At Wordplay, therapy isn’t just something we do, it’s a relationship we build with every child and family who walks through our door. We offer speech, language, literacy, and myofunctional therapy throughout San Diego County, grounded in research and driven by connection.
We believe therapy should feel personal, meaningful, and even fun. Whether we're working with your child at school or welcoming you into our Rancho San Diego clinic, we take time to understand each learner and partner closely with families and educators to create real, lasting change. From early language delays and dyslexia to speech sound challenges and tongue thrusts, we approach each child with a whole-child perspective and a lot of heart.
We’d love to meet you in person, but until then, feel free to explore and learn more about who we are and how we can help.
Chanel Konja-Mertz, M.A., CCC-SLP, Founder and Clinical Director
chanel@mywordplay.com
Hello and welcome! I’m Chanel Konja-Mertz, a mom of two vivacious little girls, speech-language pathologist, and the founder and clinical director of Wordplay.
I created Wordplay with a clear vision: to offer a space where therapy feels both personal and purposeful, where families are met with compassion, expertise, and joy. At Wordplay, we believe in evidence-based practices rooted in connection, play, and whole-child care. Therapy here isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s thoughtful, individualized, and designed to honor each child’s unique voice.
I bring 8 years of experience across private practice, school-based services, and clinical research. My specialties include bilingual language development, structured literacy intervention for dyslexia (Orton-Gillingham approach), speech sound disorders, language processing, stuttering, and orofacial myofunctional therapy.
I earned both my B.A. and M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from San Diego State University, where I was honored with the Outstanding Graduate Award for leadership and academic excellence. I also contributed to research published in the Journal of Developmental Neuropsychology, and that research foundation continues to guide my clinical decisions and treatment planning today.
Since 2021, I’ve partnered with private schools across San Diego County to provide curriculum-aligned therapy directly on campus. These partnerships allow us to support student progress within the school day, eliminate long waitlists, and ensure services are collaborative and consistent.
As both a clinician and a mother, I understand how important it is to feel seen, heard, and supported. That’s why Wordplay is built on trust, collaboration, and care. We work closely with families to empower them with practical tools and strategies that make a meaningful difference, both in therapy and at home.
My leadership style is rooted in clarity, compassion, and clinical integrity. I love mentoring therapists, collaborating with educators, and designing programs that blend research with real connection. At Wordplay, our growing team shares a commitment to helping every child thrive in communication, confidence, and learning.
I’m truly honored you’re here, and I can’t wait to support you and your family on this journey.
I believe every child deserves the chance to communicate with confidence and succeed in the environments where they learn and play. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from San Diego State University and my Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from NYU’s Steinhardt School.
My training and experience span both school and clinic settings, where I’ve worked with children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and a variety of communication needs. I’ve used augmentative communication devices, standardized assessments, and individualized treatment plans to help each child reach their unique goals.
Before joining Wordplay, I gained hands-on experience as a speech pathology student clinician, substitute teacher, and speech therapist in local elementary schools. I have also volunteered in pediatric clinics, supporting early intervention and social communication. My experience as a behavioral technician adds another layer to my whole-child approach. I’m proud to be part of a team that champions every child’s right to be seen, heard, and supported.
Mariam Yalda, M.S., CF-SLP
mariam@mywordplay.com
Alissa Kashat, Structured Literacy Interventionist
alissa@mywordplay.com
Helping children grow into confident, capable readers is at the heart of my work. I’m currently pursuing my degree in Child Development at San Diego State University with plans to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. At Wordplay, I provide structured, multisensory literacy instruction rooted in the Science of Reading. I am Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive trained through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE).
Beyond literacy instruction, I bring experience as a Registered Behavior Technician, working one-on-one with children with autism. My background in child care, behavior therapy, and communication support has shaped my ability to meet each child where they are and help them succeed. Every day, I feel grateful for the opportunity to empower students, support their growth, and make learning both engaging and effective.