I help to reveal
the brilliance in children
who may be struggling with expressing themselves through language...and I support those who care for them too!
I help to reveal
the brilliance in children
who may be struggling with expressing themselves through language...and I support those who care for them too!
I inspire young children and their families to move from
frustration and overwhelm to ease and joy!
As a parent of a young child, you want to see your little one shine and express themselves fully in whatever way that may be. An essential part of their development is learning language, verbal and non-verbal communication. However, of no fault of your own or your child's, that process can sometimes be challenging. If you have a child between 16 months and 36 months-of-age and you're noticing that they may not be talking as much as other children their age, you might be starting to feel some concern. Maybe you're wondering, "How much should they be talking by now?" or "Is there something else I can do to help my child talk?" Perhaps there's a worry in the back of your mind that you might be afraid to acknowledge, because acknowledging it makes your concern more real, that something different is going on here. I get it.
...and so…
As a speech-language pathologist and music therapist, I've been working with young children and parents for over 20 years. Being in the homes of the families I've worked with has given me the insight and experience to provide communication strategies that really work, things that can be carried over into your everyday routines, without giving you extra homework --because I know, with a little one around, there's already so much to tend to.
Maybe you're unsure right now of what to do. Perhaps you're not familiar with what's "typical" language development for the age of your child. (And that's ok, you're not expected to know everything.) If you'd like a better understanding of "how much they should be talking by now" or interested in learning some different avenues for support or next steps, please click below for a copy of my free e-book: Toddler not talking? The Ultimate Guide to Understanding What's Typical for Toddler Talk.
How I may help...
Services Offered
Online Course for Parents
This course is coming soon! The 2.0 version is: Helping Your Toddler Talk while Maintaining Your Peace, Practical Strategies for Everyday Routines. You will not only learn easy to implement practices to use with your little one, but you will have the opportunity to empower yourself as you support your child. The simple yet highly effective technique has been included in this course to help you maintain your calm confidence.
Speech-Language Therapy Consultations
If you would like to connect for a speech-language therapy consultation, please do not hesitate to contact me at: laurajmontesano@gmail.com. During our consultation call you will have the opportunity to share your concerns and/or ask questions and get some specific strategies for implementation into your daily routines, and next steps.
EFT/Tapping Support for Parents/Caregivers
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or "tapping" as it is also called, is a type of energy psychology that is simple to use and highly effective. Studies have proven that is lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone). Tapping can help a wide variety of issues, from worry/fear to weight loss and everything in between.
Group tapping sessions begin monthly, starting in January 2024. To get on the list, please don't hesitate, email: laurajmontesano@gmail.com.
Create a Life that you LOVE
This workshop is offered once/month to inspire people to live their best life. How so? Well, it's designed to help you identify and eliminate negative beliefs and emotional triggers that prevent you from achieving your goals and creating a fulfilling life.
Through a series of exercises, you will identify your true goals and belief systems, and learn how to manage and regulate your thinking and emotions in a powerful way.
The goal is for you to walk away with your next action steps towards creating a life you love, with authentic decisions in alignment with your purpose, and to do so while feeling less stressed and more fulfilled.
This workshop provides tools and resources to continue your growth and achieve their goals faster. It is a powerful step towards creating a life that you love, are you choosing to take that step?
Free Resources
3 Simple Strategies
Looking for some simple techniques that you can start implementing immediately into your everyday routines? Click below to learn some practical ways to support your sweet toddler's expressive language skills with a 9 minute mini workshop.
Children's Music Videos
Music is a natural reinforcer of language. Come explore some children's music videos to support language, speech sounds, social-emotional skills, and different concepts, including safety (such as the one above "Cars in the Street") . English & Spanish available for some songs.
Client Testimonials
Some kind words from clients
When Laura came into our family’s life, my son had recently been tested and described as having a global developmental delay (GDD) and his speech was one of the main indicators.
He was unable to verbally communicate his thoughts with understanding to most listeners, he deleted many sounds from both the beginning and/or ending of his words and it was negatively impacting his expressive language.
This was a very frustrating time for him and a challenge to witness as his mother, not having the tools to help him.
This all changed upon meeting Laura.
Laura is a true professional, a master speech-language pathologist and a pillar of knowledge and support!
My son instantly bonded with her and worked with her weekly.She accurately assessed his needs in a gentle yet comprehensive way, set attainable goals for him and approached each session with fresh lesson plans/art/toys/games/experiments.
Laura was so engaging and made each meeting fun while also intentionally and consistently helping him reach his learning objectives. Laura additionally presented concrete parent strategies to add into our weekly family routines to support our son’s growth between sessions.
She did all of this with grace, love and passion.
As a result of Laura’s unwavering support and guidance in his early years, our son is now 5 years old and is doing awesome!
He went into Pre-K last year and started Kindergarten this year at an age appropriate (if not higher) level!
I believe that Laura’s direct work with our son, as well as all of the extra coaching and support strategies she provided to us, is the reason he is flourishing today.
If anyone should find themselves in a position of needing speech therapy for their child, I cannot imagine anyone better than Laura.
We are forever grateful!
-Angie
My daughter was diagnosed with a language delay at 15months, it was scary and overwhelming for us being first time parents. We got connected with Laura shortly after my daughter's evaluation.
My family couldn't have found a better match, she was exactly what we needed in our lives.
Laura is wonderful with kids connecting with them using their interest and always considerate of the comfort level with every session and activity.
My daughter at the beginning of her journey with speech therapy was really shy and insecure with her language, after every session she started opening up and really engaging with Laura.
Throughout this time Laura was always so genuinely caring and patient, never forcing my daughter out of her comfort zone. My daughter's confidence improved and her skills within language grew through kind, nurturing, and consistent fun engaging activities. Every session was inclusive of something my daughter enjoyed. She always had a great time and looked forward to seeing Laura.
Laura was always really welcoming of my observations in my daughter's progress, giving me and my partner new skills to help ensure we could build a strong foundation of support at home.
She was always thorough answering my questions and educating me with the why and hows of every activity.
My daughter is now talking in full sentences and she is so much more confident in herself and her words.
We are so grateful and blessed to have crossed paths with Laura, she is a wonderful teacher and an even more amazing person. She gives her heart into her work and it shows. Any family would be lucky to have her be part of their village.
- Diana
Email: laurajmontesano@gmail.com
Site: lauramontesano.com