Sandra K.
M.S., CCC-SLP · Speech-Language Pathologist
“Being there when your child says their first word, in whatever form it takes, and seeing that joy with your family is why I do this.”
📍 Buffalo Grove
Pediatric Speech Therapy in Chicagoland
Clearer Communication. Greater Confidence. Brighter Futures.
Speech therapy that helps your child express themselves, understand others, and connect with confidence. Certified speech-language pathologists. 8 Chicagoland locations. Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO in-network.
✓ BCBS & Aetna (2026) In-Network
✓ Certified Speech-Language Pathologists
✓ Ages 18 Months to 18 Years
✓ 8 Chicagoland Locations
✓ Certified, ASHA-aligned speech-language pathologists
✓ Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO in-network, Aetna coming 2026
✓ Intake within 2 weeks. No waitlists
✓ Speech, OT, ABA, and feeding therapy under one roof
Signs Speech Therapy May Be Right for Your Child
If your child struggles to find words, follow what others say, or play with friends, speech therapy may be the right next step. Every child is different, and early support can make a powerful difference in how your child communicates and connects.
Delayed speech or language milestones
Late to babble, say first words, or put short phrases together. Speech therapy builds these foundations through play-based practice.
Hard to understand
Unclear sounds or substitutions that leave others guessing. Speech therapy improves clarity and confidence.
Limited vocabulary or word use
Few words for their age, or trouble combining them into sentences. Speech therapy grows expressive language.
Frustration when communicating
Meltdowns, pointing, or gestures instead of words. Speech therapy helps your child express needs and be understood.
Trouble with social communication
Avoiding conversation, going off-topic, or missing social cues. Speech therapy builds pragmatic (social) language.
Not following directions
Difficulty understanding or acting on spoken instructions. Speech therapy strengthens listening and comprehension.
Stuttering or disrupted speech flow
Repetitions, blocks, or stretched-out sounds. Speech therapy helps your child speak more smoothly and with less effort.
Limited gestures or nonverbal cues
Rarely points, waves, or uses facial expressions. Speech therapy supports early communication.
Request a Consultation 
Not sure where to start? A quick conversation with our team helps you understand whether your child may benefit from speech therapy.
Not sure where to start? A quick conversation with our team helps you understand whether your child may benefit from speech therapy.
Meet the Speech-Language Pathologists Who’ll Lead Your Child’s Care
Every speech therapy program at CST Academy is designed and delivered by a certified speech-language pathologist. Here’s the team your family will work with.
Becca G.
CF-SLP · Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellow
“I build each session around your child’s strengths and favorite things, turning play into new ways for them to connect and communicate.”
📍 Gurnee
Caroline P.
M.S., CCC-SLP · Senior Speech-Language Pathologist, SLP Aspiring Clinician Coordinator
“The trust families place in me, whether asking a hard question or sharing a win, is what makes this so meaningful to me.”
📍 Wicker Park
Keren I.A.
MS, CCC-SLP · Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinic Director
“Every part of your child’s care is done with real passion and a commitment to helping them grow more confident and independent.”
📍 Northbrook
Brittany B.
M.A., CCC-SLP · Speech-Language Pathologist
“I love helping your child find their own ways to share their wants and feelings, and hearing about the progress you see at home.”
📍 Bucktown
Jess B.
CCC-SLP · Speech-Language Pathologist
“I love celebrating the small wins with your family, because those little moments add up to big progress for your child.”
📍 Wilmette
Gracie L.
M.A., CCC-SLP · Speech-Language Pathologist
“I believe every child deserves to be celebrated, so I help your child shine a light on their strengths while they learn and have fun.”
📍 Park Ridge
Emily M.
M.S., CCC-SLP · Speech-Language Pathologist
“I follow your child’s lead and build a fun, supportive space where they can grow, guided by what matters most to your family.”
📍 Lincoln Park
The basics
What Is Pediatric Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy supports the development of verbal and nonverbal communication, language comprehension, articulation, fluency, and social-pragmatic skills.
At CST Academy, no two speech plans look alike. We use evidence-based methods, engaging play, and real-life situations to help your child become a confident communicator.
The CST Academy way
How Speech Therapy Works at CST Academy
1
Evaluation
A certified SLP meets your family, observes your child, and identifies the specific communication skills to focus on first.
2
Personalized plan
Your SLP builds a play-based program around your child’s strengths and goals. Sessions integrate with ABA, OT, or feeding therapy as needed.
3
Progress reviews
You get regular family updates, take-home strategies, and clear measures of progress so you always know where your child stands.
