Welcome to Lessons in Speech! I’m Nanette Cote, a speech-language pathologist, published author, and creator of this site. I’m so glad you’re here to learn how to better support your child’s communication.
With over 30 years of experience in speech-language pathology, I have dedicated my career to helping children develop functional, meaningful communication skills. I began my journey in the Aurora Public School District before earning my graduate degree in Communication Disorders from Northern Illinois University—and I’ve been passionate about this field ever since.
Today, I provide teletherapy services through Lessons in Speech, transitioning from my in-person work at Naperville Therapediatrics to a fully virtual model. This allows me to support children and families with greater flexibility while continuing to deliver individualized, high-quality care.
My clinical expertise includes working with children with autism, developmental speech delays, Down syndrome, and childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)—which has become an area of advanced specialization in my practice. I am trained in evidence-based approaches such as PECS, PROMPT, and Dynamic Tactile and Temporal Cueing (DTTC), along with extensive continuing education in phonological therapy, stuttering, feeding, AAC, and teletherapy.
I strongly believe that parent understanding and involvement are the key to progress. Throughout my career—especially during my years in early intervention—I saw firsthand how empowering caregivers leads to meaningful, lasting communication gains. That philosophy is the foundation of everything I create, from therapy sessions to courses and resources.
It has been an honor to share my work with both families and professionals. I have presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association convention, the 2025 National Apraxia Conference, and the March 2026 Speech Retreat, focusing on practical, effective strategies that translate directly into real-life communication success.
In addition to clinical work, I am the author of We Talk on Water: A Guide for Developing and Orchestrating Speech and Language Pool Groups, inspired by years of creating engaging, social communication opportunities for children of all abilities.
Lessons in Speech was created to give families clear, actionable guidance—without the overwhelm. Whether you’re here to understand your child’s development, learn strategies that actually work, or take the next step through one of my courses, you’re in the right place.
