WELCOME,
I am so incredibly
happy you’re here.
Professional Biography
Nicole is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of clinical experience, specializing in motor speech disorders. As an adjunct professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at New York University, she educates future speech-language pathologists in evidence-based practices and advanced clinical techniques.
Nicole serves as the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist for a Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) treatment study at the NYU Motor Speech Lab, a project funded by the National Institute of Health. Her clinical expertise includes comprehensive assessment, differential diagnosis, and individualized treatment planning for children with complex motor speech needs. Nicole is an expert in the Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) technique developed by Dr. Edythe Strand
In addition to her academic and clinical roles, Nicole is actively involved in professional education and advocacy. She has presented on research and has shared her clinical insights at national platforms, including multiple sessions at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) annual conferences and the Apraxia Kids national conferences. Her presentations are widely recognized for bridging cutting-edge research with practical clinical strategies, helping clinicians nationwide to effectively support children with CAS and other motor speech disorders.
I love teaching graduate students and current clinicians how to work with children with motor speech disorders. As a research clinician for many years at NYU, I have learned so many practical strategies to engage young children in therapy that can be intense and challenging.
I love sharing what I have learned.
It is a profound honor to help children learn how to talk—that moment they realize they can move their articulators to sequence speech sounds and begin getting their point across verbally, that moment is magic.
In my role as a Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist, I have worn many “hats”—from private practice owner to adjunct professor/supervisor and clinical director. I am a motor speech specialist and expert in the Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing DTTC technique developed by Dr. Edythe Strand.
I am also a mom with a very busy family! and I know that...
FAMILY Involvement is KEY.
As a new mom, I began viewing speech therapy through a more holistic lens—supporting the whole child meant also supporting their caregivers. That shift changed everything.
At the same time, I learned how vital it is for caregivers to have something that’s just for them. For me, that became running. I've completed the NYC Marathon nine years in a row and proudly own the identity of “runner.” In 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection—and running—helped me stay strong through treatment and recovery.
That experience inspired me to become an RRCA-certified run coach and create the Cancer to Crushing It 5K—a beginner-friendly program for survivors ready to reclaim strength through movement.
What the program includes:
✅ A structured, progressive 5K training plan
✅ Biweekly Zoom calls + a private, supportive FB group
✅ Weekly emails with motivation and guidance
It’s not about speed. It’s about building something that sticks.
RESOURCES:
- Cancer to Crushing It Course
- Becoming an Exceptional SLP Leader: 14 Speech-Language Pathologists Do More Than Talk (Becoming an Exceptional Leader)
- Active. Resolute. Connected.
- Thrive Global Feature: "I Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer and 5 Days Later, I Ran a Marathon—Here’s Why"
- Blogger Interview on Speech Pathology Masters Programs: Nicole Kolenda Interview
- Speech Therapy PD: Nicole's Profile
Are you ready for more?
"I have worked with Nicole for the past 22 years! I have the utmost regard for her ability to bring real change to the clients she treats. Her view of the whole person and family is central to informing her treatment."
Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste
I’m so excited to share my 3 FAVORITE Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Resources—from differential diagnosis to goal writing and treatment. Use this guide for efficient clinical planning, goal writing, and implementing effective motor-based speech therapy for children with CAS.
Grab your free gift now!
