Judy Batista, M.S., CCC-SLP, a first-generation American born to Dominican Republic immigrants, is not only an accomplished speech-language pathologist with over 16 years of experience but also the visionary founder of Laughing Monitos. This specialized program is dedicated to providing speech and language development services through play for children aged 0 to 4 years.

Judy, a Chatham Spark program and Next Level graduate, now thrives as a young entrepreneur, leveraging the invaluable guidance of her mentor, Phillip Pappas, at the Chatham Small Business Center.

The Chatham Spark program introduces entrepreneurs and existing business owners to the concepts and practices that will give interested individuals the tools necessary for business success. The SPARK Program is an entrepreneur-development program presented by the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center, Chatham Chamber of Commerce and Mountaire Farms.

Next Level is a 10-week program hosted by the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center, with financial support from NC IDEA, and in cooperation with Innovate Carolina. The program is designed to take you through a step-by-step process for figuring out if your idea can actually make money.

Judy's journey into the field of speech pathology began with her pursuit of a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Equipped with a profound understanding of language development and communication disorders, she embarked on a mission to create an exceptional space that seamlessly blends therapeutic techniques with the joy of play to enhance the learning experience for toddlers.

Laughing Monitos is a partner of The Nest at Kidzu Children's Museum, allowing a strong emphasis on play-based interventions and recognizing the pivotal role of play in a child's overall development.

Judy's innovative approach to speech and language therapy has garnered recognition for its effectiveness in helping children build essential communication skills while cultivating a love for learning. Her unwavering dedication to early detection and intervention is evident in Laughing Monitos' mission to make speech and language development accessible, enjoyable, and tailored to the unique needs of each child.

This holistic approach has not only established Laughing Monitos as a trusted resource for parents but also positioned it as a beacon of support for young ones taking their initial steps towards effective communication. Judy's commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children underscores her role as a leader and advocate in the field of speech pathology. Her passion for early childhood development continues to drive her career, making her an influential figure in the realm of speech and language therapy.

Beyond her role as a speech pathologist and founder, Judy Batista is actively engaged with the community. She is an advocate for racial equity and small business entrepreneurship. She sits on the Board of Directors for Echo Entrepreneurs and WEBB Squared, where she aims to help other minorities succeed in the business world.