Meet Nina Morano | Speech-Language Pathologist & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nina Morano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to offer myofunctional therapy, a service missing in many speech therapy clinics. My goal was to offer a more comprehensive experience by targeting issues that contribute to many speech sound errors and swallowing disorders. Speech sound production errors can be an indicator of abnormal oral function, such as impaired breathing and tongue resting posture. I have worked with children and the elderly and it is evident that if left untreated, these impairments in childhood become exacerbated throughout the lifetime and can affect quality of life.

What should our readers know about your business?
My experience is unique in that I have worked with populations throughout the lifespan for various communication and swallowing needs. I have worked in a variety of settings, including schools, home health, rehab centers and skilled nursing facilities. It is through my experience working in different settings with related professionals that I understand the importance of a team environment. My clinic takes a wholistic approach to speech therapy services, which is essential to truly understanding the individual needs of each client. The team approach helps evaluate other variables that have affected speech and swallowing development (e.g. sleep quality, dental concerns, breathing complications). Furthermore, it is through my own personal speech and swallowing challenges that have motivated me to help others. I had difficulty making the “s” sound when I was in grade school and I treated myself for a tongue thrust swallow as an adult. This has driven my passion to address these underlying issues and compensatory behaviors to achieve proper speech and swallowing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many special places in Phoenix! I am an outdoorsy girl so I would start the day with a desert hike in the Superstition Mountains. For brunch, I would visit The Farm at South Mountain for a picnic with rustic charm. I love plants and gardening, so naturally our next destination would be the Desert Botanical Garden. For dinner, delicious Mexican food is a must. I would recommend Barrio Queen or Joyride Taco House. I would finish the evening with a nightcap at Bitter and Twisted or UnderTow.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to recognize Nicole Yule, MA, CCC-SLP and Dr. Cara Riek, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, IBCLC, DABLS. Both of these incredible women have been mentors to me and I’m forever grateful to have their support. Additionally, I would thank Dr. Kevin Mueller, DMD who has helped me navigate the complex relationship between dysfunctional breathing, oral function and health.

Website: https://www.moranospeechtherapy.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-morano-m-s-ccc-slp-90717a6a/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/morano-speech-therapy-scottsdale?osq=morano+speech+therapy