About Suzi Carlsson, M.Ed

I have practiced as a Special Educator and Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing for over 20 years, in Central New York as well as in Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, and all over New Jersey.  I enjoy meeting and working with families from a variety of cultures and experiences. I have worked in homes, childcare settings, public schools, and Schools for the Deaf, providing Early Intervention and preschool itinerant services. Most of my work has been with very young children and their families. I adore toddlers!

I am proficient in American Sign Language, and also work with children who are learning to listen and use spoken language with hearing aids and cochlear implants. I have worked mostly with infants and young children and their families, but also have supported older students. I can help your family identify developmentally appropriate goals, and implement strategies to help your child develop communication skills in the mode that works for them.

I am from Syracuse, NY and have lived in Ithaca for 8 years with my husband and two kids. We have two dogs, Birdie and Charlie. I am always very busy with work and the kids, but love to take a break and walk in the woods, hang out with friends, or just be outside.

Education and Certifications

I earned my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education with an endorsement in Deaf Education from the University of Utah, in 2001. I hold NYS Teacher Professional Certificates for Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2). I also hold a Basic Certification in the DIR-Floortime* model, and have taken many courses through ICDL over the last decade. I am currently pursuing a second Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Syracuse University.

 

*DIR/Floortime is a therapy model that works with social-emotional developmental capacities using relationship-based play and interactions, through the lens of the child/client’s unique nervous system. This model is respectful of the individual and promotes joyful interactions. This model is helpful for a range of developmental challenges, including Autism.

Therapy Approach

I use a relationship- and play-based approach to employ social engagement as one of the most important tools for regulation and learning. My first priority is your child feeling safe and supported.

I work directly with the child, through playful interactions, and provide parent coaching and discussion to discover strategies that will be effective and doable for your family. We will work together to identify the skills your child needs to develop, and address these goals through the lens of their individual nervous system and experience in the world.

I strive to provide support that is compassionate, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, and collaborative. I understand that parenting is often very stressful, and I hope to help your family experience more joy, and less stress.

I am certified in DIR/Floortime, and use strategies and ideas from this model in all therapy sessions. Dedicated DIR/Floortime sessions are also available.

 

 

Location

I provide therapy services in the Central New York area including Ithaca and the Syracuse , in your home or at a community-based location.