“I have devoted my life to giving others a voice”.

If I had to choose just one word or phrase to describe myself it would be “lifelong learner." Some of this learning is forced on me (most recently- teletherapy) but most of it is for pleasure. In today’s ever-changing world, I’ve found that being a “lifelong learner” is less of an option and more of an imperative. Fortunately, I enjoy learning. There is intrinsic pleasure in learning a new skill - whether it’s mastering a new software program or putting a piece of IKEA furniture together. A few years back I spent a week in “boat” camp learning the difference between starboard and port and how to read water buoys and markers. Sometimes, as a point of pride, I pull out my boaters license when asked for ID.

While most of my professional learning takes place in classrooms (virtual or online) the majority of my personal learning is through books- the old fashioned kind with pages you can feel and spines that crinkle when opened wide. I am drawn to biographies and historical fiction and a well written book can transport me back in time. Stories from around the world have helped me gain a better perspective and understanding of different cultures and a greater empathy and compassion for others. (see: My Recommendations for a list of my favorite novels, nonfiction picks, children’s books, and young adult literature).

Learning is not a one-way street. My adventures in volunteering introduced me to new ideas and novel experiences. As a girl scout leader I learned how to tie a bowline knot which, years later, impressed my boating instructor. And during my stint at a halfway house teaching adult literacy, my students taught me how to play Craps (useful for my forays to Atlantic City) and how to cook real southern grits (soak overnight and stir, stir, stir). I have impressed upon my own children the importance of civil service and now, as adults, they have found ways to share their talents and pay it forward.

I try to instill my passion for learning with my young clients by making our therapy sessions fun and rewarding because every child deserves a voice.

PROFESSIONAL BIO

Francine is an ASHA certified speech language pathologist. She received her undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Disorders from SUNY New Paltz and a masters of science in Speech Pathology from Herbert H. Lehman College. She holds certification in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University.

Francine is licensed in the states of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. She has worked in both academic and clinical settings.

You can find Francine on the ApraxiaKids.org site as a vetted provider.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) from ASHA

New York State License in Speech-Language Pathology

Connecticut State License in Speech-Language Pathology

New Jersey State License in Speech-Language Pathology

New York State Teacher Certificate - Teacher of the Speech & Hearing Handicapped

Connecticut State Teacher Certificate - Teacher of the Speech & Hearing Handicapped

Connecticut Intermediate Administrator Certificate

Affiliations:

American Speech-Language - Hearing Association (ASHA)

New York State Speech-Language - Hearing Association (NYSSLHA)

Council for Exceptional Children

PROMPT Trained

ABOUT