About

At BC, we embrace every individual as they are. We find the pathways our clients need to develop without limits and thrive.

Beyond Communication was founded over 14 years ago with the mission to provide exceptional support in speech, language, and literacy. Since then, it has grown into a comprehensive center that provides the best diagnostic testing, speech-language therapy specialized tutoring, and continuing education. The team consists of a group of professionals who love what they do and have the highest level of clinical expertise. We have built our reputation on always prioritizing the needs of the child and using data-driven information to treat or evaluate.

Message from the Founder

At BC, our mission is to empower young people
with language disabilities and their families.

In our modern world, we swim in a sea of words. It can seem like everyone is always talking, reading, and writing. Everything moves so fast. Children and teens with language and learning challenges are easily left behind, both academically and socially, even though they have so many strengths. I know these kids and the barriers they face. I built BC to focus on their needs. Our work centers around instilling the skills and strategies that will help them overcome some of those barriers, and the self-determination to cope with the others.

BC exists to support kids and teens but we are also here for their families. It’s hard to be a parent of a child with a learning difference. Many parents feel that trying to navigate the special education system is like being stuck in quicksand. The more you struggle, the deeper you sink. So often, parents who call our office express that they’re confused, overwhelmed, frustrated, and lost. They just want to help their child feel better about school and about themselves, but the way forward is impossible to see. Every day we hear, “I just don’t know what to do next.”

We do not offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Children are complex and each has their own unique story. Helping families of kids with special needs requires giving each one careful, focused attention. Our approach to helping families starts with learning about the child and about what’s happening in their education. Then we apply our expert training in child language disabilities and integrate our wisdom from years of experience with specialized instruction. The result is a focused, organized, fully informed set of recommendations. Armed with this information, we can coach the family about their options and how to weigh them. Our families tell us that they feel they’re finally able to step out of the quicksand and start steadily climbing upward.

Since 2007, BC has built a reputation for outstanding expertise, integrity, and results. This really is a special place. Each day I’m reminded of how extraordinarily lucky I am to get to spend time with incredible kids, partner with their supportive parents, and collaborate with exceptional colleagues. I love this work. Everyone here does, and I believe it shows in everything we do. I invite you explore what makes BC different. Connect with us, tell us your story, and hear how we can help. You’ll be glad you did.

Team

Our team of specialists are ready to help you and your child get answers, build a plan, and implement that plan to improve your quality of life.
Click on a photograph for clinician’s CV.

Dr. Jeanne Tighe

SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL

Owner/Clinical Director

Alison Pankowski

M.Ed., LDT-C

Education Director

Marisa Brunner

M.S., CCC-SLP, WDP

Speech Language Pathologist

Samantha Townsend

M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Lauren Samara

M.A. LDT-C

Master Teacher

Stephanie Parada

M.S. Ed, CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist