Hi! I’m Tanya.
I’m a Massachusetts and ASHA certified Speech Language Pathologist and Massachusetts licensed Reading Specialist with certification from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist. I graduated with a Master’s of Science from the University of New Hampshire with a concentration in early childhood and a certificate of advanced graduate study in language and literacy from Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute of Health Professions. At UNH I completed my Master’s thesis work on language input provided to babies and toddlers and have more recently completed advanced coursework in Natural Language Acquisition and Gestalt Language Processing. I love working with children of all ages, but specialize in treating articulation, receptive/expressive language, reading and writing, social communication, and executive functioning. Throughout my professional experiences I have worked in the school, hospital, and private practice settings where I have treated children from birth through college age with a variety of diagnoses and communication needs.
As a Speech Language Pathologist and Reading Specialist who believes in child-led learning using a strengths based approach, my philosophy is rooted in prioritizing a supportive and nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, experiment, and engage in meaningful communication experiences. I recognize that each child has their own strengths, challenges, and learning styles, and tailor my approach to meet their individual needs and interests.
Central to my philosophy is the understanding that communication is more than just the mastery of speech sounds or language rules; it is about connecting with others, expressing emotions, and sharing ideas. I embrace a holistic approach to my work that encompasses not only speech and language skills but also social communication, academic development, and emotional literacy. I always presume competence, respect a client’s body autonomy, and value emotional relation over compliance.
I believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged and motivated by their own interests and experiences. By following the child's lead and focusing on relationship-centered care, I encourage my client’s to communicate authentically, using their own words, gestures, and creativity. Whether it's through play-based activities, storytelling, or collaborative projects, I provide opportunities for children to practice their communication skills in meaningful and enjoyable ways.
In addition, I recognize the importance of collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved in the child's life. By empowering families with knowledge, support, and resources, I aim to create a collaborative partnership where everyone works together to support the child's development.
I strive to foster confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in every child I work with. By honoring their unique abilities and guiding them on their communication journey, I aim to help each child reach their full potential and thrive in their relationships and everyday interactions.
Mom-Owned
As a Speech Language Pathologist who is also a mom, my approach is deeply informed by both personal and professional experiences. Being a parent gives me a unique insight into the joys and challenges of communication development from infancy through childhood. I understand firsthand the importance of effective communication in building strong bonds and supporting a child's overall well-being. This dual perspective allows me to empathize with parents and caregivers, offering practical strategies and support tailored to their family dynamics. Moreover, my experiences as a mom enhance my ability to connect with children on a personal level, creating a warm and nurturing environment where they feel understood and valued.
Small Business
As a small business with sole proprietorship, I offer a personalized approach that provides flexibility and focuses on building strong relationships with clients and their families. Unlike larger institutions, my office is intimate and inviting where all of your needs are met and directed by the practice owner. With a focus on quality over quantity, I offer a holistic approach to therapy, where your child will receive individualized attention addressing not only speech, language, and literacy goals but also considering their overall well-being and continued progress to become their best self.
Speech & Language & Literacy
As a Speech Language Pathologist who is also a Reading Specialist, I bring a unique blend of expertise to my practice. My background in speech therapy equips me with a deep understanding of language development, phonological awareness, and literacy acquisition. Additionally, my specialization in reading allows me to provide targeted interventions for children who struggle with reading fluency, comprehension, and decoding skills. I approach each child holistically, considering not only their speech and language abilities but also their literacy needs and strengths. This dual perspective enables me to tailor interventions that address the underlying speech and language factors impacting reading success and vice versa. Whether I'm working with articulation difficulties affecting phonemic awareness or language comprehension issues impacting reading comprehension, I employ evidence-based strategies to support each child's unique learning journey.
As a fully licensed Speech Language Pathologist and Reading Specialist at both the state and board levels I pride myself in my commitment to continuing education to stay updated on the latest research, advancements, and best practices in the field to ensure high-quality care and interventions to my clients.
Engaging in life-long learning opportunities has allowed me to expand my skills set, specialize in niche areas, and remain adaptable to addressing the diverse needs of the clients in my practice.
As with my philosophy at large, choosing the “right” program is not always straightforward and I believe most children can benefit from mixing and matching with different methodologies to find that perfect zone of proximal development. To support this I have spent valuable time developing my skills and being trained in some of the leading programs within the country, including: Story Grammar Marker (Mindwing Concepts), Visualizing & Verbalizing (Lindamood Bell), Brain Frames (Bonnie Singer), Framing Your Thoughts (Victoria Greene), The Writing Revolution (Judith Hochman), Lively Letters (Nancy Telian), Gestalt Language Processing (Alexandria Zachos and Marge Blanc), and Structured Literacy.
As part of my commitment to continued development I have also received American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Award for Continuing Education (ACE) multiple years in a row, and have been recognized for making “a concerted, personal effort to continue professional learning beyond an academic degree.”
“Tanya has been amazing in her work with our son. She was thorough in understanding him and our goals at the beginning, and had great advice in terms of additional goals. She built a great relationship with our son starting from the very first session. She always follows his interests and leads, and expands from there to guide him and build up conversational and social skills. She also negotiates with him in a gentle and respectful way to add new topics or activities outside of his immediate comfort zone. He always looks forward to the special time with her every week!”
—Lina
Creating Communicators is currently accepting new patients in-person in Waltham, MA or through telehealth.
Schedule a free consultation today.