Early Language Acquisition
Play centered routines and parent supported interventions to support late talkers in acquiring functional first words.
In-Home, School & Virtual Care · Portland Metro
Building meaningful communication connections.
Individualized speech and language therapy available in English, Spanish, or bilingually — meeting children and families right where they are across the Portland metro area.
Clinician Statement
About Me
Education & Background
Pacific University — MS, Speech-Language Pathology
Florida Atlantic University — BA, Linguistics, Language & Literature
Florida Atlantic University — BA, Linguistics, Language & Literature
Commitment
Providing effective, evidence-based practice while honoring cultural, linguistic, and neurodivergent diversity.
I’m Rafaela Aguilera, a Spanish-speaking speech-language pathologist with a deep passion for linguistics and the belief that language is one of the most powerful forces connecting us to one another.
Before beginning my graduate studies in Communication Sciences & Disorders, I worked as an English as a Second Language Teacher with elementary aged students. I completed my graduate studies at Pacific University, grounding my therapy in cultural humility, evidence-based practice, and whole-person care.
With years of hands-on experience in early childhood and elementary education, language therapy and English language learning, my clinical approach bridges language acquisition science with genuine therapeutic connections.
Whether we are working in English, Spanish, or weaving both together, I look forward to partnering with your family to build meaningful communication connections every step of the way.
Clinical Focus Areas
Speech & Language Therapy
Individualized therapy with personalized goals to target your needs. Available in English, Spanish, or bilingually.
Expressive/Receptive Language Therapy
Targeting comprehension, functional vocabulary, expressive syntax, and meaningful everyday communication.
Speech Sound (Articulation/Phonological) Therapy
Targeted articulation and phonological support to improve speech clarity and sound production.
AAC Funding, Programming & Therapy
Comprehensive assessment, funding support, device programming, and ongoing therapy for Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems.
Feeding Therapy
Compassionate, responsive support for oral motor skills, sensory-based feeding challenges, and mealtime routines.
Gender Affirming Voice Therapy
Voice modification therapy aligning pitch, resonance, articulation, and nonverbal communication with authentic identity.
Social Language Therapy
Pragmatic language support encouraging authentic connection, perspective-taking, and peer engagement.
Executive Functioning Therapy
Building personalized strategies for planning, organization, cognitive flexibility, and task management.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Therapy
Motor speech therapy focused on movement planning, syllable coordination, and expressive clarity.
Intervention Programs
Language Support
Collaborative groups, school-age literacy partnerships, and family coaching. Services for students that don’t qualify for an IEP but could benefit from extra support.
Birth–2 yo · 3–5 yo
Early Language Play Groups
Fostering developmental communication and early language milestones through sensory-rich play.
Kindergarten–5th grade · Individual or group
School Aged Language + Literacy Support
Strengthening reading comprehension, written expression, phonological awareness, and academic confidence for students needing extra support.
Neurodiverse kids and teens
Social Language Skills Group
Neurodiversity-affirming peer environments to connect, communicate authentically, and build self-advocacy.
Parents
Parent Coaching
Equipping caregivers with real-world communication strategies woven naturally into daily home routines.
What to Expect
A clear path from first conversation to ongoing care
Free Consultation
A free consultation to learn about your concerns, answer your questions, and ensure we are the right match for care.
Educational Screening
On-site communication and developmental screenings conducted directly at your child's preschool or daycare.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Culturally responsive speech and language assessment resulting in a clear, collaborative intervention roadmap.
Individualized Therapy
Convenient, functional sessions delivered directly in your home, at daycare/preschool, or via telehealth across Portland.
Contact
Request a Free Consultation
Fill out the form below to connect. Consultations and therapy are available in English, Spanish, or bilingually across the Portland metro area.