Local Speech & Occupational Therapy Practice Embraces Community

MANALAPAN, NJ — Longtime Manalapan resident Karen Kupfer always knew she wanted to help people through speech pathology.

Kupfer, 62, said she went to Brooklyn College and worked as a speech therapist in the New York City public school system before coming to New Jersey to do her clinical training and work as a speech-language pathologist.

After working in several entities such as early intervention, home care and adult facilities, Kupfer said she went into private practice.

In 2000, she opened MidState Therapy Associates, which provides a variety of speech and occupational therapy services for pediatric patients through adults.

“I wanted to open a practice where we can decide how we want to go about doing our therapy and have control over that," Kupfer said. "So that way we can go into a community and provide services for everyone without anybody having to travel to a hospital or go different places.”

At MidState, Kupfer said clients can be treated in areas of language, communication, fine motor skills and sensory integration.

Whether a child is struggling with feeding or an adult is having issues following a stroke, Kupfer said MidState offers evaluations, diagnosis and treatment for their patients.

“If a parent or a spouse thinks there’s something going on with one of their family members, they’re probably right,” Kupfer said. “So what they can do is reach out to us and see if this is something they need to look at and get an evaluation for.”

“We encourage people to call if they have concerns or are unsure of something,” Kupfer continued. "We can help them with that."

For Kupfer, providing therapy services to Manalapan and Monmouth County residents is a highlight of her work.

As someone who lived in Manalapan for 30 years, Kupfer said it's been great making connections with residents and finding out what services community members are looking for.

Support groups, a reading specialist, Zumbini and Zumba for children and mindfulness/self-regulation groups are just some of the services Kupfer said MidState plans to offer in the near future.

"We're trying to really listen to what's needed in the community," Kupfer said. "And provide more services than just speech and occupational therapy."

"It's been a pleasure to work in the community and be able to help all of these families and clients," Kupfer continued. "And that's why we are expanding the practice to include support groups, wellness and more."

Beyond expanding support services, Kupfer said she's also grateful for her MidState staff, therapists and patients.

"My staff are truly amazing," Kupfer said. "They've been with me for years and years, and I'm grateful for them and for all the people who come through our doors."

"I can't see myself doing anything else but being a speech pathologist and running this practice," Kupfer continued. "We want to continue to help and make a difference."

To learn more about MidState Therapy Associates, you can visit their website.

MidState Therapy Associates is located at 300 Craig Road, Suite 207, Manalapan.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that MidState Therapy Associates would be providing art classes. This story has been updated to correct that.