MLK Day & Walking for Peace: “Today Will be My Peaceful Day” – An Inspirational Story by a NYC SLP
My inspirational word for January 2026 is peaceful warrior.
On this Martin Luther King Day, I am reminded that this singular man started the modern day peace walks in America during the civil rights movement.
Martin Luther King, Jr walked and spoke peacefully about the rights for all Black Americans during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
He was a peaceful warrior who strongly advocated for the equal rights for all Black children to be educated together with White children, equally and within the same school buildings.
Racially segregated education in public schools was ended in 1954 with the landmark ruling of Brown vs Board of Education on May 17th 1954.
This ruling declared that racial segregation violated the rights of American citizens and caused unfair discriminatory practices based on race. These discriminatory practices resulted in unfair, unequal or inappropriate education for the Black students of this country.
This Brown vs The Board of Education ruling allowed for Black and White children to be educated side by side in the same buildings and classrooms.
Believe it or not – this was controversial and revolutionary in 1954. And on April 4th, 1968 Martin Luther King, Jr was killed for his beliefs and values – speaking until his death about the importance of peace, empathy, kindness, and equality.
Now during this turbulent time in America – when divisions are running high and understanding seems lost and far away …
I am reminded of Martin Luther King’s peaceful walks as I witness today’s peaceful warriors – the venerable monks walking across the country to deliver a message of non violence.
These monks are walking to promote peace around the world.
They are walking by foot (some barefoot or only wearing socks).
These Buddhist monks are traveling 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington DC to spread the simple message of unity, peace, love, and understanding along with their faithful dog, Aloka.
Aloka means light in the ancient Sanskrit language. They have experienced suffering along the path. One monk has even lost his leg after a vehicle ran into them.
In spite of these struggles they continue to walk for peace spreading the message of mindfulness and the importance of finding equanimity in one’s mind.
I invite us all to embrace the monk’s message of unity and peace.
Remember to wake up and embrace each day with peaceful joy and calm.
As the venerable monks say: “Today will be my peaceful day”
May we all take inspiration from these peaceful warriors.
I invite us all to start each day with a peaceful and clear mind.
This clarity and peace will ripple through your entire family and communities – like a flame catching fire.
Let us all have a peaceful day.
We can help our children find calm, clarity and creativity in this present moment.
I’m here to help. Let’s create calm voices and limitless possibilities – together!
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP at Chatty Child
Whole-Child Speech and Developmental Services for Children in NYC
At Chatty Child, we help children strengthen communication skills that support connection, learning, and everyday confidence. Our approach to speech and developmental care looks beyond isolated skills, honoring the close relationship between communication, emotional regulation, social development, and readiness to learn.
We collaborate with families to create customized support plans that encourage self-expression and growth across home, school, and community environments.
Our services include:
- Speech Therapy – Play-based, individualized sessions that support language development, articulation, social communication, and confident self-expression in real-life settings.
- InterAct – An imaginative, story-centered program that builds language, connection, and confidence through creativity and shared play.
- Occupational Therapy – Support focused on sensory integration, fine motor development, and increased independence in daily routines.
- Hum Studios – Inclusive meditation, mindfulness, and compassion-focused classes designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities.
- Teletherapy – Flexible virtual speech and occupational therapy services available to families across New York State.
- Tutoring – Personalized academic support to strengthen reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
- Functional Nutrition – Nutrition guidance that supports focus, regulation, and overall developmental wellbeing.
- Consulting – Collaborative support for parents, caregivers, and educators to help children thrive across settings.
- Group Programs – Small-group experiences that encourage communication, cooperation, and social-emotional growth.
Through evidence-informed practices and creative, individualized care, Chatty Child supports children in developing their voice and growing with confidence.
Meet Heather: Care Rooted in Kindness and Experience
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a New York–licensed, nationally certified speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Her work is informed by mindfulness training, trauma-aware care, and her lived experience as a neurodivergent, differently-abled individual.
Driven by both personal and professional experience, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice focused on creative, individualized support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that encourages confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Heather and her team offer in-person services at the Tribeca clinic and virtual therapy across New York State, helping children build communication skills and express themselves with confidence.
