Renew Pediatric Therapy

10/14/2026

🎓 Continuing Education Spotlight! 🎓

I’m excited to share that I recently completed the Meaningful Speech course on Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)! 💙

So, what exactly is Gestalt Language Processing?

Some children develop language in a very different way than we traditionally expect. These children are often called Gestalt Language Processors and may start communicating with larger chunks of language rather than individual words.

You may notice that your child:

🎵 Loves songs and may sing entire songs before using individual words
🎬 Repeats lines or “scripts” from movies, shows, books, or things they’ve experienced
🗣️ Uses echolalia, repeating words or phrases they have heard
🎶 Has a lot of intonation or melody in their speech—sometimes referred to as “intonation babies”
💬 Uses phrases that may seem unrelated to the situation but have a meaningful purpose for them

For these children, simply teaching individual words, labeling pictures, or asking them to “say ___” may not be the most effective way to support language development. They often need a therapy approach that recognizes how they are naturally learning language and helps them move from scripts and chunks of language toward more flexible, spontaneous communication.

This is one reason why some children may spend time in traditional speech therapy without making the progress their families are hoping to see. It doesn't necessarily mean they can't learn—it just means we need to look at language development differently and adjust our approach.

If you've ever thought, “My child has been in speech therapy, but we're just not seeing much progress,” I would love to talk with you! ❤️

📩 Schedule a FREE consultation to talk about your child's communication and whether a different approach might be helpful.

📞 612-225-4670
🌐 www.renewpediatrictherapy.com
📧 [email protected]

10/07/2026

Hi! I’m Ellen Van Tassel, the owner and SLP at Renew Pediatric Therapy.

A little about me… I grew up in Minnesota and earned my undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead before heading to Michigan State University for graduate school. After graduating, my (then future) husband and I moved to Arizona, where I worked in outpatient pediatrics for three years. When our first child came along, and we decided it was time to move back home to Minnesota. ❤️

Since moving back, I’ve had the opportunity to work in an autism treatment center and, most recently, spent the past 10 years working in the schools. I’ve worked with children of all ages and abilities, and every setting has taught me something different about what children and families really need.

Outside of speech therapy, my husband and I live right here in Forest Lake with our three children. Our family is always on the go with sports, activities, and all of the craziness that comes with raising three kids! 🏒🏈🎣🏌️‍♂️🏀🎸

I started Renew Pediatric Therapy because I wanted to provide research-based, meaningful speech therapy that works for real families.

I know how busy family life can be, and I believe therapy should fit into your life—not add another impossible thing to your schedule. I want to work with families to choose goals that are meaningful to their child and useful in everyday life, while providing practical strategies that can be carried over outside of the therapy session.

Most importantly, I want children to feel successful, supported, and understood while they’re working on their communication skills. 💙

I’m so excited to be providing services right here in the Forest Lake community and to get to know more of the wonderful families in our area!

If we haven’t met yet, I’d love to connect! 😊

📍 Forest Lake, MN
📞 612-225-4670
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.renewpediatrictherapy.com

09/01/2026

08/12/2026

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the back-to-school season! 🍎✏️

I have before elementary school appointment spots available! These morning appointments are a great way to fit speech therapy into your busy schedule before the school day begins.

Spots are limited, so call soon to schedule! ❤️

📞 612-225-4670

07/22/2026

Busy schedules shouldn’t keep your child from getting the speech therapy they need. 🤍

I offer home and daycare visits to make therapy more convenient for families while helping children learn in the environments where they spend their day. Working on skills in real-life routines often leads to better carryover and meaningful progress.

If you’ve been looking for a therapy option that fits your family’s schedule, I’d love to help!

📍Serving Forest Lake and surrounding communities.

07/02/2026

✨ It’s official—my website is live! ✨

I’m so excited to share the online home of Renew Pediatric Therapy! Whether you’re looking for information about speech and language services, want to learn more about my approach, or are interested in scheduling a screening or evaluation, you’ll find everything in one place.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me as I’ve taken this exciting step. I’d love for you to take a look, and if you know a family who may benefit from pediatric speech and language services, please feel free to share!

💚 Building confident communicators, one child at a time.

With more than 15 years of experience, Ellen Van Tassel, M.A., CCC-SLP, provides expert, evidence-based speech and language therapy for children of all ages. Services are offered in our welcoming clinic as well as in the comfort of your home, daycare, or preschool, making therapy convenient, persona...

06/24/2026

🗣️ Wondering if your child is meeting their speech and language milestones?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to guess.

FREE Speech & Language Screenings on Wednesday, July 15!

A screening is a quick way to determine whether your child would benefit from a comprehensive speech and language evaluation. Whether you have concerns about:
✨ Speech sounds
✨ Language development
✨ Following directions
✨ Communication skills
✨ Early talking milestones

…we’re here to help!

📅 Wednesday, July 15
💚 FREE Speech & Language Screening
📱 Call or text Ellen at 480-529-0269 to reserve your time.

Early support can make a big difference, and we’re honored to help families take that first step.

Please like, share, and tag a friend who may benefit from this opportunity! 💚

06/23/2026

✨ A Few of My Favorite Things: Office Edition ✨

Some books become favorites.

Some become part of your story.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? will always be that book for me.

Years ago, I had the privilege of working with an incredible little boy named Christopher. He challenged me in all the best ways as a speech-language pathologist. Christopher had an unwavering love for books—but no matter how many new stories I introduced, we always found our way back to Brown Bear.

At first, I tried everything to move on to something new. But Christopher taught me something I didn’t realize I needed to learn. Instead of changing the book, I changed my approach. We found endless ways to target new goals using the same well-loved story.

Christopher passed away in January 2025, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about the lessons he taught me. He reminded me that meaningful therapy isn’t always about introducing something new. Sometimes it’s about meeting a child where they are and finding creative ways to build from what they love.

Because of Christopher, Brown Bear will always have a permanent place in my therapy room. Every time I open its pages, I’ll remember the little boy who made me a better clinician and whose impact continues to shape the way I serve children and families today.

Thank you, Christopher, for your love of books, your perseverance, and the lasting mark you left on my heart. ❤️📚

This one’s for you.

06/22/2026

✨ A Few of My Favorite Things: Office Edition! ✨

This week I’ll be sharing a few of my favorite things from my new office, and I couldn’t think of a better place to start than with this special piece of artwork.

This collage is made up of my own kids’ artwork from over the years. ❤️ Every drawing, painting, handprint, and masterpiece represents a little piece of their creativity and reminds me of the joy that children bring.

My kids have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout this journey, and it means so much to have a part of them with me as I begin this new adventure with Renew Pediatric Therapy. Their encouragement has helped make this dream a reality, and seeing this collage on my wall each day is a reminder of why I love working with children.

I’m so excited to welcome families into a space filled with warmth, creativity, and heart.

Stay tuned this week as I share more of my favorite parts of the office! 💚