At Power of Play Speech Therapy, we believe the best learning happens through joy. We help children across East LA, Montebello, Alhambra, Pico Rivera, Whittier, and Downey communicate, connect, and thrive through bilingual, play-based speech therapy.
Hablamos Español · Bilingual Services Available
Why Play?
Play Is the Language of Children
Research shows children learn best in environments that feel natural, safe, and fun. Language sticks when it is fun, relevant, and repeated in play.
Brain-Based Approach
Play activates the parts of the brain responsible for language learning. Children need to hear and use new words many times before they stick, and play creates natural opportunities for that repetition in a way that feels fun, not forced.
Natural Communication
Children open up and practice communication skills more freely when they feel secure. Play gives children a meaningful context for language that drills simply cannot replicate.
Family-Centered Care
We partner with caregivers every step of the way. Every session includes parent coaching so families can carry strategies into daily routines at home.
Goal-Driven Sessions
Every activity is purposeful. Behind the play is a carefully crafted plan aligned with each child's individual communication goals.
100%
Play-Based Sessions
1 to 1
Individualized Attention
Ages 0 to 18
Served
Family
Involved in Every Step
What We Treat
Services Tailored to Your Child
We work with a wide range of communication needs, always using a warm, child-led approach.
Tap any card to learn more
Articulation and Phonology
Does your child have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds? Is it hard for others to understand what they're saying?
Language Delays and Disorders
Is your child slower to talk than expected? Do they struggle to follow directions or express what they need?
Early Intervention (Under 3)
Are you noticing your baby or toddler isn't babbling, pointing, or saying words yet? Early support can make all the difference.
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)
Does your child communicate in scripts, phrases, or chunks from shows and books? They may be a Gestalt Language Processor and we specialize in supporting them.
Trust Your Instincts
Things Parents Often Notice Before Reaching Out
● Not sharing joint attention (looking to where you point)
● Not imitating words, sounds, or gestures
● Not babbling by 12 months
● Uses mostly gestures instead of words
● Fewer than 50 words by age 2
● Not combining words by age 2.5
● Difficulty following simple directions
● Scripting or echolalia that doesn't seem to be shifting or expanding over time
● Hard to understand by age 3
● Stuttering or getting stuck on sounds
● Frustration when trying to communicate
● Loss of words they used to say
You don't need to be certain. If something feels off, that's enough of a reason to reach out.
Simple Steps
How to Get Started
Getting help for your child doesn't have to be complicated. Here's how it works.
1
Free Call
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We'll listen to your concerns and help you decide on next steps.
2
Evaluation
We complete a thorough, bilingual evaluation to understand your child's strengths and needs.
3
Custom Plan
We create individualized goals and a treatment plan tailored to your child and family.
4
Therapy Begins
Your child starts play-based sessions with parent coaching built into every visit.
5
Track Progress
We share regular updates and celebrate milestones together as your child grows.
Our Story
Hi, I'm Ariel Gomez
I'm a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist, a new mom, and someone who has always believed that every child deserves to find their voice, literally and figuratively. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and my path has taken me through El Salvador, San Francisco, and New York before planting roots back in Southern California. That journey, along with nearly 10 years of clinical experience, shaped who I am as a clinician: curious, culturally grounded, and deeply committed to the families I serve.
Over the years I've worked across private practice, early intervention, in-home, and school settings, and each one taught me something new about how kids learn and communicate. Power of Play grew out of all of that experience and a deep belief that the best therapy happens when kids are having fun. Kids communicate best when they feel safe, seen, and connected, and play is the most natural place for that to happen. That's the heart of PoPs: meeting every child exactly where they are, and building something real from there.
Ariel · M.S., CCC-SLP
Our Approach
Follow the Child's Lead
▼
At PoPs, every session starts by joining your child in their world. We use evidence-based strategies rooted in child-led interaction and natural language facilitation.
What It Looks Like
Watch first, then join without taking over
Copy the child's play to build connection
Add language gently, never control
Give space and wait for the child to respond
Language Strategies We Use
Self-talk: narrating our own actions out loud
Parallel talk: describing what the child is doing
Expansions: building on what the child says
Choices: supporting decision-making through language
Example in Practice
Child says "Hurt." We expand to "Mr. Bear is hurt." Then we offer: "Does he need medicine or a bandage?"
Think Out Loud Strategies
Narrate what the child seems to be thinking or feeling
Bring emotions to life through expressive language
Use language to help children make sense of their experiences
Example in Practice
Child: playing doctor with teddy bear "It looks like you're listening to Mr. Bear's heart to see if it's healthy and strong."
