TeamHope Speech Therapy Center
Hope Fernicola, M.A. CCC-SLP, COM® is a N.J. Licensed Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Orofacial Myologist™. A graduate of Montclair State University, her experience is extensive and includes developmental pediatrics, feeding therapy, apraxia, oral motor based therapy (TalkTools, Beckman, PROMPT), speech, voice, language, and literacy disorders. As a Certified Orofacial Myologist, credentialed by the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM), she specializes in treating a range of orofacial myology disorders that often impact tongue placement, tongue thrust, tongue ties, feeding/swallowing, noxious oral habits, airway patency/disordered breathing, airway orthodontics and craniofacial development.

Hope provides innovative treatments for both children and adults for a variety of disorders and clinical conditions which otherwise have been resistant to remediation, have been misdiagnosed, or unidentified. To that end, she often encounters special cases that rely on an exceptional level of clinical problem solving and coordination of care.

In addition to being in private practice, her background includes providing speech and language services in both the early intervention, educational, and correctional settings. She served on the Committee for the initial development of NJEIS Autism Guidelines. She has provided expert testimony and evaluations in her areas of practice. And has been the recipient of numerous ASHA awards for Excellence in Professional Development. She has served as a clinical reviewer for the Poster Committee for the IAOM 2017 Convention.

In the academic setting, she has lent her expertise as both a staff SLP and consultant in the development, implementation, and supervision of Language and Literacy labs serving a range of students with learning disabilities in both private special needs schools and the Department of Corrections. Her expertise includes knowledge and application of a variety of computer-based instructional programs for the development of reading, writing, grammar, and spelling skills including Orton Gillingham and Wilson Reading methodologies. She is a Certified Provider of Fast Forward, Reading Assistant Plus and successfully uses a variety of Orton Gillingham and Wilson based strategies with individuals who struggle with reading, language, and literacy.

An animal lover and vegan, she resides with her husband, a highly decorated combat veteran and retired Special Forces Sergeant and their two sons. She actively supports Trap, Neuter, Return programs, and Veterans Initiatives that promote awareness and support for those with PTSD. She may be reached at 908-375-8237, or via email teamhopetherapy@yahoo.com, www.hopefern.com