Frequently Asked Questions

I offer a unique blend of elite clinical expertise and dedicated family advocacy that you won't find at a traditional clinic. When you work with me, you aren't just getting a therapist—you’re getting a partner.

• Doctoral-Level Expertise (SLPD & Orton-Gillingham): As one of the few doctorally-prepared SLPs in the Sioux Falls area, I provide the "gold standard" of evidence-based care. My Orton-Gillingham training ensures your child receives the most effective literacy and dyslexia treatment available today.

• Connection Over Compliance: I am a neurodiversity-affirming practitioner. I don't try to "fix" your child; I celebrate their unique strengths. My goal is to build genuine connection and confidence, ensuring your child feels safe and supported while they learn.

• A Fierce Advocate in Your Corner: You don't have to navigate the complex special education system alone. I bridge the gap between therapy and the classroom by reviewing IEPs, decoding school testing, and attending school meetings by your side to ensure your voice is heard.

• Therapy That Fits Your Life: Forget the stress of driving to a clinic. I provide personalized, one-on-one sessions in the comfort of your home, daycare, or community setting. I bring the highest quality care directly to you, fitting seamlessly into your family’s busy schedule.

I specialize in pediatric and adolescent support, partnering with families at every stage of their child’s development. Whether your child is just finding their voice or navigating the academic demands of high school, I provide tailored care for:

• Early Intervention (Infants & Toddlers): Supporting late talkers and those just beginning their communication journey.

• Preschool & Elementary: Building foundational speech, language, and social skills during the most critical years for development.

• School-Age & Teens: Specialized support for dyslexia, reading comprehension, and written expression to ensure academic success.

• Young Adults: Helping students transition out of the school system with the communication and self-advocacy skills they need for the future.

It is never 'too early' or 'too late' to seek support. If you have concerns about your child’s development, I am here to help you get answers quickly.

Yes, absolutely! In fact, I highly encourage it.

I believe that you are the most important person in your child’s development. Because I am a family-centered, neurodiversity-affirming practice, I want you to be an active partner in the therapy process.

When you join our sessions:

• You Gain Confidence: You’ll see exactly how I model language or literacy skills, so you feel empowered to use those same tools during your daily routines.

• Progress Happens Faster: When we work as a team, your child gets consistent support throughout the week—not just during our time together.

• You Stay Informed: You’ll never have to wonder what happened in a session. You’ll be right there to celebrate every "aha!" moment and small victory with your child.

My goal is to give you the knowledge and tools to support your child’s growth in the clinic, at home, and everywhere in between.

I believe therapy should fit your child’s life, not the other way around. To make expert care as accessible as possible, I provide flexible options across multiple settings and states.

Service Locations
Life in the Sioux Falls area is busy enough without adding another commute to your schedule. I bring expert therapy right to your door (or screen) through:

• In-Home (Sioux Falls Area): Your child is most comfortable in their own environment, making it easier for new skills to transfer directly into their daily routines.

• Daycare or Preschool: I can coordinate with your child's teachers to provide consistent support throughout their day.

• In the Community: We can meet in a setting that works best for your family’s specific needs.

• Virtual Therapy (Throughout SD & MN): I provide highly convenient telehealth services for families across all of South Dakota and Minnesota, bringing specialized 1:1 care to you regardless of your location.

Session Length & Scheduling
I am committed to a model that supports highly customized treatment planning and dedicated 1:1 quality care.

• Session Duration: Sessions typically run 30–45 minutes. This timeframe is carefully designed to maintain your child’s engagement and build confidence without overwhelming their (or your) schedule.

• Personalized Frequency: I work closely with you to determine the ideal frequency—whether weekly, bi-weekly, or otherwise—to ensure a plan that uniquely supports your child’s progress.

It depends on your specific insurance plan.

After we verify your insurance benefits for you, we will let you know exactly if a referral from your pediatrician is needed before we schedule the evaluation. We handle the verification process to keep things simple for you.

Yes, absolutely! In fact, many families find that private therapy is the perfect bridge to their child's school success.

I frequently work with children who are already receiving school-based services. Private therapy isn't meant to replace school support; it’s meant to enhance it.

The Benefits of Adding Private Support:

• One-on-One Attention: Unlike school services, which often happen in groups, my sessions are 100% focused on your child. This allows us to move at their pace and dive deeper into their specific goals.

• A Collaborative Partnership: I am always happy to communicate and collaborate with your child’s school team. When everyone is on the same page, your child sees more consistent progress.

• Advocacy & Support: Because I understand both the clinical and the educational side, I can help you navigate your child’s IEP or 504 plan, ensuring the goals at school align with the progress we are making in our sessions.

My goal is to be a part of your child’s total support system, ensuring they have every tool they need to thrive—both in the classroom and out.

I believe there is no 'right' way to think, learn, or communicate. All brains are wonderful, and I am here to support yours exactly as it is.

Being a neurodiversity-affirming practice means that I don't try to "fix" your child or make them fit into a specific mold. Instead, I focus on building a world where their unique way of communicating is respected and celebrated.

How I Put This Into Practice:

• Connection Over Compliance: I never force a child to "perform" for a reward. My sessions are play-based and child-led, focusing on building a genuine relationship where your child feels safe to express themselves.

• Honoring Strengths & Interests: I use your child’s natural interests and "special spins" to drive our sessions. If they love trains or dinosaurs, that’s exactly how we’ll learn!

• Respecting Sensory Needs: I understand that every child processes the world differently. I adapt my environment and my approach to meet your child’s specific sensory and comfort needs.

• Validating All Communication: Whether your child uses words, signs, pictures, or "scripts" from favorite movies, I treat every attempt to connect as meaningful and valuable.

My goal is to empower your child to be the most confident version of themselves—not to change who they are.

Yes! In fact, many children thrive with the interactive, one-on-one nature of virtual sessions.

I have seen firsthand that when technology is used correctly, it doesn't just match in-person therapy—it can actually enhance it. Research and my own clinical results in 2026 show that teletherapy achieves the same successful outcomes as traditional treatment for speech, language, and dyslexia.

Why Teletherapy with Me is Successful:

• Highly Engaging & Interactive: I use specialized, 2026-current digital tools and games that keep children motivated and focused on their goals.

• Comfort of Home: Many children feel more relaxed in their own environment, which leads to more natural communication and faster progress.

• Convenience for Busy Families: You get the same doctor-level expertise without the commute, making it easier to stay consistent with your child’s therapy schedule.

• Parent Coaching in Real-Time: Teletherapy allows me to "step into your world" and show you how to use the toys and books you already have at home to support your child’s growth.

I am committed to providing the same high standard of specialized care virtually as I do in person, ensuring your child makes significant progress from the comfort of your own home.

We are pleased to offer free speech, language, and literacy screenings!

These quick screenings help identify potential areas of concern and determine if a full evaluation or therapy might be beneficial for you or your child. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary appointment.