Why Repetition in Play Works
Play provides natural, meaningful repetition of new words
Children are motivated to repeat what they enjoy
Emotional connection helps language stick in memory
Interest-based play increases engagement and retention
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
All Play Is Valid
▼
We believe every child's way of playing and communicating has value. Our approach honors neurodiversity and meets each child exactly as they are.
What Neurodiverse Play May Look Like
Some children may interact with the world in ways that look different from what we expect. This is not a problem to be fixed. It is information about how their brain works best.
Lining up toys instead of acting out stories
Spinning wheels instead of driving cars
Repeating the same play scenario over and over
Focusing on one part of a toy rather than the whole
Preferring solo or parallel play with others nearby
Using sensory or movement-driven play to regulate
Language Grows in Every Kind of Play
A child lining up cars: "Red. Blue. Long line." A child spinning wheels: "Spin. Fast. Stop." We add language to the child's interest, not the other way around. Connection and trust come first. Skills follow.
How We Support Neurodiverse Learners
Our approach is rooted in respect. We start where each child is, join their world first, and expand gently from there.
Join their kind of play before introducing anything new
Mirror what the child is doing to build trust
Add one small change at a time, never rush transitions
Use visuals, gestures, and modeling alongside verbal language
Recognize that repetitive or sensory play often helps a child feel regulated and safe
Understand that regulated children learn far better than controlled ones
We also acknowledge that socioeconomic and cultural contexts shape how children access and engage in play. We bring a culturally responsive lens to every family we serve, validating diverse play styles and ensuring every child has equitable access to rich developmental experiences.
Credentials
Education and Training
Built on a foundation of rigorous academic preparation and specialized clinical training.
B.A. from San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders
M.S. from Teachers College, Columbia University
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
ASHA Certified
Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
State Licensed
California Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Specialized Training
Advanced Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology · Early Intervention · Play-Based Therapy · Speech Sound Disorders · Gestalt Language Processing · Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice
Our Philosophy
What We Believe
"Every child communicates. It is our job to listen closely, meet them where they are, and help them find the words, sounds, or tools that work best for them."
Play First
Family Centered
Evidence-Based
Child-Led
Strengths-Based
What We Offer
Our Services
We offer a range of pediatric speech and language services, all delivered through play-based, child-friendly sessions in a warm and welcoming environment.
Specialized Areas
How We Can Help Your Child
Each child receives a fully individualized plan. Here are the areas we specialize in:
AAC Support
Augmentative and Alternative Communication for children who benefit from using devices, pictures, or signs to communicate.
All Ages
Device trials and family training available
Articulation and Phonology
Helping children pronounce sounds and words clearly so they can be understood by family, friends, and teachers.
Ages 2 to 18
Lisps, sound substitutions, and unclear speech
Bilingual Screenings, Consultations, and Home-Based Evaluation & Treatment
Comprehensive bilingual services including screenings, consultations, and evaluation and treatment delivered in the comfort of your home. Available in English and Spanish.
All Ages
English and Spanish services available
Early Intervention (Under 3)
Research shows the earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes. We support the youngest communicators right from the start.
Under 3
Parent coaching included in every session
Fluency and Stuttering
Helping children who stutter develop confidence, fluency strategies, and a positive relationship with communication.
Ages 5+
Parent guidance and home strategies included
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)
We specialize in supporting autistic children and other neurodivergent learners who are Gestalt Language Processors. GLP children acquire language in whole chunks, scripts, or phrases rather than word by word. Our approach honors this natural developmental path and builds on it intentionally.
All Ages
GLP Specialty and Autistic Learners
IEP Guidance and Advocacy
Navigating the school system can feel overwhelming. We help families understand IEP goals, prepare for meetings, ask the right questions, and advocate for the services their child deserves.
School Age
Support before, during, and after IEP meetings
Language Delays and Disorders
Supporting children who have difficulty understanding or expressing language, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
Ages 1 to 18
Receptive and expressive language goals
SLPA and Clinical Fellowship Supervision & Internship Opportunities
Supporting the next generation of speech-language pathologists. We offer supervision for SLPAs and Clinical Fellows, as well as internship opportunities for students passionate about play-based and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Professionals
Reach out to learn more
Social Communication
Supporting children in communicating confidently on their own terms, learning to express their needs, advocate for themselves, and connect with others in ways that feel genuine and sustainable for them.
Ages 1 to 18
Autistic children · ADHD · All communicators
Here to Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from families in East LA, Montebello, Alhambra, Pico Rivera, Whittier, and Downey.
For Parents
About Speech Therapy
What age should my child start speech therapy?
