About Us

We are a private pediatric speech-language therapy practice. In 2017, Leila founded Semantics with the intention of creating the kind of practice that she would choose for her own children. Semantics offers one-on-one attention at our facility, or in the child’s natural environment. Our therapists offer a unique therapy experience, while empowering parents with home practice resources. We strive to create an environment that encourages parents to be a part of their child’s treatment; therefore, our facility has been designed to promote a comforting and friendly atmosphere.  

The child’s family is included in the evaluation and intervention process as we will design a program that will best meet your child’s needs as they pertain to speech and language. Parental involvement is a key component in assisting with the therapy process, and is achieved through parent education and carryover in the home. We have developed a holistic approach to the therapy process wherein your child’s care can be coordinated with other therapy disciplines to attain optimal results in all necessary developmental domains. Referral to appropriate multidisciplinary teams include Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Leila is the founder and owner of Semantics. She grew up in Westchester County, and attended Concordia College earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science. Leila continued her studies to pursue a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders at Mercy College. She holds her New York state license, and is nationally certified through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Leila has over ten years of experience working with children between the ages of 0 to 21 years old with various communication disorders. She has over five years of experience treating children who are deaf and hard of hearing, as well as those who utilize Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices. Additionally, Leila is certified in PROMPT therapy, and has extensive experience treating children with severe phonological disorders. Leila’s professional experience has centered around pediatric therapy across a variety of settings, emphasizing a family approach in the child’s natural environment.

Kristen is originally from Northern New Jersey, where she attended Montclair State University to earn an undergraduate degree in Public Health. She received her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology at New York Medical College. Kristen has over six years of experience working with medically fragile children in the acute care setting. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Kristen has participated in multidisciplinary teams including an Aerodigestive Team and Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinic. She has also worked in collaboration with Otolaryngologists and Pulmonologists on collecting research data in the area of Surgical Intervention for Posterior Glottic Deficiency and its effect on pulmonary health and swallowing function. Kristen values the relationships she has with both her patients and their families, and focuses on a family-based approach to feeding therapy.