Comprehensive speech and language assessment

Comprehensive Speech & Language Assessment This evaluation identifies communication strengths and areas for support in both children and adults. It guides personalized treatment by assessing the following areas: *. What’s Included: Speech Sounds: Clarity and accuracy of sound production (articulation, phonological awareness). *. Language Skills: Receptive: Understanding language (e.g.,... Read More

Comprehensive Speech & Language Assessment
This evaluation identifies communication strengths and areas for support in both children and adults. It guides personalized treatment by assessing the following areas:

*. What’s Included:
Speech Sounds: Clarity and accuracy of sound production (articulation, phonological awareness).

*. Language Skills:
Receptive: Understanding language (e.g., following directions).
Expressive: Using language (e.g., vocabulary, sentence structure).
Social Communication: Using language in conversations, understanding social cues and humor.
Voice: Pitch, volume, and quality (e.g., hoarseness or strain).
Fluency: Smoothness of speech and signs of stuttering.
Cognitive Skills: Memory, organization, problem-solving in communication.
Auditory Processing: Understanding and responding to spoken information.
Non-Verbal Skills: Gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.
Functional Communication: Using communication in daily life (e.g., making requests, asking for help).


Orofacial Myofunctional Assessment: Tethered Oral Tissue (tongue tie, lip tie, buccal ties) Infants to Adults

An orofacial myofunctional assessment identifies the presence and severity of tethered oral tissues and evaluates the functional impact in the following areas: *. Oral Rest Posture/Airway Support: Assesses tongue resting position (palate vs. floor of mouth) and lip posture (closed vs. open at rest), with attention to the effects of mouth breathing. *. Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Screens for s... Read More

An orofacial myofunctional assessment identifies the presence and severity of tethered oral tissues and evaluates the functional impact in the following areas:
*. Oral Rest Posture/Airway Support: Assesses tongue resting position (palate vs. floor of mouth) and lip posture (closed vs. open at rest), with attention to the effects of mouth breathing.
*. Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Screens for signs indicating a compromised airway during sleep.
*. Speech: Evaluates articulation, particularly errors that may be influenced by oral structure and function.
*. Feeding: Identifies food sensitivities and dysfunctional chewing and swallowing patterns.

Treatment protocols pre- and post-release are established to:
*. Address any orofacial compensations causing misalignment, pain, tension, and incorrect patterning.
*. Strengthen the tongue, lips, and cheeks to ensure optimal function after release.
*. Prevent reattachment of tissues.


Adult History/Phone Consultation

Book a Myofunctional Therapy Consultation -We offer personalized phone consultations to review your history and determine how our services can best support your needs. -Our adult myofunctional therapy assessments focus on orofacial structure and function, especially in relation to: *. TMJD (jaw pain, clicking, bruxism) * Sleep-disordered breathing (snoring, apnea, mouth breathing) *. Or... Read More

Book a Myofunctional Therapy Consultation
-We offer personalized phone consultations to review your history and determine how our services can best support your needs.

-Our adult myofunctional therapy assessments focus on orofacial structure and function, especially in relation to:
*. TMJD (jaw pain, clicking, bruxism)
* Sleep-disordered breathing (snoring, apnea, mouth breathing)
*. Oral posture and muscle function

-What’s Covered:
*. Medical, dental, and sleep history
* Orthodontic and surgical history
*. Symptoms like clenching, grinding, fatigue, or nasal congestion

-What to Expect:
*. We’ll review your concerns, health background, and goals to determine the best next steps.

To begin, select "Book a Consultation" from our services.


Adult Orofacial Myofunctional Assessment, TMJD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction), sleep-disordered breathing, head and neck tension and pain, tongue thrust.

A myofunctional assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the muscles and functions of the mouth, face, and throat. When specifically focused on issues such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), sleep-disordered breathing, chronic pain, and tongue thrust, the assessment aims to uncover the underlying imbalances in oral and facial muscles that may contribute to or exacerbate the follow... Read More

A myofunctional assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the muscles and functions of the mouth, face, and throat. When specifically focused on issues such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), sleep-disordered breathing, chronic pain, and tongue thrust, the assessment aims to uncover the underlying imbalances in oral and facial muscles that may contribute to or exacerbate the following conditions:

*. Chronic headaches or neck pain
*. Mouth breathing and poor sleep
*. Relapse of orthodontic work
*. Difficulty with swallowing or speech


Early childhood expressive language, speech/sound development, myofunctional/orofacial form, and functional impact

Assessment of early childhood expressive language, speech, and sound development is essential. Orofacial form and functional impact are crucial for identifying communication challenges and guiding appropriate interventions.


