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Lively Therapy Recommendations
WE CAN HELP IF YOUR CHILD STRUGGLES WITH
COMMUNICATION
- Babbling or using spoken language
- Using only gestures or sounds to express needs and wants
- Sharing more than just wants
- Participating in a conversation
SPEECH
- Speech Clarity
- Speech not understood by family, peers, or teachers
- Slow, effortful, or uncoordinated speech
- Speech is "hard to get out
- Speech getting stuck, paused, or repeated (stuttering)
LANGUAGE
- Following directions
- Understanding and accurately responding to questions
- Formulating and then expressing a thought or feeling in a sentence
- Using correct grammar when speaking or writing
- Re-telling a story or an event that already happened
- Using sentences that make sense (word order or vocabulary)
- Reading decoding, comprehension, or fluency
It's never too early to consider speech therapy for your child if they're missing milestones, as early intervention can make a significant difference in their communication skills.
Our therapists have a passion for working with children, adolescents, and families to maximize each client’s cognitive, linguistic, and social capabilities. Speaking, reading, and writing are fundamental components of the new Common Core. Here at Lively Speech, your child will receive individualized treatment plans that incorporate each child’s personal strengths and interests while improving the most important areas of focus.
CALL LIVELY SPEECH
(904) 328-7489
CALL LIVELY SPEECH
(904) 328-7489
CEO/FOUNDER
CEO/FOUNDER
Sarah Lively, M.Ed, CCC-SLP
Sarah Lively, M.Ed, CCC-SLP
Sarah Lively, M.Ed., CCC-SLP is a Florida licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologist with a passion for teaching all team members to increase communication engagement for children with complex communication needs. She graduated with a Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorder from Valdosta State University, where she participated and presented extensive research on child language development. She has been working with autistic children to find their natural speaking voices and ways to effectively communicate for almost 10 years. Sarah won the American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA) Award for Continuing Education (ACE) in the subject areas of AAC, apraxia of speech, and literacy. She now leads a group of talented SLPs at Lively Speech working together to maximize each client's communicative potential.
Sarah excels at making individualized treatment plans that incorporate each child’s personal strengths and interests while improving the most important areas of focus. In the past, she has worked as an SLP at her local elementary school so she understands how important speech and language are academically, especially as speaking, reading, and writing are fundamental components of the new Common Core. Sarah has had the pleasure of evaluating and treating expressive language/communication and speech intelligibility in children with a variety of exceptionalities, including students with apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, phonological disorders, specific learning disability, language impaired, speech impaired, and other developmental delays. Sarah believes that all children possess the capability to learn communication when provided communication mode, engaging activities, and a trusted communicative partner.
Julie Trauner, M.A, CCC-SLP
Clinical Director
Julie Trauner, M.A, CCC-SLP
Clinical Director
Julie Trauner, M.A, CCC-SLP is a Florida licensed and an American Speech–Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) who loves working with clients and their families to improve their speech and language skills. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at Montclair State University. She then earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. She has evaluated and treated children with language, articulation, phonological, autism spectrum, fluency, attention-hyperactivity deficit, and cognitive disorders.
Julie is trained in Comprehensive Orton Gillingham (a multisensory reading program) targeted at the Kindergarten to 2nd grade reading level. Orton Gillingham focuses on the assessment and treatment in the areas of phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension to teach children how to read, write, and spell proficiently. Additionally, she is trained in Zones of Regulation (regulation and emotional control curriculum) as well as the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT Loud) which focuses on voice techniques for adults and children with motor speech disorders.
Julie is looking forward to the opportunity to work with you and your child!
MEET OUR STAFF
MEET OUR STAFF
Kim Kennell, M.S, CCC-SLP
Kim Kennell, M.S, CCC-SLP
Kim Kennell, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with a Master's degree in speech-language pathology from Florida State University, GO NOLES! With expertise in child-directed and whole-body approaches, her extensive experience includes oral sensory motor feeding, oral placement therapy for speech, and working with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. She has collaborated with renowned companies such as Saltillo, PRC, and Tobii-Dynavox, utilizing modalities such as eye gaze, head tracking, and direct selection. Kim's proficiency in AAC technology allows her to help individuals with limited verbal abilities effectively communicate and participate in their daily lives. Kim has experience and enjoys working with children of all abilities to maximize their language potential.
