
Reflections of Hope From a NYC Speech Therapist on the 24th Anniversary of 9/11
As a speech therapist in NYC, I can still vividly remember the morning of September 11th, 2001. I am sure many of our fellow New Yorkers still can, too.
We will never forget that day …
It was an absolutely breathtaking autumn morning.
The sun was shining, and a fresh fall scent lingered in the air ever so gently.
The city was alive with energy as the new school year had just begun.
I was a second-year NYU graduate student studying to become a speech-language pathologist.
I was buzzing with excitement and ready to start my first day of clinic this very Tuesday morning.
In a single moment – everything changed.
What followed was great chaos and fear in the streets.
Lives were changed forever, and many heroic people lost their lives that day simply by going to work, doing their jobs, and helping to save others.
As we experienced this collective trauma within NYC – slowly out of the ashes of darkness – pockets of light began to grow and shine.
These moments of community and solidarity in the days, weeks, and months that followed were palpable.
In these moments after 9/11, New Yorkers all came together as one. Nothing divided us.
Searches and prayers were performed day and night for those lives lost.

The city moved with a resolute and shared purpose: to honor those who were lost, never forget, and live with strength, purpose, and hope during these dark days.
Honoring Strength and Resilience
Today, as I watched the National 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, I am reminded of New Yorkers’ strength, resilience, and shared community.
New Yorkers have an unrelenting ability to maintain hope and rebuild anew – even when it seems like an impossible task.
Today, as I watched the youngest generations speak, many of these children were born after 9/11, but still, treasured legacies have shaped the trajectory of these young children today.
These children spoke of family members they had never met. Yet they still profoundly understood and felt their presence every day.

These children used the memory and stories of their loved ones as a force to propel them into a life filled with integrity and authenticity – living in their honor.
A New Generation of Heroes
Many of these children have chosen to follow in the footsteps of these heroes. Similarly, joining the first lines to serve the communities of New York City today.
I share my reflections today to remind us that in the darkness, light is born.
This younger generation is now carrying the torch – our new heroes are born.
Let us all remember on this day that violence is never the answer.
Let us all follow the lead of this brave new generation of children, who live with light, purpose, and love.
I invite us all to say the Ho’oponopono prayer for the lives lost on 9/11:
This is an ancient Hawaiian practice for healing, forgiveness, and righting wrongdoings.
The foundation of this practice is formed in the belief of unity, oneness, and the interconnectedness of the world.

The Ho’oponopono prayer:
I am sorry.
Forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
As you recite these words, you can picture a glowing light around you that radiates outwards into the world.
Shine your inner light outwards into the world – spreading light, love, and joy.
Let your life speak with purpose and shine your light!
Closing Words from a Speech Therapist in NYC
If your child has experienced a traumatic event and is struggling socially or academically to keep up, we can help! Let us help you find what ignites their passion for learning through speech therapy in NYC.
Are you ready to experience the difference of bespoke, holistic, compassionate, personalized care at Chatty Child?
Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language skills and treatment plan to address any areas of concern, while working seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.
To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment sessions with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Supporting Communication, Connection, and Resilience with Speech Therapy in NYC
In the wake of life’s challenges, building strong communication and deeper human connection remains essential—something New Yorkers know well. At Chatty Child, our speech therapists in NYC work with children and families to strengthen language skills, confidence, and emotional expression while also supporting parents in creating meaningful opportunities for connection. Through individualized, evidence-based therapy, we help children grow in both resilience and communication.
Here’s how you can begin working with our team:
- Schedule a free 15-minute conversation to share your child’s needs and discover how speech therapy can support confidence, focus, and connection.
- Book a comprehensive evaluation to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals—laying the groundwork for a personalized therapy plan.
- Start individualized therapy sessions that weave together speech and language strategies, mindful communication practices, and playful learning.
- Watch your child flourish as they gain communication tools, build self-assurance, and strengthen relationships with peers, family, and their community.
Helping Children Flourish: Holistic Services at Chatty Child
At Chatty Child, we understand that raising kids in today’s fast-paced, digital world presents unique challenges. That’s why we go beyond traditional speech therapy to care for the whole child. Our services nurture communication, resilience, and healthy growth—while equipping parents and caregivers with practical tools to balance screen use and encourage real-life connections.
- InterAct – A creative program that uses storytelling, role-play, and imagination to boost expressive language and build confidence.
- Occupational Therapy – Enhances sensory processing, fine motor skills, and independence in everyday routines.
- Teletherapy – Convenient online sessions in speech and occupational therapy, accessible to families across New York State.
- Tutoring – Personalized academic support in reading, writing, and problem-solving to inspire curiosity and classroom success.
- Functional Nutrition – Guidance to encourage focus, emotional balance, and physical well-being during critical developmental stages.
- Consulting – Coaching for caregivers, teachers, and professionals to ensure consistent strategies at home, in school, and in therapy.
- Group Programs – Interactive experiences that foster peer communication, social-emotional skills, and playful learning.
By combining creativity with evidence-based care, our team empowers children to strengthen communication, regulate emotions, and thrive both in person and online.
Meet the Author: Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed New York State and nationally certified speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Beyond her clinical expertise, Heather is also a certified meditation and mindfulness instructor, a trauma-informed practitioner, and proudly identifies as neurodiverse and differently-abled—life experiences that shape her compassionate approach to therapy.
Heather’s personal journey inspired her to create Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice committed to helping children thrive through individualized and supportive care. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book designed to encourage confidence, curiosity, and friendship, complete with a teaching guide for parents and educators.
Today, Heather and her team provide services both in-person at their Tribeca clinic and virtually across New York State, empowering children to build communication skills, self-expression, and resilience.