‘The Language Literacy Doctor’, Owner Cindy Conca Provides Therapy for Kids in Southeastern Virginia Beach, VA

So let’s start with you are you from this local area?
I am originally from New York. I have been living in the Hampton Roads area for the last 5 years.

Why did you choose this line of business?
I have been a Speech Language Pathologist for 32 years and always wanted to have my own practice. I started ‘The Language Literacy Doctor, LLC’ in order to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of children with speech, language, and reading challenges.

What made you decide to start your own business vs. working for somebody else? When did you begin your business?
I still work full-time for a local school district. My business is part-time. I decided to start the business because I  wanted to reach more children who are struggling with their speech, language, and reading skills. I have a specialty in working with children who have dyslexia. I have been working with children privately for awhile, however, I officially began the business in January 2018.

Starting a business is a tough thing to do! What inspired you to keep going as you were getting it off the ground?
It is tough. I am inspired by the children who I already work with. Seeing them progress and develop a love of reading and learning serves as a great source of inspiration for me.

When would you really say your business went from a concept to actually functional?
The concept has been in my mind for awhile. The business became actually functional in January 2018.

Looking back, what was the most difficult challenge you had to face?
Marketing and getting more clients. I want more people/parents to know about me and my areas of expertise.


What do you enjoy the most about the Virginia Beach communities your business takes care of?
Virginia Beach is a diverse community. Being from New York, I enjoy working with children and families from diverse backgrounds.

If a potential customer has to pick from 3 different businesses providing what you provide, what would make your company really stand out, and they choose your company over the others?
There are many Speech Language Pathologists out there in the community. What sets me apart are a few things:

1. I have over 32 years of experience working with the pediatric aged population in a variety of settings;
2. I have a Doctor of Education degree in Speech Language Pathology and Reading Education. Most Speech Language Pathologists do not have a doctoral degree;
3. I have a specialty in the area of literacy/reading education. Many children who experience speech and language disorders also have difficulties with reading. I have researched the connections between speech, language, and reading skills and I incorporate aspects of speech and language when working on reading skills.
4. I am trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to developing reading skills which is  multisensory, sequential, systematic, and individualized.
5. I am more than a reading tutor. I am highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of reading disorders. I look at each child as an individual with unique learning styles.
6. My practice offers comprehensive assessments and treatment plans.

Has internet technology played a big part in your growth, and making your company more successful?
Yes. I am continually working on my website, and facebook page. I have recently began to work more on my social networking presence.

Where do you see your business going forward in 2019? I am looking for my business to grow by reaching more children in the community. I know there are children who are in need of my services. Additionally, I recently began to accept insurance as an option for parents.

I am a provider for Tricare East, and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I also will be adding Telepractice to my business. Telepractice is an up and coming option for providing therapy services to individuals who either cannot travel to see me in my office, who prefer staying home for their therapy, or  who live in other geographical areas and wish to work with me remotely.

Thinking back to day one, can you think of anything you may have done differently to overcome challenges and to meet your business goals in a more efficient amount of time?
Not really. I have spent a lot of time planning and organizing my business. If I had to think of something, it would have to be making my website more visible. I would like more parents and professionals to become familiar and aware of my services.

Where do you see your business in the next 3-5 years?
I hope to devote more time to my business. As of now, the business is part-time. I would like the business to become busy enough so that I can decrease my hours at my full-time job and offer more hours in my private practice.

What is the best way for our readers to connect with your team and to take advantage of what your company has to offer?

The best way to connect with me is either through my website
https://www.languageliteracydoctor.com
Email cconca@languageliteracydoctor.com 
Facebook Page
or by phone (757) 632-0704

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