THE ORIGIN OF BABBLE BUDDIES CIRCLE TIME

My name is Stephanie, and my passion for early intervention has guided my journey as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for over 14 years. I've had the privilege of working with babies, young children, and their families, witnessing firsthand how early support can transform lives. As the co-founder of Speech Mamas and co-owner of a speech and occupational therapy clinic, my career has always been about creating opportunities for children to thrive through effective communication.

In 2019, a new chapter began when I welcomed my daughter into the world. While taking her to various circle times at the library, I saw the incredible potential these gatherings held—not just as a place for social interaction, but as an opportunity to share valuable insights about communication development from an SLP’s perspective. I was excitedly planning a baby circle time program, ready to blend my professional expertise with the nurturing environment of a circle time.

Then, as life would have it, the pandemic hit. In the midst of uncertainty, Jill and I found a new way to make a difference. We pivoted our plans and created Speech Mamas, developing virtual resources to help parents support their toddlers' communication development.

Fast forward to November 2023—another joyful milestone with the arrival of my son. His presence rekindled my drive to innovate and refine our approach, leading to the creation of Babble Buddies. Inspired by my wonder of his development, Babble Buddies was born as a dedicated initiative to further nurture the communication skills of our youngest learners.

This is our story—a journey fueled by the joy of parenthood and an unwavering commitment to building supportive, nurturing communities for both children and parents. We invite you to join us as we continue to explore, learn, and grow together, one babble at a time.