Chatham Speech and Myo

Chatham Speech and Myo Chatham Speech and Myo has been providing evaluation and treatment of speech, language, oral functio

02/20/2026

When we evaluate airway, we’re not guessing.

Using CBCT imaging, Dr. Carter carefully examines the tonsils, adenoids, and surrounding structures to assess whether there may be reduced airway space. These images give us a detailed look at anatomy that can’t be seen from the outside — helping guide thoughtful, informed decisions.

Function matters. Structure matters. And collaboration matters.

At Chatham Speech and Myo, collaborating with professionals who have a clear understanding of airway anatomy directly informs our clinical decision-making. There are times when myofunctional therapy cannot begin right away because structure is impacting airway function. Working alongside providers who recognize and evaluate these factors helps ensure the right timing and approach — supporting the best possible patient outcomes.

Questions about airway evaluation or myofunctional therapy? We’re here to help.

02/18/2026

Game Night at Karen’s House 🎲

Round one: Things you see on a farm.
No hesitation. Rapid fire answers.

Round two: Reasons to “wait and see” before starting speech.
…
Silence.

Because when it comes to speech, language, and oral function, “wait and see” is rarely a strategy — it’s usually a delay.

Clear speech production. Strong language skills. Proper tongue function. Nasal breathing. Chewing and swallowing patterns that support healthy growth and orthodontic stability. These are things we can support — and the earlier we begin, the better.

If you have concerns, even small ones, call the office and talk them through with us. We’re happy to help you decide what makes sense for your child. 💬

Grateful for moments like this.A handwritten Valentine, full of care and kindness, and so deeply appreciated.           ...
02/12/2026

Grateful for moments like this.
A handwritten Valentine, full of care and kindness, and so deeply appreciated.  

02/10/2026

Karen Masters of and Dr. Carter of .smile discuss the relationship between myofunctional therapy and orthodontics.

If the mouth isn’t the right size, we can’t expect the tongue and muscles of the face to function properly. At the same time, those muscles often need to work correctly before the mouth can be reshaped.

Improving the function of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles helps support orthodontic outcomes long-term — reducing the risk of relapse and ensuring the tongue doesn’t undo the work braces are designed to do.

Collaborative care matters.

🎓 Feeding Therapy Graduation! 🎉This guy officially graduated from feeding therapy, crushing some big goals along the way...
02/06/2026

🎓 Feeding Therapy Graduation! 🎉

This guy officially graduated from feeding therapy, crushing some big goals along the way. He leaves with a wide, balanced list of foods from all food groups and now confidently eats a variety of foods at home and enjoys trying different foods when he goes out to eat — a huge win and an important milestone.

Both he and his family will be greatly missed. He brought so much laughter into our space and had a way of making everyone smile. After trying many, many foods, when asked what his favorite was, his answer was simple and perfect:

“French toast made by mom — because her French toast is the best.”
(We can’t argue with that.)
As part of his graduation promise, he pledged to keep eating all his fruits and vegetables — and we know he will.

For the final session, the child chooses the menu. The only rule? Every food must come from their new foods list or be a brand-new food. There are no wrong combinations on graduation day.

And this guy’s menu?
Breakfast for dinner, obviously.
Regular scrambled eggs
Scrambled eggs with cheese
Bacon
French toast
Hash browns
Peanut butter cups for dessert
Apple cider to drink — a favorite ever since he tried it on his fall class trip to the farm

We are so proud of this milestone and so grateful to have been part of his journey. Big progress, big personality, and a graduation meal that fit him perfectly 🎉

We are overjoyed for Stacey as she prepares to welcome her baby. Wishing her all the very best in this exciting next cha...
02/03/2026

We are overjoyed for Stacey as she prepares to welcome her baby. Wishing her all the very best in this exciting next chapter and offering our warmest congratulations.  

Daily practice matters in myofunctional therapy — and consistency is far more important than long sessions. In general, ...
01/30/2026

Daily practice matters in myofunctional therapy — and consistency is far more important than long sessions. In general, we recommend about 10 minutes per day. Some therapists suggest completing that time all at once, while others encourage breaking it into two short practice sessions per day. Both approaches are effective when done consistently. Frequent, intentional practice supports neuromuscular retraining by helping the brain and muscles learn new coordination patterns more efficiently. The more consistently you practice, the faster you’re likely to move through the program and establish habits that last. Myofunctional therapy is a short-term commitment — most programs run approximately 16–20 weeks — making daily consistency manageable.

As therapy progresses, exercises shift toward habituation of proper oral rest position and nasal breathing. These activities often take longer, but they are more passive in nature. We help our clients integrate them into daily activities such as reading, riding in the car, watching TV, or using tablets. Real, lasting change happens through repetition and consistency over time.