Kim incorporates various modalities and individualized plans to support overall communication development. Her expertise in this area has proven invaluable in assisting individuals with complex speech challenges, including those with oral motor difficulties or feeding disorders. Kim continues to make a commitment to lifelong learning and dedication to improving communication outcomes for her clients.
Samantha Repalone,
M.A, CCC-SLP
Samantha Repalone,
M.A, CCC-SLP
Samantha Repalone, MA CCC-SLP is a Florida licensed and an American Speech–Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). A dual-degree graduate in Childhood Education and has her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from St. Joseph’s University and Hofstra University.
Samantha has 6 years of experience and specializes in working with preschool and school-aged children. She has experience in both the assessment and treatment of motor-planning disorders/Childhood Apraxia of Speech, childhood onset fluency disorders, expressive/receptive language impairments, articulation/phonological disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) and early intervention. Samantha is currently listed a member of the Apraxia Kids directory. Samantha believes strongly in collaboration, open communication, individualized treatment plans, and utilizing the family/team members as a pivotal resource in every child’s growth and development. Samantha is devoted to helping her clients find their own unique voice and develop a love for communication.
Kinsey Lofley,
M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Kinsey Lofley,
M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Kinsey Lofley, M.Ed., CCC-SLP is from Crystal River, Florida and moved to Jacksonville in June of 2022. She received her Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University where she was an active member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Kinsey has experience working in schools and private practices where she has worked with children with various exceptionalities including autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, emotional behavioral disorder, down syndrome, specific learning disabilities, speech impaired, language impaired, and other developmental delays. Kinsey specializes in treating speech and language impairments in school aged children and adolescents. Outside of work she enjoys reading, exploring new coffee shops, and being outside.
Alana Frazier, OTR/L
Alana Frazier, OTR/L
Alana Frazier, OTR/L attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and received her Master’s of OccupationalTherapy. She has a decade of experience working with children in a variety of settings
including outpatient, school, and prescribed pediatric extended care facility (PPEC) settings. She has
evaluated and treated clients with a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-
deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, dyspraxia, genetic disorders, Sensory
Processing Disorder, developmental delay, and more. Alana has completed professional training in
Therapeutic Listening, myofascial release, Interactive Metronome, the SOS Approach to Feeding, and a
Level 1 Mentorship at the STAR Center for Sensory Processing.
Alana is motivated to work with children and their families as a team to increase success in their daily
activities. She enjoys employing a variety of activities to encourage engagement as it takes far fewer
repetitions to learn a skill through play and incorporating multiple senses also makes the activities more
impactful. Alana is committed to the idea that learning never stops, both for herself and clients.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY SERVICES
Lively Speech and Language Therapy provides comprehensive evaluations for all children and adolescents in the areas of early communication skills (form, content, and use), articulation, motor speech disorders, phonological processing, phonological awareness, language delays, receptive language, language processing, expressive language, vocabulary (receptive and expressive semantics), grammatical structure, written language, and social language use (pragmatics-conversational language to communicate with adults or peers).
Evaluations are individualized depending on your child's needs. If treatment is needed, an SLP matched to your child’s needs will provide individualized therapy. Parents are encouraged to join sessions so they can use the same therapeutic strategies at home. We offer comprehensive evaluations and treatment in the following areas:
Literacy
Receptive & Expressive Language
Articulation
Motor Speech Sound Disorders
Pragmatics
Communication
Augmentative Alternative Communication
Feeding & Swallowing
EVALUATIONS
Lively Speech and Language Therapy provides comprehensive evaluations for all children and adolescents in the areas of early communication skills (form, content, and use), articulation, motor speech disorders, phonological processing, phonological awareness, language delays, receptive language, language processing, expressive language, vocabulary (receptive and expressive semantics), grammatical structure, written language, and social language use (pragmatics-conversational language to communicate with adults or peers). Virtual and web based (paperless) evaluations available.
INDIVIDUALIZED SESSIONS
Lively Speech and Language Therapy provides treatment for speech development, phonological development (understanding of how sounds are grouped together for spoken/written meaning), receptive language (understanding of spoken/written language, word finding), expressive language (speaking and writing in correct grammatical structure, correct and specific vocabulary, and details/complexity), and pragmatic language (increasing different types of communication-requests, comments, sharing info, asking/answering questions, following social norms of conversation, increasing communication attempts for quiet children, executive functioning, problem-solving). Post-assessment, we will create a custom treatment plan to work with the strengths and areas of focus that are unique to your child’s needs. All of our treatments are evidence-based techniques that are recommended by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) http://www.asha.org/.