There is no age too early. Research shows that early intervention, especially before age 3, leads to the best long-term outcomes. If you have concerns about your child's communication, trust your instincts and reach out for a free consultation.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Common signs include not babbling by 12 months, fewer than 50 words by age 2, difficulty being understood by age 3, struggling to follow directions, or frustration when trying to communicate. A speech-language evaluation can give you clear answers.
What happens during a speech therapy session?
Every session at PoPs is play-based. Your child will engage in activities that look and feel like play, but each one is carefully designed to target their specific communication goals. We also include parent coaching so you can carry strategies into daily life.
How long does speech therapy take to work?
Every child is different. Some families see progress within weeks, while others need several months of consistent therapy. We set clear, measurable goals and provide regular progress updates so you always know where things stand.
Bilingual Services
Bilingual & Culturally Responsive Care
Do you offer bilingual speech therapy in Spanish?
Yes. We offer fully bilingual evaluations and therapy in English and Spanish. We assess both languages together to distinguish a language difference from a language disorder, so your family gets accurate, culturally responsive answers.
My child speaks two languages at home. Is that causing their speech delay?
No. Growing up bilingual does not cause speech or language delays. Research consistently shows that bilingualism is a strength. A bilingual evaluation is essential to get accurate results because testing in only one language can make a child appear more delayed than they truly are.
Can you evaluate my child if we speak a language other than Spanish at home?
While our bilingual services are currently in English and Spanish, we are experienced in working with multilingual families. We use culturally responsive tools and can collaborate with interpreters when needed to ensure an accurate assessment.
¿Ofrecen servicios en español?
Sí. Ofrecemos evaluaciones y terapia completamente bilingües en español e inglés. Evaluamos ambos idiomas juntos para distinguir una diferencia de lenguaje de un trastorno del lenguaje. Llámenos al (213) 826-2529 para una consulta gratuita.
Getting Started
Logistics & Pricing
Do you accept insurance?
We are currently private pay only. We provide superbills upon request so you can seek reimbursement through your insurance's out-of-network benefits. We believe quality therapy should be accessible and transparent. We're happy to provide superbills upon request! Please check with your insurance provider before starting services to find out if your plan covers out-of-network speech therapy. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and varies by plan.
What areas do you serve?
We serve families throughout East Los Angeles, Montebello, Alhambra, Pico Rivera, Whittier, Downey, and the greater Los Angeles area. We offer both in-person and telehealth sessions for families across California.
What is an IEP and how can a speech therapist help?
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a plan for children who qualify for special education services in school. We help families understand IEP goals, prepare for meetings, ask the right questions, and advocate for the services their child deserves.
How long are sessions and how often does my child need them?
Sessions are 30 or 45 minutes depending on your child's age and goals. Most children are seen once a week, though frequency is based on your child's individual needs and will be discussed during your free consultation.
Do I need a referral to start speech therapy?
No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We'll talk about your child's needs and help you decide on next steps.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes. We offer 30-minute telehealth sessions for families anywhere in California. It's the same play-based, child-led approach delivered through a secure online platform.
Developmental Milestones
Play Stages and Language Growth
Exploratory Play (Birth to 2)
Babies explore the world through their senses — touching, mouthing, banging, and dropping objects. This is where curiosity begins and the foundations of communication are built through eye contact, cooing, and early gestures.
Functional Play (Ages 2 to 3)
Toddlers start using toys the "right" way — pushing cars, stacking blocks, feeding dolls. Language explodes during this stage as children begin labeling, requesting, and combining words into short phrases.
Pretend Play (Ages 3 to 4)
Children begin using imagination — playing house, pretending to cook, creating stories. This stage is deeply connected to language growth, narrative skills, and social communication development.
Cooperative Play (Ages 4 to 6)
Children begin playing with peers, taking turns, negotiating roles, and following shared rules. This stage strengthens conversation skills, problem-solving, and the ability to see others' perspectives.
En Español
Terapia del Habla para Niños en Los Angeles
Power of Play Speech Therapy ofrece servicios bilingües de terapia del habla y lenguaje para niños en East LA, Montebello, Alhambra, Pico Rivera, Whittier, y Downey. Nuestra terapeuta, Ariel Gomez, M.S., CCC-SLP, es completamente bilingüe y ofrece evaluaciones y tratamiento en español e inglés.
Creemos que cada niño merece encontrar su voz. Si tiene preguntas sobre el desarrollo del habla de su hijo, llámenos para una consulta gratuita de 15 minutos. No se necesita referencia médica.
We believe every family deserves to know what to expect. Our pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees.
Investment
Session Pricing
All sessions are private pay. We provide superbills upon request so you can seek reimbursement through your insurance's out-of-network benefits. Please check with your insurance provider before starting services to find out if your plan covers out-of-network speech therapy. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and varies by plan.
