About - Chatterbox Kids Nova

About Me

Hi, I'm Melanie Larrimore!

I work as a speech-language pathologist with three decades (yikes!) of experience in traditional articulation and receptive/expressive language skills — and I also specialize in skills related to reading comprehension, written and verbal expression, executive functioning, confidence, and social thinking.

I absolutely love my job working with children and providing therapy or social events that offer unique and specifically curated experiences for children to support their development. Some of you have attended camps or mini camps through POWER Play Kids and/or Chatterbox Kids.

Thank you to all who have supported my latest venture to offer mini-camps and sleep unders — affectionately called Camp Ms. Melanie by some of your children. I am officially Creative Kids Nova, but love Camp Ms. Melanie!

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Education & Credentials

Qualifications You Can Trust

With more than 30 years in the field, Ms. Melanie brings a wealth of experience, specialized training, and genuine passion to every child she works with.

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Master's Degree, Speech-Language Pathology

Graduate-level clinical training in communication disorders

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Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified

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Virginia State Licensed, Speech-Language Pathologist

Fully licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia

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30+ Years of Clinical Experience

Extensive experience across school, clinic, and private practice settings

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Executive Functioning & Social Thinking Specialist

Advanced focus on executive functioning, confidence building, and social communication

Areas of Specialty

What I Specialize In

My work goes beyond traditional speech therapy to address the whole communicator — including how children think, plan, and connect with others.

Articulation & phonological disorders
Receptive & expressive language development
Reading comprehension strategies
Written & verbal expression skills
Executive functioning support
Social thinking & pragmatic communication
Confidence building & self-advocacy
Fluency & stuttering support

The Creative Kids Zone

Our Home Is Your Child's Playground

All therapy sessions, camps, and events take place at my home in Northern Virginia. The Creative Kids Zone spans our finished basement, backyard, and surrounding forest — creating a magical, safe, and inspiring environment for children.

For those who have not attended a sleep under or mini camp before, these events are primarily tailored towards children aged 5–10. I take great care to ensure every space feels welcoming, age-appropriate, and designed to spark creativity and curiosity.

Finished basement — dedicated creative space
Backyard — outdoor exploration & activities
Forest area — nature scavenger hunts
Safe, home-based environment in Northern Virginia
Primarily ages 5–10

My Philosophy

Every Child Deserves a Curated Experience

I believe the best outcomes happen when children feel safe, engaged, and genuinely excited to be there.

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Intentional Design

Every activity — whether in therapy or at a camp — is carefully planned to support communication, creativity, and real-life skills that transfer beyond our sessions.

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Warmth & Connection

Children learn best when they feel truly seen. I bring genuine warmth and a love for children to everything I do — and it shows in the relationships we build.

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Whole-Child Growth

My approach addresses not just speech, but confidence, social skills, leadership, executive functioning, and a love of learning that children carry for life.

Meet Ms. Melanie