Janelle Esprit, M.A., CCC-SLP

Founder of Esprit Speech & language solutions

Family-centered and evidence-based therapy for:

☼ AAC/Assistive technology
☼ Autism
☼ Early Intervention
☼ Language Delay
☼ Reading
☼ Social Communication
☼ Speech Sounds
☼ Stuttering

About Me

I am a licensed speech-language pathologist who currently works with children ages 4 through 14. I earned my Master's degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from San Diego State University and my Bachelor's degree in Speech Language Pathology at California State University San Marcos (go Cougars and Aztecs!)
Throughout my career, I have supported children and families with a wide range of communication needs, including speech sound disorders (articulation and phonological disorders), receptive and expressive language disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social communication differences, fluency disorders (stuttering), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I am committed to providing evidence-based therapy and continually expand my knowledge through continuing education and current research to ensure my current methods reflect the latest evidence.I am licensed by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board and maintain my Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).I founded Esprit SLP with the goal of providing individualized evidence-based speech and language services that empower children to become confident communicators. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to communicate effectively, and I strive to create therapy that is engaging, functional, and tailored to each child's unique strengths and needs.Family involvement is at the forefront of my approach. I believe that meaningful progress happens when caregivers are active partners in the therapy process, and I work closely with families to provide practical strategies that can be carried over into everyday life.My experience in both public schools and clinical settings has taught me the value of individualized play-based intervention. I believe children learn best when they are motivated and having fun doing what they love. By building strong relationships and adapting each session to the child's interests, I create a positive environment where communication skills can grow while meaningful goals are achieved.

why I started this practice

I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to communicate with ease and confidence. While school-based services are valuable, meaningful progress for communication (and often behavior as well!) often happens when children have opportunities to practice their skills across the environments they experience every day. That's why my goal is to increase access to individualized, evidence-based therapy and resources that support communication beyond the classroom.My goal is to help children reach their speech and language goals and empower families with practical strategies that make communication & literacy a natural part of everyday life. Whether your child is learning their first words, improving speech clarity, strengthening language skills, or using AAC, we partner with you every step of the way.If you have concerns about your child's speech, language, or communication development, we're here to help. Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can work together to support your child's unique strengths and help them communicate with confidence.

Fill out the form below to schedule your consultation!

*Please note that an evaluation is not required if your child has an active IEP

In-Person Sessions

I am available for in-person sessions in several areas across San Diego, California. Click here to view our service area.In-person sessions may be at the client’s home, in a library, or at a park. This provides a unique opportunity to incorporate functional communication strategies into everyday life!

Telehealth Sessions

For clients who are unable to attend for in-person services, I offer telehealth services across California. This includes direct therapy and parent coaching. I have found that telehealth services are a fantastic way to promote active family involvement. I use a variety of strategies to find what motivates my clients both in-person and online.

Payment

Esprit Speech & Language Solutions is a private pay provider. Therefore, I do not accept insurance payments. However, we are dedicated to providing low-cost solutions to increase access to speech and language services. Payments will be accepted through credit cards, debit cards, and health savings accounts (HSA/FSA). Private pay models offer the ability to choose the therapy approaches, session lengths, and frequency that best support your child rather than what insurance will authorize. Please contact me to inquire about my current budget-friendly session rates and new-client specials.

Helpful Information

Does my child need speech therapy?

If you have concerns about your child's communication, we're here to help. Signs that may warrant a consultation include delayed speech, difficulty understanding or using language, unclear speech, challenges with social communication, and stuttering. We offer complimentary consultations to discuss your concerns and help determine whether a speech and language evaluation would be beneficial.Current research does not support the "wait and see" approach. We strongly recommend a "check and see" approach if you're concerned about your child's development.General guidelines to keep in mind:• First words by 12–15 months• Frequent two-word combinations by 21–24 months• Frequent three-word combinations by 36 months• Speech about 90% understandable by age 4• Mostly complete sentences by kindergartenIf you’re unsure, an evaluation can provide clarity and direction. Early support can make a meaningful difference.

Click below for milestones from ages 0 months to 5 years

Autism and Related Communication Resources

Autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as 18-24 months. If you have concerns about autism and your child is between 16 and 30 months of age click here to fill out an autism screener. This screener will provide a likelihood of autism and will let you know whether a full evaluation is recommended. Early identification and interventions (if needed) can dramatically improve communication, social, and academic outcomes.

More resources will be added shortly!

Contact & free consultations

Please leave a message below and I will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule an online consultation.