OUR MISSION
A “village” represents a tight-knit and supportive community with a common goal. Our goal at Village Therapy is to empower your family, and work together as a team to implement the necessary tools to promote your child’s development and achieve his or her maximal potential.
ABOUT VILLAGE THERAPY
Village Therapy is a pediatric speech, language, reading and writing, and feeding practice, providing comprehensive evaluations and therapy services in South Orange, NJ. Operated by Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and local mom, Rachelle Kuperman, Village Therapy utilizes a family and team-oriented approach throughout the therapy process.
MEET OUR SLP, RACHELLE
WHAT WE DO
We take a holistic approach to assessment and intervention of communication and feeding skills. We collaborate closely with your family and other related professionals on your child’s “team” to ensure that we are working as effectively as possible to attain his or her goals.
Village Therapy offers comprehensive evaluations & treatment of the following areas:
SPEECH
Speech is the way in which we verbally communicate. We work on all aspects of speech, including articulation (the way in which speech sounds are produced), voice (use of vocal folds and breath support to produce a sound), and fluency (the rhythm and fluidity of speech).
LANGUAGE
Language includes the comprehension and use of a communication system. We work on all areas of language, including: receptive language (comprehension of what we hear/read), expressive language (formulation or expression of thoughts and ideas in speaking, writing, or signing), and pragmatic language (social use of language, nonverbal skills).
READING & WRITING
Many children struggle with acquiring the necessary foundation for reading and writing, which can lead to more long term academic struggles. We utilize the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading and writing intervention which includes direct, explicit, systematic, and sequential instruction that teaches the connection between letters and sounds. It utilizes a multi-sensory approach to learning, and breaks reading and spelling down into smaller skills, then builds on these skills over time. It is effective for children with dyslexia, dysgraphia or any other learning challenges.
FEEDING & SWALLOWING
Feeding disorders may arise from difficulties in any step along the feeding process. Our overarching goals of feeding therapy are to ensure safety in eating, to help support adequate nutrition and hydration, as well as to promote a well-rounded diet and typical eating behaviors. We use a variety of strategies and methods of support, and work closely with your family as well as other medical professionals, to ensure that all aspects of your child’s feeding difficulties are addressed.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES HERE
WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING
"My daughter and I are so lucky to have been paired with Rachelle for speech therapy. Rachelle’s laid back, friendly disposition put us both at ease from the very first moment we met her in the waiting room...Rachelle always knew just how to engage my daughter to make her sessions fun and productive." - Deborah
"Our pediatrician recommended a feeding specialist, which made us very nervous. Fortunately, I was able to work with Rachelle right away to get Leah on track! Rachelle is very knowledgeable, down to earth and helpful. From her professionalism gained through her career and her own experience as a mom, she gives priceless advice. She explained to us what to expect in the feeding process and transition, and gave step-by-step instructions on how to get there...I'm so happy (and relieved) that she assisted us in overcoming this obstacle, and I highly recommend her service to anyone!” - Melissa
“Rachelle is an amazing speech and language therapist. She is amazingly creative and devoted to making the work of learning accessible for children to whom it doesn’t come naturally. She takes it all in stride, never losing her cool and always finding new and more exciting ways to connect with the children. She’s wonderful!” - Peri
(This review was published in NJ Family Magazine)