Meet Us!
Caroline Chalder, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner and Director
Hi, I’m Caroline! I am a pediatric speech-language pathologist based in Boston. I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) in Speech Language Pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and a license to practice in the state of Massachusetts. I received a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Loyola University Maryland and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University in Baltimore.
My past experience includes working with toddlers, preschool, and school-age children in both private practice and school settings. Prior to establishing Small Talk Boston, I worked as a speech-language pathologist in private practice and multidisciplinary clinics in and around Boston. As a clinic-based therapist I regularly collaborated and co-treated with related professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, and developmental specialists. I provided speech and language screenings and weekly therapy sessions at several private preschool and elementary schools in the Boston area. I evaluate and treat children with speech sound disorders, receptive-expressive language delay, social-pragmatic language disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.
Areas of particular interest include articulation and phonological disorders, motor speech disorders, early intervention for children with language delays, and expressive and receptive language disorders in preschool and school-aged children. I am trained in PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) and DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing). I have also received additional training in Social Thinking Curriculum for social-pragmatic language disorders.
I have an energetic spirit and find the greatest joy in empowering my students and their families. I am passionate about using a child’s strengths to build success and celebrating each step of progress along the way. In my free time, I love reading, taking walks, visiting the beach, and spending time with my husband, Greg, and our two little ones.
Ariel (Schuman) Thayer, M.S., CCC-SLP
Hi, I'm Ariel! I'm a speech-language pathologist, and I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) in speech-language pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). I'm licensed to practice in Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois. I received my masters in Speech-Language Pathology from Boston University in 2017 after graduating with a B.S. in Cognitive Science with concentration in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Delaware in 2015.
I have previously worked in K-12 public schools, private schools, and private practice. I am passionate about working with school-age and college students in a setting that prioritizes functional therapy, evidence-based practice, and a collaborative approach with both parents and teachers. I have extensive experience supporting school-age students with understanding and expressing complex language, note taking, study skills, reading comprehension, and organization of oral and written language.
I am most confident and comfortable as a speech-language pathologist when I create an environment where students connect with me, feel safe to take learning risks, and develop confidence from within. I have an upbeat and warmhearted nature, and I incorporate my students’ specific interests and academic content into sessions whenever possible. Outside of work, I enjoy running, checking out new restaurants in the Boston area, and spending time with my husband, baby boy, and friends.
Erin Griffin, M.S., CCC-SLP
Hi, I'm Erin! I received my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University in 2018, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders from James Madison University in 2016. I hold a Clinical Certificate of Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as a license in Speech-Language Pathology from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I have experiences in public and private schools, home health and pediatric out-patient settings. I have worked with toddlers, preschoolers and school aged children. I evaluate and treat children with speech sound disorders, receptive-expressive language delay, social-pragmatic language disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. I have experience working with children who communicate in a variety of ways, via a Total Communication Approach, (e.g., Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, gestures/signs and speech). Areas of interest include articulation and phonological disorders, motor speech disorders, early intervention for children with language delays, and expressive and receptive language disorders in preschool and school-aged children. I am trained in DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing) and recently completed a training in Natural Language Acquisition. I have worked collaboratively alongside other professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, board certified behavior analysts, general and special education teachers and school psychologists.
I bring passion, energy and creativity to my sessions to keep my clients engaged and motivated. I enjoy working collaboratively with families in order to maximize the gains of the therapy and empower them to facilitate speech and language skills at home. I like to incorporate music, play, and literacy in my sessions while catering to my clients strengths, interests and motivations.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, skiing, traveling and spending time with my husband and friends.
Natalie Sullivan, M.S., CCC-SLP
Hi, I’m Natalie! I’m thrilled to join the team as a Speech Language Pathologist, bringing a strong foundation in communication disorders and a dedication to helping children achieve their communication goals. I earned a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Emerson College and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The College of Wooster. I am licensed in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island and have earned the Clinical Certificate of Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
After graduate school, I gained valuable experience working in various settings across Rhode Island. I worked in a pediatric private practice focusing on motor speech disorders and disorders of feeding/swallowing. I have experience in the Rhode Island public schools, where I managed caseloads of pre-k and elementary students. Additionally, I have supported children and families in the use of low and high-technology Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). I currently work with a diverse group of middle school students in a local school district. This diverse background has equipped me with a broad skill set in diagnosing and treating a variety of communication disorders and has enhanced my ability to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each child.
My specialized training includes the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets- Introduction to Technique. These programs have provided me with advanced techniques and strategies to support a wide range of communication and feeding challenges. Additionally, I am CPR certified through the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Program.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy reading, paddleboarding, and traveling. I am excited to be back in the Boston area and I look forward to making a positive impact in our community.
What People Are Saying
“Caroline came to our house weekly for speech therapy for my son when he was one year old. My son's language and communication skills improved leaps and bounds from Caroline's therapy. She was engaging, animated, and extremely personable. My son loved his sessions. I cannot say enough positive things about Caroline. She made such a difference in my son's development, I can't thank her enough. ”
Parent of a 1 Year old, Boston
“Caroline is professional, very approachable and has a cheery disposition. She relates well with my son regardless of what kind of day he is having. She is empathetic and takes her time with her students. The most impressive part about Caroline is her ability to emphasize the positive in every session. My son always leaves his appointments with Caroline with a pep in his step. He’s gone from being very difficult to understand and embarrassed speaking to easy to understand and confident. We are so happy that Caroline has helped us so much.”
Parent of an 8 Year Old, Newton
“After working with Caroline as well as knowing her personally for years, I can attest she is a remarkable speech-language pathologist. Caroline is organized, knowledgable, and compassionate. In addition to being incredibly dedicated to her clients and their families, she is a delightful person and an absolute pleasure to work with. As a former colleague, I witnessed how many patients and their families enjoyed working with and knowing Caroline. I cannot recommended her highly enough!”
Former Colleague and Speech-Language Pathologist
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