Chatting Children is owned and operated by Julie K. Cotter, MS, CCC-SLP who has been working with children in this field for over 14 years. Julie is a speech-language pathologist who is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed in Virginia and the District of Columbia. 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. Following graduate school, Julie worked in New York City in a specialized public school setting where she treated students ages five through 21 who were blind/visually impaired, deaf/hearing impaired and had additional developmental disabilities. Julie moved to Washington, DC in 2003 and has worked in a clinical setting treating children of all ages with various communicative disorders. Specifically, Julie specializes in treating toddler, preschool and school aged children with oral motor, articulation, language and reading disorders. She has extensive experience working with children who have been diagnosed with apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, receptive/expressive language disorders, auditory processing disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), language learning disabilities and reading disorders. She has participated in many training programs including PROMPT, Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson’s oral motor therapy program, Lindamood Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing program, and the Kaufman Method for Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Additionally, Julie is trained in the Phono-Graphix Reading Program.

Julie and her family moved from DC to Brambleton, VA in 2013 and she opened Chatting Children Speech and Language Center in the summer of 2014.  She has spoken at local schools, daycares and Catholic organizations about the benefits of speech therapy and early intervention.  Additionally, Julie is featured on www.dullesmoms.com as a subject matter expert for speech therapy.  She responds to questions submitted by readers on a monthly basis regarding speech and language development.

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!

Kristin Lynch 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 Towson University in Maryland where she received her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. She also received her Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from New York Medical College. Kristin has worked in the public school setting performing speech and language analysis and treatment for children across the developmental spectrum, including developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, expressive and receptive language disorders, fluency disorders, and articulation disorders. She also has experience treating children via teletherapy.  Kristin moved from New York to Reston, VA in 2020. She is so excited to be a part of the Chatting Children team!

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!

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!

Caroline is a certified member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed member of the Virginia Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. She graduated with her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University. Caroline also holds a certification through the Infant and Toddler Connected of Virginia and has experience providing Early Intervention services to children ages birth-three. Caroline enjoys working with children of all ages with a variety of communication disorders including receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, motor speech disorders, fluency disorders and social/pragmatic language disorders. She has completed continuing education courses in the areas of motor speech disorders, fluency, literacy, and alternative communication devices. Caroline has experience working in private practices, preschools, and via telehealth.

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!

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.