August 14, 2024 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu

Ariana Silverstein has more than 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist. Nearly all of these years were spent in Florida, where she earned bachelor’s (Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Florida) and master’s (Speech-Language Pathology, Nova Southeastern University) degrees in the field.

“My career in speech-language pathology has taken me through various clinical settings, each offering unique challenges and opportunities to make a difference,” Silverstein says. “I’m drawn to speech pathology for early learners because it allows me to make a significant impact on a child’s development from the start.”

Over the years, she has worked in public schools and private practice settings. She also spent three years at her master’s alma mater as a clinical supervisor and instructor. These experiences confirmed her passion for working with pediatric populations.

“Helping young children build essential communication skills is both rewarding and dynamic,” she says. “Each child’s uniqueness presents a creative challenge, and the joy of seeing their progress and connecting with their families makes the field deeply fulfilling.”

Silverstein uses augmentative and alternative communication tools when treating children who have complex communication needs, such as those with speech sound disorders, autism, and Down syndrome. In her work, she adopts a client-centered approach – collaborating with family members and experts/science from other disciplines to help her patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

“The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders’ commitment to innovative approaches in speech pathology aligns perfectly with my own passion for making a meaningful impact on early learners,” Silverstein says. “I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to work with a team that values both evidence-based practice and creative problem-solving.”

A dedicated teacher, Silverstein is also passionate about working with students. As a clinical instructor in the department and Montgomery Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, she plans to equip students with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to become successful speech-language pathologists.

“Ariana Silverstein brings needed expertise working with children who have speech and language delays and disorders,” says department chair Jean Neils-Strunjas. “She also has experience in university clinic supervision that will add to our excellent clinical master’s program.”

“I’m looking forward to collaborating with esteemed colleagues and contributing to impactful research and interventions,” Silverstein says. “I’m eager to apply my skills to help develop and implement effective strategies that address the unique needs of each child, and to engage with the vibrant academic community at the Arnold School.”