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Hello! Hola!

Marianna Rivera MA CCC-SLP/L is a nationally- certified bilingual pediatric speech- language pathologist in Chicago IL. She has been trained in the assessment & treatment of speech and language delays and disorders, with a specialization in bilingual (English- Spanish) individuals. She is the founder and owner of Palabras Speech Therapy LLC.

 

Marianna earned Bachelor of Arts degrees from The University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2015 in Communication Sciences & Disorders as well as in Italian. At this time, she also completed a minor in Chican@/ Latin@ Studies. She later earned her Master of Arts degree in Speech- Language Pathology from The University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign in 2017.
 

Marianna holds a license to practice speech- language pathology in the state of Illinois and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence

from The American Speech- Language Hearing Association. She also holds an Illinois Professional Educator License through the Illinois State Board of Education as well as a Bilingual- Spanish Special Education Endorsement. She has guest lectured extensively on the area of bilingual speech and language pathology to various school districts, hospitals, and universities. Marianna also blogs on Instagram under @palabras_speechtherapy. 

Visit the Palabras Clinic

The Palabras clinic is a small but powerful space where your child can explore, have fun, be challenged, and grow their communication skills.

Caregivers are always encouraged to be part of their child's therapy, either as an observer or as an active participant. Need a moment to yourself? Take a breather in our calming waiting area or book a facial or massage with our suite neighbors! Seriously.

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The Palabras clinic space is located in the lovely Ravenswood neighborhood at 4809 N. Ravenswood Ave Chicago IL 60640. Our clinic is:

- 4 miles east of the 90/ 94 junction.

- 2 miles west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

- across the street from the UP- North Ravenswood Metra stop.

- A 10- min walk from the CTA brown line Damen stop.

- full of ample, free, parking across the street.

- across the street from Starbucks and Mariano's.

- within a 5- minute walking distance of several food and drink options.

- across the street from a public playground.

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We can't wait to see you here at the Palabras clinic!

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The Palabras Philosophy

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My therapy style:

2 quotes come to mind when I think about my therapy style when I'm working with children and their families.

  • "Every child blooms in a different way."

  • "Play is the work of the child."

I truly believe that every child has the motivation and ability to communicate. We just have to 1. find what works for them and 2. connect meaningfully so they are engaged.

 

My core beliefs: 

  • Therapy needs to be fun, engaging, culturally & linguistically responsive, and empowering for every family.

  • Parents are a child's first and most important teacher. I do not gatekeep my strategies. I am here to teach you how to support your child's communication so the learning doesn't stop once you leave my office. 

  • I honor all languages spoken in the home environment. At Palabras, we celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity. 

  • We do not need to make all individuals sound like speakers of Mainstream American English. All dialects of English are valid.

  • Neurodiversity is to be celebrated and not "fixed". I do not support or recommend ABA therapy or its strategies to my clients. 

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