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, build executive function 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 through academic excellence and 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, neurological rehabilitation, and executive function support.

Clinical Expertise

With a deep foundation in speech, language, literacy, executive function, 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

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

Executive Function Coaching

• Provides direct executive function coaching for students and adults

• Targets planning, organization, task initiation, working memory, flexible thinking, and self-monitoring

• Uses structured frameworks (such as plan-do-review models, visual systems, and strategy instruction) to improve academic, functional, and daily living performance

• Embeds executive function supports into language, literacy, AAC, and therapy sessions for carryover across environments

AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)

• Experienced with multiple AAC systems and platforms

• Provides comprehensive 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, executive function strategy training, and neuro-affirming intervention approaches—helping clients achieve improved communication and cognitive-linguistic outcomes through whole-body and whole-brain support.

School-Based Expertise & IEP Advocacy

As a school-based SLP, Nicolette develops individualized education programs (IEPs), provides targeted language and literacy interventions, delivers executive function supports, 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, executive function, eligibility, and service recommendations.

Community Leadership & Innovation

Nicolette founded AAC On The Beach, an initiative that trains 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, teamwork, and self-management skills. Through her consulting and digital services work, she supports small businesses and professionals with branding and communication strategy.

A Mission Rooted in Empowerment

For Nicolette, therapy is not just a career—it’s a calling. She believes that communication and executive function are foundations for independence and human connection. Her mission is to empower every individual to express themselves clearly, think strategically, and function confidently in daily life.

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

If you’re seeking a dedicated, integrative Speech-Language Pathologist and executive function coach who combines clinical excellence with innovative whole-person care, Nicolette, is here to support you.