Dear Parents,

Working with children and helping them communicate has always been a passion of mine. I received my bachelors degree from Michigan State University in Audiology and Speech Science, then went on to attend Saint Xavier University for a masters degree in Speech Pathology. After graduation, I worked full time for the Chicago Public Schools as a Speech Language Pathologist until my husband and I were blessed with our darling daughter. Our sweet girl arrived six weeks early and I knew at our introduction that this journey into motherhood was going to be a learning experience.

I started using a few basic signs with our daughter when she was about five months old, so that she was able to make some of her basic wants and needs known without frustration. Having worked with children with speech and language disorders, I knew first hand that an inability to communicate resulted in increased frustration. I was providing a language rich environment and pulling out all my speech therapy tricks certain that she would be an early talker. However, my learning adventure was just beginning because at 18 months, our little one was only using a handful of words. Shortly there after, I happened upon the Baby Signs® program. I was drawn to the program because it is based upon years of research coupled with an engaging curriculum. Within two months of using the program with my daughter, she was using over fifty signs. Her face lit up the first time she signed something that she was excited about and I realized that she had so much more she wanted to share with me!

I decided to become an Independent Certified Instructor of Baby Signs® programs because it has allowed me to unite my personal experiences as a parent with my professional work as a speech therapist. I am very excited to bring this program to the Chicago-land community, share its resources with other parents and provide a fun environment for parents and babies to learn together. Signing with your baby or toddler can create amazing experiences for both of you. Come along on this exciting adventure with me! If you have questions, I would love to hear from you at wendysigns@gmail.com.  Hope to see you and your little one at our next class!

Sincerely,

Wendy Auffant

Speech Language Pathologist

Independent Certified Instructor