Suzanne (Columbia) Varona, MS, CCC-SLP is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist that is highly skilled, ASHA-certified, and NJ licensed with nearly two decades of experience working with children in the outpatient, school, community and in-home environments. She is a certified HANAN 'Learning Language and Loving It' professional and is formally trained in PROMPT, DIRfloortime, and PECs. She is a Baby Signs, Inc. and Speech Buddies provider. She continues to expand her area of expertise, advocating for the most innovative therapeutic strategies and resources, in the area of apraxia of speech, early speech and language growth and development and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Suzanne is also an advocate for mental health and wellness, becoming an empowerment specialist and is currently obtaining her 200-hour digital wellness, SEL and yoga teacher certification in Breathe for Change.
Suzanne was raised in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, obtaining an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Linguistics and Teaching English as an International Language from Geneva College. She earned her Masters of Speech and Language Pathology from Clarion University in Pennsylvania. Soon after graduating with her Master's degree, she relocated to northern New Jersey and began working in a variety of treatment locations. After immersing herself into school district placements, she soon discovered her passion to advocate for early speech and language development while training parents/caregivers when working in homes and inclusive community locations through NJ's Early Intervention System. After relocated to southern NJ several years ago, her passion and dedication to advocate for early intervention support for children and their families/caregivers only blossomed until a need for initiating Redefined Kidz, LLC was created.
Suzanne's energy, passion and commitment to helping children is demonstrated in her dynamic and fun approach and through the sincere, respectful relationships she cultivates with parents/caregivers. Being a mother of three young children herself, one of which has a diagnosis of Apraxia of Speech and another that falls victim to anxiety, she understands the need of finding professionals and programs that compassionately care for your own child while advocating for their unique needs. Suzanne focuses on functional communication skills while holistically working with parents/caregivers to receive support training necessary to use the strategies during existing activities at home, in the car, and on the go. She focuses not only on building early receptive and expressive language and communication skills but on building mental, physical and emotional wellness to empower each child to be equipped with specific tools and skills to tackle challenges that will be faced in life. It is with this passion that she has advocated to spark a movement for all children to enhance their health and overall well-being through mental, physical, and emotional development and growth.