ALTERNATIVE AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION
Lively Speech offers AAC (Assistive Augmentative Communication) evaluations, treatment, and consultations. We work with you and your child's team to ensure that he/she has a access to a dynamic, robust vocabulary with voice output for communication. We work directly with software companies to obtain durable devices through all insurances. Then we assist you, your child, and their team for successful AAC implementation. Although your child will be communicating with a device, we ensure that speech development and therapy remains our #1 goal. Our SLPs have extensive AAC training with the following programs/software:
- PRC Saltillo Touch Chat with Word Power
- PRC Saltillo LAMP Words for Life
- Tobii Dynavox TD Snap
- Assitiveware ProLoQuo2Go
- Cough Drop app for Android users
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Text to Speech software
- Accessibility to AAC: Eye gaze, head mouse, step switches, keyguards, and mounting for any child/adolescence with limit mobility that cannot use finger or toes for direct selection.
Referral Resources
Referral Resources
Pediatricians
Dr.Victoria Array - UF health Nocatee
(904)383-1053
Jacksonville Pediatrics
(904)388-4646
Bower Lyman center
Dr.Seguias (complex care clinic)
(904)202-8920
Dentist
Dr.Gary Myers - Myers Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
(904)505-2010
Dentists for Autistic Kids
Setzer, Cochran & Soares Pediatric Dentistry
(904)733-7254
Dr. Lindsay Maples
Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry
(904)373-5120
Weaver and Stratton Pediatric Dentistry
(904)822-9196
Dr. Beth Kailes
Growing Healthy Smiles
(904)215-7800
Tongue Tie
Myers Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Dr. Meyers
(904) 505-2010
Dr. Stevenson
Stevenson Family Dentistry (904)268-4466
Orofacial Myologist
Alexa Stubenrauch, M.S. CCC-SLP
Fame Speech & Myo
(717) 875-0962
Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Dr. Dawn Duss - Pediatric Eye Consultants of North Florida
(904) 425-5075
Plastics
Dr.Brett Snyder - Ponte Vedra Plastics (Bifed Uvula Repair)
Dr.Sarah Fernandez - Nemour's Childrens Health
Chiropractor
PATH Chiropractic & Wellness
(904) 246-1512
Sláinte Chiropractic
https://www.slaintechiropractic.com/
Camp/Summer School
Jericho School for Autism
Hope Haven
Great Strides
Jacksonville School for Autism
We Rock the Spectrum
The Arc Jacksonville Impact
Neurodevelopment
Pediatricians
Dr. Rebecca Penna
Wolfson Children's Hospital
(904)390-7427
Dr. Aylin Ozdemir
Pediatric Associates of
Jacksonville
(904)273-6533
Dr. Justin Spooner
Ponte Vedra Psychiatry
(904) 280-6701
Dr. Julie Buckley
Pediatric Partners of Ponte Vedra
(904) 543-1288
Dr. Margret Cato
Wolfson Children's Hospital
(904) 390-3600
Dr. Barbara McDougall
(904) 269-8200
Pediatric ENT (Ear Nose & Throat)
Dr.Saswata Roy and Dr.Matthew Giles
Specialist of North Florida
(904) 880-0911
Dr.Bruce Maddern, Dr.Andrew Simonsen,
and Dr.Daniel Wohl
(904) 398-KIDS
Audiologist
Katie Sawaya, Au.D, CCC-A - ENT Specialists North Florida
(904)880-0911
Schools
Mainspring (6:2 ratio, sED)
PVC
Morningstar (12:1 ratio, Catholic, K-12, ASD/Dyslexia/Diverse Learning Needs)
Greenwood (ASD/Dyslexia/Diverse Learning Needs, Grades 6-12)
Growing Together Behavioral Center & School for Autism
The Broach School (K-12)
Jacksonville School for Autism
North Florida School of Special Education
(Ages 22-40)
Ponte Vedra Christian Co Op
Renee (904)403-7748
Grasp
DePaul School of NE FL
Ed Lawyers
Three Rivers Legal Services
Beverly Brown
904-423-8967
Disability Independence Group
Stephanie Langer
305-669-2822
Www.flspedlaw.com
Medicaid Waiver
https://apd.myflorida.com/
How do I know if my child needs an evaluation or therapy?
