Welcome to
The Speech Mariposa
A private practice dedicated to building communication skills through a literacy-based approach.
Transforming Communication!
​We are a pediatric private practice focusing on all modalities of communication. With an understanding that speech and language difficulties impact verbal expression as well as reading and writing, we integrate literacy activities into every session. At The Speech Mariposa, our services go beyond the standard therapy model to benefit every aspect of a child’s life!
Speech therapy is offered in person in the Richmond, VA area. Online services are available to clients anywhere in VA & TX!
Speech
We help children learn new speech sounds while playing games, making crafts, and engaging in reading or writing activities.
We create meaningful connections between how we say words and the letters that make up a word, leading to greater progress and academic achievement.
Our sessions target speech production, alphabet knowledge, sound-letter correspondence, and phonological awareness to strengthen a child’s whole phonological system.
Language
We use games, storybooks, play, and literacy-based activities to foster expressive and receptive language skills.
Whether addressing receptive or expressive language skills, we will integrate oral and written forms into our therapy.
Our sessions target vocabulary development, sentence organization, listening and reading comprehension, and verbal and written communication to build multi-faceted receptive and expressive language skills.
Parent Coaching
We understand parents are our greatest teachers. Therefore, we provide coaching to teach parents the strategies and techniques used in therapy so they can continue practice at home.
No matter the age of a child, empowering a parent or caregiver with skills to support development at home leads to greater progress.
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We dedicate time during every session to check in with parents, review home practice tips, answer questions, and provide any needed support.
Meet Ashley
Ashley Akrie, M.S., CCC-SLP
I am a speech-language pathologist with over 12 years of experience in a variety of academic, clinical, and medical settings. Throughout my career, I have developed a passion for working at the intersection of speech, language, and literacy – a unique specialty that led to the creation of The Speech Mariposa. I believe that communication is central to our daily lives, and I am honored to be a conduit for children to improve their communication skills.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and earned my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I was later awarded the Virginia Leadership in Education Neurodevelopmental Disability (VA-LEND) Certificate for demonstrating advanced knowledge of neurodevelopmental and related disabilities, interdisciplinary care, social and family considerations, professional leadership, and research related to assessment and treatment.
“No matter how you speak or how you hear, if you say it from the heart, it bypasses the ear”
-Anonymous
Getting Started
Step One :
consultation call with Ashley to discuss your questions, concerns, and support needs.
Step Two :
Participate in an
evaluation to learn about your child’s communication abilities and reading skills.
Step Three :
Receive
recommendations and strategies to implement right away, and begin therapy sessions.
Location
In-Clinic :
Our therapy clinic
is located in North Chesterfield, Virginia, and is easily accessible to families located in the surrounding areas of Richmond.
Teletherapy :
Online therapy
services are conveniently available to all families in Virginia and Texas. Teletherapy sessions have been shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy sessions, with added scheduling benefits. If you would like to know more about this service option, please contact Ashley at 804-603-0484, or via email at hello@thespeechmariposa.com.