top of page

Toe Walking & the Vestibular System: Why It Matters More Than You Think
April is Occupational Therapy Month, making it the perfect time to highlight how occupational therapists help children move, regulate, and participate in daily life. One area that often gets overlooked—but is deeply important—is toe walking. Many families are told, “They’ll grow out of it.” But clinically, that’s not always the full picture. At Marigold Speech & Co., we look deeper—because toe walking is often a signal, not just a phase. What Is Toe Walking? Toe walking occur
Lauren Hatchett
6 days ago3 min read
What Is Occupational Therapy? Celebrating OT Month This April
April is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to recognize the incredible impact occupational therapists (OTs) have on helping individuals build independence and thrive in daily life. At Marigold Speech & Co., we value a collaborative, whole-person approach to care—and occupational therapy is a key partner in supporting meaningful participation across the lifespan. What Is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession focused on helping people develop, r
Lauren Hatchett
Apr 33 min read
Swallowing Difficulties in Adults: When to Seek Help (and Why Early Intervention Matters)
Do you cough or choke when you eat or drink? Does food feel like it gets "stuck" in your throat? You are not alone — and you do not have to live this way. Swallowing problems are more common than most people think, and **getting help early can make a big difference.** At **Marigold Speech & Co.**, we help adults with swallowing difficulties right here in our office — no hospital stay needed. Keep reading to learn what swallowing problems look like, when to call us, and how we
Lauren Hatchett
Mar 205 min read
⸻ Brain Injury Awareness Month: How Speech Therapy Supports Brain Injury Recovery
🧠 March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of brain injuries and the therapies that help people rebuild their lives. A brain injury can affect many aspects of daily functioning, including memory, attention, communication, organization, and problem-solving. These challenges may appear immediately after an injury or develop over time as individuals return to work, school, and daily routines. The encouraging news is that recovery and imp
Lauren Hatchett
Mar 133 min read
My Child Has a Lisp — Should I Be Worried?
“My child has a lisp… should I be worried?” This is one of the most common questions we hear at Marigold Speech & Co LLC — and the honest answer is: it depends (don’t you just love that answer?). Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense. The “S” Sound Can Be Tricky The /s/ sound is one of the more complex speech sounds for young children to master. It requires: Precise tongue placement Strong airflow control Coordination between the tongue and teeth Because of
Lauren Hatchett
Mar 63 min read
Let’s Talk About Insurance
Insurance can feel confusing. Big words. Lots of rules. Surprise bills. Let’s break it down in a simple way. First — Who Is Marigold in This? Marigold is a third-party biller. That means: We provide speech therapy. We provide occupational therapy. We send claims to your insurance company. Your insurance decides what they will pay. You do not have a contract with Marigold about your insurance plan. You have a contract with your health insurance company. Your insurance company
Lauren Hatchett
Feb 273 min read
Picky Eating in Children: How Speech Therapy Can Help
Picky eating is one of the most common concerns parents raise during early childhood—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. While many children go through phases of selective eating, ongoing or severe picky eating may signal an underlying feeding or sensory-based challenge that benefits from professional support. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a key role in evaluating and treating picky eating, especially when food refusal begins to interfere with nutrition, g
Lauren Hatchett
Feb 203 min read


