FUNdamental Pediatric Therapy: The face behind the name
Hi! I’m Michael, owner of FUNdamental Pediatric Therapy. I’m a pediatric speech-language pathologist specializing in pediatric feeding and alternative/augmentative communication (AAC), a mom of three little boys, and a wife to a busy fireman. After more than three years of serving our community, I decided it was finally time to start a blog, a space created just for you. A place to find support. A place where your questions are answered (as best as we can). A place for realistic (because we are moms too) tips and recommendations to help you support your child’s development at home.
Before we dive into developmental content, I’d love to share a little about me and how FUNdamental began.
I knew I wanted to be a speech-language pathologist after my first introductory course in 2012. The journey wasn’t easy. College was fun, but graduate school stretched me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Through a lot of prayer and caffeine, I walked across the stage and began my career as an SLP. Pediatrics was always the goal (if you know me, you know), but stepping into my first job meant focusing on the opportunity in front of me rather than the “one day I’ll open a clinic” dream.
Around graduation, my sister mentioned an article about an SLP specializing in autism. Soon after, I applied to a practice serving a large population of autistic children and started within the month. That experience shaped me in ways I still carry today. The coworkers, the families, the children—they lit a fire in me to learn more, dig deeper, and serve better.
Then COVID shifted everything. Life moved quickly—marriage, a new baby, a new address. Around that same time, I received a call to serve as the SLP at North DeSoto Lower Elementary. It felt like the right moment to return home to the parish that raised me. I learned to juggle motherhood and the school system, and after maternity leave, I became an Early Steps provider and began working with medically fragile children in a pediatric day healthcare setting.
It was during this season that my love for pediatric feeding grew. I pursued continuing education eagerly, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to collaborate. To teach. To change the world (I’ve never been great at pumping the brakes).
Teaching runs deep in my family—about 80% of our family tree works in education. As much as I love treating, I love teaching even more. Teaching parents how to support their child’s development. Teaching therapists how to better serve their patients. Teaching our community how to help children thrive.
One day, I came home and told my husband, “I’m opening a therapy clinic next year.” His response was a gentle “okay” (though I’m sure he thought I was crazy). I began navigating the legalities, insurance credentialing, and praying for a “GodWink” to confirm I hadn’t lost my mind. And then, everything fell into place: a space, a team, a plan. It unfolded in a way that felt nothing short of divine.
People often asked, “Why?” Now I know the answer. This clinic may be small, but it is mighty. It expands access so families facing insurance barriers, financial hardship, or time constraints can still receive services. It changes the trajectory of little lives in rural communities through early intervention. It allows me to invest in the parish that invested in me.
Within our walls, therapists evaluate, set goals, celebrate milestones, and update plans of care. But more than that, we hold tiny hands, support families, and create a safe space where children and caregivers feel seen and valued.
If you’re new here, I’m so glad you’re here. If you’ve been following along, thank you for being part of this journey. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s post.
