• We provide therapy that goes above and beyond expectations by involving teachers and family in treatment plans and ensuring that goals are functional for the student across environments. 

• River therapists are trained to evaluate the function behind each goal and how it affects the child in and out of the classroom. We want students to succeed in all aspects of life.

• River also provides home-based Early Intervention services, with staff considering unique family needs when planning educational goals.

• River is managed by a prior school employee who understands the inside workings of education and the importance of supportive therapies and data-driven, measurable IEP goals.

Our Story

River Academy of Excellence is a sister company to River Pediatric Therapies, which provides Early Intervention and clinical therapy services to an average of a thousand children per week at our Fox Chapel clinic and throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area.

River Pediatric Therapies was created in 2000 by owner and CEO, Cherie River, who was inspired to become a Speech-Language Pathologist when her nephew Harrison was born with Down Syndrome. He is now an adult and continues to make new progress each day! 

Forward-thinking, searching for creative answers, and being abreast of current therapy techniques will have a substantial value in each child’s education plan. Cherie River started the first 8 years of her career in the public school system at Pittsburgh Public Schools. This on-the-job experience has allowed Cherie to develop and tailor a school-based model to deliver services in an effective and most efficient style within the school setting.

River Academy of Excellence embraces the unique needs of each student and utilizes research-based educational models and state-of-the-art amenities to provide services of the highest standards.