Empowering Caregivers & Professionals
Coaching, Consulting, & Mentorship
Expert Guidance for Parents, Educators, & Professionals
Coaching, Consulting, & Mentorship with Dr. Joleen R. Fernald
Supporting families, educators, and professionals goes beyond direct therapy. Through coaching, consulting, and mentorship, we provide expert guidance rooted in neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Whether you're a caregiver seeking strategies, a clinician refining your expertise, or an organization in need of professional training, our goal is to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to support children effectively. We prioritize relationship-based, practical solutions that foster long-term growth and meaningful change.
My approach is hands-on, collaborative, and based in practical application—ensuring you gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills to make a meaningful impact.
Don’t forget to check out our extensive free resource library for professionals and parents ~ click here.
Professional Development
Engaging trainings and workshops providing practical tools and strategies for professionals working with children.
DIRFloortime® Caregiver Consultation
Personalized coaching to help caregivers better understand and support their child’s unique developmental needs.
Professional Mentorship
Individualized mentorship for professionals looking to deepen their expertise in DIRFloortime®, Selective Mutism, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Check out our collaboration with Bjorem Speech®
DIR®-SM A Developmental Approach to Selective Mutism Intervention
Meet Your Coach
Welcome! I’m Joleen R. Fernald, PhD, CCC-SLP
With nearly 30 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, educator, and mentor, my work is rooted in the DIRFloortime® framework and a deep commitment to neurodiversity-affirming care.
I have trained professionals across the U.S. and internationally, partnered with Easter Seals NH to create the first multidisciplinary clinic for Selective Mutism assessment and treatment, and contributed to research on the connection between selective mutism and sensory processing.
Beyond my clinical expertise, I bring the unique perspective of a parent. My daughter, who overcame Selective Mutism and was later diagnosed autistic, shaped my understanding of both the challenges families face and the critical need for compassionate, evidence-based support.
My goal is to empower caregivers, educators, and clinicians with the knowledge and strategies to foster regulation, engagement, and communication in children.
Professional Development: In-Services, Trainings, Keynote Speaker
Dynamic, evidence-based trainings on topics such as Selective Mutism, Neurodiversity, DIRFloortime®, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and more. Trainings are designed for professionals who are looking to gain practical strategies to implement immediately in their practice.
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Workshops and trainings are available in person and virtually. I provide in-services for school districts, agencies, therapy clinics, and professional organizations.
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SLPs, OTs, mental health practitioners, educators, and other professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in neurodiversity-affirming practices.
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DIRFloortime®: Beyond Playing on the Floor
Supporting Children with Selective Mutism
Regulation and Its Impact on Speech and Language
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Motor Planning and Its Impact on Communication
Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches
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To inquire about a training or book a session, contact me via email at joleen@joleenfernald.com.
DIRFloortime® Caregiver Consultation
DIRFloortime® is a relationship-based approach that supports a child’s emotional, social, and communication development by following their natural interests and interactions. These consultations provide caregivers with personalized strategies to help their child regulate emotions, build connections, and navigate daily routines with greater ease and confidence.
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Feel overwhelmed by their child’s emotional regulation challenges
Struggle with daily transitions and routines
Need guidance on managing sibling dynamics and social interactions
Want to better advocate for their child’s needs
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Understanding your child’s DIRFloortime® profile
Strengthening parent-child interactions through relationship-based strategies
Supporting regulation, engagement, and communication in everyday situations
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Caregivers gain insight, confidence, and practical strategies to create a more peaceful, supportive home environment.
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The first step is a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your needs. From there, we’ll determine the best plan for support.
Contact me at joleen@joleenfernald.com to schedule a session.
Professional Mentorship
One-on-one mentorship for professionals looking to deepen their expertise in DIRFloortime®, Selective Mutism intervention, and neurodiversity-affirming care. Whether you need case consultation, skill development, or support in applying these approaches, mentorship provides tailored guidance to enhance your practice.
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Mentorship is designed for clinicians who want to expand their knowledge in DIRFloortime®, Selective Mutism intervention, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Sessions provide individualized guidance, case review, and skill-building opportunities.
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SLPs, OTs, mental health practitioners, and educators who have a foundational understanding of DIRFloortime® and want to advance their skills.
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To learn more about mentorship opportunities, email joleen@joleenfernald.com.