Spellers Center San Diego
Based in Oceanside, CA, Spellers Center San Diego is a community-based coaching hub where nonspeakers explore self-expression through the Spellers Method.
We Are You
Spellers Center SD was founded by a mom, Dawnmarie Gaivin (aka “DM”), who understands what it feels like to never hear her child speak and to wonder if she’d ever know his thoughts. By teaching him to spell on a letterboard in 2015, she unlocked his voice and now she’s dedicated her career to helping other families share the same joyful experience.
You Belong Here
The environment at Spellers Center SD is one where you are invited to come just as you are, and that means both you and your nonspeaker. You will not be judged by DM or her team. You belong here. And we will collaborate to understand your voice and support your path toward clearer, confident communication. Where there’s a will, plus a “ride-or-die” provider, there’s a way!
Local Spellers
Local Spellers: If you are local to the San Diego location, we recommend scheduling spelling for communication sessions on a weekly basis.
- For families that are semi-local, the option also exists to schedule bi-weekly or monthly recurring sessions.
- The two greatest contributing factors to how long it takes for an individual to master spelling is the complexity of their sensory-motor profile and the resources (time, energy, finances) to consistently come to sessions and practice at home.
We firmly believe that every student can do this with time, that timeline just may look different depending on your family’s specific situation, and that’s ok! Even if this is not the time or season where your family is able to come weekly or practice consistently, we are here to support you through your entire journey.
That said, our goal with scheduling is to maximize the support we can give you and your child as providers without compromising or exhausting your resources. Likewise, you don’t have to know the end from the beginning. If you’re unsure about how you’d like to schedule, give us a call or schedule a single session—we’d be happy to chat with you or make a recommendation after seeing your child for that initial session.
Spelling sessions run for a total of 45 minutes, during which your spelling provider will work with your child through an engaging, age-appropriate lesson that supports motor planning, cognitive goals, improved regulation, and overall stamina for sustained communication. In addition, the provider will also coach you as a parent/caregiver to be a communication regulation partner. Get ready to finally hear your child’s voice!
Visiting Spellers
If you’re visiting from outside the San Diego area, you may be interested in scheduling a client intensive during your stay. This typically consists of two sessions per day for two to four consecutive days. Each session is 45 minutes long and we schedule at least an hour break between your two sessions.
During your intensive, you can expect your spelling provider to complete a thorough intake & observation that integrates your child’s individual differences along with his/her current sensory & motor skills. This allows them to determine which boards to use and how to begin or progress further in spelling.
In addition, throughout the sessions your provider will coach you as a communication regulation partner for your child. Our goal is for you to leave at the end of the intensive with new insight into your child’s profile and feeling empowered to continue practicing spelling lessons with confidence at home.
JOIN THE OHANA
Ready to learn more? Contact Us