Debbie Smallwood is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 30 years of experience supporting children and adults with communication challenges.

Throughout her career in early intervention, rehabilitation, and home health care — including work with Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation, Holy Redeemer Homecare, and Sunny Days Early Intervention — Debbie has worked closely alongside families, for three decades, to support early childhood development. She has helped parents understand the power of play as a foundation for learning, modeled strategies to encourage communication and social growth, and built trusting relationships.

Through years of working with children and families, Debbie has recognized that many children benefit from extra support in developing play skills, imaginative thinking, and effective communication with peers. As opportunities for open-ended, face-to-face play have decreased, foundational skills such as social communication, flexible thinking, and cooperative interaction may need more intentional support.

Drawing on her extensive experience, Debbie developed and personally leads this small-group social-emotional play program to give children a safe and engaging space to practice playing with others, build imagination, strengthen problem-solving skills, and learn how to navigate friendships and emotions with confidence. Rather than simply teaching social skills, the program focuses on learning through play and meaningful peer interaction, helping children develop skills naturally in a fun and supportive environment.

Debbie lives in Margate, New Jersey with her husband and has three children. She has strong ties to the local community, including founding and coaching the Margate Riptides Lacrosse Program for over 15 years. She is passionate about helping children build strong communication skills, develop meaningful relationships, and grow in confidence through play-based learning.