Speech Therapy Solutions - MN

01/09/2026

After a little time off to spend holidays with family, it’s been such a great week to be back!!

I had the best day today and was reminded by a few of my littles that meeting them where they are isn’t as hard as it seems. And, bonus … it creates some of my most favorite moments!! ♥️

12/08/2025

I am excited to share that I recently had the opportunity to join The Independent Clinician on her podcast to talk about the beginnings of my private practice journey, the challenges that shaped those early stages, and the steps that helped me move from an idea to a fully operating practice.

During the conversation, I also discussed the valuable role that the Next Level Private Practitioner Program has played in my development as a business owner. The structure, guidance, and practical tools within the program have helped me better understand the administrative and strategic sides of running a practice, while also giving me a clearer vision for how to continue growing in a sustainable and thoughtful way.

This episode offers a look at the real process behind starting a private practice—what I learned, what I would do differently, and what continues to motivate me as I move forward. I hope it encourages other clinicians who may be considering a similar path or who are seeking direction as they build their own practices.

If you want to hear all the details on how I made it work, it is:
Private Practice Success Stories with Jena Castro-Casbon - Episode #350.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s6S2xA7OACn0uEyrTtfrq?si=mWnxVgmZS2yK8DIxxZQDSQ

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-a-small-town-practice-to-help-both-her/id1374716199?i=1000740190575

12/03/2025

🎁 OT Gift Ideas for the Holiday's 🎁
We’re excited to share our Occupational Therapy Gift Ideas inspired by a new blog from our very own Melissa Hokeness, OTR/L from Little Thrivers OT Services . Melissa highlights simple, kid-friendly tools that support regulation, fine motor skills, sensory play, and everyday routines—perfect for families looking for meaningful gift ideas this season.

We hope this list helps spark inspiration as you plan for the holidays and choose items that encourage confidence, creativity, and skill-building at home. 💛

Don't forget to check out the Speech Gift Ideas from last year!!

Click this AMAZON LINK Fun, meaningful toy ideas that support your child’s development These holiday gift ideas are playful, affordable, and secretly therapeutic—perfect for improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, language, and more! ❄️ Fine Motor Favorites Strengthe

11/28/2025

🎄✨ It’s time to Light Up Princeton! ✨🎄

We’re so excited to join in the holiday fun this year with our Speech Therapy Solutions tree — themed “Acts of Kindness!” 💖

Each ornament on our tree celebrates the little ways we can make the world brighter — sharing a smile, helping a friend, saying something kind, or giving a warm hug. 💫

As you drive through the trees and take in all the sparkle, we hope our tree reminds you that the best decorations this season come from the heart. 💕

Through the holidays and every day — kindness still matters! 🌟

11/08/2025

🎄❄️ Tree decorating day! ❄️🎄

My family and I bundled up and braved the cold this morning to decorate our “Acts of Kindness” themed tree for Light Up Princeton! 💖

Frozen fingers and all, we had so much fun (minus the melt downs 🤪) getting into the holiday spirit — and it was totally worth it to help spread a little kindness and cheer. 🌟

Can’t wait to see all the beautiful trees shining bright this season! ✨

10/31/2025

If you stop by Marvs and ABRA, be sure to stop by and see us!! We’re here to 10-2!

**non-food items available!!**

10/30/2025

Fun with Melissa this week in the sensory gym!!

10/14/2025

AMAZING work from our community!! $8,000 raised!!!

Click here to view this item from hometownsource.com.

10/09/2025

How does one not smile all day, when a little one comes in with this sweet little gift??? 💐 🌺


Topped with this weekly win today: a little one LOOKED at me and said “BYE” for the first time ever. They were maybe met with loud excitement, but they REPEATED IT for mom (because she was busy doing mom things and missed it) … 🤩🤘✌️👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼

10/04/2025

See you all tomorrow!!

10/01/2025

Melissa has been hard at “play” this month!! Wondering about OT services? Set up a phone consultation with Melissa here…

https://alaina-verkinnes.clientsecure.me/

09/29/2025

🍂 Fall Sensory Bin Fun! 🍁

Looking for an easy, sensory-based activity that sparks creativity and builds language skills? Try this DIY Fall Sensory Bin using items you already have at home! 🙌

✨ What you’ll need:
• A bin filled with dried corn, rice, or beans
• Scoops, cups, and spoons
• Fall-themed items: mini pumpkins, pinecones, leaves, toy animals

🎯 Why we love it:
This simple setup encourages hands-on play and boosts language development!

🗣️ Language opportunities:
👉 Action words: scoop, pour, dump, hide, find
👉 Concepts: full/empty, big/small, in/out
👉 Functional phrases: “More corn,” “Help me,” “I want a scoop”

Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and curious little hands 🍁💬