I didn’t set out to build a startup.

I set out to help children communicate.

My journey began while studying Communication Sciences & Disorders and later Speech Language Pathology, where I became deeply interested in how speech and language shape a child’s ability to connect, learn, and grow.

I went on to work as a speech language pathologist in schools, clinics, and hospitals across Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and London, supporting children with a wide range of communication needs.

But across every setting, I saw the same challenge:

Children weren’t getting enough practice.

Speech therapy might happen once or twice a week, but progress depends on what happens in between. Families and teachers wanted to help, but often didn’t have the tools.

Then one moment stayed with me.

I was working with a young child who had little motivation to engage with traditional therapy. But when we introduced an iPad, everything changed, attention, engagement, possibility.

That moment sparked an idea:

What if technology could help children use their voice more?

That’s how ASD 123 began.

We built a voice driven platform where children learn by speaking out loud, turning words into action through play. The goal isn’t to replace therapy, but to extend it; giving children more opportunities to practice communication in everyday moments.

Building ASD 123 has been one of the most challenging and meaningful journeys of my life. It’s taken me from clinician to founder, learning how to build, test, listen, and grow.

But the mission has stayed the same:

To make speech and language support more accessible, more engaging, and more consistent for every child.

Because every child deserves a voice and the opportunity to use it.

If you’re a speech language pathologist, educator, or parent, I’d love to connect and hear your thoughts.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/asd-123/id1577037312

I was once again featured on Venita Litvack's Speechie Side up podcast, this time for a podcourse.

It's available on most major podcast platforms.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcourse-self-advocacy-is-patient-advocacy-challenging/id1409431028?i=1000755748297

If you want ASHA CEUs you will have to listen to it on the Tassel CEU platform.

You can use code: Sophie

Or this link for a discount:

https://tr.ee/lSNaOAvHrC

Disclaimer, I receive a small commission if you use my referral code/link.

Please take a listen and share! It's 1 hr.

Article link: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.RIB1.22082017.16

SLPs spend 15+ hours a week on paperwork. Caseloads of 60, 70, even 80 students. IEPs that take hours to prep, run, and follow up. Scheduling that feels like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded. And after all that, you still have to find time to actually do therapy.

Research shows that when caseloads cross 45 students, nearly half of SLPs say their workload is unmanageable. At 60 or more, that number climbs to 70%. And 75% of school-based SLPs have considered leaving the field entirely.
We built EASI because we are SLPs, and we have lived this.

EASI is a HIPAA-secure platform that includes MySLP (My Second Look Protocol), a clinical assistant trained on every state's IEP eligibility criteria and years of proprietary clinical data. It does not think for you. It helps you verify whether your clinical decisions are sound or need a second look.

The platform also includes language sample analysis that transcribes speech in context, including filler words and disfluencies, and calculates MLU, IPSyn, percentage of consonants correct, and more. Coming soon: a record review feature that compiles your test scores, previous reports, and IEPs into comprehensive evaluations.

And yes, MySLP can help with scheduling. Put your caseload and available times in, and it generates a schedule for you.
We are looking for beta testers before our early 2026 launch. If you want early access, sign up here.

https://easi-as.com/

Excited to share that Speak & Play is now live! This new platform, built on NSF-funded technology, gives families real feedback on children’s speech and language right from home. Parents upload short audio clips of their child speaking, and get personalized, research-backed ideas for supporting language growth: no diagnostic labels, just practical help.

Speak & Play offers accessible, clinician-designed tools for early intervention and ongoing language support. Our goal is to bridge the gap for families, clinics, and schools facing long waitlists or limited specialist access. The platform is ready to use, and we’re always open to feedback from SLPs, educators, and parent advocates.

If you’d like to learn more, connect with me or visit https://speakandplay.ai. Let’s help more families find the support they need, when they need it.
Excited to share that Speak & Play is now live! This new platform, built on NSF-funded technology, gives families real feedback on children’s speech and language right from home. Parents upload short audio clips of their child speaking, and get personalized, research-backed ideas for supporting language growth—no diagnostic labels, just practical help.

Speak & Play offers accessible, clinician-designed tools for early intervention and ongoing language support. Our goal is to bridge the gap for families, clinics, and schools facing long waitlists or limited specialist access. The platform is ready to use, and we’re always open to feedback from SLPs, educators, and parent advocates.

If you’d like to learn more, connect with me or visit https://speakandplay.ai. Let’s help more families find the support they need, when they need it.

School-based SLPs, we're seeking clinical partners for EASI beta testing. This evaluation platform was developed through National Science Foundation Phase 2 funding by a team of speech-language pathologists, data scientists, engineers, and special educators.

EASI provides comprehensive analysis in 15 to 30 minutes, record review reports, and secure AI assistance for case consultation. The system helps you brainstorm complex cases, verify your clinical findings, and develop therapy plans within a HIPAA and FERPA compliant environment. Unlike general AI platforms, EASI was purpose-built for clinical workflows with student privacy protections integrated from the ground up.

Join the beta program at Liricare.com. Your feedback will shape tools designed by field experts who understand the demands of school-based assessment and the ethical requirements of working with student data.

Sign up to be a beta tester today! https://easi-as.com/#card-v1ul56zcfdrd9j5

I have been learning AI to develop more materials for speech, language, pre-reading and Pre-K through elementary. I have devloped about 5,000 storybooks, games, mazes, activity sheets and more at https://www.slpstorytellers.com/register-2/ Feel free to check them out. If you are not interested in subscribing now, you can download a free sample. Enjoy!

HEAD BANGING IN CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Head banging is a type of self-injurious behavior commonly seen in some autistic individuals, often used as a way to cope with overwhelming sensory input or emotional distress.

It can be triggered by sensory overload, frustration, anxiety, pain, or a desire for deep pressure input — making it essential to identify the root cause before addressing the behavior.

✨ Let’s talk about:
Why head banging happens
What it tells us about the child’s needs
And how we can respond safely and effectively

In the world of special education, communication is the foundation for meaningful growth. ✨

Recently, I worked with a vibrant 5-year-old student named Adam. Although he could vocalize words, he struggled with purposeful communication. His needs for toys, food, and assistance often went unmet simply because he lacked an effective way to express them.

Through the use of Functional Communication Training (FCT), we introduced structured, meaningful alternatives to his communication attempts. By teaching Adam simple, functional phrases paired with visual supports, we opened a door, empowering him to replace frustration with connection.

Functional communication isn't just a strategy; it's a critical step toward autonomy, dignity, and learning.

Today, I’m sharing a glimpse into how FCT can transform a child's world, one request at a time.