Hope Fernicola
M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®, CBS,
Certified Orofacial Myologist
Speech/Language, Feeding, Swallowing, Myofunctional Therapy
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About Me
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs may affect, directly and/or indirectly, breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics, and more.
Most OMDs originate with insufficient habitual nasal breathing or with oral breathing. The subsequent adaptation of the muscles and the orofacial functions to a disordered breathing pattern creates many OMDs. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders may impact treatments by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working in the orofacial area.
“Correct swallowing depends on a proper relationship between muscles of the face, mouth and throat.”
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Myofunctional Therapy
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Hope Fernicola, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®, CBS, Certified Orofacial Myologist
Myofunctional Therapy is an exercise-based treatment to help disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. This includes analysis of the airway and any potential structural obstructions. The need for orthodontic intervention is often the result of an underlying myofunctional disorder.
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Applied Behavior Analysis is not just discrete trial training. It is the process of systematically teaching a variety of skills which may include following directions for daily routines, social interactions, adaptive living skills and communication. The use of these techniques and principles which include positive reinforcement brings about changes in behavior.
Articulation and Phonological Disorders hinder the appropriate production of speech sounds and later can be contributing factors to language/literacy skills and the development of Dyslexia.
Developmental Delay is when your child is not reaching their developmental milestones at the expected times. Research shows that the earlier therapeutic interventions begin the better the outcome.
Feeding Therapy helps infants and children with a wide array of eating difficulties improve their feeding, swallowing and oral habits.
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Literacy Remediation addresses challenges in the academic areas of comprehension, reading, writing and spelling.
My Story
Hope Fernicola, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®, CBS, is a N.J. Licensed Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Orofacial Myologist™. A graduate of Montclair State University, her experience is extensive and includes developmental pediatrics, feeding therapy, apraxia, oral motor based therapy (TalkTools, Beckman, PROMPT), speech, voice, language, and literacy disorders. As a Certified Orofacial Myologist, credentialed by the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM), she specializes in treating a range of orofacial myology disorders that often impact tongue placement, tongue thrust, tongue ties, feeding/swallowing, noxious oral habits, airway patency/disordered breathing, airway orthodontics and craniofacial development.
Hope provides innovative treatments for both children and adults for a variety of disorders and clinical conditions which otherwise have been resistant to remediation, have been misdiagnosed, or unidentified. To that end, she often encounters special cases that rely on an exceptional level of clinical problem solving and coordination of care.
In addition to being in private practice, her background includes providing speech and language services in both the early intervention, educational, and correctional settings. She served on the Committee for the initial development of NJEIS Autism Guidelines. She has provided expert testimony and evaluations in her areas of practice. And has been the recipient of numerous ASHA awards for Excellence in Professional Development. She has served as a clinical reviewer for the Poster Committee for the IAOM 2017 Convention.
In the academic setting, she has lent her expertise as both a staff SLP and consultant in the development, implementation, and supervision of Language and Literacy labs serving a range of students with learning disabilities in both private special needs schools and the Department of Corrections. Her expertise includes knowledge and application of a variety of computer-based instructional programs for the development of reading, writing, grammar, and spelling skills including Orton Gillingham and Wilson Reading methodologies. She is a Certified Provider of Fast Forward, Reading Assistant Plus and successfully uses a variety of Orton Gillingham and Wilson based strategies with individuals who struggle with reading, language, and literacy.
She may be reached at 908-375-8237, or via email teamhopetherapy@yahoo.com, www.hopefern.com
Our Office in Bedminster NJ
TeamHope is a speciality practice, and a recognized expert in treating a wide range of conditions in both pediatrics and adults. Our expertise includes apraxia, motor speech disorders, feeding, swallowing, sensory disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, bruxism, tongue thrust, tongue tie, myofunctional disorders, as well as a range of language disorders, learning disabilities, literacy disorders (reading, writing, spelling) and dyslexia.
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Visit our Bedminster office for a consultation. Call today for scheduling...
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