Ellen Spear, MA, CCC-SLP: Expert Speech-Language Pathologist & Inclusion Advocate
Ellen Spear, MA, CCC-SLP, is a nationally recognized Speech-Language Pathologist and the co-founder and Vice President of Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Ellen has dedicated her life’s work to helping children find their voices and helping families build the bridges necessary for lifelong connection. Based in Lakewood, Ohio, her clinical philosophy is rooted in the belief that communication is the heartbeat of human experience and that every child deserves a seat at the table.
Academic Excellence and Professional Credentials
Ellen’s journey into the world of communication sciences began at Marquette University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Communications. She furthered her specialization by obtaining a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Cleveland State University.
As a veteran in the field, Ellen holds the prestigious Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is fully licensed by the State of Ohio in Speech-Language Pathology, ensuring her practice meets the highest national and state standards for clinical excellence and ethical care.
Advanced Therapeutic Methodologies
One of the hallmarks of Ellen Spear’s practice is her commitment to evidence-based interventions. She recognizes that every child’s neurobiology is unique, requiring a diverse toolkit of specialized approaches. Her advanced training includes:
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The PROMPT Method: A tactile-kinesthetic approach used for treating Motor Speech Disorders. By using touch cues on the child’s face (lips, jaw, and tongue), Ellen helps “re-train” the oral-motor movements necessary for clear speech.
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Hanen “It Takes Two to Talk”: This world-renowned program focuses on Early Intervention. It empowers parents to become the primary facilitators of their child’s language development within the context of daily routines.
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AAC Implementation: Ellen is a leading voice in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, integrating high-tech devices and low-tech communication boards into holistic treatment plans.
A Focus on Family-Centered Care
Ellen Spear believes that the foundation of successful therapy is not found solely in the clinic, but within the family unit. Her private practice model is built entirely around collaboration and family engagement. By involving parents in every step of the diagnostic and treatment process, she ensures that therapeutic gains are carried over into the home, school, and community.
Her areas of professional interest are broad yet interconnected, encompassing:
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Early Intervention: Capturing the critical window of brain plasticity to maximize communication potential.
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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Utilizing neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support social and functional communication.
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Motor Speech Disorders: Providing specialized care for Apraxia and Dysarthria.
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Social Communication: Helping children navigate the complexities of interpersonal interaction.
Leadership at Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC
As the Vice President of Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC, Ellen Spear has taken her clinical expertise from the office to the national stage. Alongside her partner, VernaAnn Kotansky, Ellen leads the company’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality AAC resources.
A cornerstone of their work is the development of Playground Communication Boards. These boards are now installed in parks and schools nationwide, providing a vital tool for children with communication differences to interact with peers during unstructured play. This initiative has been instrumental in raising awareness about AAC and fostering inclusive environments where every child feels seen and heard.
Awards, Recognition, and Community Life
Ellen’s tireless advocacy and clinical skill have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, she was honored with the Connecting for Kids Professional of the Year Award, a testament to her impact on the special needs community and her ability to provide hope and clarity to struggling families.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ellen is a devoted member of the Lakewood, Ohio community. She resides there with her husband and their five children. Her personal experience as a mother informs her professional empathy, driving her passion to empower families to use communication boards and AAC as tools for connection, confidence, and radical inclusion in everyday life.
