From a young age, Nicolette Rose Contella knew she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives through communication and connection. Today, as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) based in Belmar, Monmouth County, New Jersey, she helps children and adults find their voices, strengthen their communication skills, and gain confidence in how they connect with others.

Education & Early Career

Nicolette earned both her Bachelor and Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Maryland, where she distinguished herself academically and through leadership. She served on faculty search committees and contributed to research on transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) for individuals with prolonged post-concussion symptoms.

Her passion for brain-based communication recovery also led her to present poster sessions on tVNS and aphasia, merging clinical curiosity with her commitment to advancing the field.

Professional Recognition

Nicolette’s impact has been recognized at both state and national levels. She received the ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional Award in 2023 and is a two-time recipient of the ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE), completing over 140 hours of advanced training in communication, literacy, feeding, and neurological rehabilitation.

Clinical Expertise

With a deep foundation in speech, language, literacy, and feeding, Nicolette brings a comprehensive, holistic, and integrative approach to therapy. Her advanced training includes:

Motor Speech, Oral Motor, & Feeding

• PROMPT

• DTTC

• Oral Placement Therapy

• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

• Lactation Consulting

• Photobiomodulation / Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for oral-motor function, tethered oral tissues, dysphagia-related tension patterns, and neuromuscular rehabilitation—integrated as a holistic and evidence-informed adjunct to traditional therapy

Voice Disorders

• Certified in LSVT LOUD for Parkinson’s disease and related voice challenges

Structured Literacy & Learning Differences

• Highly specialized in Orton-Gillingham and speech-to-print approaches

• Supports students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and language-based learning disabilities throughout Monmouth & Ocean County, NJ

• Integrates morphology, phonology, and executive function into reading, spelling, and written expression

AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)

• Experienced with PRC (TouchChat, LAMP), Tobii Dynavox, GoTalk, and Lingraphica

• Provides robust AAC evaluation, training, and implementation for children and adults

Holistic & Integrative Rehabilitation

Nicolette incorporates photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy, breathwork foundations, myofunctional restoration, sensory-regulation supports, and neuro-affirming intervention approaches—helping clients achieve improved communication outcomes through whole-body alignment and nervous system support.

School-Based Expertise & IEP Advocacy

As a school-based SLP in Old Bridge Public Schools, Nicolette develops individualized education programs (IEPs), provides targeted language and literacy interventions, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

She has participated in thousands of IEP meetings across New Jersey and offers independent IEP consultations for families seeking expert guidance on speech, language, literacy, eligibility, and service recommendations.

Community Leadership & Innovation

In 2023, Nicolette founded AAC On The Beach, a first-of-its-kind initiative training lifeguards, beach staff, and first responders in AAC strategies to create more inclusive coastal environments.

She also directs the Belmar Junior Lifeguard Program, mentoring hundreds of youth in leadership, ocean safety, and teamwork. Through Grazie Mille Co., she additionally provides digital marketing, branding, and communication strategy services for small businesses, professionals, and creatives.

A Mission Rooted in Empowerment

For Nicolette, speech therapy is not just a career—it’s a calling. She believes that communication is the foundation of human connection, and her mission is to empower every individual to express themselves clearly, confidently, and authentically.

Whether she’s helping a toddler say their first words, guiding a student through structured literacy intervention, supporting an adult with aphasia or voice rehabilitation, or integrating photobiomodulation to enhance neuromuscular performance, Nicolette’s approach is personalized, compassionate, holistic, and grounded in evidence-based practice.

If you’re seeking a dedicated, integrative Speech-Language Pathologist who combines clinical excellence with innovative whole-person care, Nicolette Rose Contella, M.A., CCC-SLP, is here to support you.