One thing many caregivers are surprised by in myofunctional therapy is that a large portion of the final phase focuses o...
01/27/2026

One thing many caregivers are surprised by in myofunctional therapy is that a large portion of the final phase focuses on managing food — and there’s a very intentional reason for that.

Early myofunctional therapy builds the foundation: control and shaping of the tongue for proper chewing and swallowing mechanics, ability to use the lips for effective food containment and clearance, muscles of the face and jaw for efficient and competent chewing, coordinated breathing, and endurance. These skills are practiced in controlled ways first, without the added complexity of food.

Drinking skills and proper tongue movement for effective bolus control and propulsion during swallowing are specifically targeted. Suctioning and bolus formation are built into early practice so that, when food is introduced, the body is ready to manage it.

Eating is where everything has to come together in real life. Different textures, changing bite sizes, timing, fatigue, attention, and coordination across an entire meal all place higher demands on the system. Food management becomes the functional test of the skills that have already been developed.

This phase is sometimes referred to clinically as “feeding,” but at its core, it’s about how a child manages real meals — chewing efficiently, coordinating swallowing, maintaining posture, and sustaining those skills from the first bite to the last.

That’s why it comes last. Not because it’s an afterthought — but because it requires readiness. When the foundation is solid, eating becomes more efficient, more comfortable, and more successful across everyday situations.

One of the most common questions we hear from parents is: What are the goals of feeding therapy?The short answer is that...
01/23/2026

One of the most common questions we hear from parents is: What are the goals of feeding therapy?

The short answer is that goals are always individualized — because every child and every family is different. At the heart of our work, we focus on helping families eat one meal together with less stress and more ease. We start by choosing foods based on a child’s palate and tolerances, then gradually expand their diet using foods that are already part of the family’s regular meals.

Our goal is for children to eat what is commonly being served at home, feel comfortable eating those foods in a variety of locations, and learn how to find workable options at restaurants their family already goes to — or wants to go to. Over time, this means meals at home, outings, holidays, travel, school, and time at other people’s houses feel more manageable and enjoyable.

When a child is eating foods that support both the family’s nutritional and social goals, can eat with ease at home and out in the world, and feels confident trying new foods — that’s when the program is considered complete. Feeding therapy isn’t about perfection. It’s about helping families function as a unit and enjoy meals together again.

Nothing makes us smile more than when families share these moments with us — children enjoying meals out with friends, c...
01/20/2026

Nothing makes us smile more than when families share these moments with us — children enjoying meals out with friends, celebrating at birthday parties, traveling on vacation, and sitting around the table with the people they love. These aren’t just photos of food. They’re moments that once felt stressful, uncertain, or overwhelming — now filled with ease, laughter, and togetherness. They represent the relief families feel when they no longer have to worry about what their child will be able to eat when they go out, travel, or attend special events. This is why we do what we do. Because every child deserves to feel comfortable, included, and happy when it comes to eating — wherever life takes them. 💛  

Feeding challenges can feel stressful, confusing, and hard to navigate — especially when mealtimes become a daily strugg...
01/15/2026

Feeding challenges can feel stressful, confusing, and hard to navigate — especially when mealtimes become a daily struggle. When a child has difficulty trying new foods, it can affect their ability to enjoy birthday parties, eat comfortably at restaurants, and participate in family meals.

This guide walks through what behavioral feeding therapy is, the goals of therapy, factors that may contribute to picky eating, and when additional support may be helpful.

If you’ve had questions in the back of your mind, this guide is a good place to start. If you’d like to talk things through, we’re always happy to help.

📍Chatham Speech and Myo
📞 973-635-5757 or visit our website through the link in our bio for more information

Address

667 Shunpike Road Suite 1a
Chatham, NJ
07928

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+19736355757

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Welcome!

Welcome to Chatham Speech and Language Associates. CSL is a pediatric speech therapy practice located on Shunpike Rd in Chatham, New Jersey. We have been serving Chatham and the neighboring communities for over 25 years. CSL was founded by Laura Goepfert, who began seeing patients in her home but quickly outgrew that space and moved to Main Street. She retired several years ago leaving behind a well established practice that continues to adhere to her philosophy.

At Chatham Speech and Language we believe that every child has needs that are unique. We evaluate and treat your children with the utmost integrity, honesty, and sensitivity in an environment that understands the importance of a child-centric approach. We will work closely with your family so you can understand and support our intervention.

My staff and I strive constantly to improve your child's language and communication skills and understand the cumulative impact good communication has on your child's life and how he experiences the world.