Speech/Language & Feeding Therapy
¡Hablamos Español!
(813) 543-5905
New Office Location
19337 Shumard Oak Dr UNIT 102,
Land O' Lakes, FL 34638
About Me
Veerley P. Mejia Hernandez, M.A., CCC-SLP
Owner, Leapstar Pediatric Therapy
Veerley P. Mejia Hernandez, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist who provides services in English and/or Spanish. She holds her certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is certified by the Florida Department of Health. Veerley received her Bachelor of Health Science degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). She continued her education at University of Florida where she also received her Master of Arts with a major in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Veerley loves the pediatric world! Prior to opening Leapstar Pediatric Therapy, Veerley worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as well as Physician Prescribed Extendede Care (PPEC) settings and served infants and children with complex medical conditions (e.g, prematurity, Cerebral Palsy, congenital blindness, congenital heart defects, etc.,) as well as children with Down’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. In these settings, she provided language, feeding and voice therapy. Veerley also has experience with low- high technology Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems such as core boards, speech generating devices and eye gaze/tracking communication devices.
Veerley is very passionate about helping children reach their full potential. She strongly believes that child-directed and family-centered therapy is the key to progress of a child’s overall development.
Fun Fact: Veerley loves watching marine life documentaries on her free time.
Services we offer
Speech/Language Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment conducted by a Speech-Language Pathologist to evaluate an individual's communication skills, including speech production, language comprehension, and other related abilities.
Feeding/Swallowing Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment conducted by a Speech-Language Pathologist to evaluate an individual's ability to safely and effectively eat and drink, including the oral motor skills, oral sensitivity, and swallow function.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication(AAC) Evaluation
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) evaluation is the process of assessing an individual's communication needs and abilities, and selecting and implementing appropriate AAC strategies and devices to support their communication.
Speech/Language Therapy
Therapy provided by a speech-language pathologist to improve communication skills, such as speech production, language comprehension, and other related abilities in individuals with speech and language disorders.
Feeding Therapy
Therapy provided by a Speech-Language Pathologist to improve an individual's ability to eat and drink safely and effectively, including the development of oral motor skills, oral sensitivity, and swallow function.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication(AAC) Therapy
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) is a set of techniques and tools used to support individuals with communication disabilities in expressing themselves and interacting with others, including sign language, picture symbols, speech-generating devices, and other forms of non-verbal communication.
How It Works
Consultation / Free Screening Call
During this call, we will talk about your concerns and we will decide whether your child needs further testing/ evaluation.
Evaluation
An evaluation appointment will be scheduled. The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will administer a formal assessment and assess your child's skills through clinical observations/interactions and parent report.
Report
SLP will write a thorough report explaining findings. SLP will determine the frequency of Speech Therapy services based on your child’s needs and will develop a plan of care that will consist of individualized goals that will be targeted on every therapy session.
Discuss Findings and Scheduling
Once the report is completed, the SLP will contact the parent to discuss findings. We will decide on a place, time and day/s for Speech Therapy services.
Therapy Journey Begins!
During our therapy sessions, SLP will meet one-on-one with the child and parent/caregivers. We will target your child’s goals through child-directed and family-centered therapy.
What people are saying.
Ashley
"I am so grateful to have found Ms.V to help with my daughter. At my daughters 2.5 year old pediatrician visit the doctor recommended speech therapy since she was very delayed in her speech abilities only repeating words or babbling with excessive crying due to being unable to express what she wanted. Today, my daughter is a little over 3 years old and she’s making her needs known, she’s able to follow directions and she’s able to express her own thoughts. My daughter was getting speech therapy every week with Ms. V. I 100% recommend Ms. V, she helped through difficult times of feeling frustrated with myself for not being able to be patient with my daughter’s needs. She provided support and tips on how to help my daughter to improve. By far the best decision I made for my daughter was having these services to help her."
Beatriz
"My child was having trouble with eating age-appropriate foods. He made amazing progress and I attribute this to Ms. V’s expertise and personalized approach. Ms. V. was so patient and understanding with my child. She made the sessions very fun and engaging. I highly recommend her for any child in need of feeding therapy. She’s awesome!"
Rosemary
"Veerley, I have no words to thank you, I work in health care and its rare when you find someone that really cares and you care for our son and I really believe the improvements that he has been showing for the past few months is thanks to you. ❤️"
Xioana
"Both my children have seen Mrs.V for speech and feeding therapy. She is truly amazing, she connected with both right away. Provided tips on how to help with picky eating. Always made the sessions fun and they were always engaged. Highly recommend!"
Samantha
"Leapstar Pediatric Therapy is absolutely amazing!!! Our son is three and struggled with his speech. He has been seeing Leapstar Pediatric Therapy for a few months now and there is a HUGE improvement! Not only can everyone understand him now, but he is a lot more happier and confident. I could not give Leapstar Pediatric Therapy a better recommendation!! Thank you for all of your help!"
Anna
"My child has issue with eating, chewing and swallowing the food. Mrs.V she start a few months ago and my child already made a lot of progress! I am so happy for that and for her because she know how to work with the kids! Highly recommend for everyone who needs feeding therapy for childrens! She is really good! Thank you Mrs.V you’re quality work!😊"