Hi, I’m Yar!
Yardena “Yar” Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. She earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Emerson College and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from McGill University, where she graduated with distinction.
Yar has extensive experience working with children from age 12 months, all the way through young adulthood, including children with autism, learning differences, speech and language challenges, AAC needs, feeding concerns, regulation difficulties, behavioral challenges, and anxiety.
Yar provides warm, individualized therapy designed to help each child build skills, confidence, and independence in the settings that matter most – at home, in school, and in everyday life. She is a strong believer in partnering closely with families and caregivers, recognizing that meaningful progress happens when therapy strategies are practical, collaborative, and supported beyond the therapy session.
Yar lives in Wellesley with her husband, two daughters, and dog, Pretzel. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, going on long walks, and spending time with her family.
My Approach
I believe therapy should feel supportive, personalized, and connected to real life – not “one-size-fits-all.”
Every child is different, so I take the time to understand your child’s strengths, needs, learning style, and what may be getting in the way. '
From there, I create a therapy plan that helps your child build skills, confidence, and independence in meaningful ways.
My goal is not just progress during sessions - it’s progress that carries over into your child’s everyday life.
Personalized & Play-Based
Therapy is tailored to your child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals.
Sessions are engaging, relationship-based, and play-based whenever appropriate.
Play is one of the most natural and powerful ways children learn. Through play, children practice communication, problem-solving, flexibility, social interaction, and new skills in a way that feels meaningful and motivating.
Research supports the importance of play-based learning, especially when therapy is responsive, intentional, and connected to a child’s interests.’
I use play to create opportunities for growth while targeting each child’s specific therapy goals in a natural and supportive way.
Real-Life Progress
Therapy focuses on skills that matter outside the therapy session - at home, at school, and daily routines and interactions.
I provide practical strategies and home practice ideas so progress can continue between sessions and feel meaningful in daily life.
Parent Partnership
Parents and teachers are an important part of the process.
I partner closely with parents and caregivers by sharing observations, answering questions, and providing simple, realistic strategies you can use to support your child at home, in school, and throughout the day.