5 Years of The Speech Path: How It Started, How It’s Going

Five years ago, The Speech Path was just an idea, one rooted in experience, hope, and a deep desire to do things differently.

Before opening the practice in January 2021, I spent nine years working in Early Intervention (EI), Preschool (CPSE), and with school-aged children, gaining experience across settings and learning firsthand what families truly need to feel supported. I also saw the gaps, the rushed sessions, limited carryover, and lack of individualized attention that so many children were receiving.

At the same time, I was navigating early motherhood as a mom of two young children (a 2½-year-old and a newborn) and experiencing firsthand just how limited access to anything had become. From healthcare to support services to simple daily routines, everything felt harder to reach. That perspective deepened my understanding of what families were up against and strengthened my commitment to building a practice that prioritized access, flexibility, and meaningful support when it mattered most.

The Early Days (Year One)

The Speech Path officially opened in January 2021, during a time when the world felt anything but predictable. I started in a single sublet office, seeing families one child at a time, wearing every hat (clinician, scheduler, biller, marketer, and business owner).

The focus from day one was clear:to provide children with the time, attention, and individualized care they deserved, especially after everything the world had been through.

As the practice began to grow, after 2.5 years, we moved into a larger space with a private therapy room and shared play room. This transition allowed for more flexibility within sessions and the ability to integrate movement, play, and child-led therapy in ways that weren’t possible before.

Where We Are Now (Year Five)

Today, The Speech Path looks very different, and that growth reflects the needs of the families we serve.

Our current space is significantly larger and intentionally designed to support the whole child. It includes:

• A large individual therapy office

• A dedicated sensory room with swing options, a crash pad, mini trampoline, and other regulation supports, with space for parents and caregivers to actively participate

• A welcoming waiting and reception area

  
  

We’ve also grown our team, partnering with two SLPs, which has allowed us to:

• Expand our clinical offerings

• Reduce wait times

• Increase access to services for children throughout Western New York

  
  

What began as a one-clinician practice has grown into a collaborative, community-focused space.

Growth Beyond the Walls

Our growth hasn’t just been physical, it’s been clinical and collaborative as well.

Over the years, we’ve continued to invest in:

• Ongoing professional development, including ongoing training in Natural Language Acquisition and Gestalt Language Processing, Early Language Development, Speech Sound Disorders, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).

• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration with OTs, PTs, psychologists, pediatricians, ENTs, special educators, and fellow SLPs

• Subleasing two offices to related service providers, creating a shared office rooted in trust and teamwork

  
  

These partnerships allow us to support children more holistically and ensure skills carry over across settings.

An Evolving Clinical Philosophy

While our core values have stayed the same, our clinical approach has continued to deepen.

We place an even greater emphasis on:

• Parent coaching and education

• Functional communication that works in everyday life

• Regulation, confidence, and sensory needs

• Play-based, child-led therapy

More than ever, we believe progress is defined by connection, confidence, and communication that carries over into real life.

The Community That Made It Possible

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been the relationships built along the way.

From families who have trusted us year after year, to community providers who collaborate closely with us, these connections are the foundation of The Speech Path. Our interdisciplinary relationships don’t just support our work, they strengthen it.

Personal Growth Along the Way

Running a private practice has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.

It has taught me:

• The importance of boundaries

• How to grow sustainably

• How to lead thoughtfully

• When to let go of doing everything alone

  
  

Most of all, it’s taught me that building something meaningful takes patience, trust, and heart.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, our mission remains the same: to support children and families with thoughtful, functional, and engaging speech-language services when they need them most, with a continued commitment to growing our reach and expanding access to care across our community.

I’m excited about what’s ahead.

• Continued team growth

• New programs

• Digital resources

• Deeper community partnerships

All while staying rooted in the values that started it all.

Thank you to every family, clinician, and community partner who has been part of these first five years. I’m so grateful to continue this journey together. 💙