Building Up Words

Building Up Words was never just about opening a private practice. 🤎

It was about creating the kind of therapy experience I believed children and families deserved.

A place where every form of communication is valued. Where AAC is a voice. Where scripts are meaningful. Where parents are supported and included in the process. And where collaboration with BCBAs, OTs, teachers, and other professionals isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of how we help children thrive.

Because communication doesn’t always look the way we expect it to—and that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.

I wanted to create a practice where children feel heard, families feel empowered, and the professionals supporting them feel like we’re truly on the same team.

And that’s the heart behind Building Up Words. 🫶🏽✨

Building Up Words was never just about opening a private practice. 💚

It was about creating the kind of therapy experience I believed children and families deserved.

A place where every form of communication is valued. Where AAC is a voice. Where scripts are meaningful. Where parents are supported and included in the process. And where collaboration with BCBAs, OTs, teachers, and other professionals isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of how we help children thrive.

Because communication doesn’t always look the way we expect it to—and that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.

I wanted to create a practice where children feel heard, families feel empowered, and the professionals supporting them feel like we’re truly on the same team.

And that’s the heart behind Building Up Words. 🫶🏽✨

Becoming a better SLP has required me to unlearn, too. 💛

Earlier in my career, I thought a “good” session meant we got through all the targets, stayed at the table, had lots of trials, and checked all the boxes.

But experience has changed the way I define progress.

Sometimes the BEST therapy session looks like playing on the floor. Following a child around the room. Modeling language without expecting a response. Honoring a “no.” Accepting communication that doesn’t look the way we expect it to.

Because connection IS productive. Autonomy matters. And communication doesn’t have to look a certain way to be meaningful.

I’m still learning, still growing, and still challenging myself to ask: Am I creating a session that looks productive—or one that actually supports this child’s communication?

And those aren’t always the same thing. 💛

SLPs—what’s something you believed early in your career that you’ve since had to unlearn?

Becoming a better SLP has required me to unlearn, too. 💛

Earlier in my career, I thought a “good” session meant we got through all the targets, stayed at the table, had lots of trials, and checked all the boxes.

But experience has changed the way I define progress.

Sometimes the BEST therapy session looks like playing on the floor. Following a child around the room. Modeling language without expecting a response. Honoring a “no.” Accepting communication that doesn’t look the way we expect it to.

Because connection IS productive. Autonomy matters. And communication doesn’t have to look a certain way to be meaningful.

I’m still learning, still growing, and still challenging myself to ask: Am I creating a session that looks productive—or one that actually supports this child’s communication?

And those aren’t always the same thing. 💛

SLPs—what’s something you believed early in your career that you’ve since had to unlearn?

The best outcomes happen when we stop asking, “Whose lane is this?” and start asking, “How can we work together?” 🤝💬

That’s exactly what Whose Lane Is It Anyway? is about.

On October 8th, I’m bringing together SLPs, BCBAs, BCaBAs, RBTs, ABA students, and clinical leaders for a conversation about AAC, communication, scope of practice, and what meaningful SLP–ABA collaboration can actually look like.

If you’ve ever wondered…

✨ When should an SLP be involved?
✨ How can ABA teams support AAC without creating prompt dependence?
✨ How do we support communication beyond requesting?
✨ Where do our roles overlap—and where should they stay distinct?

…this conversation is for you.

This is also a chance to meet other professionals in the Houston/Katy area, build connections, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines.

📅 October 8th | 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 We Rock the Spectrum West Houston
🎟️ FREE to attend
🥤 Light refreshments will be provided

Scan the QR code to save your spot! 💜

✨ Calling all BCBAs, BCaBAs, RBTs, SLPs, and ABA professionals!

Join us for “Whose Lane Is It Anyway? AAC, Communication & SLP–BCBA Collaboration” on October 8th from 6:00–7:30 PM at We Rock the Spectrum West Houston!

This FREE event is an opportunity for professionals across the SLP and ABA fields to come together, learn from one another, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration. 🤝💬

We’ll talk about:
• Understanding the roles and scope of SLPs and BCBAs
• Supporting AAC and meaningful communication within ABA
• Moving beyond mands and supporting ALL forms of communication
• Practical strategies for stronger SLP–BCBA collaboration

Whether you’re an SLP, BCBA, BCaBA, RBT, student, or clinical leader, this is a great opportunity to connect with other professionals who share the same goal: helping our clients become confident, meaningful communicators. 💜

🥤 Light refreshments will be provided!
🎟️ FREE to attend
📅 October 8, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 We Rock the Spectrum West Houston

Space is limited, so scan the QR code on the flyer to register!

Come learn, connect, and help us bridge the gap between Speech + ABA. 🗣️🤝

Exciting updates at Building Up Words!

I’m happy to share that Building Up Words is now a TEFA vendor for qualifying families and is currently in the process of becoming credentialed with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas!

We’re excited to continue expanding the ways families can access quality, individualized speech and language therapy services.
If you or someone you know is looking for speech therapy services, we’d be happy to help! 🗣️✨

Schedule a FREE consultation today at buildingupwords.com