Speech Start

Dr. Bernadette Mullen, CCC-SLPD/SLS; Shaylyn Stilwell, M.S. Ed., CCC-SLP/SLS

21 Cedar Ave., Suite B-1, Fair Haven, NJ 07704 | 82 Bethany Rd., Suite 1, Hazlet, NJ 07730
732.888.3912 | www.speechstartnj.com

Speech Start, owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Dr. Bernadette Mullen and Shaylyn Stilwell, believes in human connections. The center has been dedicated to Pediatric Speech, Language, Feeding, Occupational, and Academic Services for over 20 years and welcomes individuals ages 0 to 21+. Speech Start provides individual services and group therapy based upon age and skill level for children and adolescents with social skills challenges. “We strive to always create a warm environment,” says Shaylyn. “In this field, parents want that connection.”

Speech Start prides itself on its services, utilizing the best therapists with specialized training and unique certifications. Occupational therapists have training in DIR and Reflex Integration. Speech Start’s Speech-Language Pathologists have PROMPT Certification and are trained in AEIOU—Acceptance, Exposure, Independence, Observation and Understanding—addressing pediatric feeding disorders by strengthening child autonomy, family relationships, and authentic connections.

With a proven commitment to clients, the women behind Speech Start provide complementary approaches to the development of speech and language skills, and occupational therapy, in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Bernadette, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Special Education Teacher, is fluent in American Sign Language—also possessing extensive training in the areas of apraxia, language-based reading disorders, autism spectrum disorder, behavior management, and sensory processing disorders. Shaylyn joined Speech Start in 2017 and is a Level Four – Prompts for Restructuring Oral Motor Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) Certified Therapist with extensive experience evaluating and treating children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Dedicated professionals, Bernadette and Shaylyn visit schools to speak with speech therapists and participate in IEP meetings.

Recognized by NJ Family as New Jersey’s Favorite Kids’ Docs, Bernadette and Shaylyn want every person who passes through Speech Start to live happy, joy-filled lives. Welcoming individuals regardless of the depth of their behavioral or sensory issues, independence is the ultimate goal. Speech Start offers parent coaching and continues to develop sensory gyms in both locations.