  They can identify various types of communication problems (articulation; fluency; resonance; voice; receptive and expressive language disorders, etc.) as well.  Once an assessment is done, our SLPs will work with parents and care team to determine the best course of action for the child and ensure it is personalized to that child's need.  

Most services are provided at our Ottawa location however we do have some limited availability to provide services in homes.

Benefits of Speech Therapy.

• Improved Communication Skills: Speech therapy helps individuals enhance their ability to articulate sounds clearly, construct coherent sentences, and comprehend spoken language effectively.
• Boosted Self-Esteem: When individuals are more proficient in their communication abilities, their confidence in social, academic, and professional settings increases. This encourages participation in conversations and activities without fear of misunderstanding or judgement.
• Enhanced Social Skills: Speech therapy improves social interactions by teaching individuals how to engage in conversations, understand social cues, and develop appropriate responses.
• Support for Various Disorders: Speech therapy addresses a wide range of speech and language disorders, including articulation disorders, fluency disorders, and voice disorders. 
• Improved Quality of Life: Speech therapy overall can significantly enhance an individual's quality of life by enabling them to communicate their thoughts, needs, and feelings more effectively. This leads to better relationships and a greater sense of independence.

Inquire about Speech Therapy

Our Therapists

Emma Eisert, SLP

Emma started at SRRC as a daycare floating teacher and an assistant in the toddler class, alongside Kelly, while she was completing her undergraduate degree in Communication Science Disorders. Emma went on to obtain her Masters in Communication Science Disorders from Illinois State University. Emma then became a licensed Early Intervention and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist in 2019 and started working in the therapy department.

Maria Mignone, SLP

Maria is a passionate and experienced Speech-Language Pathologist with a strong focus on early intervention. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology from Northern Illinois University in 2006, followed by a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Illinois University in 2008. Since 2011, Maria has been working as an early intervention specialist at SRRC, providing speech and language therapy in home settings.
Her work primarily centers on supporting toddlers and their families, helping to foster verbal communication through engaging and playful strategies. Maria is especially dedicated to enhancing verbal imitation skills in young children, using the Teach Me to Talk curriculum by Laura Mize. Through this evidence-based approach, she aims to create a positive and supportive environment that encourages language development and fosters meaningful communication.
​Maria is truly passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and their families, and she strives to continually grow in her profession to better meet their needs.

Sarah Baker, SLP

Sarah has been working with SRRC since 2015. She attended Augustana College and obtained a Bachelors in Communication Science and Disorders. She then went on to the University of Wisconsin-Steven Point and earned a Masters in Communication Disorders. Sarah is passionate about working with children. She places a lot of emphasis on children learning through play in her therapy sessions. Aside from helping children learn how to talk or improve their talking skills, Sarah enjoys working with children struggling to feed and will work with many different tools to help children obtain their feeding goals.