Every child deserves a voice.

I started Creating Communicators because I wholeheartedly believe every child can do well if they are given the right tools to succeed. Offering comprehensive speech, language and literacy services, I strive to help each child foster skill development and independence where they can learn, play, read and grow.

I help children who struggle with:

Early Language (Birth-3)

Birth-3 years old is a critical point in development. Speech therapy at this age can help children who are struggling to develop spoken language and build routines that can be brought to the home to foster language development each day!

Articulation & Stuttering

Speech sound development follows a typical sequence of acquisition, sometimes children need support to produce certain speech sounds or to use their expressive language fluently. Speech therapy can help your child become a more confident communicator!

Receptive & Expressive Language

Language is the root of all communication and learning. If your child is having difficulty understanding what they are told, communicating their wants and needs, telling a story, using correct grammar, or struggling at school in any way, speech therapy may be able to help. Even if you can’t put your finger on it but think something just isn’t right, call me to schedule an evaluation and I can help you figure it out.

Reading and Spelling

Reading and spelling are key aspects of literacy and one small piece to a larger language puzzle. If your child is having a hard time learning to read and write, a structured literacy approach using science-backed techniques may be the best way to foster their literacy growth and development.

Social Skills

Almost every aspect of life is social! Creating Communicators is a neurodiversity affirming practice that takes a child-centered approach to social skills development in the context of what that means for each family. If you think your child could benefit from social language support, reach out for a free phone consultation so I can learn more about your goals and design a tailored treatment plan to focus on your child’s strengths in developing their individual areas of need.

Gestalt & Analytic Language Processing

Not every child develops language the same. Some children start learning with individual words as the building blocks and others start out with phrases or sentences and then work to break those down into individual units. I am extensively trained in both types of language development and can help tailor your child’s intervention to their specific processing style.

Executive Function

Do you have a child whose bedroom is a mess, can never find what they are looking for, struggles to start their homework assignments or simply freezes when faced with a writing task? Executive functions are a set of cognitive skills that help us mediate every aspect of our life. Some children struggle with forming these skills and need support and strategies to help them organize, plan, initiate, navigate, and achieve their goals.

Tanya DiStefano sitting at her desk doing work

Welcome!

I am a neurodiversity affirming, child led therapist who has a passion for helping every child reach their own unique potential. I am dedicated, compassionate, and always put the child’s social-emotional well being first so they are able to develop a trusting, lasting therapeutic relationship.

Why Choose Creating Communicators?

Literacy & Language

You cannot have literacy without language. My unique credentialing as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Licensed Reading Specialist affords me the knowledge and expertise to treat all aspects of your child’s language, learning, and literacy profile. What is usually done by two separate providers can, and should, be done by one; creating a more holistic and generalizable support for your child.

Experienced & Credentialed

Creating Communicators is a small, mom-owned therapy practice with over 10 years of experience. Your child is not just a number, but a part of our community. I have a passion for data and science-driven results and thus, take pride in the extensive credentialing and continuing education dedicated to learning and implementing best practices in the field.

Realistic

As a mom of three, with one going through early intervention, I  get it. Life with kids is hard. Therapy sessions are hard. Some families come to me just needing “speech” and others come with a whole schedule full of related services, sports, and siblings to navigate. I pride myself on my flexibility and ability to work with each family's unique needs to provide support that makes the most sense for your family structure.

Child-led

My first priority is always connection. I seek to meet every child where they are at and ensure they are making progress in a way that is comfortable for them. All aspects of your child’s development will be taken into account during their sessions including their ability and willingness to participate in therapy. Are they interested in sports? We’ll use that interest to target their goals. Are they shy and don’t want to open up to someone new? We will take things slow to support their self-confidence and self-determination. The goal is always for each child to leave feeling confident about their themselves as communicators.

Tanya DiStefano at a deck helping a child write his name

Areas of Speciality

  • Early Intervention

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Dyslexia

  • Specific Learning Disabilities in Reading & Writing

  • Language Disorder

  • Executive Function

Insurance

To make my services as accessible and affordable as possible, I have contracted with most major health insurance companies and am considered “in-network” with the following. If you are covered by a different insurance provider I can also provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement, and accept out-of-pocket payments. For more information on private pay rates, please get in touch!

Cigna logo
Blue Cross Blue Shield logo
Mass General Brigham logo
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare logo
United Healthcare logo
Tufts Health Plan logo

“Tanya has worked with our children for the last 8 years. Her attention to their needs as well as their development as communicators and people is astounding. There has been no situation that has caught her off guard and her ability to creatively handle the rigors of pediatric encounters amazes me.”

—Kate

Neurodiversity Affirming

Creating Communicators celebrates neurodiversity and recognizes the unique strengths and challenges that come with it. My therapy approach is informed by the understanding that each individual's neurology is diverse and valuable. I provide a safe, inclusive space where clients of all neurotypes feel understood, accepted, and supported on their journey in life. I am extensively trained to tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of each individual, fostering empowerment and self-discovery. Whether you're seeking support for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurodevelopmental differences, I am here to help your child thrive and embrace their unique way of experiencing the world.

young girl smiling and playing with bubbles

Non-discrimination Notice

Creating Communicators is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals. The services provided do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other protected status. All visitors will be treated with respect and dignity, and ensured equal access to our services, products, and opportunities. Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us immediately to address your concerns. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights here.

Thank you for being a part of this inclusive community.

Creating Communicators is currently accepting new patients in-person in Waltham, MA or through telehealth.

Schedule a free consultation today.

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