About Us

Oakland Speech and Language believes that the family is an important part of the therapy process, and includes parents, caregivers, extended family, and friends in every step along the way. Our philosophy is for each child to achieve maximum success in speech therapy. Each session is designed to provide the foundation needed for speech and language and the boost needed to reach important milestones. It is our goal to train parents, caregivers and family members so that they can better help their children make communication gains.

Mission Statement

Our mission at Oakland Speech and Language is to provide professional speech & language therapy services to children of all ages and abilities. We focus on delivering the highest quality services to our clients in a family centered manner, creating opportunities for success by empowering each child to reach their full potential through individualized services.

Oakland Speech Language is dedicated to offering the highest quality, research and evidence based, speech & language treatment plans that are individualized to each child. Oakland Speech and Language provides individual speech & language screenings, consultations, assessments, independent educational evaluations, and therapy. Our professional services are designed to enhance skills in areas of articulation, phonology, expressive and receptive language, auditory processing, voice quality and fluency.

MEET THE OWNER

Kate Mutch is the Speech Language Pathologist (M.A. CCC-SLP)

Kate graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts and Sciences and went on to earn her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Michigan State University.

Kate's previous experience includes 8 years evaluating and treating children 18 months of age and older with speech and language disorders at Beaumont Children's Hospital. In addition, she has 8 years of experience in the public schools working with speech and language students preschool through 12th grade.

"The best part of my job is helping a child improve their quality of life by finding their voice."

Animal-assisted therapy

Meet our speech therapy dog Marlie May! Marlie is a 3 year old Cavapoo and is a Certified Therapy dog through Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs. Marlie May has completed a long and intensive training and is a very integral part of Oakland Speech and Language. Marlie May LOVES children just as much as she loves treats and belly rubs!

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been gaining strength in popularity and recognition as an effective part of a therapy regime for children who have a wide range of social, language and communication disorders.

What are the benefits of Animal-Assisted Speech Therapy?

Increase engagement: the presence of a therapy dog will motivate a child to engage in therapy activities and increase focus.
Increases communication: perhaps the most significant and obvious advantage is the impact a therapy dog can have in the promotion of speech and communication.
Increase quality of life: the combination of benefits is often referred to as life-changing, allowing the child to improve his/her quality of life, communication, and the connection with the world.
Calming during meltdowns: therapy dogs are taught to respond to a child going into a meltdown by leaning on the child and calming and soothing them with their gentle kindness.
Helps children build their confidence: therapy dogs can help improve a child's mood and increases their strength and confidence to overcome the challenges they face.
Enhances children’s empathy and care-giving: a therapy dog requires loving care, and so it can promote positive feelings of love and nurture from the child.
Provides children with the experience of unconditional acceptance: one of the most satisfying benefits of a therapy dog is the dog’s ability to bond quickly with a child.
Helps facilitate healthy attachment relationships: Children are still developing their minds and social skills, so they need all of the interaction and support they can get during this critical time.
Reduces children’s fears and anxieties: spending time with a therapy dog can give the child the chance to face their emotions and share them with both the dog and their therapist.

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