About
Philosophy
Every child can reach their full potential when provided with the right tools, strategies, and individualized support. Presuming competence and actively involving the child and family in the learning and decision-making process are key to achieving meaningful success.
Mission
Each individual is unique. Supporting communication development requires a deep understanding of every child's strengths, challenges, and underlying communication needs.
Our mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based services within a collaborative environment. Parents, caregivers, and professionals are integral members of the therapy team. Strong parent partnership and team collaboration are essential to achieving meaningful and lasting communication outcomes.
Meet Shamim Haldankar
Recognized by Apraxia Kids for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Shamim Haldankar has been a practicing speech-language pathologist since 1994. She earned her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from Ohio University in 1994. Prior to that, she completed her undergraduate degree in Audiology and Speech Therapy in Bombay, India, in 1991.
Shamim has served in a variety of roles, including therapist, rehabilitation manager, clinical specialist, and clinical fellow supervisor, while always remaining closely connected to direct clinical care. Over the years, she has provided speech and language therapy to individuals with a wide range of communication disorders. She is fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Urdu.
Since 2000, Shamim has focused her work in pediatrics, supporting children with diverse communication needs, including speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, language delays, and social-pragmatic challenges. She is committed to ongoing professional development and advanced training in evidence-based, motor learning–based approaches, including PROMPT®, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), and ReST (Rapid Syllable Transition Training). In addition, she has extensive training in social communication and pragmatic language intervention.
Shamim is licensed by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), a member of CSHA (California Speech-Language-Hearing Association), member of AAPPSPA (American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology), and has served on the Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC) Board of Directors.
Awards & Honors
Invited speaker "Cultural Linguistic Neurodiversity Panel" serving South Asian Communities, San Jose State University, October 2024.
Recipient of Best of 2024 Redwood City Award in the Speech Pathologists category by BusinessRate
Recipient of 2020 Best of Redwood City Award in the Speech Pathologists category by the Redwood City Award Program
‘ACE’ award - presented by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to professionals in recognition of exceptional commitment to continuing professional education: February 2023, December 2020, May 2019, April 2018, June 2015, November 2011, January 1998, and February 1995.
Recognition award for “leadership and service to the Board of Directors of the Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC) and endless dedication to children with Autism and their families”-presented by ASVC, April 2012.
Received the ‘SLP’ of the year award for NovaCare, Inc., August 1997.
AAO (Aphasiology Association of Ohio) Williams award - Recognition of outstanding academic and clinical performance, professionalism, and interest in the area of aphasiology, March 1993.
