All About First Words Speech Therapy
MEET THE CLINICIAN
Amanda Walsh, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist
I graduated with my M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Appalachian State University, where my interests included preschool language development, early intervention, and phonological delays. I began my career in 2012, working with children ages birth to 7. About half of my caseload included toddlers that I saw through the Mecklenburg and Gaston County CDSAs. My continuing education has focused on pediatric speech, language, and feeding therapies as well as parent coaching. I now have my own children who are 5 and 7 years old.
I decided to open First Words Speech Therapy to better serve young children and their families in Belmont and surrounding areas. I purposefully keep my caseload small so I can give my best during each session. You'll find every therapy session is tailored to your child's specific needs and interests. As a mom, I truly feel like we have enough to juggle. Your child's communication development doesn't need to feel like adding one more thing to your already packed day. This is why I come to you! It is also why I focus on integrating communication-building into your family's existing routines. In addition to being less work for parents, this is actually considered best practice for kids under three, and benefits older children as well!
MY PHILOSOPHY
Building Communication Through Routines and Play
I believe that language is all around us! Pediatric language development begins during your child's daily routines. To improve communication skills I work with your child AND empower you to help your child grow each week, even after our session ends. Rather than using fancy equipment each session, I use your toys and your daily routines as a foundation for speech and language development. This makes communication skills something you can practice daily with your child in a way that fits naturally and practically into your family's schedule. During therapy we will use play as a tool to help your child engage and communicate. Because when kids are playing, they're learning!
