Chatting Children is owned and operated by Julie K. Cotter, MS, CCC-SLP who has been working with children in this field for over 20 years. Julie is a speech-language pathologist who is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed by the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Julie received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology from Ohio University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola University in Maryland. Julie completed her fellowship in the public school system in New York City and continued her professional career there for over two years. She relocated to Washington, DC and worked in a clinical setting for over 12 years. Julie and her family moved from DC to Brambleton, VA in 2012 and she opened Chatting Children Speech and Language Center in the summer of 2013.

Julie specializes in treating toddler, preschool, and school aged children with a variety of communication disorders. She has extensive experience working with children who have been diagnosed with apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, receptive/expressive language disorders, auditory processing disorders, language learning disabilities, phonological disorders, and reading disorders. She has participated in many training programs including PROMPT, Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson’s oral motor therapy program, the Kaufman Method for Childhood Apraxia of Speech, DIRFloortime, and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP). Additionally, Julie is trained in the Phono-Graphix Reading Program. Julie frequently presents at private schools, daycares, and Catholic organizations about the benefits of speech therapy and early intervention. She was featured on www.dullesmoms.com as a subject matter expert for speech therapy. Julie spends her free time with her husband, daughter, family, and friends and enjoys cooking and traveling.

Sara is a speech-language pathologist who holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed by the Virginia and West Virginia Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. She graduated with her Master of Science degree in Speech-language Pathology from West Virginia University in 2010 and has worked in the private practice, school, and early intervention/family-centered settings since receiving her degree. Sara has treated a variety of diagnoses within the pediatric and child population including autism spectrum disorder, apraxia of speech, feeding disorders and mismanagement, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, and others.

Sara currently lives in Bridgeport, West Virginia with her husband and daughter. After years of watching each young client grow and achieve their goals, she is whole-heartedly enjoying watching her own child learn the skill of communication with the world around her. She misses the numerous options of activities in Northern Virginia, but is loving life surrounded by friends and family from her home state. Sara will be treating her clients via teletherapy!

Allison is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed by the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. She is a graduate of James Madison University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She also received her Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia in Speech-Language Pathology. Allison has extensive experience in the public school setting performing speech and language analysis and treatment for children with special needs to include autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, ADHD, Down Syndrome, auditory processing disorders, articulation, and expressive & receptive language disorders. She holds certifications and specialized training in a variety of methodologies, to include: Interventions for ADHD, Anxiety, Trauma, Emotional Regulation; DIR Floortime; Brain Gym; Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support (SCERTS) Model; and Food Selectivity from the Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. She lives in Ashburn with her husband, two boys, and energetic yellow lab, and is excited to be part of the Chatting Children team!

Emily is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed by the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she earned both her Bachelors and Master’s degrees in speech-language pathology in 2018. Emily has enjoyed working with a wide range of pediatric populations from infancy through elementary school age including children with articulation/phonological disorders, Autism, developmental language disorder, orofacial myofunctional disorders, and multi-modal communication/AAC communicators. Although her favorite part of speech therapy is seeing kids make progress, she is also passionate about life-long learning to apply research to practice. She has completed continuing education in topics such as Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) for gestalt language processors, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for childhood apraxia of speech, DIR Floortime (Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based model), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) using the SMoRRES program for partner augmented input, LAMP Words for Life (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning), as well as the extensive research supporting Neurodiversity-affirming practices and presuming potential. Emily uses a child-led approach to therapy and values the relationship she builds with her clients and families. Along with private practice, she has worked in public school settings and skilled nursing facilities. Emily lives in Leesburg with her husband and 3 year old daughter. She loves being part of the Chatting Children team!

Kirsten is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed by the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Kirsten is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She received her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2021. Kirsten’s passion is helping children become confident and successful communicators through evidence-based research practices, play-based and child-led therapy approaches. Kirsten’s experience in treatment includes Autism, articulation/phonological disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, fluency disorders, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and multi-modal communication. She has experience working in the public school setting, clinics and teletherapy.

Stephanie is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed by the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.  She is a graduate of Tennessee State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.  She also received her Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the College of Health Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. Stephanie extensive experience in the public school setting performing speech and language analysis and treatment for children across the developmental spectrum to include developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive-communication disorders, articulation, and expressive & receptive language disorders.  She holds additional certifications and specialized training in a variety of methodologies, to include: Visualizing and Verbalizing and the LiPS Program from the Lindamood-Bell learning center, DIRFloortime approach and specializes in Oromyofacial disorders.  Stephanie lives in Prince William County with her husband, daughter, and two rescue pups, Penelope & Piper. Stephanie is so excited to be part of the Chatting Children team and looks forward to working with you!

Lauren is a literacy specialist and education professional licensed to teach students from PreK through 6th grade. She is a graduate of James Madison University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Lauren is committed to empowering young learners through literacy skills. She began her career as a first-grade teacher, supporting both special education and English learner inclusion. Lauren provided authentic and differentiated learning experiences for all students and served as a teacher-leader.

Lauren then transitioned into her role as a Professional Learning Specialist for a Science of Reading/Structured Literacy Curriculum. She traveled nationwide, facilitating training sessions for teachers. She also served as an Instructional Coach, observing reading lessons and providing specific feedback to teachers to help guide and improve their instruction.

Lauren is trained in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach to reading instruction. She is currently an English Language Learner (EL) teacher. She lives in Berryville with her husband and baby daughter.  Fun fact – Ms. Lauren is Ms. Emily’s sister!  Lauren is delighted to join the Chatting Children team and continue guiding children on their reading journey.

Jaime received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Colgate University and a Post Baccalaureate Pre Medical Certificate from Mills College. She spent the first part of her career managing laser eye surgery centers in California, Northern Virginia and Maryland. She now enjoys helping small businesses with bookkeeping and back office needs. As a mother of three boys she has especially enjoys working with speech therapy practices helping children develop and grow.