Empowering Communication
ONE PLAYFUL STEP AT A TIME
At the Play and Say SC, we are dedicated to fostering effective communication for all ages of the pediatric population, through play-based therapy. Our tailored speech therapy programs help individuals express themselves clearly and confidently.
About Marione (Ella) Dunn
M.S., CCC-SLP
Marione Dunn is a Speech-Language Pathologist in South Carolina. The children she sees usually know her as Ms. Ella. She has been a speech-language therapist for over 10 years and graduated with her Masters and Bachelors at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She has had experience working with both adults and children, in a variety of settings, but she has found her passion working with the pediatric population. She loves not only the big milestones but celebrates the small (but mighty) steps that she’s seen her children make. She has worked with those with receptive-expressive language disorders, fluency disorders, articulation/phonology disorders, and motor speech disorders. From communication devices, to making sure speech sounds are being articulated intelligibly, Ella really enjoys the many facets of her job.
Outside of being an SLP, Ella loves to spend time with her family & friends, travel, and be as active as possible. She is also a mom to her sweet baby girl, Noah Rae, and her wild dog, Lulu.
TYPES OF
SPEECH-LANGUAGE NEEDS
SPEECH SOUND DISORDERS
Involve difficulties with producing speech sounds clearly and accurately , which can affect a child’s ability to be understood. These may include articulation errors, phonological pattern issues, or motor-based challenges.
LANGUAGE DISORDERS
Involve difficulties understanding (receptive language) and/or communicating (expressive language) effectively. These challenges can impact learning, social interaction, and overall communication development.
FLUENCY DISORDERS
Involve difficulties with the flow and rhythm of speech, most commonly seen in stuttering. Children may repeat sounds, prolong words, or experience speech blocks that interrupt communication. These disruptions can affect confidence, social interaction, and overall communication effectiveness.
TYPES OF SERVICES
30 min
Price varies
1 hr
250 US dollars
30 min - 1 hr
From 75 US dollars
Stories
Client Experiences
Here at the Play & Say SC, we love to celebrate the big and the little steps made along the way. Here is what our families have to say:
Grateful Parents -
Megan & Brenden Gary
“We are so grateful for the incredible support Ms. Ella has provided to our daughter. She has not only helped her build essential communication skills but has also played a key role in boosting her confidence. Ms. Ella’s personalized approach, deep understanding of our daughter’s unique needs, and consistent encouragement have made a truly noticeable difference in her growth. The progress our daughter has made in her speech development has been remarkable, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the positive impact Ms. Ella has had on her journey.”
Grateful Parent -
Deborah Young
“For the past three years, Marione Dunn (Ms. Ella) has served as my child's speech pathologist. I deeply admire her patience and dedication to our special needs children. Working with such children is indeed a challenging task, and Ms. Ella has performed remarkably well. She consistently kept me informed about my child's progress and provided valuable advice regarding his ACC device. Compared to other speech therapists who seemed unable to devote sufficient time to my child, Ms. Ella was genuinely attentive and supportive. As my child transitions to middle school, her absence will be significantly felt.”
Grateful Parent -
Celess Titus
“Ella is AMAZING! We went through two other companies before we found her. Not only is she very knowledgeable and thorough in her review with me after her speech lessons with our child, but what I love most is that she makes the lessons FUN and has an energetic and kind personality! My child actually gets excited for her speech lesson which was not the case with the other companies I used. During lessons they play games and have fun exercises. No dreaded learning here. She makes the experience WONDERFUL for my child and in turn for me. We're seeing some very big changes in her speech, and she gives tips on things to work on at home between lessons. Can't thank Ella enough. Would recommend her every time! ”
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you work with?
I specialize with working with children from ages 2 to 18.
How often will my child receive speech therapy?
Depending on your child’s needs, your child can receive 30-60 minutes of speech therapy services, 1-2 times, weekly.
Do you need a referral from a pediatrician?
No. At this time, I am not currently accepting insurance. If you are still interested in an evaluation and/or consultation, please feel free to contact me directly. However, a superbill is available upon request. This is a document that can be sent to your insurance for out-of-network benefits.
What are your private pay rates?
Evaluations and therapy fees vary, depending on the service. Please feel free to contact me for more information or visit the services section on my website. I currently don't accept insurance but a superbill is available upon request. A superbill is not a bill to be paid, but a document that can be sent to your insurance for out-of-network benefits.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
If your child is difficult to understand, behind on language milestones, struggles socially, or has a diagnosis like autism, ADHD, or a speech disorder, a consultation and/or evaluation can help determine if therapy is needed.
How will I know if my child is making progress?
I track goals and regularly update families on progress through verbal check-ins, therapy notes, and re-evaluations as needed.