Welcome to SHORS
As a Speech and Language Therapist based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, my clients will appreciate the warmth and professional integrity that define my speech and language services. I’m determined to create fun and dynamic sessions for my clients to learn and grow within their natural environment. I emphasize open communication and parent coaching in order to facilitate the carryover of skills beyond the therapy sessions. Let's ride the wave of communication together!
Meet our therapists
ABOUT THE OWNER
Danielle Giarratano M.A., CCC-SLP
Danielle is the owner and founder of SHORS Rehabilitation Services. She has always had a passion for helping others, which led her to a career as a Speech and Language Pathologist. She received her B.A. from California State University, Long Beach in Communicative Disorders in 2013. She went on to receive her masters in Speech and Language Pathology from California State University, Long Beach in 2016. During her educational career, Danielle worked as a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant and as a Speech and Language Pathologist on a credential, which further developed her knowledge of the field.
Danielle has always had a passion for working with children. Throughout her educational career, she knew that she wanted to create a private practice that concentrated on treating the whole child in a collaborative manner. She wrote her graduate thesis on collaboration and presented her research at the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association's annual conference in 2017, as well as at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's annual conference that same year. Collaboration is vital for progress and generalization of skills.
Since graduating, Danielle has spent her time working in the the school system and in private practice, both in California and, most recently, in Florida. She has dedicated much of her time to working with children with special needs and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She has a background in working with children with behaviors, especially those with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Danielle has a diverse background, working with children with various disorders including but not limited to, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and CHARGE syndrome.
​
In her free time Danielle continues to learn and develop her skills as a therapist. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, her son, and her two dogs. She likes to go to the beach and enjoys outdoor activities.
​
Nikki Barrett M.S., CCC-SLP
Nikki Barrett received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Nova Southeastern University. Nikki has worked in multiple settings including hospitals, schools, home health, and private clinics. She specializes in treating a variety of developmental disorders, expressive/receptive language delays, articulation, dysphagia, and oral motor development across varying pediatric age groups. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two toddlers, boating, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
Let's ride the wave of communication together!
SOCIAL SKILLS
Social skills are vital to interpersonal communication. Deficits in the are of pragmatics or social skills can be detrimental to creating meaningful connections with ones peers and other people in ones life. A disorder in the area of social skills can be impactful not only to the child, but also to those closest to the child who want to create a meaningful connection with them. Often times, disordered social skills can be associated with a diagnosis of Autism
Spectrum Disorder.
​
If your child is having difficulties in the area of social skills contact us by clicking the button below.
LITTLE TALKERS CLASSES
Little Talkers classes are parent and me classes for children 1 to 5 years old. These classes will provide strategies to help assist parents in enhancing their children's communication and language development. Classes will include shared storybook reading, arts and crafts, sensory activities, whole body movement activities, play skill introductions, and family friendly music. Each class will have a theme, which will provide new ideas for parents on how to introduce new vocabulary to children.
​
If you are interested in participating in a preschool language class click below for more information.
LANGUAGEÂ THERAPY
Language therapy treats the presence of disordered communication in spoken language comprehension
(aka receptive language) and/or expressive language. Spoken language comprehension can be defined as the ability to understand information that is said to us. Expressive language can be defined as the ability to express our thoughts and ideas.
If this sounds like something your child is struggling with then click below to get started.
SPEECH THERAPY
Speech Therapy is focused on improving the intelligibility of what your child is saying. Speech therapy works on how sounds are produced in various word positions and contexts in order to help with the overall understanding of the intended message.
​
If you are having difficulty understanding your child click below to get started.
FEEDING THERAPY
Feeding therapy with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is designed to help individuals, particularly children, who experience difficulties with eating and swallowing. SLPs utilize specialized techniques to address a range of issues, such as sensory aversions to certain textures, difficulties with chewing, or problems coordinating the muscles involved in swallowing. Therapy may involve exercises to strengthen oral muscles, strategies to improve coordination, and introducing new foods gradually to expand the child's diet. The goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and pleasurable eating experiences, ultimately improving nutrition and quality of life.
​
If you are having difficulty understanding your child click below to get started.
RESOURCES
Communication Milestones: Age Ranges
These milestones are designed to help you know what to expect as your child grows and develops—and to know when to seek the guidance of an audiologist or speech language pathologist. When reviewing the milestones, also consider the age ranges below and above your child’s age. These milestones are not meant to be a screening or diagnostic tool.
CONTACT ME
Let's ride the wave of communication together!
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
(954) 332-2489