Meet Dr. Gayatri Ram
🌟 Welcome
Hello! I’m Gayatri Ram, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, a board-certified Speech-Language Pathologist, mom of two, and founder of Synapse Kids LLC. I’m so glad you’re here.
My journey into helping children communicate and thrive began long before I opened Synapse Kids. It started with a dream to understand how children learn, express themselves, and connect with the world, a dream that led me from India to the United States to pursue my Master’s and Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology and Literacy.
Along the way, I learned the power of consistency, resilience, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude, lessons I now bring to every family I work with.
💡 My Professional Journey
Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse settings in various roles:
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Pediatric Outpatient Speech Therapist at Providence Medical Group
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Assistant Clinical Professor and Associate Director of Clinical Education at Pacific University
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Public School SLP at Elementary schools, Charter Schools and early intervention programs
Along the way, I’ve mentored graduate students, led professional trainings, and presented at both state and national conferences on child language and literacy development.
These experiences have shaped my professional approach, giving me the tools to see each child as a unique learner.
❤️ My Personal Journey as a Mom
Becoming a parent has been the most profound part of my journey. Raising my daughters, Nandini and Vidya, taught me the incredible power of patience, consistency, and celebrating small wins. I’ve learned that before helping my child, I must be regulated and present. My children remind me to laugh, play, and enjoy the little things in life with them each day because they grow up too fast. Parenting has taught me to approach every family with humility, mindfulness, and an open heart. I strive to listen deeply, respect each family’s unique perspective, and learn from their experiences.
This lived experience allows me to connect deeply with families, understanding both the challenges and joys that come with helping children grow, communicate, and thrive.
🧩 My Approach to Therapy
At Synapse Kids, I believe in connection over compliance. Therapy is most effective when children feel safe, seen, and celebrated. My sessions are:
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Child-led & play-based: Guided by curiosity, engagement, and joy
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Neurodiversity-affirming: Celebrating each child’s unique strengths
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Family-centered: Partnering closely with parents and caregivers to build confidence and connection
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Sensory-informed: Supporting regulation so children are ready to learn
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Routine based: Teaching families to incorporate communication activities as a part of daily routines to build consistency and progress
For literacy, I use structured, multi-sensory approaches to help children develop skills while building confidence and motivation.
Whether we’re stacking blocks, telling stories, or sharing a laugh, therapy is a space to grow together. My goal is for each child to feel empowered and for each parent to feel confident as their child’s strongest communication partner.
📚 Specialized Training
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Gestalt Language Processing (Natural Language Acquisition)
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Play-Based Therapy
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Hanen Programs (It Takes Two to Talk, More Than Words)
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Project IMPACT parent training
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Inside Out Sensory Certificate (Levels 1 & 2 for SLPs)
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Structured Literacy approaches: Orton Gillingham, TLC, SPIRE
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Neurodiversity in Practice
🌍 Languages & Family-Centered Care
I am fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil, and can provide parent coaching and therapy in any of these languages. This allows me to support families in culturally and linguistically affirming way
✨ Every child’s journey is unique, and every family’s story matters. I feel honored to walk alongside families, helping children find their voice, confidence, and joy one playful connection at a time.
