What is Speech Therapy?
Speech Therapy addresses weaknesses in communication skills.
If a child demonstrates difficulties in communication skills, these could be a result of a speech disorder and/or a language disorder.
Speech Disorders include the following problems:
- Articulation disorders include difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that other people can't understand what's being said.
- Fluency disorders include problems such as stuttering, the condition in which the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages, repetitions, or prolonging sounds and syllables.
- Resonance or voice disorders include problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice that distract listeners from what's being said. These types of disorders may also cause pain or discomfort for the child when speaking.
- Dysphagia/oral feeding disorders, including difficulties with eating and swallowing. Language disorders can be either receptive or expressive.
- Receptive disorders refer to difficulties understanding or processing language.
- Expressive disorders include difficulty putting words together, limited vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way.
- Reading skills are also addressed.
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) are alternatives to speaking verbally which may include pictures, signs, communication apps and devices
Pediatric Speech Therapy
Meet Our Director and President
Your child may benefit from Speech Therapy if he or she:
- Has a limited vocabulary compared to other children his/her age
- Has frustration with communication
- Is difficult to understand
- Has difficulty expressing wants and needs
- Has difficulty carrying on a conversation
- Has difficulty responding to questions
- Has difficulty following directions
- Has oral motor delays and feeding difficulties
- Has poor social skills
- Has difficulty pronouncing his/her words
- Has difficulty making a complete sentence or formulating words
- Has difficulty with written language
Does my child need speech therapy?
Bayside Children’s Therapy Network, Inc.
We're located in the 'old Coke building' on Main Street - Gloucester Court House!
6688 Main Street - P.O. Box 130 - Gloucester, Virginia 23061
Call: 804-210-1555 Fax: 804-210-1556
Jennifer Baucom, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Jennifer is a life long resident of Gloucester. She received a master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Hampton University and her undergraduate degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Longwood College. After completing her education, she returned to Gloucester where she married and raised two children.
With over 30 years of experience working in pediatrics, working in Early Intervention, Clinics, Hospitals, and schools. Jennifer has served on Assistive Technology teams and has completed numerous continuing educational opportunities annually.
As one of the original owners and now sole owner of BCTN, Jennifer is very excited to continue to offer this region the opportunity to pursue medically based services at our clinic.
Nicole Kain, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
She experience across a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics. Since 2012, she has worked with clients of all ages, specializing primarily in neurological disorders. In 2024, she moved to Gloucester to be closer to family and friends in her hometown of Richmond. She is excited to bring her passion for empowering people through communication to a new community.
Click on the following links below to learn more about Typical Speech Development:
Speech Sound Disorders
Speech and Language Developmental Norms
Building Skills
K-2nd Grade
3rd Grade - 5th Grade
 | ||||||
Sharon Kubick, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Sharon is a graduate of Hampton University who brings a wealth of professional and personal experience working with a broad range of children with communication disorders. Previously an ABA Therapy Manager and Provider, Parent Advocate, and Teacher, Sharon has a strong interest in meeting the specialized needs of children on the Autism Spectrum.
Mary Ann Simpson, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Mary Ann is a graduate of Longwood College and Radford University, with a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology. She has been an SLP for 23 years in various settings including hospitals, short and long term rehabilitation facilities, public schools, and outpatient clinics. She is excited to work with a multidisciplinary team of passionate professionals at BCTN and provide engaging and quality speech therapy to the local community.
Speech therapy sessions typically last 30 minutes and are primarily conducted on an individual basis. However, small group sessions are also available and focus on specific skills such as peer interaction and feeding. Therapy often takes place through guided play, allowing children to engage in fun, purposeful activities—often without even realizing they are in therapy.
Meet our Therapists
