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Call us today! 732-639-1551
Speech-Language & Occupational Therapy
Our Mission
Little Birds Pediatric Therapy was founded to address the developmental needs of children in our surrounding areas. Speech therapy addresses all areas of communication, allowing children to develop relationships and improve skills that support all aspects of literacy. Occupational therapy addresses a wide range of skills that support a child's ability to play, write, and improve independence in activities of daily living. Through play and evidence-based therapeutic techniques, we can help your child grow to reach his or her full potential.
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We believe all children, regardless of their level of ability, should be given the opportunity to grow and develop with the support of knowledgable, caring adults. Our treating therapists are highly qualified to address all areas of developmental disorders and do so in a fun, low pressure environment. We are committed to our own professional growth and attend trainings and courses that allow us to offer the best speech-language and occupational therapy possible. We look forward to working with you and your child to improve your child's quality of life by supporting developemental skills that will allow him/her to "take flight"! Call us today to set up an evaluation!
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MEET OUR TEAM
ASHLEY COLLINS, M.A., CCC-SLP
Ashley is the owner and lead speech-language pathologist at Little Birds Speech Therapy. Ashley graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and minor concentration in Fine Arts in 2007. In 2012, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. Ashley found her passion in speech, as it married her interests in the health sciences with verbal and written communication. Ashley has worked in public schools and private practice settings. She has clinical experience in providing speech-language therapy to children with various communication needs, including those associated with: language/learning disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, pragmatic language disorder, stuttering, ADHD, Verbal Apraxia, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injury, and more.
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Ashley is fully certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, the NJ State Board of Consumer Affairs, and the NJ Department of Education. She is a PROMPT Level 2 trained therapist. With her energetic and holistic approach to therapy, she is sure to make a positive difference in your child's life. ​
Pamela Menear, Office Manager
Pam has been supporting Little Birds Pediatric Therapy operations since summer of 2022. Pam ensures patient experience is smooth during our onboarding process and then continues to uphold our practice policies and procedures for therapists and established patients as well. Pam coordinates insurance, communicating with physician offices, HR departments, and more, to make every effort to ensure the best possible insurance coverage for our patients' care. Pam also handles scheduling and claim submission.
Mary Margaret Kurta, M.A., CCC-SLP
Mary-Margaret graduated from Douglass College, Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Correction in 1985. In 2011, she graduated from Kean University with a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology. She has worked in public schools, specialized schools and has provided in-home services. Mary-Margaret has clinical experience in providing speech language therapy to children with a variety of communication needs including those associated with nonverbal communication, feeding, hearing impairments, cochlear implants, stuttering, language/learning disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, pragmatic language disorder, Down Syndrome and Verbal Apraxia.
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Mary-Margaret is fully certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and the NJ State Board of Consumer Affairs.
Natalie Soto, M.A., CCC-SLP
Natalie graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and Japanese Language and Literature. In 2001, she graduated from Montclair State University with a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology. She has worked in public schools, specialized private schools and at a children’s hospital. Natalie has clinical experience in providing speech language therapy to children with diverse communication needs. She is skilled in treating children who present with language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, pragmatic language disorder, Down Syndrome and other global developmental delays. Natalie is also proficient in training and implementation of augmentative and alternative communication devices.
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Natalie is fully certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and the NJ State Board of Consumer Affairs.
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Kristen Kerrigan, M.S. Ed, CCC-SLP
Kristen graduated from Montclair State University with her Bachelors in Family Science Human Development in 2020. In 2022, she graduated from Monmouth University with her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She has clinical experience providing speech-language therapy to children and adults with various communication needs, which include: Cerebral Palsy, articulation/phonological disorders, language disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Downs Syndrome, ADHD, fluency, TBI, aphasia, and more. Kristen is passionate about working with the pediatric population, and she enjoys creating a fun and positive environment for the child to learn and grow. She believes that building rapport with her clients and their families is a team effort and the key to successful and functional communication.
