At Laughing Monitos, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to communicate with confidence and joy.

Founded by Judy Batista, M.S., CCC-SLP, our practice is dedicated to providing expert, play-based speech and language service for young children, empowering families with the tools and support they need for their child’s success.

Meet Judy Batista, M.S., CCC-SLP

Judy Batista is an accomplished Speech-Language Pathologist with over 15 years of clinical experience specializing in pediatric communication disorders. Her passion for helping children find their voice began during her studies at Florida State University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. As a nationally certified clinician through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Judy has spent her career building expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of speech, language, and feeding challenges.

Judy’s professional journey includes working at renowned healthcare institutions such as Duke University Health System, Jackson Memorial Health, and Baptist Hospital of Miami. These experiences shaped her ability to develop personalized, evidence-based intervention plans that address the unique needs of each child. Her background in diverse clinical settings has provided her with the skills to manage complex communication disorders while maintaining a compassionate, family-centered approach.

Meet the Extended Team

  • Angel Ngote

    Education:

    Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders – North Carolina Central University

    B.S. in Speech Pathology & Audiology – North Carolina A&T State University

    Bio:
    Angel developed a passion for early intervention and Autism while working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at an Autism therapy clinic during a semester off. She is dedicated to helping clients discover their preferred mode of communication, believing that everyone deserves a voice.

  • Angela Herrera-Morales

    Education:

    B.A.Ed in Human Development & Family Science – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Class of 2026)

    Minors in Speech & Hearing Sciences and Linguistics

    Bio:
    Angela is a junior at UNC Chapel Hill with a strong passion for language development and working with children. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Speech Pathology with a focus on early intervention. Her internship with Ms. Judy at Laughing Monitos reinforced her dedication to the field. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time with her four nieces and nephews and integrating her love for linguistics into her career aspirations.

Start the adventure today.

At Laughing Monitos, we are more than just a play-based language service; we are a community. Whether you’re a parent seeking guidance, a caregiver looking for resources, or a child ready to explore the world of words and ideas, we are here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can create a world where little voices grow into big possibilities.