Meet Shaylyn Stilwell! This Monmouth County mom owns and operates Speech Start, alongside her mother and fellow speech-language pathologist, Dr. Bernadette Mullen. Read more about Shaylyn in our interview below, including some of her favorite activities to do with her children in the area, how our community has been instrumental to running her local business, and what goals she has as a mother to two daughters.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I am originally from Middletown – the River Plaza area. I have lived there my whole life!
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
2 daughters, Keely, 20 months, and Makenna, 6 months.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
People would be surprised to know that I have been in the field of speech-pathology and around kids with special needs my whole life because my mom is an SLP and started Speech Start in my family home.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
Yes I would like to thank my cousin, Caitlin, for helping me through parenthood. She had her three kids before me and definitely prepared me for childbirth and raising my littles! My daughters also love spending time with her kids. They are so close which is amazing especially
for second cousins.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
I love going to the beach with them. They both absolutely love the sand and ocean. I am so happy they do because I grew up going to the same beach they go to and loved it just as much.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I own and operate Speech Start in Hazlet and Fair Haven alongside my mom and fellow speech-language pathologist, Dr. Bernadette Mullen. We offer speech/language, feeding and occupational therapy as well as social skills groups and academic instruction for children and teens ages 0-21+.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
This community has welcomed my practice and services with open arms. They have provided such valuable insight into the struggles of children with special needs and their families as well as gaps in the current programs, services, and opportunities available to them. This has allowed us to tailor our services to their needs and to help uncover/showcase each child’s unique “superpower.” We are beyond appreciative of the families that have let us into their world and trusted us to help their children. We will be forever grateful.
What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County?
My favorite restaurant is probably Pour House in Shrewsbury. I feel like they have something for everyone and always feel that my children are welcome!
What is your favorite activity to do with your children in Monmouth County?
We love to visit local parks, especially in the fall. We enjoy Holmdel park, in particular, and my daughters love the animals there. Both my husband and I went there regularly growing up and it is nice to pass those experiences along to our children. We also love walking into Red Bank and checking out the Farmer’s Market at the Galleria during the weekends in the Fall. We are lucky to live close enough that we can walk there often.
What are your Mom Goals?
I hope to raise happy girls who are independent, hardworking and passionate about whatever they show interest in. I would also hope that they would feel powerful enough to stand on their own two feet without depending on others to support them or provide them with opportunities. I also hope to be able to travel with them and expose them to different people, cultures, towns, etc. so that they remain open-minded and accepting of differences. Last – I hope they are kind to children with special needs. This was something that both of my
parents provided us with and I am hopeful that I can do the same.
speechstartnj.com
