Hi! My name is Lauren Hoffman and I’m a pediatric speech-language pathologist. I’m the owner and founder of Graceful Speech-Language Therapy in Bel Air. I completed my undergraduate degree at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and earned my Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University. I’ve been a certified speech-language pathologist for 13 years and I absolutely LOVE what I do! I’m passionate about working with children with complex communication needs.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married to my amazing husband, Zach for just over 10 years. We have 4 fun-loving, amazing young children, ages 6, 4, 2, and 8 months old. We also have a 72-pound lap dog, Mando.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After finishing my graduate degree at Towson, I knew I wanted to stay in Maryland. I launched my career at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in their clinic and then in the schools. During the height of COVID-19, I started to see clients privately and realized I absolutely loved the freedom of creating my own schedule with my young children at home. I am passionate about helping children find their voice, whether that be through verbal speech, sign language, a communication device, or a mixture of them all! My favorite part of being an SLP is watching a child’s confidence grow as their communication grows. It’s a truly humbling and honoring experience to be a small part of their journey!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I LOVE Mr Soulvaki in Forest Hill and La Tolteca in Bel Air!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I lived in Baltimore County from 2011-2020 and then moved to Harford County in early 2020.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I can’t think of one particular person, but I love meeting fellow parents of young children. There’s an amazing sense of comradery and I adore this community for that. I’ve been in public places where another parent has jumped in to help me with my children. It takes a village and I love the one here in Harford County.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My absolute favorite TV show is The Office. I watch it on repeat and it never gets old.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The path to success is never easy and it rarely goes as planned. Continue to give your best and never give up. Continually choose collaboration over competition. Remember that everyone is fighting a battle of some kind so choose kindness repeatedly.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Icy Delights! I loved getting snowballs, or “water ice” as we called it in NJ, with my family growing up and now I love taking my family to this local treasure. Their snowballs are amazing!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d definitely pick Eleanor Roosevelt since she was known for being such a powerful and admired woman. So many of her quotes have resonated with me through my life, including: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” I’d love to have lunch with her and hear more of her wisdom. I’d be happy to go anywhere local!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years, I hope to still be growing Graceful Speech-Language Therapy to serve even more children. We have incredible, caring staff now and I’m so very grateful.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Running is my absolute favorite hobby. I love running outside, on the treadmill, anywhere! Going for a run is my “me time” and I’m always in a better mood after a good run.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My family.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids. I strive to be the best mom and role model possible for them.
Q: What community service or volunteer work do you participate in for your local community?
I’m the Early Childhood Director at my local church. I also serve as the co-coordinator for the Apraxia Kids Walk for Maryland.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, love, and kindness.