Yael Herszkopf Mayer, MS, CCC-SLP (affectionately known as “Yaya”), is a pediatric bilingual (English/Spanish) Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Yaya’s Spanish Academy. She holds a Master of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology with a Bilingual Extension from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, and a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Universidad de Iberoamérica in Costa Rica.

In 2016, Yael created and founded Learning with Yaya, a collection of original songs, videos, and books designed to support children’s speech, language, and early literacy development in both English and Spanish.

With over 10 years of experience working with young children and families, combined with her passion for language learning and creating meaningful educational resources, Yael launched her Spanish Immersion Program for children ages 1–8 and their caregivers throughout Southern Maine in September 2023.

Today, she is excited to bring her experience as a speech-language pathologist, educator, and bilingual language specialist into a new adventure: creating a nurturing, play-based Spanish immersion preschool where children can develop a love for language, learning, and connection from an early age.