About Us
Kristen Fallon, M.S. CCC-SLP, co-founder
Kristen received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2010. In 2013, she received her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Mercy College. Kristen is an American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and NJ/NY certified Speech- Language Pathologist. Additionally, she holds her TSSLD certificate (Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities) in New York State. Additionally, she is PROMPT trained.
Kristen has worked at a private school for children with language-based disabilities in Bergen County for 7 years. She also has experience working in the Early Intervention System. She has worked at a camp for children with special needs (ages 3-18 years old) as the primary speech-language pathologist.
Ashley Menchise, M.S. CCC-SLP, co-founder
Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from The College of New Jersey in 2009. She went on to receive her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from William Paterson University in 2012. She is an American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and NJ certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Additionally, she is a Wilson Reading System instructor and is PROMPT trained.
Ashley has worked at a private school for children with language-based disabilities in Bergen County for 9 years. She also has experience working with adults with language, memory and swallowing difficulties in an acute rehabilitation unit at a NJ hospital. She has provided in home private speech-language services to children and adults (ages 1-21 years old).
So you want to know more?
In a nutshell, what made you want to become a speech-language pathologist?
Kristen: I’m not very good at nutshells. I typically have a lot to say, but I’ll give it my best shot. I’d say I’ve always been a teacher of sorts, but after working in a preschool program for children with Autism, I learned that teaching children the power to communicate and socialize with others is so rewarding and fulfilling. Not only this, but I knew that this career path would allow me to exercise my creativity, which has always been an important outlet for me.
Ashley: I’m truly a creative at heart. I’m at my most content when I’m making something. Whether it’s anything from crafting to writing, I enjoy everything from the brainstorming process to holding the final product in my hands. I realized pretty early on that I also really love helping others. It was inevitable that I would end up working as a Speech-Language Pathologist. I get to combine my love for language with both my creativity and the joy I get from helping others.
What has been your biggest “win” as a speech-language pathologist?
Kristen: I’d say my biggest “win” has been working together with Ashley in creating a school-wide program called, the Spirit Committee. It has been awesome seeing how our discussions starting with “wouldn’t it be really cool if…” snowballed into greater ideas and eventually into a school-wide program. We felt that the students could benefit from opportunities to collaborate and socialize across grades and age ranges. Second to eighth graders work together to plan spirit days, plant a garden, and throw an end of the year award show to celebrate their successes as a group. It has been extremely rewarding giving students a platform to share ideas and come together as a community.
Ashley: I completely agree with Kristen! The Spirit Committee has been an opportunity to take our student’s speech goals outside of the speech room and into the real world. They have learned to collaborate with one another, problem solve when situations get difficult and use their voices to make a change in the school. It has been so wonderful seeing children that struggle with socializing and expressing themselves build strong friendships with one another through the Spirit Committee.
What does “out of the box” mean to you?
Kristen: To me, “out of the box” means the opposite of “traditional” and the opposite of “boring.” I think that the best way to learn is through experience regardless of your age. Also, if you’re having fun while doing something, it makes the experience more meaningful. Our practice is built on this idea as we believe it is the perfect recipe for learning and progress.
Ashley: “Out of the box” means creating experiences to put language in context. It means playing, reading and getting messy to learn! Mark my words, children will learn so much more by planning and having a tea party than looking at a flashcard of a teapot. At Out of the Box Speech, we want to not only provide children with the tools to succeed in social situations, but also develop their sense of creativity and self-confidence.
What is your favorite childhood toy?
Kristen: I loved anything that had to do with baby dolls. I loved feeding my dolls, changing my dolls and putting my dolls to sleep. They came with me everywhere, they even had their own high chairs at our family dinner table.
Ashley: My favorite toy had to be my easy bake oven. I loved pretending I was a famous chef on my own cooking show. I’d mix together at least 3 different types of cake mixes and pull out all the stops when it came time to decorate. Then, I’d subject my whole family to taste tests. I still love to bake to this day and will always experiment with new recipes.
For one last question, what is one quote from a children’s book that you still live by as an adult?
Kristen: “We all can dance,” he said, “if we find the music that we love.” - Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
When I find something that I love, am passionate about or that tastes good, I do the happy dance. I think that if you find your passion, that can be your music in life! Everyone should find the music that makes them dance.
Ashley: “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
I truly feel like you have to get into a bit of good mischief to make a difference in the world! Some rules are meant to be broken.