The Power of Speech Therapy + Integrated Support
Speech therapy works best when it’s paired with the other therapies your child needs. Our clinicians work side-by-side, aligning goals and adapting strategies across therapies. Here’s how each service supports speech and language.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA encourages your child to communicate, while speech therapy builds the language skills to express thoughts, wants, and emotions.
Learn more
Occupational Therapy
OT develops the fine motor, sensory, and self-regulation skills that help children stay focused and engaged during speech practice.
Learn more
Feeding Therapy
Speaking and eating use the same muscles in the mouth. Feeding therapists strengthen those muscles, which can also help your child form sounds more clearly.
Learn more
Physical Therapy
PT develops the core strength, posture, and stability that support breath control and clear speech, while keeping children engaged and ready to learn.
Learn more
Autism Evaluations
Many children begin at CST Academy with a diagnostic evaluation. If speech therapy is the right next step, your child stays with the same team and starts right away.
Learn more
Therapeutic Preschool
Led by certified speech-language pathologists, our Therapeutic Preschool combines speech, ABA, OT, and other therapies into a classroom-like setting where kids practice social communication, group routines, and school readiness.
Learn moreWhat Parents Are Saying About Speech Therapy at CST Academy
Real outcomes from families across Chicagoland.
“She consistently provided detailed feedback and guided us on ways we could help him at home, and always brought a fun approach to each session. She was extremely helpful in providing pediatric ENT recommendations and assisted us with navigating that process as well. The whole service team at CST is also very friendly and provides patient service. I highly recommend them!”
Katie K., parent
✓Home strategies that worked✓ENT navigation support
“The growth we’ve seen, especially over the last two months, has been amazing! Our family and friends constantly comment on how much more my daughter is talking, the words she’s using, and even the expressions on her face as she communicates. It’s been a joy to witness, and my family is beyond grateful and blessed to Sandra and the CST team!”
Amanda R., parent
✓Rapid 2-month growth✓Friends and family notice
“Our toddler went from a handful of words to consistently using phrases, and Emily made every session playful, calm, and encouraging. She took the time to get to know our child’s personality and built each session around what kept her engaged. We always left feeling supported and hopeful. We’re so grateful!”
Alison B., parent
✓Few words → consistent phrases✓Sessions built around her personality
Get started
Let’s Get Your Child Talking
Two simple ways to start today, choose whichever fits your family.
Free M-CHAT Screening
Wondering whether your child’s communication delay could be part of something bigger? The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is a free, research-backed screening that takes 5 minutes. It won’t give you a diagnosis, but it will tell you whether your child should see a specialist next.
Take the Free M-CHAT Screening
590 parents took this screening in the last 90 days.
Request a Consultation
Talk with our client success team. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you figure out what’s right for your child and your family.
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Our team will call you within 24 hours to answer your questions and discuss next steps.
Questions parents ask
Frequently Asked Questions About Speech Therapy
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
If your child has trouble reaching communication milestones, making themselves understood, or expressing thoughts and emotions, speech therapy may help. Our certified SLPs offer personalized evaluations to determine the best next steps for your child’s development.
What age range do you support in your speech therapy programs?
CST Academy provides speech therapy for children from 18 months through 18 years. Early intervention often makes the biggest difference, but we support communication growth at every stage.
What types of challenges does speech therapy address?
Our SLPs work on understanding and using language, articulation and speech clarity, social communication (pragmatics), fluency and stuttering, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for children who are nonverbal or have limited speech.
What does a typical speech therapy session look like?
Sessions are play-based and tailored to your child’s goals. Your SLP uses engaging activities and real-life situations to build skills, then shares take-home strategies so progress continues between visits.
Can speech therapy be combined with other therapies?
Coordinated multi-therapy care is the core of how CST Academy works. Speech, ABA, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy all happen under one roof, and your clinicians meet regularly so the therapies reinforce one another. You only have one team to talk to.
Do you accept insurance for speech therapy?
We’re in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, and Aetna coverage is launching in 2026. For out-of-network families, our billing team will help you verify coverage and explore payment options before you come in.
Deeper focus
How We Tailor Speech Therapy to Your Child
Some kids need help with sounds. Others with understanding words. Others with talking to friends. Your SLP draws from these approaches based on what your child needs most.
Social Communication
Receptive Language
Expressive Language
Articulation & Phonology
Fluency & Stuttering
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
(CAS)
Augmentative & Alternative Communication
(AAC)
Early Language Delays
Help Your Child Find Their Voice
Start the conversation with CST Academy today. No runaround. Just real therapy from real therapists.
(773) 572-7336