Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Rossi.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always known I wanted to work with children. They’ve held a special place in my heart for as long as I can remember. Even as a student, I was drawn to their energy, honesty, and imagination. During my graduate training, I had the chance to explore so many different settings, including schools, private clinics, hospitals, and inpatient rehab. I loved learning about the neuro side of speech-language pathology and understanding the science behind rehabilitation and habilitation, but no matter where I went, the kids always pulled me back to play. That’s where I felt most at home, on the floor connecting, following their lead, and seeing how much more meaningful therapy becomes when it’s built on joy and relationships rooted in trust. In 2024, everything shifted when I underwent vocal nodule surgery. That experience was humbling and gave me the space to slow down and reflect on what truly mattered to me. It reminded me that my voice and my well-being are not only vital to my work but to who I am as a person. I promised myself to approach my career with more balance, intention, and authenticity. A few months later, I took a leap of faith and created SpeechyMichy LLC, officially opening my doors in February 2025. SpeechyMichy became more than just a private practice. It became a reflection of everything I value as a clinician. I wanted it to feel warm, grounded, and centered around play and connection. My sessions are guided by the child’s curiosity and emotional world, inspired by approaches like DIRFloortime that emphasize relationships as the foundation for growth.
I’ve always loved the science behind how the body works, so it felt natural to specialize in feeding and myofunctional therapy. Those areas bring together everything I’m passionate about: speech-language, movement, anatomy, and regulation. They allow me to look deeper, to understand the root of challenges rather than just addressing the symptoms. My love for food also plays a big role in what I do. Mealtimes, in any form, are powerful opportunities for connection. They’re social, sensory, and emotional experiences that bring families together. Supporting children and caregivers in finding comfort, confidence, and joy during those moments is deeply rewarding because it touches every part of a child’s development, communication, regulation, and relationships. Fast forward to today, November 2025, and I truly couldn’t be more grateful. I’m doing work that feels authentic to who I am, and I’m continuing to grow every day as both a clinician and a person.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have always felt confident in the clinical side of my work. Connecting with kids, building relationships with families, and creating meaningful sessions has always come naturally to me. Becoming a business owner has been a completely different experience. I have had to learn so much about what running a practice really involves, from scheduling and billing to marketing and all the behind-the-scenes work no one really teaches you in school. Balancing that with client care has been challenging at times. At the same time, it has helped me grow a lot. I was raised in a family in the service industry, so I have always understood the value of hard work and taking care of people. Running my own practice has pushed me to think about how I represent myself as a business. Every decision I make and every interaction I have reflects who I am as a clinician and as a person. SpeechyMichy is more than a practice. It is an extension of me, my values, and the way I want to support the families I work with. That perspective has helped me grow and become more intentional about the way I approach both my work and my life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
SpeechyMichy is my private speech-language practice, and it truly reflects who I am as a clinician. I work with children holistically, which means I look at the whole child rather than just individual skills or challenges. I specialize in feeding, myofunctional therapy, childhood apraxia, and early intervention, which allows me to address the root of each child’s difficulties while supporting their overall growth. What makes SpeechyMichy different is that I build therapy around each child’s curiosity and interests. Sessions are playful, engaging, and child-led. I create space for connection and exploration because I believe children learn best when they feel seen, supported, and inspired. Families are a central part of the process, and I work closely with them so that the progress we make continues beyond my sessions. What I am most proud of is that SpeechyMichy truly represents my values and the kind of clinician I strive to be. I focus on helping children build confidence, independence, and a love for learning, while giving families the guidance and support they need to feel empowered every step of the way. At its core, SpeechyMichy is more than a practice. It is a brand built around connection, growth, and helping children thrive in every way.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I want readers to know a little about me, Michelle Rossi, beyond my work. I am so grateful to have the trust of the families I work with, and that is something I never take for granted. I genuinely love life, my family, my fiancé, and my dog Mozzarella, who have always been my biggest source of support, love, and laughter. I try to live life as if it were my last because I have learned that joy, connection, and laughter are things we can never take for granted. I dedicate all of my success to my sister Andrea, who is no longer with us after a lifelong battle with mental health challenges. Her strength, courage, and the love she shared continue to inspire me every day. Movement and play are huge parts of who I am. I love Pilates and staying active, which is one reason I genuinely enjoy getting on the floor and playing with kids. It keeps me grounded, energized, and reminds me how much joy there is in movement and connection. Food is another passion. If we ever share a meal, it is more than just eating. It is a space for genuine conversation, laughter, and savoring the moment. Mental health is incredibly important to me, both personally and professionally. Taking care of myself allows me to show up fully and be present for the children I support. I know that for the kids I work with, who are growing, learning, and navigating challenges, having a clinician who is grounded, balanced, and emotionally aware makes a real difference in their progress and overall development. At my core, I value authenticity, curiosity, and joy. I try to live intentionally, embrace challenges, and make space for the people, experiences, and moments that really matter. That is who I am, and that is what shapes everything I do and how I show up in the world.
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