Guest Article, by Alyssa Campolito MS CCC-SLP
I want to start by thanking Rachel Ackerly and Cecily’s Closet for giving me the opportunity to introduce you to my business, Speech With Alyssa! I first met Rachel when I was Cecily’s Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor at PoVa Therapeutic Riding Center. Watching Cecily grow and progress over the years has been such a joy, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to know the Ackerlys!
Whether playing, teaching, interacting, or helping… in one form or another, working with children has been my life-long passion. Now that I’m grown up, that hasn’t changed!
As a Speech Language Pathologist, I still get to play, teach, interact with and help my clients every day. As a private practitioner, I am able to customize every session to meet your child where they are by combining relevant and motivating activities with evidence-based techniques and tools to foster communication development. This may include articulation instruction during a favorite game, implementation of an AAC device during everyday tasks, & targeted following directions during daily routines in your home or facilitating social interactions at the park & practice ordering a favorite meal out in the community.
Below is one story of many that highlights WHY I am so passionate about my work to help children strengthen their communication skills and find their voice.
*for privacy, the name of the child in the following story has been changed.
Jake is fiercely independent, has endless ideas & opinions and is infinitely curious about the world around him. But because he is wired to communicate in a different way, his thoughts turn into big emotions which come out in tears, physical outbursts and shouts. I decided to introduce Jake to a high-tech communication device with the hopes that by being able to express his wishes and therefore be better understood, it would ease his frustration and resulting explosive outbursts. Jake quickly grasped the concept and eagerly learned how to use it. When I first modeled how to ask for his desired toy, Jake imitated my actions, and was then immediately given his toy. The look of pure relief, gratitude and excitement on his face will forever be etched in my memory. With each week, Jake became more independent in expressing himself with this device and his frustration expressed through physical outbursts became more infrequent. The adults around him were excited at how much he had to say. The most memorable day was the day I got to share with Jake’s mother, her son’s voice. Jake put together three words “I want ball” and his mother shed tears of joy.
It fills my heart to contribute to these children’s journeys. I cherish every relationship and the opportunities they present where I can make differences for my clients and their families. Please call me if you would like to discuss the services I offer and how I may fit in as a part of your child’s team.
…because I believe we all have something to say!
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