Speech/Articulation/Myofunctional Assessment

1. Assess articulation patterns that involve sound errors, such as substitutions. distortions and omissions. 2. The proper production of speech sounds relies heavily on the coordination and strength of orofacial muscles, which include the lips, tongue, and jaw. Evaluating these muscle functions is essential for identifying the underlying causes of sound errors. *. Muscle Strength: Weakne... Read More

1. Assess articulation patterns that involve sound errors, such as substitutions. distortions and omissions.

2. The proper production of speech sounds relies heavily on the coordination and strength of orofacial muscles, which include the lips, tongue, and jaw. Evaluating these muscle functions is essential for identifying the underlying causes of sound errors.
*. Muscle Strength: Weakness in these muscles can lead to difficulties in articulating certain sounds. For instance, a weak tongue might struggle to produce sounds that require precise placement, such as “t” or “d.”
*. Coordination: The ability to coordinate muscle movements is crucial for fluent speech. Poor coordination might manifest as inconsistent speech errors, where the same sound is produced differently in various contexts.
*. Range of Motion: Limited movement of the jaw or tongue can also hinder sound production. For example, if a child has restricted tongue mobility, they may struggle to articulate sounds like “l” or “r.”


Weekly Treatment Sessions

Weekly treatment sessions based on the targeted goals established during the patient's assessment and intake process. These sessions are intended to be scheduled consistently on the same day and time each week. This helps our therapists manage their schedules effectively. Please let your therapist know if you need to reschedule one of your weekly sessions.


Pre-Procedure Myofunctional Therapy Appointment

A pre-procedure myofunctional therapy appointment for a frenectomy is a pivotal session designed to prepare the patient for optimal recovery and results. During this visit, the therapist educates the patient on the importance of myofunctional therapy in enhancing oral function both before and after frenectomy. A personalized therapy plan is developed, introducing gentle exercises that focus on ... Read More

A pre-procedure myofunctional therapy appointment for a frenectomy is a pivotal session designed to prepare the patient for optimal recovery and results. During this visit, the therapist educates the patient on the importance of myofunctional therapy in enhancing oral function both before and after frenectomy. A personalized therapy plan is developed, introducing gentle exercises that focus on improving tongue mobility, lip strength, and nasal breathing. These exercises are crucial for preparing the oral tissues for the upcoming procedure and ensuring a smoother recovery. Patients are encouraged to practice these exercises consistently, as this routine will foster muscle memory and aid in post-operative healing. This session is also an opportunity to set clear and achievable goals for therapy, aligning expectations with the patient’s commitment level.


Post-Procedure Myofunctional Therapy Appointment

After a frenectomy, attending a myofunctional therapy appointment is essential for restoring optimal function and achieving long-term benefits. During this session, the therapist will first assess your current orofacial abilities, focusing on form and function for oral rest, breathing, speech, swallowing, and range of motion. This comprehensive evaluation provides a baseline from which a tailo... Read More

After a frenectomy, attending a myofunctional therapy appointment is essential for restoring optimal function and achieving long-term benefits. During this session, the therapist will first assess your current orofacial abilities, focusing on form and function for oral rest, breathing, speech, swallowing, and range of motion. This comprehensive evaluation provides a baseline from which a tailored treatment plan can be developed, ensuring the establishment of correct orofacial patterning post-procedure.

The therapist will guide you through specific exercises designed to strengthen and retrain your tongue, lips, and cheeks. These exercises aim to improve oral posture, speech, and swallowing patterns. The plan is customized to your unique needs, ensuring you feel guided and supported.


