Yeraldi is more than just a speech-language pathologist, she’s a key part in helping children communicate with confidence. As a member of the plastic surgery department at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, Yeraldi works closely with children with cleft lip and palate, craniofacial conditions, and other diagnosis that affect communication.
“I have always known that I wanted to work with children,” shares Yeraldi. “My interest in the field was sparked when my mother introduced me to a friend who worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). After observing her work one day, I was immediately captivated by the profession. What resonated most with me was witnessing the profound impact of effective communication and the ability to help children find their voice.”
One of her favorite aspects of working at Nemours Children’s is the culture of teamwork. “I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such a talented, supportive, and intelligent group of professionals,” shares Yeraldi. “My team consistently makes me feel valued and heard, and what I appreciate most is the unwavering support we offer one another. Their selflessness and commitment to our shared goals are truly inspiring. I am honored to work alongside them every day.”
Yeraldi’s work has a great impact on the quality of her patients’ lives, ensuring optimal speech outcomes for each child. “I believe the post-surgical therapy plays a critical role in a patient’s overall treatment plan,” she shares. “Effective communication is essential not only for a child’s social-emotional development but also for ensuring a high quality of life. I am proud to be part of a team that plays a vital role in our patients’ success.”
Through her career so far, Yeraldi’s work with the Florida cleft and craniofacial community has definitely been a highlight. “I currently serve as the Speech Counselor for the Florida Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association,” she says. “A key objective in this role is to unite the SLPs from the cleft teams throughout the state to foster collaboration and engage in research initiatives. Additionally, I aim to increase awareness of cleft-related speech and language disorders within the broader community of speech-language pathologists.”
Her favorite memories at Nemours are when she gets to see her patients come together for community events. “One of my favorites was the picnic hosted by our cleft team for our patients in the summer of the 2024,” says Yeraldi. “It was truly heartwarming to see our patients connect and socialize outside of the clinic/hospital setting. This event allowed me to get to know our families on a deeper level and helped create lasting, meaningful memories.”
“The most rewarding aspect of my role is the relationships I cultivate with my patients and their families,” says Yeraldi. “Many of the families I work with have been with me for 5+ years, and it is incredibly fulfilling to witness the progress my patients make and see them grow into more confident individuals.” On National Speech Language Pathology Day, we celebrate Yeraldi and all the SLPs who make it their mission to help children communicate and express themselves. At Nemours Children’s, we’re proud to support professionals like Yeraldi who bring skill and heart to every patient they meet.
