A unique approach to speech pathology!

I recently opened a private practice for speech pathology in Weymouth Landing.  After working in the public school system for 4 years as a speech pathologist and tutoring children after school in reading, I needed a change.  I absolutely loved my job but I had bigger dreams. 

I have always loved animals. When I was in graduate school, I wanted a pet so badly but I didn’t have enough time for a dog and I am allergic to cats, so I decided to get a guinea pig. I spent more time loving my new pet that my friends and family often teased me.  I didn’t mind, I loved my guinea pig.  He was even albino (all white with red eyes!)

When I got my first “real job”, the guinea pig came with me.  He wasn’t a “class pet”- I would never leave him overnight alone!  But my pig often made visits to work with me and soon the whole elementary school knew about my guinea pig. 

I did class lessons with him; I incorporated him into lessons with my individual and small group sessions and giving him a treat after a lesson was a sure way to get a child to attend for a session!  I was even asked to be the keynote speaker at the 1^st grade animal research project.  My piggy, to say the least, was a huge motivator for the children.

I had a thought- why hasn’t anyone done this before?  Why isn’t there a place where you can get the services you need (speech, occupational, physical therapy or reading) with the assistance of an animal?  Well, I did my research and I found a few! Unfortunately, none were around the Boston area. I knew this was what I wanted to do. 

Last spring I took the course, Animal Assisted Therapy Applications 1 and I had had my rescue dog certified as a therapy dog.  Fast forward to today- I recently open a private practice in speech pathology where I specialize in Animal Assisted Therapy.  This is a service that is offered, not required.  Traditional speech therapy is available as well as structured approaches to teaching reading.  The animals, at your request, can be incorporated into any therapy session.  They can also be admired from afar or left at home to snooze the day away if your child does not like animals. 

I am excited about this new endeavor and I look forward to blogging about my experiences as a new business owner in a field that I absolutely love! 

Please visit our website for more information at www.thespeechcircle.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Speech-Circle/180973495312495.