We lead the path, they find their voice.
Specialized pediatric speech therapy for ages 1 through 11. Meaningful Speech GLP/NLA trained. Private practice in Williamsville, NY, serving families across Western New York and beyond.
Why families choose The Speech Path.
Specialized private therapy at every level of need
Some children receive Early Intervention, Preschool (CPSE), or School-age (CSE) services and benefit from private therapy in addition. Some have severe delays and want focused, individualized care. Others didn't qualify even when help was clearly needed. We work with all of these families, ages 1 through 11.
Rare GLP/NLA training, when your child needs it
Per the Meaningful Speech Registry, fewer than 5 clinicians in all of Western New York are listed as trained in Natural Language Acquisition for Gestalt Language Processors. The Speech Path has Meaningful Speech GLP/NLA trained clinicians.
Parents are the biggest accelerator. We train you, too.
You are not just dropping your child off. We train parents directly in every strategy, the reasoning behind every "why," and how to carry it over at home. A child seen once a week with active home practice progresses far more than a child seen once a week alone.
A trusted navigator across pediatric care in WNY
Speech is rarely the only piece. We have warm referral relationships with pediatric psychologists, OTs, PTs, audiologists, ENTs, and sub-specialty SLPs across Western New York. We only recommend what we would do for our own kids.
Meet the Founder
Hi, I'm Jill. I built The Speech Path for the children I knew were being missed.
I started The Speech Path in January 2021 because I kept seeing the same thing: children who clearly needed help, and systems that couldn't get to them fast enough. Waitlists growing. Qualification thresholds tightening. Families being told "wait and see" when every instinct said otherwise.
So I built something different. A practice where every session is 1:1, every plan is built around your child, and parents aren't just welcome in the room, they're part of the process. I wanted families to feel like their concerns were heard from the first phone call.
I'm also a mom of two boys. I built this practice during the pandemic with a toddler and an infant at home. I know what it feels like to lie awake wondering if something is "just a phase" or something more.
After 14 years across early intervention, preschool, and school-age settings, my clinical belief is simple: children aren't lazy when it comes to communication. They just haven't found their way yet. My job is to light the path.
"I know what it feels like to lie awake wondering if something is just a phase or something more. That worry doesn't have an off switch, even when you do this for a living."
14+ years experience · ASHA CCC-SLP · TSSLD (PreK–12) · Meaningful Speech GLP/NLA trained · Ages 1 through 11
Reach out to Jill directlyMeet the SLPs
Every clinician licensed, credentialed, and personally chosen by Jill.
Jillian Lenhard
M.S.Ed., CCC-SLP/L · TSSLD · Founder
Jillian brings over 14 years of clinical experience across early intervention, preschool, and school-age settings. She founded The Speech Path in 2021 with a clear belief that every child deserves care built for them. Meaningful Speech GLP/NLA trained.
Olivia Rizzo
M.A., CCC-SLP/L · TSSLD
Olivia loves working with children from birth through age 11. She specializes in language development, articulation and phonology, and Gestalt Language Processing, bringing GLP/NLA trained expertise and genuine warmth to every session.
Brooke Einstman
M.S.Ed., CCC-SLP/L · TSSLD
Brooke brings creativity, warmth, and clinical depth to every session. She is dedicated to individualized, evidence-based care and building the meaningful relationships that help children and families thrive.
47 Five-Star Google Reviews
and counting
Our child did not speak until therapy with Jill. Jill showed us that there is more than one pathway to speech development, and it was a breakthrough moment for us. Her therapy is play based and child led. I promise she will change your child’s life.
Brooke has been such a gift. She is so creative with the games she uses during sessions, and our son absolutely loves working with her. We’ve seen noticeable improvement in a short period of time. Adding private speech therapy alongside school services has truly helped our child thrive.
When our son (2 years old) didn’t qualify for speech through early intervention, we booked weekly summer sessions. The progress he made was incredible. We went from roughly 40–50 words to saying things like “I want ___.” Jill provided weekly resources to build and expand on these skills at home.
We did the whole process of going through the state and school district and I was very disappointed. I came across The Speech Path, called Jill, and she set me up with Olivia. I couldn’t be happier. My son is super excited to see Miss Olivia every week. I noticed a huge difference in just one week.
What Therapy at The Speech Path Looks Like
Consultation
Your first phone consultation is free: a 15-minute conversation about your concerns, what evaluation might involve, and whether private therapy is the right next step. Any further consultations are billed.
What’s included:
- 15-minute phone call (free)
- Recommendations
- Next-step guidance
Evaluation
A comprehensive look at your child's speech and language across all relevant areas. We use standardized tools, informal measures, and play-based observation alongside a parent interview to build a complete picture.
What’s included:
- Standardized and informal assessments
- Play-based observation
- Parent interview
- Written report with recommendations
Therapy
Individual sessions tailored to your child. We work in 30-minute weekly sessions, with parent training built into every session so the strategies travel home with you.
What’s included:
- 30-minute weekly sessions
- Parent training
- Evidence-based methods
- Progress tracking
Private pay only.
Credit cards, cash, HSA, and FSA accepted. Super-bills provided for out-of-network insurance reimbursement (parent-led; outcomes vary by plan). Current session rates available upon inquiry.
Who We Work With
We see children ages 1 through 11, in person for New York State families. Telehealth is also available for NY families when appropriate for the child. Parent coaching and training sessions are available via telehealth on an as-needed basis. Our approach is play-based, child-led, and rooted in individualized care. We specialize in gestalt language processing (GLP/NLA), speech sound disorders, language delays, and early communication. For areas outside our scope, we connect families with trusted specialists across the WNY pediatric developmental-care network.
Information on this page is educational and does not replace a clinical evaluation. Every child is different, and recommendations are made on an individual basis.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Choose the parent guide that fits your child. We will send it right to your inbox.
Ages 0 to 2
Is My Child a Late Talker?
A parent-friendly breakdown of early communication milestones, red flags to watch for, and what to do next.
Ages 3 to 5
Understanding Your Preschooler
What to expect between ages 3 and 5, common signs that support might help, and how to tell the difference.
School Age
When School Feels Hard
For parents of school-age children who struggle to keep up, follow directions, or connect with peers.
GLP & Scripting
Is My Child a Gestalt Language Processor?
Your child scripts, quotes shows, and uses whole phrases. This guide explains GLP and how to support it at home.
You may receive occasional newsletters with speech and language tips. We do not share your information.
Common Questions
Answers to the things parents ask most.
Request a Free Consultation
Tell us a little about your child and we will be in touch within 48 business hours.
Families Travel From
Our office is in Williamsville. Families drive from communities across WNY.