Speech-Language Pathology · Durango, CO
Providing a sheltered space for guided speech and language strategies.
Individualized speech and language therapy in a calm, professional setting — built around your goals, at a pace that fits.
ASHA Certified · CCC-SLPCO Lic.Colorado LicensedCA Lic.California LicensedHow we work together
Two ways to work.
Everythings begins with a free consultation — to understand your concerns and decide the right next step together.
Comprehensive assessment
An evaluation that pinpoints exactly what's going on — focused on speech sounds, language, fluency, or a complete look at structure, function, and voice.
See evaluation options & pricing →Individualized therapy
Focused 45-minute sessions built on your evaluation — evidence-based, engaging, and paced to your progress. We adjust the plan as skills grow, always working toward real-world communication.
See therapy pricing →Not sure where to start? A free screening is always an option — no referral or commitment needed.
Areas of expertise
What I treat
Helping individuals who struggle with producing specific speech sounds (such as a frontal/lateral lisp or difficulties with the /r/ sound).
Helping individuals understand the language and information they receive.
Assisting individuals with sharing their thoughts, ideas, and words effectively with others.
Addressing stuttering or other disruptions in the natural flow of speech.
A motor speech disorder where the brain struggles to plan and coordinate the movements necessary for speech.
Support for cognitive-communication needs including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-regulation.
Skills like sharing, turn-taking, expressing wants and needs safely, and understanding social rules of communication.
Supporting the use of communication devices, signs, or tools for individuals who cannot rely entirely on verbal speech.
What I offer
Services
Free Screenings
Not sure if a full evaluation is warranted? A no-cost screening is a brief, low-pressure opportunity to identify potential areas of concern in speech sound production, language, or fluency. I'll share my clinical impressions and clear recommendations for next steps — whether that's a formal evaluation or reassurance that development is on track.
Screenings take approximately 20–30 minutes and include informal observation and brief standardized tasks. Families leave with clear, actionable guidance — no commitment required.
Free Screenings
Free Screenings
Not sure if a full evaluation is warranted? A no-cost screening is a brief, low-pressure opportunity to identify potential areas of concern in speech sound production, language, or fluency. I'll share my clinical impressions and clear recommendations for next steps — whether that's a formal evaluation or reassurance that development is on track.
Screenings take approximately 20–30 minutes and include informal observation and brief standardized tasks. Families leave with clear, actionable guidance — no commitment required.
Evaluations
Speech & Language Evaluations
A thorough, individualized evaluation is the foundation of an effective therapy plan. Evaluations may focus on speech sound production, receptive and expressive language, fluency, or a comprehensive assessment covering structure, function, voice, and fluency. Using a combination of standardized testing and informal clinical observation, I build a complete picture of each client's strengths and areas of need. A formal written report — including test results, clinical observations, background history, and individualized recommendations — is provided with every evaluation.
Speech Sound Therapy
Speech Sound Therapy
For those who struggle to produce certain sounds clearly and consistently. Therapy builds from a strong phonetic foundation — targeting sounds in isolation and advancing to words, phrases, sentences, and natural conversation. Evidence-based approaches are selected based on the specific nature of each client's disorder: articulation-based, phonological, or motor-speech (including Childhood Apraxia of Speech). Sessions are engaging, goal-directed, and designed to support real-world communication.
Language Therapy
Language Therapy
Language is broad, nuanced, and deeply individual. Receptive language is the language you know in your head but don't always share — understanding others and following directions. Expressive language is the language you use to communicate with others. There are three components of language — form, content, and use. Within that framework, therapy may address syntax, morphology, phonology, semantics, and pragmatics.
Simple & transparent
Pricing menu
Every service is clearly priced, with the time you can expect to spend together.
Free screenings available. A quick, no-cost check to see if a full evaluation is the right next step.
Request a screeningWhat to expect
A clear, simple process
Free consultation
We talk through your concerns and goals — no cost, no pressure — and decide the right next step together.
Screening or evaluation
A brief screening clarifies whether a full evaluation is needed. If it is, a comprehensive assessment pinpoints strengths and areas of need.
Results & goals
We review the findings together and set clear, meaningful short- and long-term goals that guide therapy.
Therapy plan
Focused, evidence-based sessions that adapt as skills grow, always aimed at real-world communication.
Common questions
Good to know
What is a free screening, and how is it different from an evaluation?
How long are appointments?
Do you take insurance?
What is a superbill?
What areas do you serve?
What is your cancellation policy?
About
Meet Avery Sheldon, M.S., CCC-SLP
Avery holds a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Appalachian State University. She earned her undergraduate degree from Fort Lewis College and her post-baccalaureate from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She has worked across Early Intervention, public school, home health, hospital, and skilled nursing settings, bringing broad clinical experience to every evaluation and therapy program.
She began her speech career as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with San Juan BOCES before heading to graduate school. After graduate school, she worked on the Front Range at a Title I school where the majority of clients were English Language Learners. The duality of Spanish and English scaffolding instruction is where the name Sheltered Strategies was born. Sheltered Instruction Strategies are strategies that adapt speech, teach vocabulary through context, and use background knowledge to aid in the understanding of new material. That, infused with her last name Sheldon — or “protected hill” — serves as the inspiration to give clients an opportunity to learn communication strategies in a sheltered, protected environment.
In addition to holding her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA, Avery is licensed through Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). She is trained in teletherapy and is cross-licensed in the State of California through the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aide Dispensers Board.
When not with clients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their four-year-old twins, practicing yoga, running, and riding bikes.