MEET SAM

Communication starts with connection.

Sam Krudner, speech-language pathologist and founder of Words at Play

I'm Sam Krudner, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, a licensed speech-language pathologist and the founder of Words at Play Speech & Language Therapy, PLLC. I provide in-home pediatric speech therapy throughout Astoria, Long Island City, and East Elmhurst.

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The heart behind Words at Play

I believe every child deserves to feel heard and understood, no matter how they communicate. I created Words at Play to give families a more individualized option—especially when other services are limited, unavailable, or not the right fit.

Since earning my master’s degree in 2018, I’ve worked with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children, helping them build speech, language, play, and communication skills through engaging, individualized therapy.

My goal is to help children communicate with greater confidence while giving families practical tools they can use every day.

Child and adult playing together with toys on the floor

How I work with families

Play with purpose

Younger children learn through structured and child-led play. Older children build skills through games, hands-on activities, and academic support when appropriate.

Partner with parents

Caregivers are part of the process. I welcome your questions, feedback, and insight while sharing practical ways to support communication between sessions.

Build skills for real life

Therapy is tailored to your child's strengths and needs, with a focus on progress that carries into home, school, and everyday routines.

Education,
Credentials & Training

- M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology, Queens College, CUNY
- NYS Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
- Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD)
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)
- Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
  Introductory & Advanced Training

A little more about Sam

I’m naturally playful and high-energy, so working with kids has always felt like a natural fit. I love that those parts of my personality have a real place in the work I do.

Outside of work, I enjoy catching up with friends and family, going to concerts, doing Pilates, taking long walks, and spending time with my dog, Lola.

Stories from Families

“We love Sam so much and are endlessly grateful for the impact she has had - and continues to have - on our son’s life. She is smart, kind, loving, fun and SUCH A TALENTED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE PRACTITIONER!!!! From day one, she has known exactly what our child needed to grow and reach his potential, and his language and confidence have absolutely blossomed working with her. We can’t wait to see what the future holds as he continues to learn and expand, and talk talk talk. Sam - thank you for all that you do, we don’t know where we would be without you!!”
—Charlotte K.
“Samantha was my twin daughters’ speech therapist, and having her was the best thing that ever happened to them. We were so worried that, at 2 years old, they hadn’t started talking—but once Samantha came, it felt like magic. They went from saying words to combining them into sentences! She not only helped my daughters make incredible progress in speech and social skills but also guided me as a first-time mom, reassuring me every step of the way. Her care, dedication, and expertise made a lasting impact on our family.”
—Itteasam B.
“I can't say enough good things about Sam. My daughters owe all their speech progress to Sam. Her sessions are fun, engaging and effective. My girls looked forward to meeting with her. Also Sam is great with communicating and she's honest. I totally recommend her!”
—Francesca M.

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s see if Words at Play feels like the right fit for your family.

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