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Brenda Puskas, M.A., CCC-SLP
Brenda graduated from Rutgers College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor concentration in Sociology in 1995. In 1999, she graduated with a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Montclair State University. Brenda’s personal life experiences drove her passion into this amazing field. She is convinced she has the best job in the world! Brenda has worked in private and
public schools, private practices, and inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. She has clinical experience in providing speech-language therapy to children with various communication needs, including those associated with: language/learning disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, pragmatic language disorder, stuttering, ADHD, Verbal Apraxia, Voice Disorder and more.
Brenda is fully certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, the NJ State Board of Consumer Affairs, and the NJ Department of Education. Brenda develops individualized therapy programs that include home programs and caregiver education to help each of her clients reach their overall communication potential. She works hard to establish a strong connection with each and every client.
Kaitlyn Terlecky, M.S., CCC-SLP
Kaitlyn graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders in 2009. In 2011, she graduated from Seton Hall University with a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. She has over ten years of experience, working with children and adolescents with complex communication needs including but not limited to language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, pragmatic language disorder, fluency, Down Syndrome, Verbal Apraxia and other global developmental delays. Kaitlyn is skilled at implementing various evidence-based treatment approaches, some including the picture exchange communication system, American Sign Language, sensory strategies, communication devices/boards and visual/tactile sound cues. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her clients and is committed to providing therapy in a positive, fun and engaging environment.
Kaitlyn is fully certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and the NJ State Board of Consumer Affairs.
Kayla Madoff, , M.S. Ed, CCC-SLP
Kayla graduated from Sacred Heart University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in Health Sciences in 2018. In 2022, she graduated from Monmouth University with her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Kayla works full time in a specialized school, providing services to students ages 5-21 with multiple disabilities. Kayla believes in providing therapy in a holistic approach, provide support to the whole person, not
just their speech deficits. Kayla also believes in implementing sensory strategies and current evidence-based practice as her therapy approaches. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with varying needs, relating to areas of disorders such as receptive and expressive language, articulation/phonology, pragmatic language, feeding and swallowing
disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, AHDH, verbal apraxia, and traumatic brain injuries. Kayla is also proficient in training and implementation of augmentative and alternative communication devices.
Kayla is a certified clinical fellow by the NJ State Board of Consumer Affairs and the NJ Department of Education. Kayla develops individualized therapy programs including home programs to provide caregivers to help each of her patients reach their overall potential of functional communication skills.
Hannah Barry M.S.Ed CF-SLP
Hannah graduated from West Chester University with her Bachelors in Communication Science and Disorders in 2020. In 2022, she graduated from Monmouth University with her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Hannah has clinical experience providing speech-language therapy to children. This experience includes articulation and phonological disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, apraxia, fluency, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and more. Hannah enjoys working with the pediatric population and creating a fun, engaging, and safe environment for kids to learn and grow. Hannah’s favorite part of her job is getting to know her clients and their families, as collaboration and carryover of speech skills learned in therapy is important for functional communication.
Hanna Carlsen, M.S., CCC-SLP
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Hanna graduated from Elmira College with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Disabilities in 2014. In 2017, she graduated from Adelphi University with a Master of Science in Speech and Language Disabilities. She has experience working with children with a variety of disorders including language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, Verbal Apraxia, fluency, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, and other developmental delays. Hanna has worked with children in Early Intervention providing in-home services and worked in the public school system providing therapy for children from preschool to high school. Hanna is fully certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and the NJ State Board of Consumer Affairs. She enjoys working with children and providing therapy sessions that are fun and engaging while supporting progress towards goals.
Helena Calvosa, M.A., CCC-SLP
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Helena graduated with her Bachelor's in Speech-Language-Hearing Science from Kean University in 2011. In 2013, she graduated with her Master's in Speech-Language Pathology from St. John's University. Helena works full-time in the public school setting, providing therapy to elementary school children. In addition to working in the NJ public schools, Helena has also worked at a school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and in private practice. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults with varying needs, relating to areas and disorders such as receptive and expressive language, articulation/phonology, pragmatic language, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, and ADHD. Helena is passionate about continuing education and collaborating with colleagues and families.
Helena is fully certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association, the NJ State Board of Consumer Affairs, and the NJ Department of Education.