Hello! My name is Avery Sheldon. I consider myself a Durangotang, having graduated from Fort Lewis College with a BA in Communications in 2010. In 2014, I went back to school, earning a post baccalaureate from the University of Colorado, Boulder in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I began my speech career within our community, starting as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant with San Juan BOCES. I earned my Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. While the Appalachians were beautiful, I knew my heart was in Colorado. For several years, I worked on the Front Range for a Title 1 school where the majority of my 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 with my last name, Sheldon, or “protected hill” serves as my inspiration to give clients an opportunity to learn communication strategies, in a sheltered or “protected” environment.

I have experience in multiple settings, including Early Intervention, public schools, home health, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. I have specialized in helping children with various communication challenges and disorders, including and not limited to Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), articulation and phonological disorders, fluency, receptive and expressive language delays and disorders, executive functioning deficits, cognitive impairments, and support of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I am passionate about bringing my skills locally to be reunited with the voices of Durango. I want to help children in our community with whatever communication challenges they might have.

I am a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist through the American Speech-Language and Hearing (ASHA) association, holding and maintaining a Certificate of Clinical Competence. Additionally, I am licensed through Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). I am trained in teletherapy, and am cross licensed in the State of California through the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aide Dispensers Board.

When I’m not with clients, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four year-old twins, practicing yoga, running, and riding bikes. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation or just a chat- coffee or tea is on me.