Arefa Mohamed
Founder
M.A., CCC-SLP, TSSLD
Arefa is a licensed speech therapist with over 15 years of experience across clinical, school-based, and private therapy settings.
Speech and language delays
Autism spectrum disorder
Learning disabilities
Articulation delays
Selective Eating
Areas of expertise
Professional Background
M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CUNY, Queens College
Five years as a department head leading play based programming in NYC
Developer of comprehensive assessment processes that guide meaningful treatment
Creator of community based selective eating and preschool language classes
My Story
I have spent 17 years working with children and families across clinical, school-based, and private therapy settings, with a focus on building strong foundations early on and supporting how those skills shape a child’s learning, communication, and confidence over time.
After receiving my Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CUNY, Queens College, I began my career at New York Center for Child Development. There, I evaluated infants and toddlers during their first developmental assessments and supported families as they began early intervention services. Part of that worked included seeing children in Head Start programs in Harlem, providing therapy in classrooms and collaborating closely with teachers and caregivers during the most important early years of development.
Building on my early intervention work, I joined the Learning Spring School, an elementary program for children on the autism spectrum. There, I worked as part of an integrated team alongside occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, and teachers. I also served as a department head for five years, where I developed play-based programs and helped design more targeted assessment processes so therapy plans could better reflect each child’s needs. This experience strengthened my commitment to a whole-child, collaborative approach.
I later continued my work at the Churchill School and Center, supporting students with learning and attention challenges. Working with both lower and upper elementary students, after my early years of working with toddlers, gave me a broader perspective on how early strengths and challenges carry into the school years. It deepened my understanding of how early skills shape later learning and development.
Over time, I noticed that even when children were making progress in school, families did not always have the opportunity to stay closely connected to that process. Without consistent communication, it can be difficult for progress to carry over into daily life at home and in the community.
This is what ultimately led me to start my private practice, along with a desire for greater flexibility in my life.
In my practice, I focus on building strong, collaborative relationships with families. I take the time to understand your child’s needs, as well as your routines, priorities, and what feels realistic for your family. My goal is to create therapy that is thoughtful, practical, and meaningful, so the skills your child is learning show up in everyday moments.
I believe that when therapy is individualized, collaborative, and grounded in real life, children build not only stronger communication skills, but also confidence in every part of their world.
AN INTERVIEW WITH AREFA
Why did you become a speech-language therapist?
I moved from Guyana to New York at age 10, bringing with me a strong sense of community from my village, where helping others was part of everyday life. In college, I discovered speech-language pathology and knew it was the right path for me.
How does your own childhood impact your approach?
Growing up Guyana, my childhood unfolded outdoors. I walked to school crossing a river and dam, and spent my days moving through neighbors’ yards with friends, climbing trees, and picking fruit straight from them. There was a sense of freedom in it all, surrounded by nature, curiosity, and community.
Because of that, I’ve always valued play. Now, with a deeper understanding of how children learn, I believe in it even more. Play is essential. It’s how children explore, make sense of the world, and build the foundation for communication and growth.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is the connection I build with each child. Watching their progress and seeing things begin to click is incredibly meaningful.
When I worked in schools, communication with families was often limited. Now, having the opportunity to work closely with parents is a true game-changer.
I deeply value the connection I build with parents. Supporting and empowering them to better understand their child is a core part of this work, and something that matters deeply to me. When parents are involved and feel confident in supporting their child, it makes a real difference in their progress.
What do you do when you’re not working?
My partner and I split our time between Brooklyn and Woodstock, where I enjoy being surrounded by nature. The outdoors has always been an important part of my life.
I’m also a proud dog mom to my Labrador Retriever, Joni. We spend weekends hiking, biking, and enjoying time with friends in our Woodstock community.