So nice to meet you!

 Hi, my name is Christian (she/her). I’m a speech-language pathologist, feeding therapist, and parent coach. I’m a mom to three children who are my greatest teachers. I’m passionate about empowering families to create communication and connection, celebrating the whole authentic child.

 

 

I have been practicing as a speech-language pathologist for the past decade. Before having my own children, I traveled across rural central Texas helping families and children with language disorders, complex feeding difficulties, and challenging behaviors. That’s when I fell in love with supporting families at home.

However, it wasn’t until my own daughter was born with feeding issues, I realized all the knowledge and skills I had as a SLP were not enough to overcome the feelings of overwhelm and disconnect I felt. I struggled with what so many other caregivers feel in learning your child is developing differently and needs more support. 

All I knew for certain was these were not isolated struggles. So many of the families I partnered with before shared similar parts of this experience with me. I didn’t know exactly how to help, but I believed there to be more to communication and the work we were doing.

I began seeking research, mentors, and training from relational neuroscience, responsive parenting and child behavior, and the social-ecological models of support. I listened to family’s experiences and shared their grief. The neurobehavioral approach, responsive feeding philosophy, and trauma-informed literature formed the foundation of my new mission. 

That’s exactly why I began my private practice, Heart & Soul Speech and created the Communication with Connection treatment philosophy. I believe in the power of connection as the catalyst for change. I celebrate authentic communication and self-determination. I want to honor families’ stories in our shared work. 

Our relationships with our children guide our interactions and set the foundation for development, behaviors, and learning in life. By empowering caregivers with confident problem-solving and investing in self-awareness, we create meaningful connections with our children.

We care for their heart and nurture their soul.

I’m humbled and honored by the opportunities to serve families at home. I’ve seen lives changed using the Communication with Connection approach, and I believe in parents’ ability to confidently support children of all abilities. 

It’s my responsibility and privilege to serve you. Thank you for inviting me into your homes and letting me be a small part of your journey and purpose.

As a speech-language pathologist, I have experience and advanced training in the following areas:

  • Strengths-Based Communication Support and Neurobehavioral Approach for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), Autistic, and Neurodivergent Children and Teens
  • Trauma-Informed Practices
  • Feeding Disorders and Differences
  • Receptive and Expressive Language Development
  • Bilingual Language Development
  • Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
  • Articulation & Phonology Development
  • Executive functioning skills
  • Hearing loss/hearing aid/cochlear implant
  • Presenter and keynote speaker at conferences and trainings
  •  

Family-Centered Treatment Philosophy


Communication with Connection is a unique philosophy that offers proven ways to support development and
strengthen meaningful relationships through everyday moments.