Hi, I’m Shirley! I’m an American speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) now based in Hannover, Germany, after living and working in California, USA, Romania, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Growing up, I moved from China to the United States without knowing English, so I understand firsthand how challenging—and exciting—finding your voice can be.

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I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from California State University, East Bay. I’m certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed in California. I previously taught young children in Japan and have supported families across Asia and beyond, including teens and young adults.

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My approach is warm, playful, practical, and neurodiversity-affirming. I believe children learn best when they feel safe, understood, and genuinely connected. Rather than focusing on one “right” way to communicate, I build on each child’s strengths, interests, and unique communication style. I also love partnering with parents and sharing simple strategies that fit naturally into everyday routines.

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My specialties include early language development, autism and gestalt language processing, bilingual communication, AAC, stuttering, speech sound disorders, and parent coaching. I also help older students build executive functioning, confidence, and self-advocacy skills.

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I speak English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, along with conversational Japanese and beginner German. I look forward to getting to know your family!

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