If your child is not meeting typical speech, language, feeding/swallowing, or communication milestones, an evaluation is warranted and therapy may be medically necessary (please see Communication Milestones on our website). For example, your child is not saying or understanding any words by age 1, he or she needs a language evaluation. If your child has a medical condition that impairs his/her communication, such as autism, certain types of cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, or Down syndrome, your child needs an evaluation and most likely speech and language therapy.
What areas do speech-language therapists treat in children?
Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs), work with children in the following areas: articulation (speech sounds, intelligibility), motor speech sound disorders, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), language (receptive and expressive), literacy, pragmatics (social language skills), stuttering/fluency, and feeding (feeding and swallowing).
What should I expect when my child has an evaluation?
An evaluation allows a speech therapist the opportunity to assess your child’s development. This assessment may include a standardized test, observation through play, medical history information, and/or parent report to get the most comprehensive view on your child. Through the evaluation, it will be determined if treatment is necessary and the frequency and duration of planned services.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, Lively Speech and Language Therapy is in-network with United Health Care, Cigna, and UMR. We are out-of-network billers for Tricare Select. We are currently working on expanding to accept CMS/FL Medicaid and CMS Sunshine. We also are direct billers for the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-UA), HealthWell Foundation, Orange Effect Foundation, and Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ).
How can I pay for services?
Lively Speech and Language Therapy uses Fusion Web Clinic to process all major credit card and HSA cards. We do bill UHC, UMR, Cigna and Tricare Select directly but copay and coinsurance is collected at the time of service. We accept checks, credit cards, HSAs, and select scholarships as payment options.
What are your hours of operation?
Our clinic is open Monday – Thursday from 9:00AM – 6:00PM and Friday from 9:00AM-3:00PM. Our SLPs’ schedules fill up quickly, but all efforts are made to find a session time that works for our families.
Is there any paperwork I need to fill out prior to an evaluation?
Yes. Once an evaluation has been scheduled, you will receive a link from Fusion Web Clinic with intake paperwork to complete prior to your evaluation. It includes a case history form that gives us the background information pertinent to your child’s development.
What ages of patients do you see?
We provide pediatric services for children from birth to 23.
Do you involve parents in the treatment process?
Yes. Parents are a very important part of treatment at Lively Speech and Language Therapy. Parents are welcomed into the treatment rooms to be a part of therapy and parent education is an integral part of every therapy session. Each session is designed to allow time for the parent and therapist to discuss progress and what was done during the therapy session.
How often does my child have to attend therapy, and for how long?
The frequency of therapy will vary based on each child’s circumstances. Some clients attend four times a week and others attend once a week. Our SLP's will be able to make a recommendation after an evaluation is complete, but at the end of the day it is up to the individual (and their family, if involved) to select a frequency based on needs, scheduling, and funding. The duration of therapy can also vary; some individuals may attend a few sessions and feel satisfied while others may be in speech therapy for several years. Every individual has a unique therapy plan which you can discuss with your SLP.
Does your company make home or school visits?
The majority of evaluation and treatment takes place in our St. Augustine clinic but we do visit some preschools and ABA clinics in our area. We are PPPSS providers for Duval County Public Schools. Home visits are no longer available with the exception of AAC evaluations and consultations.
We use Fusion Web Clinic for payments, click here to make a payment.
"...We have met a lot of speech therapists and Sarah is by far the best we’ve worked with. She has been such an incredible blessing and I’m so grateful to have found her..."
-Lauren L.
"...I never feel like I am in a stuffy waiting room with no clue what my child is being taught behind closed doors. Instead the environment here is like a family..."
-Elissa D.
"Sarah is wonderful to work with, very responsive and very aware of the individual child and his/her needs and what works best for that individual..."
-Angela D.
"Lively speech is wonderful, caring, and you see much progress. We have been doing speech and language therapy for 8 months and our little guy has passed from short sentences to conversational. All the therapist here are fantastic..."
-Alejandro L
"Highly trained, friendly, professional speech therapists! Very effective techniques!"
-Kathryn H.
"Amazing with children! Mrs. Lively loves what she does and helps tremendously. I wouldn’t go to anyone else!"
-Liz M.
...She reviewed the case and got me in to see one of her wonderful therapists that same week. Julie and Kim were instrumental in helping us get our child to where she's at now. These are the people you want..."
-Doc B.
