Kathryn Ressa, smiling walking across the room.

Play-based speech-language and feeding therapy for meaningful progress

Every child develops in their own way and at their own pace. Kat brings years of expertise as a speech-language pathologist to support babies, toddlers, and young children with speech, language, play, and feeding — in New York City, the Hamptons in the summer, and online across New York State — tailored to your child’s needs, strengths, and stage of development.

speech & feeding support
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A big picture approach to your child’s development

If your child’s words aren’t coming as expected, they’re refusing food, or you have a developmental diagnosis, getting them expert support early on can make all the difference.

We don’t just target isolated skills. We get to know your child — their personality, their play, their way of seeing the world — and build therapy around that.

We work closely with everyone involved in your little one’s life, sharing insights and practical strategies so progress continues well beyond the session.

work with us
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Speech-language evaluations

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Pediatric speech-language therapy

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Feeding therapy

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Online speech therapy

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Areas we serve

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FAQs

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Speech-language evaluations

We start with a comprehensive, thoughtfully structured evaluation. It’s the best way for us to get to know each other and discover how best to support your child.

An evaluation typically includes:

  • A consultation where you can explain your concerns and ask questions
  • Observing your child during play and day-to-day activities to assess their speech and language skills
  • Testing using normative or standardized tests to assess comprehension, use of language, and speech-sound production
  • A written report with feedback, recommendations, and next steps, followed by a call to discuss
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Pediatric speech-language therapy

Thoughtful speech and language therapy tailored to each child’s communication needs.

We can support your child with:

  • Articulation & Phonological Disorders
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Late Talkers
  • Receptive & Expressive Language Disorders
  • Social Language/Pragmatic Skills
  • Auditory Processing
  • Executive Functioning

For families in Manhattan — or throughout New York State who prefer remote sessions — in-person and virtual services offer a flexible and convenient way to access thoughtful, individualized support from wherever feels most comfortable for your family.

schedule a consultation areas we serve
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Feeding therapy in New York

We help with everything from picky eating to swallowing issues, creating personalized plans that make mealtimes more enjoyable.

In feeding therapy, Kat works to improve your child’s relationship with food — helping them explore a variety of tastes, textures, smells, and eating environments in a playful and relaxed way.

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Kathryn Ressa, smiling, sitting on a light sofa, with books on the side of the image.

areas we serve

In-person consultations

New York City: Speech therapy consultations and sessions in Manhattan, at home, school, and in our West Village office.

The Hamptons: We offer speech therapy in the Hamptons in the summer.

New York State: Online speech therapy for toddlers and children.

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FAQ's

What are some signs that a child might benefit from speech therapy?
Every child develops differently, but certain signs suggest a toddler or child could benefit from a speech-language evaluation. These can include limited vocabulary for their age, difficulty combining words into phrases, challenges being understood by others, frustration when trying to communicate, difficulty understanding language, or following instructions. If you’re unsure whether something is typical, an evaluation can provide clarity and guidance.
How can parents support their child's speech therapy at home?
Parents and caregivers play an integral role in supporting communication. Some of the most powerful opportunities for language learning happen during everyday routines—reading together, playing, preparing meals, or talking about the day. Small shifts in how we model language, respond to children, and create opportunities for interaction can make a meaningful difference over time.
How is play used in kids’ speech pathology?
Play is a natural way for children to learn and communicate. In kids’ speech pathology, toys, materials, and games create opportunities for interaction, conversation, and problem-solving in a way that feels engaging rather than pressured. You don’t need anything fancy — yourself and what’s around you at home will always work. The goal is finding fun ways to encourage language and communication in a supportive environment.
How long until I see progress with speech or feeding therapy?
Progress looks different for every child, and timelines can vary depending on the nature of your child's needs, their age, and frequency of sessions. Many parents notice small but meaningful changes sooner than expected: new sounds, words attempted, and smoother mealtimes. Kat will give you a realistic picture of what to expect after the initial evaluation, with clear updates and goals at every step of the way.
Is picky eating enough of a reason to seek feeding therapy?
Picky eating exists on a spectrum, and it isn't always something that resolves on its own. If mealtimes are stressful, your child's diet is very limited, or they're showing strong aversions to certain textures, tastes, colors, or food groups, a feeding therapy consultation can help you understand what's typical and what might benefit from support.

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