Holly Pralgever

About

Holly values the notion that every child deserves to express his or her wants, needs, and ideas. She recognizes the struggle that families endure when a child is having trouble meeting these fundamental needs. Holly believes that parent and caregiver education is paramount in the therapy process. As a speech-language pathologist, she believes that an inviting and engaging environment is critical for a child or adult receiving speech and language therapy. Prior to receiving her Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Columbia University in 2014, Holly obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from New York University with minors in “American Sign Language” and “Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies”. In addition to her formal education, Holly is PROMPT trained and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) certified. She is board certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), as well as a Speech Language Specialist Endorsement (SLS) from the Department of Education. She is a member of the New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In 2022, 2024,& 2025, Holly was presented the ASHA ACE Award by the Continuing Education Board, a formal recognition of professionals who have demonstrated their exceptional commitment to lifelong learning. Holly has had the pleasure of working as a speech-language pathologist in various settings including urban and suburban school districts, early intervention, and private practice. This experience has helped her develop and implement treatment approaches that are tailored to fit the needs of each child she treats. She enjoys and takes pride in creating individualized therapy materials that will motivate every child to have the most positive therapeutic experience possible.

My Approach

As a highly experienced SLP working with children with motor speech disorders, I provide comprehensive assessment and treatment rooted in the Principles of Motor Learning and a combination of research-based approaches shown to be effective for children with CAS. My primary goal is always to improve speech motor skills, increase intelligibility, enhance language abilities, and foster social competence. I’m currently focused on a consultation/parent training model, which includes differential diagnosis, identifying co-occurring disorders, developing individualized CAS-specific treatment plans, and offering high levels of parent support. I incorporate a play-based, functional approach in therapy, combining PROMPT-based techniques with Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) to enhance speech production. Sessions are child and family-centered, with an emphasis on parent education and parent coaching to encourage at-home progress. My approach also utilizes verbal, tactile, and kinesthetic cues to support speech development. Above all, I aim to build motivation, social reciprocity, and trust with each child, fostering a positive and empowering therapeutic environment. Parent Involvement: I view parents, siblings, grandparents, and caregivers- all family members as essential partners in the therapy process. I believe family involvement is crucial to achieving the best outcomes for your child. Parents are actively involved in therapy sessions, learning the techniques I use so they can continue practicing at home, which helps reinforce skills and supports long-term progress. Parent education is a key focus throughout our work together. • In addition to participating in therapy, parents help guide the process by sharing important insights about their child’s development, concerns, and family dynamics. Together, we develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is collaborative, involving not just the family but also any other healthcare providers or support networks. Parents also play an important role in understanding CAS, advocating for their child, and ensuring that they have the information and resources needed to support their child’s growth. AAC Use/Implementation Expertise: I am a big proponent of using AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) with children, and if it is beneficial for a child with CAS to use AAC to supplement their speech sound production, I am dedicated to helping parents navigate this process. This includes exploring both high-tech and low-tech AAC options, ensuring that each child has the communication tools they need to succeed. While my primary focus is on improving speech production and intelligibility, I recognize that AAC plays a crucial role in reducing frustration and promoting language, academic, and social skills. When necessary, I recommend AAC evaluations as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure that every child receives the best possible support. For young children with limited speech, I begin by implementing sign language to immediately empower them with communication tools. I also use visual schedules and timers to help them understand daily routines and expectations while offering choices to foster independence. For children who are ready, I introduce higher-tech AAC systems to support labeling, commenting, and requesting. PECS is typically used for children with lower receptive language skills, where visual communication is most beneficial. My approach is flexible and responsive, integrating both low-tech and high-tech AAC strategies early on and adjusting as needed to fit the individual needs of each child and their family.

Specialties & Expertise

Credentials & Education

ASHA CCC

Verified ASHA CCC

State Licenses

• CA
• NJ

Additional Certs

• PROMPT LSVTLOUD DTTC Orofacial Myofunctional

Session Details

Visit Types

Virtual, In-Office

Location

Mendham, NJ

Session Lengths

30 min

Availability

Mon-Fri flexible

Insurance Accepted

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna

Free Consultation

No