Speech therapy for pediatric and young adult clients

Laura Shumate, neurodiversity affirming speech therapy

* In person: Mebane, North Carolina and the surrounding areas (Alamance & Guilford County)

* Virtual: Across NC

* Parent coaching and consulting: From anywhere

engaging speech therapy for kids

my philosophy is neurodiversity-affirming & strengths based,

every step of the way!

Supporting your shine

I founded Stars Align Therapy to provide speech therapy services from the perspective that every client is capable and talented as they are. Each client deserves access to individualized, high-quality supports! I work with children and young adults who are unable to express themselves effectively, due to speech-language delays or social communication differences. Every person’s journey will involve many ups and downs, but I am here to empower you with knowledge and skills that make a meaningful difference! I am intentional about maintaining a smaller caseload than most therapists, because I know it leads to highly customized care and allows space to implement my family-centered, holistic approach!

blowing bubbles for play based speech therapy

Speech Therapy

Guided by client strengths, interests, and needs, I will implement research-based strategies to encourage speech-language skills. These sessions, often 45 minutes in length, may target receptive and expressive language, production of speech sounds, gestalt language processing, social communication needs, development of a consistent mode of communication, or use of an AAC device. Goals are personalized to each client’s needs and honor individuality. Sessions are conducted in-person or via virtual speech therapy.

child playing for early intervention speech therapy

coaching

Coaching and consulting sessions are available worldwide and do not involve direct therapy services with clients. Parent coaching sessions provide the opportunity to collaborate with a speech therapist on strategies to promote speech-language development and navigate helpful resources. These sessions are provided in-person or through our secure virtual speech therapy platform and can be purchased as a package. Consultative services are one time or re-occurring check ins. I cannot wait to brainstorm and troubleshoot with you!

Laura is coaching a client on how to use AAC to improve communication.

AAC

“AAC” means Augmentative & Alternative Communication. This includes using picture communication boards, high tech speech generating devices/iPad communication apps, and more. I have extensive experience in evaluating, selecting, and supporting implementation of speech generating devices. Establishing a communication system for yourself or your child takes time and expertise. We would love to come alongside you to encourage the best outcomes. AAC can be a powerful, lifechanging tool when thoughtfully selected and implemented.

  • She built an atmosphere of safety and trust.

    “Laura displayed enthusiasm and a cheerful attitude when she worked with my grandson. She built an atmosphere of trust and safety for him. She managed the session with well organized activities that engaged his interests. Her patience and drive to work with my grandson speaks without question of her professionalism and work ethics.”

    ~ Previous Client

  • Utmost quality of care for families

    “I highly recommend Laura Shumate as a speech-language pathologist. She exudes knowledge, patience, kindness and is well versed in all autism affirming practices. Laura not only cares about her clients but gives the utmost quality of care and support for the families as well. Laura’s child led approach lets kids use their creativity while building language and increasing their functional communication.”

    ~Fellow Speech Therapist, former student intern

  • cultivates a unique personalized experience

    “Laura is an absolute breath of fresh air. She has so much love and passion for each student she works with. She takes the time to know them individually and cultivate a unique personalized experience based on their needs and goals. My student lit up every time she came in the room and he grew so much from her service.”

    ~Preschool Teacher

Meet Your Speech Therapist

School supplies and Laura holding a speech sound cue card to work on articulation disorders

Laura Shumate, M.S., CCC-SLP

Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist

Hi! I’m so glad you’re here!

I was born and raised in North Carolina and am excited to offer private speech therapy services to the Mebane, NC area.

As a speech-language pathologist (therapist), I get to work with children, young adults, and their support networks to achieve goals that will make a positive difference in their life. I have experience in the school and private practice settings, providing therapy services for people age birth to late 20s.

I have clinical experience and trainings in gestalt language processing, Autism, expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation (speech sound) disorders, AAC use/implementation, parent coaching, and presenting.

My philosophy in working with clients is to provide a safe space to practice skills that a client is working to develop. I celebrate the wins- big and small during therapy sessions and love to remind clients when they do something easily, that may have been difficult for them to do in previous sessions. In my experience, the best results are achieved when the client, and their support system, takes ownership of their progress and practice outside of therapy sessions. By coaching clients and family members in how to complete tasks to encourage generalization of goals, therapy doesn’t just happen once a week. With a little collaboration and creativity, we’ll incorporate speech goals into daily life and activities. Everything I do is from the perspective of what’s going to help my clients be better understood, and encourage the best long term outcomes, including their mental health.

“Play is really the work of childhood.”

~ Fred Rogers

Ready to get started with stars align?

I provide community-based speech therapy (in-home, daycares, and more) as well as virtual services (from anywhere in North Carolina). Coaching and consultations available worldwide.

Step One

Fill out my contact form to schedule a free 15 minute phone consult. Let’s see if we’re a good fit!

Step Two

Fill out strengths-based intake paperwork. Brag about what you or your child are good at and be honest about areas where support is needed! No need to wait for insurance approval or a doctor’s referral to be evaluated.

Step Three

I will conduct the initial evaluation in a setting where I can best get to know you or your child. I am excited to see what brings my clients JOY, as well as ways that I can support in moments when communication gets tough.

Insurance & billing

Stars Align Therapy is an out of network provider. We are not in network with any insurance companies at this time. Upon request, we can provide SuperBills at the time of service for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and Health savings accounts (HSAs) can be used to pay for speech therapy services.

We’re not your average speech-therapy private practice! We offer a variety of service delivery options, from one time consultations to weekly & monthly services. Twice per week sessions are not required to work with me.

Follow along @starsaligntherapy