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Speech-Language Pathologist in Watchung, NJ

Karen Kern, M.A., CCC-SLP

Karen Kern, M.A., CCC-SLP | Speech-Language Pathologist photo
Engage. Support. Encourage. Bloom.
Karen Kern, M.A., CCC-SLP provides speech and language evaluations and therapy to children of all ages with articulation/phonological disorders, oral motor dysfunction, speech-motor delays, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), and language delays/disorders. Services are provided at the office of Lori Donnelly, M.A., CCC-SLP LLC. Therapy is child-centered, evidence-based, customized to each child's individual needs, and fun and engaging.
Education/Training
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, University of Scranton,1992
Master of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Montclair State University, 1998
Bio
Karen Kern has over 25 years of experience, primarily in pediatric settings. She has extensive training and experience diagnosing and treating childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). She also specializes in treating toddlers and preschoolers with speech and language delays and children of all ages with articulation and oral motor disorders. Karen loves a challenge and is an out-of-the-box thinker.

Karen prides herself in her ability to connect with and engage children and create strong trusting relationships with them. She communicates honestly with her young clients and treats them with respect. She knows that children who feel a sense of control feel empowered and she uses effective strategies during her therapy sessions to avoid power struggles. She appreciates the importance of setting the bar at just the right height; children must be challenged enough to make progress but not so much that they fail repeatedly and become discouraged.

Karen isn’t just a therapist; she is also a woman who has raised two children with significant challenges. She remembers how frustrating it was to have to transport children to multiple therapy sessions every week instead of taking them to lessons and activities that neurotypical children participated in. She recalls how overwhelming it was to fit therapy homework into a hectic schedule, to try to remain patient and consistent when dealing with behavioral issues, to advocate for school support, to fight with insurance companies for coverage, and to deal with teachers and therapists who just didn’t “get” her kid or know how to help them. She understands firsthand the heartbreak a parent feels watching their child struggle to do things that come easily to other children. She also knows the pleasure of watching a child overcome their difficulties with the help of knowledgeable, talented, and caring professionals and she loves being able to do the same for the children and families she works with.
Payments Accepted
Horizon BCBS PPO plans, credit cards
Hours:8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost/Session
$87
License:41YS00361000
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Speech-Language Therapy  Child Speech/Language Disorders
 Apraxia  Speech Sound Disorders
Licenses/Certifications
 ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)  Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (State)