Marigold Speech Is Growing: A Look Inside Our Expansion and What’s Coming This Spring 🌼
At Marigold Speech, our mission has always been simple: provide high-quality, individualized speech and occupational therapy in a space that feels welcoming, accessible, and designed for real-life needs. Since opening our doors, we’ve grown alongside the families we serve—and now we’re thrilled to share our next big milestone. This spring, Marigold Speech is expanding and moving to the 6th floor, bringing more space, more therapy options, and exciting new features to better s
Lauren Hatchett
Feb 63 min read
💛 Why Podcasts Are a Win for Families
Looking for Screen-Free Calm? 🌿 Recommended by Our Very Own Occupational Therapist! In a world full of screens, notifications, and constant stimulation, many parents are looking for gentle, screen-free ways to help their children slow down, regulate their emotions, and transition smoothly through the day. One of our favorite tools? Kid-friendly podcasts. Podcasts can support emotional regulation, attention, language development, and sensory calming—all while giving parents a
Lauren Hatchett
Jan 302 min read
What Is Pediatric Dysphagia?
Pediatric dysphagia is a feeding and swallowing disorder that affects infants, toddlers, and children. It occurs when a child has difficulty safely or efficiently moving food, liquids, or saliva from the mouth to the stomach. Swallowing is a complex process that requires precise coordination of muscles, nerves, breathing, and sensory input. When any part of this system is disrupted—due to medical, neurological, structural, or developmental factors—feeding can become challengi
Lauren Hatchett
Jan 233 min read
10 Disney+ Shows That Support Speech & Language Growth
Recommended by an SLP at Marigold Speech & Co. 🌼 Not all screen time is created equal. While some shows can be overstimulating or fast-paced, others can actually support speech and language development—especially when they are calm, predictable, and rich in simple, repeatable vocabulary. These low-to-moderate stimulation Disney+ shows model turn-taking, clear sentences, friendship, empathy, and everyday routines. When children hear slow, intentional language, they’re more li
Lauren Hatchett
Jan 163 min read
What Is Orton–Gillingham—and Who Can Benefit?
When a child struggles with reading, spelling, or writing, it can affect far more than academics. Confidence, motivation, and self-esteem often take a hit too. One approach that has stood the test of time—and science—is Orton–Gillingham. What Is Orton–Gillingham? Orton–Gillingham (OG) is a structured, multisensory, science-based approach to reading instruction. It explicitly teaches how sounds and letters work together, helping learners understand the why behind reading and s
Lauren Hatchett
Jan 92 min read
Reflecting on 2025
Reflecting on 2025: Growth, Expansion, and Community at Marigold Speech As 2025 comes to a close, we at Marigold Speech are reflecting on a year of remarkable growth, exciting new services, and deepened commitment to our mission: making speech, language, feeding, and academic support accessible to every child and family who needs it. This year, our team of speech-language pathologists has grown, allowing us to reach more children and provide individualized, evidence-based car
Lauren Hatchett
Jan 22 min read
💜 Communication is Connection: Supporting Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s
November is recognized as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month — a time to honor and support those living with Alzheimer’s and the families who care for them. At Marigold Speech & Co, we believe that communication is connection — and that connection remains possible, even as memory and language change. Alzheimer’s can make it harder for individuals to express thoughts or follow conversations, but that doesn’t mean connection has to fade. With the right strategies and
Lauren Hatchett
Nov 14, 20253 min read
🌼 Navigating IEP Meetings with Confidence: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Servicing Rock County and surrounding communities 💬 Feeling Overwhelmed by the IEP Process? You’re Not Alone. If the words “IEP meeting” make your heart race — you’re not alone. For many parents, these meetings can feel intimidating and full of jargon. Between the data, goals, and long discussions, it’s easy to feel unsure about how to speak up for your child’s needs. At Marigold Speech & Co, we believe every family deserves a supportive voice at the table. Our goal is to em
Lauren Hatchett
Nov 7, 20252 min read


Adults Using AAC: How to Navigate Halloween Parties and Social Events
By Marigold Speech & Co. Halloween isn’t just for kids — it’s a time for connection, laughter, and self-expression for adults too! For those who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), holiday events like costume parties, community gatherings, or work socials can bring both excitement and communication challenges. At Marigold Speech & Co., we believe everyone deserves full communication access — and that includes festive fun. Here’s how adults using AAC can prep
Lauren Hatchett
Oct 24, 20252 min read
A Fun & Stress-Free Halloween: Neuroaffirming Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Celebration 🎃 👻
A Neuroaffirming, Sensory-Friendly Guide for a Happy Holiday Halloween can be full of excitement—costumes, decorations, and candy galore!...
Lauren Hatchett
Oct 17, 20253 min read
💛 Caring for Them Starts with Caring for You: Supporting Parental Mental Health in the Speech Therapy Journey
Parenting a child is one of the most meaningful journeys a person can take. Parenting a child who needs additional support, such as...
Lauren Hatchett
Oct 10, 20253 min read


🍁 Sensory-Friendly October Bucket List: Fall Fun for All Ages
By Marigold Speech & Co. Fall is here — crisp air, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice everything! 🎃 But for many families, especially...
Lauren Hatchett
Oct 3, 20252 min read
Literacy and Cognitive Health: Why Reading Is More Than Just a Hobby
When we think about literacy, most of us picture learning to read in childhood. But for adults, literacy is much more than reading novels...
Lauren Hatchett
Sep 26, 20253 min read
bottom of page