Gloria, 40:

I suffered a TBI a few years back and I was very lucky to get referred to Ariela Shandling by my neurologist. My brain injury left me with many issues. Poor memory, not able to concentrate, unable to do simple math. The list can go on, but this is not about me. It's about Ariela who is genuine, kind and very patient. I truly believe if it hadn't been for her therapy and support system she created for me, I would be lost! I don't know where I would be on this healing journey without her. THANK YOU SO MUCH Ariela! You truly made a difference for me and my family. We are forever indebted to you.

Gloria R.

David, 60:

My name is David G Nunez, I am a retired Public Servant with thirty-four years of Police experience and this is my testimonial. A while back, I had a stroke in my brain stem and I suffer from Cerebellar Stoke Syndrome and other specified cognitive deficits. My story is not unique but what I went through is. It's not easy to admit but it was quite a significant journey, "A nightmare." I feel blessed because the organization that I worked for sent me to a Speech Therapist named Ariela Shandling. Wow what a wonderful professional. She is passionate about her career. She assisted me and determined I was suffering and experiencing speech and voice impairments. I do not drive and I am handicap. The toughest part of a Public Servant is to admit he needs help and boy I was drowning. I felt alone, I quickly learned to cry to myself. I would look to my wife who stood tall and at attention, she would smile never once taking a rear step. She gave me confidence to go forward when in fact, I was scared. As she drove me to Ariela's Medical Office. She said, "Listen Here David." I knew, I was in quite a pickle. Right there, I thought to myself and not to let my wife down! Ariela Shandling performed screening assessments and designed her treatment plans to help me develop necessary speech skills. She educated my wife and I about speech disorders and causes, including my disability. She kept detailed records, she reported my progress and currant status to the appropriate parties. On a personal note Ariela is highly educated, she has a strong understanding of speech related conditions, she is a great coach with excellent verbal and written skills. She is also proficient with computers and healthcare data bases. A Word to all who are sent to her, be ready to listen and work because she will develop a plan to accommodate you to push to learn and that is what you want. Ariela taught me exercises to help me develop my skills in my daily life and I will always be grateful to her. I do my exercises early in the morning getting them out of the way for instance "Warm/Swallow. Working with Ariela Shandling is quite a unique experience, those who come in contact with her will not regret it, it was an awesome opportunity. 

Jack, 6:

Ariela was a pleasure to work with. Our son was always excited to see Ariela and enjoyed going to speech therapy. Often times when he didn't go he would ask why! We saw great improvement in our son's speech and with it he became more confident in conversing. I highly recommend Ariela especially for the Kindergarten-age!

Genesis, 24 months:

Our daughter Genesis was diagnosed with speech delay just before her second birthday.  Ariela’s reassurance and positivity was a tremendous help during what was a disheartening situation for me as a parent.  Her enthusiasm for her work was so evident the first time we met.  Genesis took to her immediately and her weekly speech therapy sessions became a household holiday known as “Ariela Day.”  Ariela is patient, kind and we know she genuinely cares for our daughter.  She often invited our eldest child Kaden to participate in his little sister’s therapy sessions so he could feel included.  Our kids simply adore her! Genesis is now almost three and has made huge advancements in her vocabulary and ability to communicate.  We’re forever grateful to Ariela for helping our little girl reach her full potential.

Bryson, 17 months:

It was brought to my attention when my child (Bryson) was 17 months old that he was delayed in his speech. I had my reservations about it but decided to contact the Regional Center. Bryson was then tested in speech, cognition, critical thinking and social ineptness by one of the speech pathologists through the Regional Center. The results confirmed that my son’s speech was on the level of an 11 month old infant. Quite naturally, I was devastated by the news. When we were assigned to Ariela as our speech therapist, Bryson was 21 months old. I was relieved and nervous at the same time. Mainly I was concerned whether or not the sessions would work. At the end of our first session, Ariela assured me that Bryson would be a fast learner. We then agreed to meet twice a week.

After our first meeting, I could tell that Bryson instantly gravitated to Ariela. As his therapist, she was very engaging. She brought games and learning material that catered to the specific educational needs of my child and she made it fun. Overtime, I noticed the growth and the confidence that my son was obtaining in his abilities to communicate. For example, it went from my son using two syllable words “juju” for “juice” to “I want juice”, it went from my son saying momma to learning how to say three and four syllable words. Before my son would only use the word “no” now he uses “yes and no” to answer questions. He speaks in full sentences and even makes suggestions by saying “how about this”. The benefits of him working with Ariela are endless.

In addition, Ariela used token economy to positively reinforce my son’s learning in which I believe helped him become school –ready. When I enrolled my son into his new pre-school, his teacher said that not only was he well behaved, he was also more vocal than the other kids his age. When I received the call about Bryson’s last session with Ariela I was sad.  She had become a valuable part of my son’s learning development and thus I did not want to loose her. However, the fact that we were ending our sessions only reaffirmed that, together, we accomplished our goal. My son will be three years old in February 2015, as his mother I will no longer have to worry whether or notmy son is behind in his speech development, that’s the gift that Ariela gave to my son and I and it is priceless.

Eitan, 11

Ariela Shandling is an incredible Speech Therapist! My 11 year old son worked with Ariela over the course of several months to improve his speech. He immediately felt very comfortable and confident working with Ariela. She connected with him in a way that made speech therapy fun and engaging. Ariela's continuous encouragement in his abilities made my son feel proud of his achievements. 

Ariela is highly regarded among my family and friends as the best speech therapist!!! I am truly thankful to Ariela for correcting my son's speech.