Cogmed Program Phone Consultation

Curious about how our Cogmed Working Memory Training program can support your child’s focus, attention, and executive functioning? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more about this evidence-based brain training program designed to improve working memory, organization, and self-regulation. During this brief call, we will: Introduce the Cogmed program and how it suppo... Read More

Curious about how our Cogmed Working Memory Training program can support your child’s focus, attention, and executive functioning?

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more about this evidence-based brain training program designed to improve working memory, organization, and self-regulation. During this brief call, we will:

Introduce the Cogmed program and how it supports cognitive development

Explain how the training integrates with speech and myofunctional therapy

Review program structure, including at-home sessions and therapist check-ins

Answer your initial questions and help determine if it’s a good fit for your family

This consultation is ideal for parents seeking targeted support for attention, memory, or executive function challenges. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Alyssa Alonzo, M.S., CCC-SLP

Alyssa is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with a focus in orofacial myofunctional therapy. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from San Jose State University.

Alyssa works with clients of all ages, including those with complex needs, and is committed to providing compassionate, results-driven care. She proudly serves the San Jose–Los Gatos community and looks forward to supporting you on the path to improved communication and oral function.

Alyssa Alonzo, M.S., CCC-SLP Alyssa is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with a focus in or... Read More

About Nicole Cavalea, M.S., CCC-SLP, OMT

Nicole Cavalea, M.S., CCC-SLP, OMT, is the founder and director of Strategies for Success, a specialized speech-language pathology and orofacial myofunctional therapy clinic serving children and adults. Her clinical mission centers on optimizing orofacial patterning, oral rest posture, and functional breathing through individualized care, collaborative practice, and evidence-based intervention.

With over two decades of experience, Nicole has worked extensively with children of all ages to assess and treat a range of speech and language disorders, including motor speech delays, auditory processing challenges, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and myofunctional dysfunction. After observing transformative changes in her clients through the integration of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), she pursued advanced training focused on the relationship between oral function, craniofacial development, and airway health.

Nicole’s clinical expertise includes detailed evaluation and intervention for tongue posture, nasal breathing, oral resting patterns, tongue-jaw dissociation, and swallowing mechanics. She has completed intensive coursework in sleep-disordered breathing, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), and orofacial structure and function. Her work is rooted in neuromuscular re-education and a systems-based approach—believing that many root causes of speech, feeding, and breathing challenges are revealed through a deep understanding of orofacial form and function.

Nicole Cavalea, M.S., CCC-SLP, OMT, is a Breath Institute Ambassador and has completed training in TMD management with OMT considerations. She is highly collaborative in her approach, working closely with airway-focused orthodontists, pediatric dentists, ENTs, and pediatricians to build integrative, patient-centered care plans. She is known for identifying the “missing piece” in traditional therapy models—addressing foundational dysfunctions that often go overlooked.

In addition to clinical care, Nicole is passionate about mentorship and professional development, creating a supportive practice environment where therapists, students, and interdisciplinary providers can grow, innovate, and deliver the highest quality care.

About Nicole Cavalea, M.S., CCC-SLP, OMT Nicole Cavalea, M.S., CCC-SLP, OMT, is the founder and ... Read More

Michelle Jellen M.S., CF-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow at Strategies for Success. Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree in English from UC Santa Barbara and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Baylor University.

Michelle has experience working in the school setting, private practice, and skilled nursing, and has enjoyed working with a range of ages. She has a particular interest in child-led, play-based therapy and enjoys connecting with children and their families. In her free time, Michelle likes going on local adventures with her husband and two children, doing yoga, walking, and reading.

Michelle Jellen M.S., CF-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow at Strategies for Suc... Read More

Mikayla Valdez, M.S, CCC- SLP, attended San Jose State for her undergraduate degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. In June of 2023 Mikayla received her Master’s of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ.

Mikayla has clinical experience in the areas of speech sound production, language intervention for early childhood and elementary aged children. She has had the opportunity to work with a variety of age groups as well. Throughout her experiences she has found a passion for early intervention, utilizing a child lead and play based approach for early language development. When she is not working she enjoys hiking local trails, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Mikayla Valdez, M.S, CCC- SLP, attended San Jose State for her undergraduate degree in Communicat... Read More

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Located at: 15899 Los Gatos Almaden Rd Ste 10, Los Gatos
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