In-Home Speech Therapy in Olympia, WA
Ages 3+ in Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey
In-home speech therapy let’s you say yes to what matters
Speech therapy without…
Worrying about childcare for siblings
Stressing about gas prices, traffic, or the battle to get everyone ready and out the door on time
Struggling to re-create the magic of curated clinic-based therapy sessions in the reality of home
Yes to relaxed speech therapy in the comfort of home
Yes to speech therapy that’s realistic and supportive
Yes to harnessing the magic of what you already have at home
Welcome to the Communication Haven
We know that learning how to communicate is hard work for kids. We also know that it can be even harder for parents and families, especially when it feels like things are not going according to plan.
That’s where we come in. We are experts at two things around here:
Play
Celebration
Okay and maybe a few other things, too. But mostly those.
Because when there is authentic and joyful play, there is connection. And when we focus on celebrating the little wins, it takes the pressure off of everyone.
Finding things to celebrate and moments to play together make the hard things feel a whole lot lighter. True for kids, true for adults.
Let us help celebrate all the things you and your child are already doing well, relieve some pressure, and build confidence that you know what to do next.
With the building blocks of play and celebration, communication can flourish.
Meet your therapist!
Kendra Thomas, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist
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Autism
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
Speech sound disorders (pronunciation, articulation)
Receptive and expressive language
Gestalt language processing (echolalia, scripting)
Non-speaking (sometimes called non-verbal or minimally speaking)
Neurodivergence
Executive functioning
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Not an exhaustive list:
Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) (multiple trainings; Marge Blanc/Northern Speech Services, Meaningful Speech, Katja Piscitelli)
AAC for Gestalt Language Learners trained (Meaningful Speech)
More Than Words Hanen certified
Member of Therapist Neurodiversity Collective
Autism Matters and Trauma-Informed Practice trainings (by Kim Barthel)
Supporting Interoception Communication for Nonspeaking Clients (Kelly Mahler)
Supporting Later Stage Gestalt Language Processors (Katja Piscitelli)
And more! Please contact me if there are other specific trainings or certifications you are wondering about
Neurodiversity Affirming
As with any relationship, authentic and joyful connection is key to a successful therapy dynamic.
That means meeting kids where they are at, celebrating their unique strengths and interests, and supporting how their brain works and learns best.
And above all, doing it without compromising their autonomy and regulation.
Hello and welcome!
My name is Kendra and I am so excited you’re here.
I started the Communication Haven because I wanted to show families how to bring what felt like the ~magic of the speech therapy room~ to their homes.
Therapy clinics can feel like entirely different worlds with the coolest toys and all the sensory equipment. It makes it hard to imagine recreating that magic at home.
Because even if you do buy the toys and the games or the whatever, sometimes it still just… flops.
But that magic is not out of reach, I promise.
Chances are, you already have plenty of things brimming, bubbling, and boiling over with magical potential at home right now.
Because it’s not really about the stuff, it’s about you.
You are the magic that your kiddo needs, all on your own. No purchase required.
My therapy values
Family Centered
Collaboration and trust is at the heart of the therapy relationship.
Speech sessions focus on balancing suggestions for home with the demands of real life.
The magic isn’t in the therapy clinic.
The real magic is in finding supports that feel like natural and achievable additions to your life.
I can help with that!
Sensory Supporting
It’s okay for kids to show up as their authentic and messy selves.
Regulation affects communication and vice versa.
In the real world, one doesn’t come before the other. They’re both happening all at once.
Navigating the tangled web of regulation and communication can be complex.
I can help you understand how it all connects and what to do about it.
Step One
Schedule a phone call or send us a message to answer your questions and see if we’re a good fit.
Getting Started
It’s easy to get started! We come to you for convenient in-home speech therapy. Get services started in 3 simple steps:
Step Two
At your intake call, we can schedule an in-home evaluation of your child’s speech and language strengths and needs.
Step Three
We will work collaboratively to create goals and a treatment plan to support your child in a way that works for you.
Learn More
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We specialize in comprehensive evaluations and therapy for children who use echolalia and may be gestalt language processors/learners (GLP/GLL).
For children getting ready to start school, we also provide IEP guidance and advocacy for developing a supportive and appropriate school plan that fits your child’s unique language learning needs.
What is Gestalt Language Processing?
Gestalt language learning (pronounced “guh-SHTALT”) is also commonly called echolalia, scripting, or using "movie talk." This style of learning language is a common way that autistic people develop language skills, but it is often misunderstood.
GLPs may not respond to "traditional" speech therapy approaches, even after being in speech therapy for years. Sometimes, GLPs will use a few taught words like "more", "help", or "all done", but have difficulty developing language beyond that.
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We have specialized training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and how to provide specialized support for gestalt language processors (GLPs) who use AAC.
We have extensive experience and success with:
Providing AAC evaluations which meet criteria for insurance funding
Setting up and programming new AAC devices
Training families and caregivers in its use
Supporting children in learning how to navigate and use speech-generating devices to meet their communication needs
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Executive functioning coaching is available for older adolescents and teens. This is a highly collaborative therapy to support your child’s personal goal areas for skills such as planning, time management, motivation, problem solving, and more.
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We regularly offer trainings and workshops for speech therapists, occupational therapists, mental health providers, and educators on:
Neurodivergence
Building a neuroaffirming classroom and school
How to better understand gestalt language processing
How professionals in other disciplines can better understand and support these unique language learners
Insurance & Billing
We operate as an out of network provider, meaning we do not bill insurance directly.
We can provide you with a “Superbill” to provide to your insurance for reimbursement or to count toward your plan’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum if applicable. This is your responsibility to confirm your insurance out of network coverage.
We also accept HSA/FSA.
Please reach out if you would like support navigating the Superbill/out of network process and we can help! You can also contact your insurance provider and ask about their reimbursement process / options for using out of network providers when in network providers are not available.
