As a 

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 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 a firm believer in structured literacy and am passionate about the science of reading.

 I also am a firm believer that executive functions play a vital 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!

 

 

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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
  • IMSE Orton Gillingham Trained
  • Over 13 years of experience in private practice
  • Ongoing training in the areas of speech, language, literacy and executive functions to stay up to date with current research and evidence based practices

 

 

Mission

I am passionate about creating language and literacy rich environments where children are drawn to learn through hands on opportunities with books,  multisensory materials as well as pretend play.

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’m deeply passionate about integrating learning into natural routines. I 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 in speech and language.

"Comorbidity between literacy difficulties and speech and language deficits occurred in as high as 50%. Research also shows approximately 20%-28% of children with speech sound disorders (SSD) have literacy difficulties."

(Overby, Trainin, Smit, Bernthal, and Nelson, 2012)

Literacy and oral language skills at kindergarten and first grade predict school achievement and even the completion of high school."

– (Froiland, Powell, Diamond, Son, 2013)