Albuquerque’s
Choice For
Joyful
Speech
Therapy
Pediatric Speech Pathology


Proudly Serving Albuquerque Kids & Parents
So Much More Than Speech Therapy!
For 14 years, Smalltalk has transformed the lives of children with a unique, “whole-child” approach to speech and language development.
Join us in our warm, home-like location where every smile matters, every laugh is cherished, and every child’s success is a triumph of our dedicated, family-like community.
Together we will empower your child’s voice, nurture their potential, and create a brighter future,
… one word at a time.
Why Choose
Smalltalk?
Smalltalk Speech Therapy is the preferred choice for families seeking speech therapy services in the Albuquerque area. We blend play, laughter, and holistic development to empower your child’s communication and overall growth. Our personalized, fun-filled sessions focus on your child’s mind, body, and emotional well-being, fostering skills that last a lifetime.
Holistic Development: Nurturing the Whole Child

Unlike many traditional speech therapy services, Smalltalk focuses on the overall development of the child. This holistic approach integrates speech and language therapy with activities like yoga, music, arts and crafts, and sensory play, addressing the child’s mind, body, and emotional well-being.
Beyond Words! Innovative & Transformative Group Therapies

Our unique programs, like group summer camps and preschool readiness groups, integrate speech and language skills with social activities, ensuring a fun and engaging learning environment. By combining therapy with creative and interactive elements, we nurture not only speech proficiency but also confidence, emotional well-being, and social interaction, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and growth.
Laughter & Learning: Playful Therapy, Powerful Results

Our therapy sessions are designed to be playful and engaging, with a focus on chatting, play, laughter, and fun. This environment helps children feel comfortable and enjoy their sessions, making the learning process more effective.
Family Foundation: Building Skills Together

We create an environment where children and their families feel like they’re part of our ‘household,’ fostering a deep sense of belonging and comfort.
This family-centric approach extends to our therapy sessions, where we emphasize parental involvement and training. By equipping parents with the skills and knowledge to reinforce therapy techniques at home, we ensure that the journey towards better communication and personal growth is a shared family experience, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the therapy.
The Screening Process
Screenings are designed to identify if a child needs further testing in speech and language. This process is a helpful first step for parents unsure if their child needs speech therapy services.
NOTE: The screening and parent consultation cost $40 and is not covered by insurance. Expect the total time needed to be around one hour.
STEP 1: ENROLLMENT
STEP 2: SCHEDULING
Once enrolled, Smalltalk will schedule the screening at a convenient time. If you enroll online, Smalltalk will reach out within 24 hours.
STEP 3: THE SCREENING PROCESS
During the screening, a speech therapist will engage with the child through various activities and observations to assess their speech and language skills.
STEP 4: PARENT CONSULTATION
The therapist will discuss with parents their observations and whether further evaluation is recommended. Regardless of the outcome, parents are provided with strategies and materials to support their child’s speech and language development at home.
The EVALUATION Process
NOTE: If Smalltalk requests your insurance information, your child will receive a full evaluation service (not a screening) and your insurance will be billed accordingly. Expect the total time needed to be around one hour.
STEP 1: ENROLLMENT
STEP 2: SCHEDULING
Once enrolled, Smalltalk will schedule the evaluation at a convenient time. If you enroll online, Smalltalk will reach out within 24 hours.
STEP 3: PREPARATION
Parents are advised to arrive prepared with specific documents for the evaluation. This includes:
- Driver’s license or another form of ID.
- Current insurance card, if applicable.
- Completed intake paperwork, which can be filled out in advance.
STEP 4: THE SCREENING PROCESS
A qualified speech therapist conducts various activities and tests. These are designed to assess different aspects of speech and language, including articulation, fluency, receptive and expressive language skills, and social communication abilities. The evaluation itself is a thorough process, and the time it takes can vary depending on the child’s needs.
STEP 5: PARENT CONSULTATION
The therapist will review the findings and discuss them with the parents. This includes an explanation of any diagnoses and recommendations for therapy or further actions. If therapy is recommended, a personalized plan will be developed based on the evaluation results, tailored to the child’s specific needs.
Tanya Friend
OWNER/DIRECTOR M.S. CCC/SLP

I’m Tanya, the heart behind Smalltalk. I was born and raised in New Mexico, and have degrees from both NMSU and UNM. I’ve dedicated over 15 years to speech therapy, driven by my love for helping others in our local community.
At Smalltalk, we create a welcoming space where every child and family feels valued, heard, and nurtured. We’re more than just a therapy center; we’re a community where your child’s individuality shines and where your family’s journey toward better communication is supported with care and joy.
I am so excited to have our wonderful Smalltalk Family join you to bring out the best in your little one!




