Jenie (Rayek) Landman ‘12, Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist

The friends that became family. It is so special to hang out with my friends from high school as if nothing has changed (except for the fact that we now carry diaper bags instead of backpacks and meet at playgrounds instead of our parents’ houses.)

It’s hard to think of just one! I’ll never forget the liberating feeling when we finally became seniors and we painted the senior lounge…and all the fun times we shared in the lounge that year.

I had many different teachers that had a profound impact on my education. And after working in schools as a teacher and alongside teachers as a Speech Language Pathologist, I have a newfound appreciation for all they do. I will always remember Ms. Judy Levy from my study skills group in middle school. She made me feel like no assignment or test was “too hard” and taught me a lot about my style of learning.

Absolutely! It made me realize the importance of being a part of a community that shares your values. I am excited for my daughter to start PK2 at Scheck Hillel in the fall! 

I graduated from Yeshiva University where I majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology. Then I got a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from The Katz school at Yeshiva University. I am always taking new courses on different subjects relating to my field. Most recently, I became a Natural Language Acquisition-trained clinician and using that method has been helping my clients with autism reach their communication goals.  

I am a Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist and I am the owner a private practice called Little Talkers. I always knew I wanted to work with children with developmental delays and differences. I started working at schools for children with autism in college and I realized that many children did not have the ability to communicate even their most basic needs. Communication is the foundation for all human relationships. I believe that everyone deserves to have a voice and that everyone can achieve that with the correct type of therapy. 

My work is so fulfilling!  There is nothing like hearing a toddler say “mama” for the first time, getting a text from a mom telling me that her son said “water” and she finally knew exactly what he meant instead of the usual guessing game that ends in a tantrum. Or getting a student with autism his communication device so he can finally communicate. My passion is creating a partnership with families so that we can work together to see their children thrive.

I know this sounds like a cliché but it all goes so fast. Don’t waste any time doing things you don’t want to do. Prioritize your family, your friends, and occupy your time doing things that make you grow as a person personally and professionally.