Furry hope

With three decades of experience as a speech language pathologist, Laura Allen is the owner of Let’s SPEAK, LLC, an independent, animal-assisted practice based out of an office on her Janesville farm property. Allen has had this residence since 1994, when she married her late husband Bill Borneke, with whom she shares two daughters.

After her first husband’s death, Allen later married rural Janesville resident Scott Allen, who she describes as a “wonderful, wonderful man” with whom she shares a “strong faith background.” She also said that Scott has been “very supportive,” in her business venture with Let’s SPEAK, which has been open for nearly 3 years.

The “SPEAK” in Let’s SPEAK is an acronym, standing for Speech language Pathology with Equines and Animals for Kids. Due to the involvement of animals in her speech therapy, Allen describes her methods as having a “different approach” from other facilities, employing the assistance of dogs, cats, horses, and other animals for the various benefits their presence brings to patients as they undergo therapy.

For example, Allen’s dog Bean greets guests as they come into the office and helps calm kids with “high anxiety” during therapy sessions. Other animals on the farm include chickens, cats, a miniature donkey and both miniature and full-sized horses. Due to links between physical movement and successful learning, various outdoor activities–including brushing and leading horses–are a big part of Allen’s practice.

Allen is trained in PROMPT, a speech therapy approach focused on tactile cueing to correct speech sounds that are in error. She also has a background in visual phonics, which cues speech sounds visually; she is trained in working with patients with autism and other disabilities.

Language processing, articulation, sound production, inability to be understood, social language, and social problem solving are just some of the concerns brought to Allen by patients and their families. Due to what she describes as her out-of-the-box approach, general affordability, and the stability of working with one therapist consistently, Allen said her office is often the destination for families “at the end of their ropes.”

When it comes to starting a business, Allen said that “the first step is believing in yourself.” Allen said that she took a number of business courses before getting started and after getting logistic and legal concerns in order, she’s focused a lot of energy on advertising and finding new clients.

One of Let’s SPEAK’s biggest supporters has been Janesville Journal owner Tracie Rosacker, who Allen described as an “amazing source” in terms of building connections in the community.

Allen’s favorite part of her job is seeing the look on kids’ and parents’ faces as breakthroughs are made and the satisfaction of knowing she was part of it. A devoted Christian, Allen said that she believes God put her on this earth to help families and kids overcome communication challenges. She says she often prays for clients and their families.

“A strong language foundation is a basis for success in life,” said Allen, who emphasized the crucial nature of her work as a speech therapist.

“Don’t be afraid to call and ask for help,” Allen said, inviting families who have concerns regarding their childrens’ language development to  touch base with her office for assessments and speech therapy–with the assistance of a helpful staff of animals.