Bio:

I began my journey with CFS as an undergraduate intern in 2016. After only taking one introductory course in college, I was given the opportunity to receive mentorship from senior therapists in the practice before I really even grasped what it really meant to be a speech-language pathologist. My clinical philosophy has been heavily influenced by my early experiences at CFS, and for years I looked forward to being able to continue to grow my competencies and scope of practice post-graduation in the specialty of pediatric feeding and swallowing. I was lucky enough to find myself back at CFS at the end of my college career as a medical student, and was able to further develop my clinical skills while also discovering I have a knack for forming personal connections with my patients to be able to target speech, language, and feeding goals collaboratively alongside the patient through child-led and play-based treatment. Additionally, as part of a clinic specializing in both feeding and communication skills utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, I make sure to look at each patient through a multifaceted lense to be able to see the whole picture rather than just simply a singular diagnosis. I am so happy to be able to call CFS my permanent home now, and I am looking forward to being able to continue to pursue my passion at the place where it all began. 

 

Treatment Philosophy:

I believe it is critical to work with our patients and their families to foster a relationship through mutual trust and the joy of interacting with each other. Forming a connection to each individual patient is the first step of all my clinical practices, and then subsequently following their cues to know how to reach that "just right challenge," guiding them to be able to persist through difficult tasks, and supporting them on their journey of reaching their goals and milestones. Whether we are working on feeding or communication skills, I prioritize following your child’s lead and knowing what brings them joy to allow me to challenge them to move up the developmental ladder in a fun and motivating way.  

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Favorite Quote:

“Showing up, being present in the moment, and helping someone feel safe, seen, and soothed, that's my North star. That is always the answer." -Tina Payne Bryson

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Certifications and Specialty Training:​

• DIRFloortime 101

• Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention 

• Kaufman Methods for Evaluation and Treatment of Children with Apraxia 

• Prevention of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in the 0-3 Population

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What our families have to say about working with Stefanie...

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