"...We met with the Lively Therapy Group and our lives were changed. They advocated for him to get his new device and he was thriving and excelling so quickly.
I also have to say, Sarah Lively has advocated for our entire family finding the best care and programs for my grandson just because of her huge heart..."
-Cindy B.
"Lively Speech is life-changing. This is our third speech practice and NO ONE comes close. Our son is so blessed to have the help of her therapists..."
-Tiffany C.
Scholarships & Grants
Family Empowerment Scholarship
Students from age 3 through grade 12 or age 22, whichever comes first, who have a specific diagnosis.
Learn more & apply at: https://www.stepupforstudents.org/
HealthWell Foundation
"When health insurance is not enough, we fill the gap by assisting with copays, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses."
HealthWell.
Learn more & apply at: https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/
Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville
DDSAJ offers to pay the provider 100% of the Out-Of-Pocket expenses for PT, OT, Speech, and ABA Therapy up to a maximum of $1,500 per year.
Learn more & apply at:
Florida Make-A-Wish inspires to grant life-changing wishes for children with a critical illness.
Learn more & apply at:
FLORIDA MAKE-A-WISH
Providing individual medical grants that cover a wide variety of clinical, equipment, travel & lodging, and vehicle modification costs related to children's healthcare needs. (Newly Oracle Health Foundation)
Learn more & apply at:
Cerner charitable foundation
Northeast Florida Advocates for Autism
Their mission: "Our Priority is to provide support, training, and advocacy to families and people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); creating a more Autism friendly community."
Learn more & apply at:
UHC Children's grant
The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) offers timely financial support to families so they can focus on what is most important – enhancing the quality of life of their child. UHCCF grants help with medical expenses not covered, or not fully covered, by a family’s commercial health insurance.
Learn more & apply at:
US VARIETY CLUB
Variety’s Future Program enriches children's lives by providing services that will enhance their education, self esteem and character development.
Learn more & apply at:
SAVE THE KID
"Save the Kid Fund is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting children and young adult with disabilities. Through our programs, we will assist in accessing therapies, reducing medical expenses, providing medical and adaptive equipment...."
Learn more & apply at:
oRANGE EFFECT FOUNDATION
OEF makes sure children with speech disorders receive the speech therapy and technology equipment they need...especially when the children's family doesn't have the financial means.
Learn more & apply at:
Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA)
NICA ensures birth-injured children and adults receive the care they need while reducing the financial burden on medical providers and families.
Learn more & apply at:
The Apraxia Foundation
Founded by Jordan Christian LeVan, an adult with CAS who aims to deliver awareness, acceptance, and pride to all people with CAS and other communication-related disorders.
Learn more at: https://www.theapraxiafoundation.org/contact
IEP ADVOCACY
If your child is struggling in school and not getting the services he or she is entitled to, we can help.
We provide an IEP advocate who has over a decade of public school experience and will get your child the services he or she needs. We specialize in advocating for individuals with speech difficulties to ensure they receive specialized services and accommodations outlined in their IEP. With our expertise, we navigate the IEP process, collaborate with schools, and advocate for tailored speech therapy services. Let us be your voice for a successful and inclusive learning experience, providing guidance, resources, and personalized advocacy to meet your speech-related needs effectively.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Are you a creative and talented SLP
or OT with the following qualifications?
Current Positions for Speech Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist:
Are you a creative and talented SLP
or OT with the following qualifications?
Current Positions for Speech Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist:
Open Positions for Speech Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist.
Ability to create individualized treatment plans that incorporate each child’s personal strengths and interests while improving the most important areas of focus.
Understanding of how important speech and language are academically, especially as speaking, reading, and writing are fundamental components of the new Common Core.
Evaluate and treat expressive language/communication and speech intelligibility in children with a variety of exceptionalities, including students with apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, phonological disorders, specific learning disability, language impaired, speech impaired, and other developmental delays.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Clinical Fellowships
Experience: CCC-SLP (preferred) but CFs welcome
Education: M.Ed., M.A., or M.S. in Speech/Language Pathology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, or related Master's degree
Locations: Ponte Vedra and St Augustine/St Johns primary clinical locations; travel in St Johns and Duval county as well (optional)
Licenses: ASHA CCC-SLP or CF in application AND FL Dept of Health Speech Pathology license or provisional (required). Please attach resume to email. Serious inquiries only.
Contact Us
(904) 328-7489
(904) 490-8549
Sarah@livelyslp.com
