admin@playfulcommunication.com
704.774.6221
Kelsey Martin, M.S., CCC-SLP
owner, speech-language pathologist
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.
I am a licensed (North Carolina) and certified (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) pediatric speech-language pathologist. I graduated summa cum laude with both a B.A. (2012) and M.S. (2014) in speech-language pathology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Since earning my masters, I've completed countless hours of continued education to further specialize in early childhood (ages birth to 5) speech, language, and feeding challenges + caregiver coaching.
I founded Playful Communication in 2020 with the goal of continuing this career that I love while also being present for my family. While "SLP" is a title I'm honored to have, "Momma" is my favorite. I have 3 sweet babies of my own: Isaac, Rae, and Luke. They have taught me more than any degree can offer! Isaac joined our family through the gift of adoption. He has Down syndrome + level 2 ASD. Rae and Luke both had tongue and lip ties + feeding challenges. My kiddos have inspired many of my clinical interests. When I tell my families, "I understand," I truly mean it - the joys, the challenges, and all the real moments in between. I serve my families with that momma heart + the care of a friend. It is a privilege to be welcomed into your home!
Hear more about my private practice journey here.
clinical interests
early language development
caregiver coaching
sensory differences + regulation
connection / relationship-centered intervention
total communication
motor speech disorders
feeding, tongue tie, picky eating
trainings + certifications
early intervention (birth-3)
assessment and treatment of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) + suspected CAS
caregiver coaching
AEIOU feeding
infant feeding
tethered oral tissues (TOTS) trained
sensory processing + regulation
autism spectrum disorder
speech sound disorders
PECS Level 1 certified
favorites
my people: Nathan, Isaac, Rae, & Luke
Jesus
serving in ministry alongside my husband
art/design/creativity
Dr. Pepper
The Office
my minivan, Vanita
(those sliding doors, man)
Darcy Seiler, M.S., CCC-SLP
practice administrator, speech-language pathologist
Darcy serves families as our practice administrator. She will likely be your first point of contact, and her joyful and welcoming spirit will make you feel right at home. She works from afar, currently in New Mexico, where her husband is serving in the air force. She's a stay-at-home-momma for most of the day, but she graciously gives some of her time each week to help Kelsey and our families. She is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist and happens to be Kelsey's best friend. They were roommates during undergrad and spent 4 years in the speech pathology program together at SIUE. Their lives have taken them to opposite sides of the country, but they have remained close ever since.
Darcy brings her knowledge and experiences as Mom + SLP to this role, and we are SO blessed to have her on the team!
Hannah Smith, B.A. in SLP
community care assistant, mentee
Hannah graduated with her bachelors in speech-language pathology in 2022. She got married that summer and moved to Waxhaw in August 2022. She is taking a year to settle into their new town and support her husband as he begins his career. We are the lucky beneficiaries of this time off before grad school! Hannah serves as our community care assistant. She aides in all aspects of our community programming, from planning to execution. She is also completing a mentorship with Kelsey and joins her for therapy regularly (The kiddos seem to like "Hannah days" the best!). She is a gift to our practice!
Community Partners
Progress in Motion, PLLC
occupational therapy services
When our clients can benefit from occupational therapy services, we give Stephanie a call! Stephanie is the owner of Progress in Motion, PLLC and an outstanding occupational therapist. She serves children in the Waxhaw area in their natural environment. Kelsey + Stephanie have a wonderful friendship and work closely together to holistically serve families.
Children's Developmental Services Agency (CDSA)
The N.C. Infant-Toddler Program (ITP) is a federally-funded statewide program that provides supports and services for families and their children, birth to three, who have special needs. The program is operated by your local Children's Developmental Services Agency (CDSA). Kelsey is a contracted CDSA service provider and is able to provide services through the ITP.
Happy Kids Therapy, PLLC
occupational + speech therapy services
We are so excited to have a multidisciplinary clinic in our community! Happy Kids offers OT and ST services in their beautiful clinic, right here in Waxhaw. When our friends might benefit from clinic-based services, we know the perfect place to send them. We are proud to partner with Abby, Megan, and their team of qualified therapists to serve families in our community!