MARY BETH PATE
Speech
Pathologist
Hi! I’m Mary Beth Pate, founder of Coastal Kids Speech & Language and a state-licensed, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist with over 13 years of clinical experience. I have a passion for promoting early literacy and find joy in unlocking the world of learning through the inclusion of books, executive functions and literacy-rich materials in therapy.
I believe that speech and language skills are directly correlated to reading readiness and incorporate literacy into my speech therapy activities. With older children who have demonstrated difficulty with reading, I am trained/have experience in various structured literacy programs to address these specific needs.
I also am a firm believer that executive functions play a pivotal role in a child’s readiness to learn. Executive functions are responsible for skills such as our attention, memory, and impulse control among many others. The development of executive functions are essential to the growth of a healthy desire and ability to learn! I am passionate about supporting these skills in families so that our kids are set up for success!
As a mother to three children of my own, I am familiar with the complexities that go into the unique development of each child and the challenges that families face in raising children in this busy, digital age. I believe that learning is a naturally joyful process and all children should have access to speech and language services that make learning fun!
Professional Background
- Bachelor’s Degree, Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of South Florida, 2009
- Master’s Degree, Speech-Language Pathology, University of South Florida, 2011
- Certificate of Clinical Competence, American Speech, Language, Hearing Association, 2012-present
- Licensed in Speech Language Pathology, State of Florida
- Experience with incorporation of principles of Lindamood Bell’s LIPS and Visualizing/Verbalizing programs
- IMSE Orton Gillingham Trained
- Graduate of Tera Sumpter’s Seeds of Learning Cohort
- Over 13 years of experience in private practice
- Ongoing training in the areas of speech, language, literacy, executive functions and neuroscience to stay up to date with current research and evidence based practices
Mission
I emphasize the need for strong foundational skills in attention, social skills and regulation in order to prepare for learning. I have clinical expertise in the integration of literacy skills into therapy for children who are at risk for reading impairments. I am committed to teaming with families to develop plans, identify needs and facilitate effective communication skills for all.
I have a deep passion for integrating learning into natural routines and believe in finding strategies that work for busy families, because I know how hectic life can be. Working with families to develop speech, language and literacy skills are close to my heart, and I’m dedicated to helping your child develop a strong foundation for learning.
Belief in Growing
Deep Roots
The brain is composed of brain cells called neurons, which are responsible for learning. Tree-like branches between brain cells form, called dendrites which strengthen connections between the cells. These rich, lush connections are what makes learning “easy.” What research teaches us, is that the actual structural make up of the brain is dependent on the experiences or environment of the individual.
These connections begin forming at birth. When these connections do not form strongly due to underlying pathology that limit vicarious learning in their environment (ear infections, ADHD, screen use, etc.) then lifelong learning may be impacted. Often, difficulties with language, learning of written language or executive functions are the symptoms that are seen. When treating a language disorder, I believe in starting at the root of learning to not only improve specific skills, but increase the child’s overall capacity for learning.
In the case of speech sound disorders (saying sounds correctly), hearing, perception of sounds as well as myofunctional development (nasal versus mouth breathing) is often at the root of the disorder. Identifying the root cause and utilizing or developing strong executive function helps the child to effectively learn and self monitor their own speech sound productions.