We are currently accepting private pay clients only. Insurance is not accepted at this time.
Free Consultation
A no-pressure introductory call to learn about your child, answer your questions, and see if we're a good fit for your family.
15 minutesComplimentary
Telehealth
Virtual therapy sessions available for families across California. Same play-based, child-led approach delivered through a secure online platform.
30 minutes$75
In-Person Therapy + Parent Coaching
A full session including 45 minutes of play-based therapy with your child followed by 15 minutes of parent coaching to review goals and home strategies.
60 minutes$150
Parent Coaching, IEP Guidance & Special Education Support
One-on-one sessions for caregivers covering home strategies, goal review, and accessible education guidance. Includes support navigating IEPs, understanding your child's rights, and advocating within the special education system.
45 minutes$100
Comprehensive Evaluation & Report
A thorough assessment of your child's communication skills, including standardized testing, clinical observation, and a detailed written report with findings, diagnosis (if applicable), treatment goals, and a personalized treatment plan to guide next steps.
Bilingual & culturally responsive evaluations available — we assess both languages together to distinguish a language difference from a language disorder, so your family gets accurate, culturally relevant answers.
60 – 90 minutes$500
Specialty Workshops
Group workshops for parents and caregivers covering topics like Gestalt Language Processing, play-based strategies, IEP navigation, and more. Workshops are offered periodically and priced per family or per seat.
Pricing varies by workshop. Join our waitlist to be notified.
Private Pay
Self-Pay Options
We believe every child deserves access to quality speech therapy, regardless of insurance coverage.
Flexible Payment Plans
We work with families on payment timing. Just ask us and we'll figure something out together.
Superbills Provided
Please check with your insurance provider before starting services to find out if your plan covers out-of-network speech therapy. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and varies by plan.
No Waiting Lists
Start therapy sessions promptly without the delays that often come with insurance-based care.
Questions About Coverage?
We're happy to help you understand your options and figure out what works best for your family.
Families We've Served
What Parents Are Saying
Nothing means more to us than the trust families place in PoPs. Here are a few words from the people who matter most.
Ledin D.
Parent of a 3-year-old · Autism · GLP
"
My main concern was my son's ability to communicate and connect with others. He struggled to express himself and ask for help. Once we started working with Ariel, I saw such meaningful progress. He was more engaged, making more attempts to communicate, and seemed more confident overall. We loved how Ariel was also teaching him to advocate for himself when he needed a break or a change of activity. What really stood out is how she came into our home and made therapy feel natural and comfortable. She didn't just work with my son; she included us every step of the way and taught us how to support him in our everyday routines. We felt empowered as parents to continue the work even outside of sessions. Her patience, warmth, and ability to connect with my son truly made all the difference.
Jenny G.
Parent of a 2-year-old · Early Intervention
"
One of my biggest concerns was when my son suddenly stopped trying to repeat words or use the few words he already knew. He just completely stopped talking! Speech therapy made a huge difference, especially once he started school. He became so talkative and visibly more comfortable speaking and learning new words. There was even another child in his class who also wasn't speaking, and his teacher passed along our experience to that family and they ended up getting him therapy too, so it really had a ripple effect! I highly recommend speech therapy, not just for children, but because it also teaches us as parents how to better communicate with and support our kids.
Jordan & Kerin
Parents of a 4-year-old · Articulation · Telehealth
"
Ariel has been wonderful in helping our four year old son with his speech articulation. He absolutely LOVES his play dates on Zoom with her where they play fun games that hold his attention and help him practice challenging sounds. After just a few months, he is beginning to self correct and shows great understanding of the skills she teaches him. She makes each session fun and enjoyable and we appreciate her so much!
Aurelia H.
Parent of a 1.5-year-old · Early Intervention
"
My son loved Ariel right when she walked through the door and she already started language interventions through greeting, asking him questions, and narrating his actions from the start. Ariel was thorough, informative, and educational from beginning to the end of the evaluation. No hesitation for recommending other parents to reach out to her!
Delara G.
Parent of a 6-year-old · Articulation · Telehealth
"
We had a wonderful experience working with Ariel, who made a meaningful difference in our son’s communication skills. Through patient, engaging sessions, she significantly improved his speech clarity and helped him confidently master the “R” sound, which had been a persistent challenge. Just as importantly, we saw a remarkable boost in his confidence when speaking, both at home and in social settings. We’re truly grateful for the positive impact she’s had on our son’s growth.
Chris y Ana M.
Parents of a 4-year-old · Bilingual Services
"
As a bilingual family, it was so important to us to find an SLP who understood our cultural background and could work with our daughter in Spanish. Ariel gets it on every level. She is knowledgeable, warm, and our daughter runs to her sessions.
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